Giant Anthem Advanced Pro 29 Gets New Suspension Technology

Giant’s new Anthem Advanced Pro 29 gets a lighter frameset, new rear suspension system and modified geometry to make it a bike for those wanting a competitive advantage on XC terrain.

The Anthem first appeared on the World Cup circuit in 2005, and the sharp eyed might have spotted prototypes of this latest model on the 2021 UCI World Cup circuit, where team racers including Antoine Philipp have been testing and racing them this year.

The speeds, technical challenges and level of competition keeps getting higher. The bikes and gear matter now more than ever. For the most challenging tracks, the new Anthem Advanced Pro 29 gives me everything I need. It’s super responsive, feels light and lively on the climbs, and gives me more confidence and control on descents, drops and rock gardens that are so decisive in a race.
Antoine Philipp

For 2022 the Anthem Advanced Pro 29 has an all-new Advanced composite main frame and rear swingarm, saving 250g compared to the previous generation Anthem. The bottom bracket area is apparently more than 20% stiffer for more efficient acceleration and climbing. It’s also claimed the frame also adds ‘more than 7% torsional stiffness over the previous generation for quicker, more precise handling during intense race efforts’. A steeper 75.5 degree seat tube should also help on those steep climbs, while a slacker 67.5 degree head tube angle and longer travel 110mm fork will help on the descents. The frame has a longer reach, and the updated cockpit includes a 35 mm wider composite handlebar for more control and leverage.\

The all-new rear suspension setup includes ‘FlexPoint Pro suspension’, developed by Giant specifically for XC racing. It’s a linkage-driven, single-pivot design that saves weight compared to the previous design.

The result is a smooth, active feel that gives riders 100mm of rear suspension for sublime control on technical singletrack terrain. From chunky descents to root- and rock-strewn climbs, it offers just the right blend of XC speed and control.
Giant

Two models of the Giant Anthem Advanced Pro 20 will be available in the UK:

Anthem Advanced Pro 29 1 – £6,999
Anthem Advanced Pro 29 2 – £4,999

Model Name	Anthem Advanced Pro 29 1	Anthem Advanced Pro 29 2
UK RRP	£6,999	£4,999
Colors	Chameleon Saturn / Carbon	Black Diamond / Carbon
Sizes	S, M, L	S, M, L, XL
Frame	Advanced-Grade Composite front and rear triangles, 100mm FlexPoint Pro suspension, 12x148mm thru-axle	Advanced-Grade Composite front and rear triangles, 100mm FlexPoint Pro suspension, 12x148mm thru-axle
Fork	Fox 34 Float SC Performance Elite Live Valve, 110mm, FIT4 damper, Boost 15×110 Kabolt, 44mm offset, custom tuned for Giant	Fox 34 Float SC Performance Remote, 110mm, FIT4 damper, Boost 15×110 Kabolt, 44mm offset, remote lockout, custom tuned for Giant
Shock	Fox Performance Elite Live Valve, 165/45, custom tuned for Giant	Fox Float DPS Performance Elite, 165/45, custom tuned for Giant
Handlebar	Giant Contact SLR XC Flat, composite, 760x35mm	Giant Contact XC Flat, composite, 760x35mm
Grips	Giant XC Pro S:32mm, M:32mm, L:34mm	Giant XC Pro S:32mm, M:32mm, L:34mm, XL:34mm
Stem	Giant Contact SL XC, 35mm S:60mm, M:70mm, L:70mm	Giant Contact SL XC, 35mm S:60mm, M:70mm, L:70mm, XL:70mm
Seatpost	Giant Contact Switch dropper, remote S: 125mm travel / 30.9 x 395mm, M: 125mm travel / 30.9 x 395mm, L: 150mm travel / 30.9 x 440mm	Giant Contact Switch dropper, remote S: 125mm travel / 30.9 x 395mm M: 125mm travel / 30.9 x 395mm L: 150mm travel / 30.9 x 440mm XL: 150mm travel / 30.9 x 445mm
Saddle	Fi’zi:k Antares R5 with K:ium rails	Fi’zi:k Antares R7 with S-Alloy rails
Shifters	Shimano Deore XT SL-M8100, 1×12	Shimano SLX SL-M7100, 1×12
Rear Derailleur	Shimano Deore XT RD-M8100	Shimano SLX RD-M7100
Brakes	Shimano Deore XT BR-M8100, hydraulic, Shimano RT-64 rotors [F]180mm, [R]160mm	Shimano Deore BR-M6100, hydraulic, Shimano RT-56 rotors [F]180mm, [R]160mm
Brake Levers	Shimano Deore XT BL-M8100	Shimano Deore BL-M6100
Cassette	Shimano Deore XT M8100, 10×51	Shimano SLX M7100, 10×51
Chain	KMC X-12	KMC X-12
Crankset	Shimano Deore XT, 32t S:170mm, M:175mm, L:175mm	Shimano SLX, 32t S:170mm, M:175mm, L:175mm, XL:175mm
Bottom Bracket	Shimano, press fit	Shimano, press fit
Rims	Giant XCR 1 30 WheelSystem, 30mm inner width	Giant XCR 2 29 WheelSystem, 25mm inner width
Hubs	Giant XCR 1 30 WheelSystem	Giant XCR 2 29 WheelSystem
Spokes	Giant XCR 1 30 WheelSystem	Giant XCR 2 29 WheelSystem
Tires	Maxxis Recon Race 29×2.4, foldable, TLR, EXO, tubeless	Maxxis Recon Race 29×2.4, foldable, TLR, EXO, tubeless
Extras	Factory tubeless set up, 2.4″ max tire size, 34t max chainring size, Giant/MRP CS chain guide	Factory tubeless set up, 2.4″ max tire size, 34t max chainring size, Giant/MRP CS chain guide

Head here for more information on the new Anthem Advanced Pro 29 series.

Hannah Dobson

Managing Editor

I came to Singletrack having decided there must be more to life than meetings. I like all bikes, but especially unusual ones. More than bikes, I like what bikes do. I think that they link people and places; that cycling creates a connection between us and our environment; bikes create communities; deliver freedom; bring joy; and improve fitness. They're environmentally friendly and create friendly environments. I try to write about all these things in the hope that others might discover the joy of bikes too.