Giant Anthem X 29er: Rave reviews from Outside, bike, and Mountain Bike Action

The Giant Anthem X 29er mountain bike is wowing the bike magazine editors and we gotta say it's a bike we're impressed with as well. We have both an AnthemX 29er X2 and X3 in the Medina shop for demo. On our staff, both Tom Wiseman and Ed Meyer own the Giant AnthemX 29er 1 for their personal stable of bikes. Tom says, "I really love this new bike and the advantages it has to offer." But what do those editors have to say??

The May 2011 issue of Mountain Bike Action gives up three pages to a thorough test of the Giant Anthem X 29er 1 and the editor comes away thoroughly impressed – right down to the Giant blue highlights on the bike’s spec!


On the ride:
“For a bike with competition-inspired cross-country geometry, Giant’s Anthem X 29er makes easy work of technical trail noise…descends in a very relaxed state, which allows the pilot to choose the best line through rim-twisting terrain…performs best when the rider chooses a line, sticks to it, and rides the rough terrain in a straight line, no matter how rocky or rutted.”

On the spec:
“Giant does a great job of tying their color scheme into nearly every component on the Anthem, resulting in a very clean and sophisticated look….Giant has stepped it up with in house brand components and the Anthem shows off the Contact handlebar, stem and seatpost, plus Giant’s own wheelset. The eye-catching blue is carried in Avid’s Elixir CR brakes with a 7-inch front rotor and 6-inch rear rotor, and the awesome Fizik Tundra 2 saddle.”

Buying advice:
“…The perfect bike for cross-country riders who love technical singletrack. It’s also an excellent bike for those with endurance racing in mind. …If you’re like us, then just set the sag, tire pressure and brake levers where you like, and blaze the trail.”

The May 2011 issue of bike begins the report on its test of the Giant Anthem X 29er 1 this way: “If you’re fortunate enough to own a quiver of bikes comprehensive enough to conquer every possible type of terrain, day of the week or stylish clothing ensemble, you might want to think again before giving Giant’s Anthem X 29er 1 a test ride. It is so capable at handling just about anything you throw at it, that you might just end up throwing an old, ratty tarp over the rest of your extensive bike collection and opting for this bike instead. Yes, you can do a lot aboard this wagon wheeler.” Editor Joe Parkin concludes his review with this: “I found it hard to find fault with any performance aspect of the Anthem X 29er. Nope, this is one damn fine XC racer that simply begs to show you what it can do with the trail conditions get burly.”

Last but not least, Outside magazine (May 2011) looks at lots of bicycles, and among the mountain bikes reviewed is the Giant Anthem X 29er 2. "A big-wheeled, go-anywhere full-suspension rig" is how the appraisal starts out.

"It plowed down rocky slopes, traced silky arcs in flowing singletrack, and didn't hesitate (much) on punchy climbs. That faint hesitation wasn't from the suspension -- the rear wheel stayed glued down and grinding, even on the rubbly uphills." The verdict at the end? "Big-wheeled fun at a manageable price."