Been out for the first time on the new bike over the weekend, and so far I'm just amazed by the bike.
It rides like a hardtail, as in you dont feel like the energy you put in isn't wasted in the suspension, like on any other full susser I have ever ridden. I'm not getting any suspension bob, and didnt even once consider locking the rear out, even on smooth long climbs, it just didnt need it. The front and rear suspension work very well together, it doesnt feel like its one shock at the front, and the other at the back doing a different thing, and the overall ride is very plush. On my old bike I would have to drop to granny ring on some climbs, but on the Anthem I can just power up in the middle ring.
My old bike was 130mm travel and the Anthem is only 100mm so I was concerned that it wouldnt cope as well on the rough stuff, but so far is 100% as good (if not better) over 99% of stuff, in fact technical climbing is even better. The only time I think I will notice the difference is on very fast bumpy decents where I think the front end ride became slightly more harsh. I can see why some may fit 120mm forks, but I dont live in the Lakes, so dont see the point.
The other thing people said to be careful about with an Anthem is the steep steering angle and quick steering. I have found this great so far and good to get back to a nimble chuckable bike, some thing I missed with a slacker angled bike. I think you have only ever ridden slack angled full sussers then the Anthem may feel twitchy, but for me its great.
I know Giant isn't nearly niche enough for alot of folk on here, but I think its an amazing bike for trail/XC easy DH stuff.
