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Since launching two decades ago, the Giant Anthem has consistently been one of the most popular XC bikes on the market. Indeed its efficient pedalling manners, sensible spec, and top value for money have long made it an appealing choice amongst Aussie privateer racers.
In 2022 we tested the previous generation Anthem, which was the first model to ditch the Maestro dual-link suspension platform. Moving to a simpler flex-stay arrangement helped shed a heap of weight, while the increased travel and tyre clearance upped its technical game. Top-end models also featured Fox Live Valve as Giant hedged its bets on the electronic suspension system.
We have many fond memories of riding and racing that bike. In fact, for a while there it held the mantle as the best XC bike we’d tested at the time.
Even still, it wasn’t perfect. The ability to carry two bottles has increasingly become an issue for XC riders and marathon racers. And although Live Valve was absolutely superb for XC, the extra wires and external battery looked messy, especially next to the wireless RockShox Flight Attendant system. Furthermore, its reputation took a dive as Giant spec’d it on more e-MTBs and longer travel trail bikes, where it wasn’t as well received.
At the same time, more XC bikes have been bumping up to 120mm of travel, the Scott Spark, Orbea Oiz and Specialized Epic 8 being the most well-known examples. Even the Trek Factory Racing team decided to switch to the 120mm travel Top Fuel over the lighter Supercaliber.
To keep up with the pack, Giant started laying out a blueprint for the new Anthem back in 2023. Prototypes were spotted throughout the 2025 World Cup race season, first in alloy and later in carbon. Alan Hatherly then fulfilled every marketing department’s fantasy by winning the World Championships and the Lenzerheide XCO World Cup aboard the new bike.
While it has already been proven at the highest level of the sport, we were intrigued to see what the Anthem would be like for us mere mortals who aren’t paid to race professionally. Following Nick’s first ride of the new Anthem and Anthem X, Wil managed to get his hands on a bike for a long-term test on home turf to see how it compares to both its predecessor and the competition.
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Giant Anthem Video Review Contents
0:00 – Intro
0:44 – 2026 Giant Anthem Overview
2:10 – Giant Anthem X
2:32 – Geometry & Sizing
3:32 – Price & Specifications
4:27 – Weight
4:54 – Strengths
7:01 – Downsides
8:43 – Value For Money
9:24 – Component Highs & Lows
11:38 – Giant Anthem vs Specialized Epic
12:07 – Flow’s Verdict
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