The [url= http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/bikes/model/anthem.x/7865/45502/ ]2011 model[/url] seems to be available at about £2000, the [url= http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/bikes/model/anthem.x.1/9333/49870/ ]2012[/url] at £2400 - can't see much difference, which one would you go for please?
To be honest the 2012 spec is mote like the 2011 spec X2. The 2011 spec X1 looks awful in white.
I went for a 2011 X2 over the 2011 X1 as the spec didn't justify the extra cost, and that awful white colour!
2012 prices are lower than 2011 but so are specs
As a second opinion, the 2011 X1 in white looks great in the metal.
Nice uniform all XT spec too.
2011 X1 is an awesome bike, looks lovely in the flesh - and I've only ever seen two of them - the missus races on hers.
[b]2011 vs 2012[/b]
The Shimano XT brakes are far greater than the Elixirs
The XT wheels are lighter and nicer than the Giant own brand (and UST)
The RP23 is better than the RP2
The Forks are a better spec than the Evolution
[b]Personal[/b]
Tyres are preference, but similar weight
Triple instead of a Double
2011 is a far better value, even if the price was more for the 2011.
Simple really, you'd be mad to go for the 2012.
[i]2011 vs 2012[/i]
To add to Butts list, 2012 is Overdrive where is 2011 isn't. Personally I'd wouldn't want Overdrive as I'm not keen on yet another 'standard' particularly when its in its first year of introduction.
I really like the Elixirs, much better than the 2011 XT's on the bike I sold. The only other thing that's not XT is the front mech.
The RP23 basically just has more pro pedal positions than the RP2 but the Anthem never needs them any way.
Wheels are lighter but I read a lot of bad reviews about XT wheelsets.
thanks folks, much appreciated
Whatever you get you won't be dissapointed!
I used to be the same about Elixirs, I've had lots of Juicys and a few Elixirs.
They're great when they're working, but they are a pain to align - I really don't like the 10 washers per end idea - seems over engineered to me.
Plus, when they go wrong - they properly go wrong.
Bleeding is a technical exercise, whereas Shimano is just the Hope method - even my missus can do it.
Owning Avids is like owning an Alfa Romeo - they're spankingly good, but only when they're working properly, and that's not often, you spend more time fixing it than you do using it, and you tell everyone how awesome it is because you spend time working on it. Well, at least that's what I did with my Avids.
PS. I use Hope Race X2s now.
Had a similar dilemma, in the end I picked up a barely used 09 x1. The money I saved funded a decent set of race wheels. Really impressed with the bike.
I bought a 2011 from the Rutland Giant store, the guy there believed that the 2011 spec was better than the 2012 - and I agree. I paid £2,400 few months ago - had the odd pang that I didn't wait - but at least I got a Lakes week out of it.
My first full suss and I think it's great.