I had this same dilemma a few months back. I knew I wanted a 29er, and was super keen on the Anthem 29er’s mainly because I like the brand, and the value for money. As I was looking at making a small investment into the bike, I wanted to make sure the bike I chose was the right one with no regrets.
The bike I was replacing was a 26” Giant Trance 2011 X3
Option 1: Giant Anthem 29er (2011 model). XT and Elixir CR brakes.
I borrowed this bike from a friend and got to ride it for a week around my local trails.
The first thing I noticed was that the seat (Fizik Tundra) was hard and flat. Once I started peddling, the bike felt good, stiff and efficient. I put the bike to the test by riding around my local trails which has some tight switchbacks, on loose, sharp, rocky surfaces. Even though the bike rolled over the rocks, it wasn’t until the 3rd ride that I started to really enjoy the bike. I worked out that I needed to ride the bike more aggressively to make it do what I wanted to do. By aggressive, I mean having to lean more forward over the handle bars and stand up whilst peddling. It felt very racey. On the faster, free flowing trails, I had full confidence on the bike and its handling.
There were a couple of things I did not like about the bike. Squeaky Elixir brakes and that hard seat.
Option 2: Trek Superfly AL 100 (2012)
I borrowed the hardtail version of this bike from the LBS and was impressed immediately with the handling. I was so impressed, that pretty much bought the FS bike a few days later.
I have had this bike for over a month now, and here is my assessment...
I am able to negotiate the tight switchbacks with precision better than the Anthem 29er and my old 26” Giant trance. I am a fan of the Shimano SLX gear. Awesome brakes and crisp gear changes. I am definitely riding faster than I did before. The seat is so much more comfortable than the Fizik. I also like the positioning of the rear shock as it’s a lot easier to flick between settings than the Giant Maestro system. The bike didn’t have to be ridden aggressively to make the most out of it (unlike the Anthem). I am a lazy rider and like to sit on my arse more than stand up.
The only things I don’t like (or wish could be better with the Trek) is:
- Weight. It was about 1 kg heavier than the Anthem
- Wheelset. The Bontrager Mustangs (or tires) have some flex in them. They don’t inspire as much confidence than the Anthem standard wheels. To be honest, the Bontrager wheelset are rubbish. Once I save some $$ I may invest in some new wheels.
- The welding of the joints is not as nice as then Anthem.
- Due to the frame shape, I need a bike adapter to fit on my towball mounted bike carrier.
- 2012 model has QR front and rear. I wish it had a thru axle. I got the 2012 model because it was on sale – 20% off RRP.
Even with the flaws listed above, for me, it came down to the fact that I wanted a bike that handles like a 26er, and to put it simply, it just felt right as soon as I rode it. I put it down to that G2 geometry. On my social rides, I sometimes swap bikes with my mates who ride the Anthem 29er and I am glad I made the right choice.