Giant Anthem X Advanced SL 0: First Ride Impressions. Technical Analysis of the Fast-Trail Bike

Giant Anthem X Advanced SL 0: First Ride Impressions. Technical Analysis of the Fast-Trail Bike

World Championship DNA ensures this fast-trail bike performs at the highest level.

The Giant Anthem X Advanced SL, conceived as the (slightly) longer-travel version of the World Championship-winning Anthem Advanced SL, aims to blend XC efficiency with a platform better suited for trail use.

The Anthem X Advanced SL model features 120 mm of rear-wheel travel and 130 mm at the front. The entirely new frame utilizes the FlexPoint Pro system, Giant's reinterpretation of a single-pivot flex-stay suspension.

The test was conducted on Giant's test tracks, adjacent to their headquarters and factories in Taichung, Taiwan, to evaluate its dynamic behavior. The bicycle demonstrated high performance across a variety of terrains, maintaining effectiveness both uphill and downhill.

Technical Details of the Anthem X Advanced SL 0 Frame

The frame is nearly identical to the XC version (which omits the 'X') and incorporates the proprietary Advanced SL construction technology.

Unlike traditional carbon frames that use inflatable bladders for internal forming, Giant's new technology employs an advanced internal mold. This allows the front triangle to be formed as a single piece and ensures more precise control over the internal structure of the tubes, resulting in an interior surface as smooth and contoured as the exterior. This process aims to reduce weight and optimize flex management.

Low-Flex Flex-Stay Suspension

The rear triangle utilizes the FlexPoint Pro linkage, a single-pivot design with a flex-stay swingarm. Giant claims the flex of the swingarm is significantly lower, up to eight times less than competing frames.

Reducing the lateral flex of the swingarm minimizes the uncontrolled forces interacting with the rear shock. The residual resistance of the FlexPoint Pro is concentrated around the sag point, providing stability to the suspension in that range of motion.

The frame includes the internal storage compartment, lined with foam to mitigate noise, and cable routing through the headset, designed with additional seals and stainless steel bearings.

Geometry and Components

The Anthem X's geometry is standardized and does not feature extreme measurements. An integrated flip chip provides two settings (High and Low).

Head Tube Angle (Low): 66 degrees.

Reach (Size L, Low): 460 mm.

The top-of-the-range model is equipped with high-level components:

Wheels: Cadex XCR carbon with a 3-degree engagement hub and carbon spokes.

Suspension: Fox 34 SL Factory fork (130 mm) and a custom Fox Float SL shock. The shock's equalization chamber was removed to increase the positive air-spring volume, and the communication port between chambers was repositioned according to Giant's specification.

Drivetrain and Brakes: Shimano XTR groupset and brakes (four-piston brakes).

Cockpit: Giant integrated handlebar and stem.

Initial Ride Impressions

Climbing Performance

The bike exhibits marked efficiency in climbing, consistent with its XC DNA.

Power Transfer: Power delivery is transferred directly to the rear wheel, without unwanted swingarm oscillation or energy absorption. The 3-degree engagement of the rear hub contributes to a feeling of immediate acceleration.

Stability: On prolonged climbs, the rear shock maintained sufficient stability, making the use of a lockout lever unnecessary.

Comfort on Uneven Terrain: On rough terrain, the bike does not offer the total isolation provided by long-travel trail bikes, but it maintains a regular pedaling rhythm and does not feel overly harsh.

Descending Performance

The descending performance highlighted the progress of modern XC bikes.

Handling and Confidence: The geometry, while not radical like some dedicated trail bikes, instills confidence across various terrains. In steep sections, the bike does not exhibit a tendency to tip the rider forward.

Fork: The Fox 34 SL ensures adequate tracking in corners. A slight flutter (vibration) was noted at high speeds on very rough ground. The fork did not feel as smooth as the RockShox SID present on the XC variant, but front-end comfort is compensated by the wide tires (2.4 inches) and a non-excessively rigid integrated cockpit.

Rear Damping: The custom Fox shock presents an efficient and firm tune, while not being overly harsh or reactive. The kinematics offer a solid platform for generating speed or executing jumps. The damping appeared slightly firmer than on the RockShox SIDLuxe-equipped Anthem, making small-bump chatter more noticeable.

Preliminary Verdict

The chassis demonstrates high potential, supported by capable geometry and components. It is presumed that the bike can perform effectively in various situations, from fast blasts to long-duration rides.