Giant Anthem X 29er - See first post for info

extreme_dog

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I'd be weighing up an Anthem X29er versus an Epic 29er Comp or Elite model. I don't think comparing an Epic S-works 29er (absolute top model in the Specialised range, carbon, $10k) versus an Anthem X29er (alloy, $3k) is a valid comparison.
That's what I'm tossing up between, the Epic Comp and the Giant XO. Considering the XO isn't much different to the 2011, what are peoples thoughts (without getting all fanboy).
 

jathanas

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That's what I'm tossing up between, the Epic Comp and the Giant XO. Considering the XO isn't much different to the 2011, what are peoples thoughts (without getting all fanboy).
The AnthemX will handle the rough trails better. The Epic will climb faster and handle tight switchbacks in a "racier" way. I prefer the brain suspension and the Epic geometry.

Both are very good propositions and I think the AnthemX is the winner on value. Neither is a bad buy.
 

extreme_dog

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The AnthemX will handle the rough trails better. The Epic will climb faster and handle tight switchbacks in a "racier" way. I prefer the brain suspension and the Epic geometry.

Both are very good propositions and I think the AnthemX is the winner on value. Neither is a bad buy.
That's what I wanted to hear, some objective opinion. Now I'll have to wait and see which one turns up first.
 

jathanas

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Too right, my apologies!

I'd be weighing up an Anthem X29er versus an Epic 29er Comp or Elite model. I don't think comparing an Epic S-works 29er (absolute top model in the Specialised range, carbon, $10k) versus an Anthem X29er (alloy, $3k) is a valid comparison.
You're 100% right George. It is a stretch to compare those 2. My apologies.

Cheers, J
 

snedden9485

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Considering you can get a Anthem X0 for around $3k, spend another $1k or thereabouts and get some nice bars, stem and wheelset and your looking at a quality, race ready bike for around $4k. I have ridden the S works Epic 29er and yes it was dynamite, but i think its in a whole other league. By putting a real nice wheelset and spending a little cash to drop the weight on the Anthem, i think it was be almost as good a bike for most of us guys racing / training at a club and state level. Just my 2 cents.
 

jathanas

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Considering you can get a Anthem X0 for around $3k, spend another $1k or thereabouts and get some nice bars, stem and wheelset and your looking at a quality, race ready bike for around $4k. I have ridden the S works Epic 29er and yes it was dynamite, but i think its in a whole other league. By putting a real nice wheelset and spending a little cash to drop the weight on the Anthem, i think it was be almost as good a bike for most of us guys racing / training at a club and state level. Just my 2 cents.
Good point. You can have 95% of the bike for 50% of the $.

Many of the guys that buy the Comp Carbon install the carbon Roval wheelset aftermarket, which works out to about 6.5K i.e. still heaps of dosh.

The anthemX is unbeatable value, even if it costs you $1.5K to lighten it up.
 

Bodin

GMBC
The anthemX is unbeatable value, even if it costs you $1.5K to lighten it up.
It's all about expectations. I didn't buy the AX29 with the expectations that it was going to be an exceptional race bike. I bought it because I knew it was going to be a seriously good bang for buck trail bike. Which it is. With a light wheelset it rips, with the stock wheels, it still goes pretty good, with bomber wheels, you can take things head on. Wise purchase in my opinion. It'll never be the best bike in the park, but it'll never be the worst. It's a "one bike" if I've ever seen one.
 

jathanas

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It's all about expectations. I didn't buy the AX29 with the expectations that it was going to be an exceptional race bike. I bought it because I knew it was going to be a seriously good bang for buck trail bike. Which it is. With a light wheelset it rips, with the stock wheels, it still goes pretty good, with bomber wheels, you can take things head on. Wise purchase in my opinion. It'll never be the best bike in the park, but it'll never be the worst. It's a "one bike" if I've ever seen one.
I too felt that it was more trail than race when I rode it.

My local trails have a few too many switchbacks and tight turns for the AnthemX to shine. Then again I wasn't used to 29ers when I rode it, so it might be different now. My mates that own them prefer the open flowing trails to the tight and twisties...

If I remember correctly you normally choose to race the XTC?
 
