giant anthem 2 (2008) 0r X3 (2009)

wittetulp

This is in line with previous questions from myself (still in search for my FS MTB to replace my old non suspension version)

I tried a FS Giant anthem 2008 which i really liked and which i can get for about £900 (nearly new) with full guarantees.

The cheapest 2009 model will cost about £1100

I have printed the full specification off below, how do the 2 models compare? (I honestly do not know how all these components are rated)

thanks

Giant Anthem 2008


Giant Anthem 2 2008
SIZES 14.5, 16, 18, 20, 22in
FRAME ALUXX aluminium, Fluid Formed, Maestro suspension system 3.5''/90mm travel
FORK RockShox Recon SL air 80mm travel, remote Turn Key lock out
SHOCK Fox Float RP2
HANDLEBAR RaceFace Ride XC
STEM RaceFace Ride XC ahead
SEAT POST RaceFace Ride XC
SADDLE WTB Silverado Race
PEDALS N/A
SHIFTERS Shimano Deore 27 speed RapidFire Plus
FRONT MECH Shimano Deore
REAR MECH Shimano XT Shadow
BRAKES Hayes Stroker Trail hydraulic disc, 152mm rotors
BRAKE LEVER Hayes
CASSETTE Shimano HG50 11-34
CHAIN Shimano HG73
CRANKS RaceFace Ride XC X-Type 22/32/44
BOTTOM BRACKET RaceFace X-Type
RIMS WTB Laser Disc XC
HUBS Shimano Deore
SPOKES Stainless steel
TYRES Michelin XCR Dry 2 26x2.0"
















The Giant Anthem X 3 2009 Features are:

Frame: AluxX SL aluminium, Fluid Formed,Maestro suspension system, 4||/100mm travel withFox Float R Shock

Fork: Rock Shox Tora 302 AIR 100mm travel, Turnkey lock out

Gears: Shimano Deore [F]. Shimano SLX Shadow [R].

Shifters: Shimano Deore 27 speed RapidFire Plus

Wheels: Alex DP-17 26"" Rims. Formula Disc [F]. WTB Laser Disc Lite [R]. Stainless steel Spokes.

Brakes: Avid Juicy 3 Levers. Avid Juicy 3 hydraulic disc, 160mm rotors [F]. Avid Juicy 3 hydraulic disc, 160mm rotors [R].

Drivetrain: Shimano M442 44/32/22 Crankset, Shimano Octalink Bottom bracket

Extra Features: Giant A3 aluminium Seatpost. Kenda Small Block Eight 26x2.1|| DTC Tyres.

wittetulp

anybody?

going into shop this pm, so could do with advice. Don't need a detailed component by component reply, just which one looks better specification-wise

Chaka Ping

The 2008 is better spec-wise, mainly because the fork and wheels being are a notch up from the 2009.

The brakes are decent enough on both and the gears and drivetrain are notionally a notch down on the 2009 - but functionally not that different.

Making the choice between these two bikes, you'd be better off to try both out and pick the one that suits you best - as the X has 0.5in more travel and slightly slacker geometry.

The Spiderman

The 2008 is definitely better specced,but the only major differences you`ll notice will be the better performing Recon forks,over the Toras and possibly the stronger Hayes Stroker brakes.Having said that,the stuff on the 09 bike whilst heavy will do the job,and SLX mechs,and Shimano Deore cranks will work almostaswell as more expensive kit.

Its more a case of whether you think the little bit of extra travel of the 2009 version is worth having because doubtless,in time on a frame this good,you will invariably end up upgrading the components to match anyway!

Theres a review of the 2009 Anthem X in this months WMB,and it is very well rated.

PS For either bikes you are going to need to invest in winter tyres.

wittetulp

:roll: , (admits to total ignorance)...what difference would i notice with this "extra bit of travel"?? and what does "slacker geometry" mean in practice??

Broonster

wittetulp wrote:

:roll: , (admits to total ignorance)...what difference would i notice with this "extra bit of travel"?? and what does "slacker geometry" mean in practice??

The extra bit of travel will soak up more of the bumps/humps/jumps really. Both are XC bikes, so you're not really gonna be doing made jumps & drop-offs on it anyway, I wouldn't have thought?

I reckon that both bikes would be a massive difference over what you currently have, but maybe long term the X3 will give you some more flexibility, with the extra travel, if you start doing more varied stuff on your bike in future?

The slacker geometry on the X3, and the longer travel, means it'll be better on the down hill sections of your ride than the Anthem.

xtremedash

The extra travel will make little/no difference to your real world riding experience, unless you have lots of previous experience with fs. They will both feel awesome.

The head angle you should be able to feel. The steeper one (2008) will feel nicer on the climbs as you should be in a better position, but on the downs may feel slightly more unstable.

To be honest if you sit on the either bike and feel comfortable then it won't matter which one you get. The spec on 2008 is better, but again you'd be hard pushed to tell the difference once you're out riding.

wittetulp

Got my Anthem 2, thanks for all advice guiding me into the right decision.