2015 Giant Anthem SX 27.5
Review: 27.5 Giant Anthem SX (2015)
This is a brief review of the 2015 27.5 Giant Anthem SX, which has an aluminum frame, Fox fork, and Fox rear shock. The Giant Anthem Advanced SX, which has a carbon fiber frame, Rockshox fork, and Rockshox rear shock is a different bike.
2015 Giant Anthem SX 27.5 – http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/anthem.sx.27.5/18755/76189/
I purchased the 2015 Giant Anthem in early January 2015 and I’ve been very happy with it. In my opinion it’s a high quality bike that performs well when put to the test.
I chose this bike because, for the price, it has a nice build. It has all Shimano components (SLX and XL) with a Fox Performance CTD 120mm fork and Fox Performance CTD 100mm rear shock.
Because it has a 120mm fork, slackened head angle, dropper post, wide bars, short stem, and 180mm front brake rotor, the Anthem SX is much more than a cross country bike, but it’s not quite a trail bike, which makes it perfect for the type of riding I do and the terrain I normally ride. I normally ride cross country in Michaux State Forest, for fun, and I needed a bike that would be up for the occasional technical downhill section too.
I discovered the Giant Anthem SX because my local bike shop – Quick Release Bicycles – carries Giant bikes, and that’s what got me to looking – both online and at the shop – at Giant’s selection of mountain bikes.
2015 Giant Anthem SX 27.5
I also did a lot of research online regarding suspension, because this is the first full suspension bike I’ve ever bought, and I thought Giant’s Maestro suspension was an excellent design. Now that I’ve ridden the bike quite a bit, in the mountains near my home, I can say this suspension is excellent. It gives me great control going downhill and doesn’t bob going uphill. The Fox Performance CTD rear shock paired with the Maestro suspension is a great combination.
I didn’t want to write a review of this bike until I had really put it to the test, and that’s exactly what I did this past weekend at the 2015 Michaux MTB School. I’ve only been mountain biking for one year now, and I was really putting myself to the test this past weekend too. Thanks to the instructors at the school I was able to learn many new and important skills and my confidence as a mountain bike rider has greatly increased. If you have the opportunity, I strongly suggest you sign up for the 2016 Michaux MTB School.
Michaux MTB camp: Is this camp for you? http://wp.me/P5q5Ly-K via @wordpressdotcom
Riders hone skills at the Michaux Mountain Bike School – http://dirtragmag.com/riders-hone-skills-michaux-mountain-bike-school/
Michaux MTB camp – http://wp.me/p2IVSK-ec via @wordpressdotcom
The School of Hard Rocks, Michaux MTB Camp – http://wp.me/p1t7Ux-bc via @wordpressdotcom
2015 Giant Anthem SX 27.5
As I said, I really put my Giant Anthem SX to the test this weekend. The Michaux State Forest in Pennsylvania has some of the gnarliest technical riding on the east coast, and that’s exactly what we trained for and road while attending the Michaux MTB School.
The wide bars, short stem, dropper post, and Fox shocks on my Anthem SX allowed me to maintain control of my bike whenever I was descending those steep rocky trails. I really put my faith in the bike this weekend and it didn’t let me down. All I had to do was to stay loose on the bike, allow the bike to take the hits, while I guided the bike down the trail.
After a punishing weekend of fun at the Michaux MTB School I can give the 2015 27.5 Giant Anthem SX five out of five stars! :D
If you think this bike will fit your riding style and the terrain you ride on don’t hesitate to buy it. You will not be disappointed.
2015 Giant Anthem SX 27.5
Maestro Suspension – Giant Bicycles http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/technology/maestro/58/
Fox Float 32 CTD Performance 120mm Fork – http://www.ridefox.com/help.php?m=bike&id=423
Fox Float CTD Performance with Boost Valve – http://tinyurl.com/oqr2snk
Maxxis Ardent 2.25 (Front) Maxxis Ardent Race 2.20 (Rear) – http://www.maxxis.com/catalog/tire-465-121-ardent-race
MTBR – Anthem 27.5 SX – http://forums.mtbr.com/giant/anthem-27-5-sx-923480.html
MTBR User Reviews: Giant Anthem SX 27.5 Full Suspension – http://www.mtbr.com/cat/bikes/27-5fullsuspension/giant/anthem-sx/prd_515226_6488crx.aspx
Specs: 2015 Giant Anthem SX 27.5
New-School XC Bike Group Test
“A dose of realism: This Group Test is based on the notion that while most XC bikes sold globally are marketed as World Cup race machines, not that many of their owners actually ride them in such a way. Some bike manufacturers have already recognised this and are introducing trail versions of their XC race bikes. These are equipped with dropper seatposts, wider tyres and bars, and sometimes even with longer-travel suspension forks which slackens geometry. The focus is shifting from weight saving towards fun, confidence and more downhill performance — all the while retaining XC-style light-footedness, which is a win-win situation for many XC riders.
“XC World Cup racer and Olympian Manuel Fumic accurately observed during the Design & Innovation Award 2015 that the perception of a traditional XC rider is rapidly changing: “For many bikers, the term ‘cross country’ creates an image of lycra-clad hardtail-warriors who are only interested in their best times after speeding up climbs. Modern XC riders ride full-suss bikes and enjoy their descents just as much as climbing. They’re just looking for enjoyment on their bikes.” Continue reading: New-School XC Bike Group Test | Enduro Mountainbike Magazine: http://enduro-mtb.com/en/preview-issue-015-new-school-xc-bike-group-test/
2015 Giant Anthem SX 27.5
Tagged: 2015, Anthem, Giant Bicycles, Michaux, mountain biking, MTB, reviews