Important statement on COVID-19.  Learn more

Rave Reviews for New Anthem Advanced Pro 29!

19 July 2022

Product

The new Anthem Advanced Pro 29 was introduced late last year, and since then the next-generation XC machine has caught the attention of cycling media around the world.

The launch of Giant’s most capable XC bike to date is the latest evolution of a platform that has helped influence the progression of cross-country racing since 2005, when the bike first appeared on the World Cup circuit. With its lighter weight, full-carbon frameset, and all-new rear suspension system, it's the weapon of choice for the XC racers on the Giant Factory Off-Road Team. 

Numerous media outlets have published features, videos and reviews of the newest addition to the Anthem range, focusing on its cutting-edge innnovations and performance out on the trail.

BikeRadar technical editor Tom Marvin gave the Anthem Advanced Pro 29 a stellar 4 out of 5 star rating, praising the bike’s new geometry: “When it comes to the descents, the geometry is impressive—the longer reach, extra bit of travel from the structurally stout fork and fairly slack head angle help give the bike stability and confidence on steeper tracks, especially as the included dropper post gets the saddle out of the way.”

BikeRadar also noted that the Fox LiveValve suspension system that comes on some models in the line is, “quick and smart enough to quell most body-weight and pedal force induced shock compressions, by closing compression circuits, leading to an incredibly efficient ride.” 

PinkBike tech editor Matt Beer authored an extensive First Look feature, noting that: “To keep up with the demands of modern cross-country race courses, Giant's own composite factory has engineered the Anthem to produce 100mm of suspension travel from a single-pivot, linkage driven flex-stay design, revamped the geometry, and shaved weight off the frame while increasing the stiffness of the chassis.”

PinkBike’s Beer also revealed the impressions of 24-year-old French Giant team rider, Antoine Philipp, who weighed in on how World Cup XC called for updates to the Anthem and how it performs. “The speeds, technical challenges and level of competition keeps getting higher. For the most challenging tracks, the new Anthem Advanced Pro 29 gives me everything I need. It’s super responsive, feels light and lively on the climbs, and gives me more confidence and control on descents, drops and rock gardens that are so decisive in a race.”

Respected UK cycling media outlet Singletrack World also published a first look, explaining that, “The frame has a longer reach, and the updated cockpit includes a 35 mm wider composite handlebar for more control and leverage.” They also reported that, “The all-new rear suspension setup includes ‘FlexPoint Pro suspension’, developed by Giant specifically for XC racing. It’s a linkage-driven, single-pivot design that saves weight compared to the previous design.”

The Flow Mountain Bike squad gave the bike a long-term test, stating, "The new Giant Anthem is a truly modern XC bike built for modern XC riders. Not only has Giant produced a simpler and lighter chassis compared to its predecessor, it’s also brought the geometry right up to date. Along with the increase in travel and a brilliant parts package, this an exceptionally capable and well-rounded race bike."

The UK’s Off.Road.CC also chimed in, reporting that, “Giant designed [this bike] specifically for cross country racing, engineering it with efficiency, control and responsiveness at the forefront of its thinking. Different from Giant's other bikes, it uses a linkage driven single pivot design, which is partially accountable for the bike's reduced weight. It also makes use of carbon fiber's natural flex to keep the rear wheel glued to the ground.”

Off.Road.CC added that, “The Anthem has seen a number of tweaks to its geometry, namely, it now comes with a 75.5° seat tube angle to put the rider in a more powerful pedaling position. The head angle has been slackened to 67.5° and the fork has seen a bump in travel to 110mm to offer riders more confidence in techy sections while the rear suspension stays at 100mm.”

Finally, the website Australian Mountain Bike explained that this bike is incredibly capable and that, “Nods to the increased capability of the new Anthem range include an MRP chainguide spec’d on all models, Fox 34 SC forks used throughout, and 760mm x 35mm handlebars that Giant claim give increased steering precision.”

For more insights and ride reviews, check out these links below. 
 
And for more on the new Anthem Advanced Pro 29, including all the technical details, click here.

AMB Mag (Australia)

BikeRadar (UK)

Flow Mountain Bike (Australia)

Mountain Bike Culture Magazine (Italy)

MountainBike (Spain)

Mountainbike Magazin (Germany)

off-road.cc (UK)

Pinkbike (Canada)

Singletrack (UK)

Share