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Bodin

GMBC
If I remember correctly you normally choose to race the XTC?
Yep, hardtail all the way for racing - particularly for 100km enduros like the Odyssey. So many road and firetrail sections in those sorts of races that it makes zero sense to bog yourself down with suspension. Not as much fun on the downhill sections, but that's not where people typically gain the majority of their time in races that long.

People talk about the "comfort" of a dually in races that long, but my opinion (yes, it's just an opinion) is that if comfort's such a factor, then your bike doesn't fit you properly. As it is, I have the fit of the XTC dialled and it doesn't hurt me.

But when I want to fart about with my mates, I need suspension. That's why I have an Anthem.
 

snedden9485

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Im still tossing up between the XTC Composite 29r and the Anthem X0. I mainly do 1.5 hour training rides, the odd 40km XC race and im looking at doing some 100kers (ie Capital, Dirtworx, Fling). I ride a 26" carbon HT now and it beats me up on longer rides, so im considering the Anthem more so. It really is a tough decision, some people swear never to ride a HT for 100kers, but as youv mentioned you love it. Grrrrrr what to do
 

wingy

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I should clarify my opinion a bit as it was a slightly flippant reply. You can spend another 5K on the Anthem and lighten it and improve the spec and still have change from the 10K of the Specca. When that happens is the Specca still in front as a World Cup XC bike? Subjective at best.
In terms of the Specca being the first bike to win a World Cup XC race I think it is more the first rider on a 29er.
I am a fanboy of the Anthem. It allows a punter like me to access a fast and capable dual suspension 29er.
 

iscarrr

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Bought my Anthem 29er, put a 1500g wheelset on it, went tubeless, replaced the stem and bars with lighter options, replaced the grips, and that's it.

All the changes were motivated by making this the sweetest race rig possible, without blowing the budget too much of course (if money wasnt an issue I probably would have just bought an sworks epic). In just under a year I've raced, XC, 50km races, and 100km races. I came from a carbon 26in hardtail, and there definitely was an adjustment period, but just last weekend i did a sub 5hr time at the Husky 100, so the bike is clearly working superbly for me at 'full gas' race pace :D

Most races around my way also have another anthem 29er rider finishing top 5 at least too (Troy from Rockstar). So yeah, my opinion, don't think too much of people saying these are trail bikes and not really race bikes.
 

Clyde Dave

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...and how much more you have to pay for it. Now that's ridiculous.
By the way, not that much better IMHO. Horses for courses mate.
I own an Anthem 29er. Good bike, had a couple of dramas, but not the point. I purchased based on price alone.
Later on, I test rode the Epic, with my bike there for a back to back comparo, and stand by my opinion that the Epic rides better in every way than the Anthem.

Not saying the Anthem is bad, Far from it, just the Epic for me felt heaps better. Bike was quieter, suspension was easier to set up, was alot better under braking, and the bike felt more solid, if that makes sense.

Ended up getting a Carbon Comp 29er for my wife. It was more expensive, on paper lesser spec, but cheaper isn't always better value.
 

wingy

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I own an Anthem 29er. Good bike, had a couple of dramas, but not the point. I purchased based on price alone.
Later on, I test rode the Epic, with my bike there for a back to back comparo, and stand by my opinion that the Epic rides better in every way than the Anthem.

Not saying the Anthem is bad, Far from it, just the Epic for me felt heaps better. Bike was quieter, suspension was easier to set up, was alot better under braking, and the bike felt more solid, if that makes sense.

Ended up getting a Carbon Comp 29er for my wife. It was more expensive, on paper lesser spec, but cheaper isn't always better value.
Glad your wife likes the Specca. I respect your comments on the Epic and didn't mean to sound off the cuff with my response.
 

Knopey

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That's what I'm tossing up between, the Epic Comp and the Giant XO. Considering the XO isn't much different to the 2011, what are peoples thoughts (without getting all fanboy).
Have seen some 2011's around for around $2300 - which is almost insulting...

Given that the 2012 X0 is really the same as the 2011, just with a couple of swapsies and missing a granny ring, it seems to me if you can find a runout 2011 you're laughing.
 
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