Giant Anthem 29

[Yatesy350i]

Guys

I'm thinking of trying a second hand Antherm 29er. Has anyone any views good or bad.

My last full suss was a Spec Enduro but for my type of riding more distance than substance now. I don't need the travel so sold it. I currently have two Cube 29ers and alloy LTD for the sh@t weather and a Carbon Reaction SLT for the good days.

I had a Cube AMS 29 when the first came our and didn't get on with it. I could climb far better on the Enduro?

I would like a shortish travel full suss for some of the longer days in the saddle.

Your thoughts would be appreciated.

Cheers Karl.

[Shambler]

I've an Anthem on 26" wheels and it is a tremendous piece of kit. Very light for the type of bike and rockets up hills.

[richardxjr]

Same as Shambler here, great allrounder. There's quite an active recent thread over on stw about these. Trance also worth considering, 5" & 120mm instead of 4" & 100mm, a bit slacker but a bit heavier. Maestro suspension has little bob and great at climbing.

[BadgerBenji]

Just recently bought one, and love it, it's an amazing climbing machine, just finds traction and keeps going. There is no lock off on the shock but it doesn't need it, it just doesn't bob if you get the sag set right. Not had it long enough to report on the longevity of the pivot bearings, but haven't heard any horror stories.

Ridden it in the peaks for fun, and raced it in a 2hr endurance, so far cracking.

[Yatesy350i]

Thanks Guys

Looks like I will be trying to find a nice used one then I know the first 29 model they did was a great speak 2012 I think polished frame and full XT.

Cheers Karl.

[ecsrobin]

I have an Anthem X29er 2 2013 they currently have them for about £1300 at pedalon. (I paid more )

It's a great bike I have Sram all round and I have rockshocks lockout front and rear. It's a very fast bike compared to equivalent 26" bikes and as others have said its great for climbing. 2-3 hour rides are extremely comfortable, and I can still throw it about to a degree like my old Norco jump bike.

All I would say is on very tight sections the 29" wheels do make it slightly harder to turn but I'm guessing that's the same with all 29" wheeled bikes.

[Shambler]

I believe the 2011 models were higher spec than the 2012 models. Also the saddle is a ball breaker, switched mine to a Specialized number.