New Giant Anthem Advanced Pro 29: Radical change to be lighter, faster and stiffer than ever before

Giant has just unveiled a new version of one of the brand's icons, the Anthem Advanced Pro 29. One of the most highly rated mountain bikes of recent years, it is no longer equipped with the Maestro system and is now completely revamped, lighter, stiffer and faster than ever.

Key features of the new Giant Anthem Advanced Pro 29

In the last 10 years, XC has changed so much that it now seems like a completely different sport, especially in competition. Races are faster, more intense and more technical than ever before. Long, steep climbs have been replaced by much shorter, steeper climbs, while the downhill sections now look like downhill courses from not so many years ago. The new Giant Anthem Advanced Pro 29 was developed to keep up with the new trends.

Ultra-Efficient

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The Anthem's new frameset has been built with Advanced composite, both the main frame and swingarm, saving 250g over the previous model. But the overall efficiency of the package is complemented by a new bottom bracket area that has been redesigned to be 20% stiffer. This directly improves acceleration and uphill pedalling. In addition, the frame has also gained more than 7% in torsional stiffness and the seat tube has become more vertical (75.5°). This improves the cyclist's position on climbs and demanding pedalling.

Superior Control

Undoubtedly one of the most important changes to the Anthem Advanced Pro 29 is the new rear suspension system. FlexPoint Pro was developed by Giant specifically for XC racing and is designed for efficiency, control and responsive handling. The old virtual pivot system is replaced by a linkage-driven, single-pivot design that among other benefits, saves weight over the previous generation.

The result is a smooth and active feel 100 mm rear suspension that offers better control in technical terrain and at high speed. A new, more relaxed steering angle (67.5 degrees) and a longer travel fork (110 mm) are a direct part of the improved handling on technical and challenging terrain.

Improved stability

The geometry and suspension setup on the new Anthem Advanced Pro 29 has been optimised for 29" wheels. The new frame increases the reach length, the cockpit has been updated with a new Giant Contact SL stem and the composite handlebars are now 35mm in diameter and wider. All of these updates are directly aimed to improve stability.

The lightest full suspension XCO frame on the market

One of the objectives of the new Anthem was to improve in terms of lightness with respect to the previous version, something they have more than achieved and we could be looking at the lightest full suspension XC frame on the market.

We still have to check the competition's figures, but Giant confirms that the Anthem Advanced Pro 29 frame, including shock, paint, etc., is under 1.7 kg.

1. Advanced composite frameset and swingarm
2. FlexPoint Pro suspension system
3. Competition XC geometry: longer reach, 67.7° steering angle, more vertical saddle angle and 110mm fork.
4. Oversized steerer tube for improved stiffness
5. New Cockpit with Giant Contact SL stem and wider 35mm handlebars
6. Boost technology: 110mm on the front hub and 148mm on the rear hub
7. Cutting-edge construction system with a high-pressure moulding process that makes the frame lighter, stiffer and stronger than aluminium.
8. Powercore: oversized bottom bracket shell and asymmetric chainstays
9. Lightweight and stiff 29" tubeless composite wheels 
10. New internal wiring offering clean aesthetics
11. New chain guide

The Flexpoint Pro System changes everything in the new Anthem

As we have already mentioned, the Flexpoint Pro system is the big new feature of the Anthem 2022. The Maestro system that was used until now was one of the best valued by amateurs and professionals, but its complexity added an extra weight that over the years has become a drawback for the current XCO.

The Flexpoint Pro is a single pivot system with a single top link that offers 100mm of rear travel. The swingarm is made from the same Advance composite as the frame, which combined with the simple removal of a single lever from the previous model, means that the overall weight has been drastically reduced.

The efficiency of monopivot systems is beyond doubt and it is clear to see that virtually all competition full suspension bikes use this system. The combination of lightness, efficiency, control and sensitivity of the new FlexPoint Pro makes it the perfect system for both steep climbs and fast, technical descents. 

What this Giant Anthem Advanced Pro does retain is Fox's intelligent suspension system, the Live Valve. Although with the new geometry, the battery that powers the set is now located at the bottom of the down tube.

Giant Anthem Advanced Pro 29 2022 Models and Prices

The new Giant Anthem Advanced Pro 29 comes in four different set-ups and the option to buy the frame separately. The intelligent Fox Live Valve system comes equipped on the two top-of-the-line models.

• Anthem Advanced Pro 29 0 - 12.999€
• Anthem Advanced Pro 29 1 - 7.499€
• Anthem Advanced Pro 29 2 - 5.099€
• Anthem Advanced Pro 29 3 - 4.599€
• Anthem Advanced Pro 29 (frame only) - 3.299€ 

You can find further information about this new model and complete assemblies on the official Giant website.