Which is the better specification 2012 or 2013

Re-Cycle

Hi, not much of a techy so wondered if I could get some advice.

Which of the two models ( Giant Anthem X1 29ers) has the better spec? I suspect the 2013 has better shock and forks but is this at the expense of the drive set up etc? The 2012 model is £500 cheaper than the 2013. Thanks.

2012


Frame


Sizes
S(16"), M(18"), L(20"), XL(22")

Colors
White / Black / Silver

Frame
ALUXX SL-Grade Aluminum, 4" Maestro Suspension

Fork
Fox F29 RL Evolution w/ 15mm Thru Axle, OverDrive 2 Steerer, 100mm Travel, 1 1/4"-1 1/2" Bearings

Shock
Fox FLOAT RP2 Boost Valve



Components


Handlebar
Giant Contact, Low Rise 31.8

Stem
Giant Contact Ti, OverDrive 2

Seatpost
Giant Connect SL

Saddle
Fi'zi:k Tundra 2 w/ Manganese Rails

Pedals
N/A



Drivetrain


Shifters
SRAM X7, 20 speed

Front Derailleur
SRAM X7

Rear Derailleur
SRAM X9

Brakes
Avid Elixir 5, [F] 180mm [R] 160mm

Brake Levers
Avid Elixir 5

Cassette
SRAM PG-1050 11x36

Chain
SRAM PC-1051

Crankset
SRAM X7, 26/39

Bottom Bracket
SRAM GXP Press Fit



Wheels


Rims
Giant P-XC29-2

Hubs
[F] Giant Tracker Sealed/CNC w/ 15mm Axle, [R] Giant Tracker Performance, 32h

Spokes
DT Swiss Competition

Tires
Schwalbe Racing Ralph, 29x2.25" EVO Folding TL Ready

2013


Frame
ALUXX SL-Grade Aluminium, 4" Maestro Suspension
Rear Shock: Fox FLOAT CTD Evolution

Forks
Fox 32 FLOAT 29" O/C CTD, 15QR Thru-Axle, OverDrive 2, 100mm

Rear Derailleur
Deore XT 10-Speed

Front Derailleur
SLX

Shifters
SLX, 2x10 speed

Chainset
SLX 2X10, 26/38

Bottom Bracket
Shimano Press Fit

Chain
KMC X10L Silver, 10-speed

Freewheel
Shimano HG81 11-36, 10s

Stem
Giant Connect SL, OverDrive 2

Handlebars
Giant Connect SL TR 725mm, Low Rise 31.8

Front Brake
Avid Elixir 5, 180mm rotors

Rear Brake
Avid Elixir 5, 160mm rotors

Brake Levers
Avid Elixir 5

Rims
Giant P-XC29-2

Front Hub
Giant P-XC29-2

Rear Hub
Giant P-XC29-2

Spokes
Giant P-XC29-2

Tyres
Schwalbe Racing Ralph, 29x2.25 EVO Folding TL Ready

Saddle
Fi'zi:k Tundra 2 w/ Manganese Rails

Seatpost
Giant Connect SL, 30.9

97th choice

Most people would rate the 2013 shimano drivetrain over the 2012 SRAM. Although X7 and X9 stuff is pretty good.

I'm less sure about the suspension, CTD appears to be not much more than replacing the variable rebound with three settings (climb, trail, descend), but it may well be a bit more complicated than that! Although I've ridden a specialized camber with the 110mm version of that plus FIT damper and didn't find it hugely improved on the fox fork on my Trance.