Giant Anthem. Going from 5" to 4". Could less be better?

davestourbus

Hi.

Looking for a few opinions on going from a 5" trail bike to something lighter but with just the 4".

I currently ride a 09 KHS xct 535, decided to get back into MTB 5 years ago and at the time it was the right bike for me for the money. But its showing its age and if I did ever need a new swing arm for example, there is no longer a UK distributor. I mainly ride the hills in Lancs once to twice per week, trail centres maybe once a month and plan on re-visiting Glentress and trying Coed-y-Brennin this summer.

Im toying with the idea of getting a Giant Anthem after hearing nothing but positive reviews about is abilities, especially climbing.

My main concerns are how will short travel bike will handle the rough stuff. It might be faster up hill but it might be slower and less fun/capable on the downs.

Thanks for reading.

rockmonkeysc

I went from a Giant Trance to an Anthem.
You will be surprised just how capable the Anthem is. I got a reasonable finish in the Forest of Dean mini enduro on mine last summer. As long as you are smooth it goes down hills fast and getting back up them is effortless. Miles can be eaten up very easily.
The Anthem (2012 model with 26" wheels) was one of the best bikes I have owned and I would certainly buy another.

BigAl

The Anthem is a great, great bike. Yeah, I'm biased, as I have one. But it's just so capable.

Depends what riding you're doing, but if uphill is as important as down, then you'll not find much better.

Take a look at Pedalon & Paul's cycles for bargains

supersonic

Anthems are the best value bikes out there - but not just that: they perform brilliantly too. Seen full builds from about 800 quid. Consider this is a premium frame, and you are getting the whole bike!!!

YellaBelly

Never heard a bad word about Anthems, and more than a few guys I race with are on them. I'd join the ranks of Anthem riders without a second thought if I was after a full suss.

njee20

Seem to have got a lot less popular in the last couple of years at the races. They were very common a few years back - heavier than equivalent priced bikes, but don't see many at all now weirdly.

davestourbus

Thanks for the advice guys.

Been to the nearest LBS that stocks Giant and had a good look and a chat with one of the mechanics. He rates them above any thing else that they sell, Spesh, Trek etc so it looks like my mind is made up just need to go and buy one now!

Stevo_666

I've had one for 5 years now and don't feel that I can get anything better for messing around on trails and doing XC in the SE of England. A mate of mine has one as well and does dirt jumps on it so it can take a bit of abuse. You won't regret buying one.

rockmonkeysc

They are tough frames. I have broken a few frames but the Anthem took my abuse well.