'Gone are the days of long dirt climbs and wide descents. New-era XC tracks include terrain that was recently more suited to DH racing. Fierce rock gardens, evil roots and furrows. The climbs are shorter, steeper and rougher…. '
This is a phrase extrapolated from the presentation of the new Anthem, a vehicle born on the race fields to adapt to modern xc courses. A specialty that over time has radically changed its philosophy, with increasingly technical and spectacular tracks. This mutation has in fact 'endurized' xc bikes, which today have completely different characteristics compared to the means of a few years ago.
Many images were stolen from the Word cup paddocks, photos showing some prototypes of what will later become Anthem 2022.
A new era for Anthem
This vehicle marks an important revolution at Giant. After 17 years, the Taiwanese house says goodbye to its master scheme on xc vehicles, eliminating the lower leverage and thus making the tank's response more immediate. This is a solution desired by the riders, to have a vehicle more suited to current circuits. In addition to the more reactive wagon dynamics, this solution is also functional to reduce the overall weight of the frame, which in this way drops by 250g.
But the novelties are not only related to the new kinematics; in fact, the corners of this competition vehicle have also been revised; the pantone saddle has been raised to 75,5 ° to ensure a more central and performing position uphill and in the most sudden shots; a clear choice that highlights how this bike is designed for the explosiveness of the Word Cup circuits. The steering angle has also been revised, the direction had already been taken bringing it to 69,5 ° but with this new Anthem there was a radical change, in fact the current 67,5 ° is reminiscent of trail bikes of a few years ago. A choice that allows you to have great stability in the most bumpy sections and in the conduction of curves.
The models
4 models in the price list, all with carbon frame and an interesting set-up. It starts from the pro 0, with top-of-the-range components, including the Quarq power meter which costs 11.999, to reach the 4699 euros of the base model, with Shimano deore equipment and sid fork.
