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Hi guys
Been riding a 2011 Anthem X2 medium for the past year and a bit, at 5 ft 11 I was right on the border between medium and large. Eventually deciding to go for a medium
I elected to go for a medium to be able to throw the bike around, but I've come to the conclusion I probably made the wrong decision. Over the past 12 months I've continually adjusted the seat height upwards and am now right at the top of the seat post adjustment and just find its in the way alot of the time.
Initial thoughts were to look at picking up a large 2nd hand 26er frame and rebuilding. Cost would be virtually negligible when selling my frame on after the rebuild. I'm happy with the Anthem platform itself I find it quick and stable and have done reasonably well in races.
Whilst in the bike shop the other week I had a quick chat about the Anthem X 29er which got me thinking. Looking online the 2012 Anthem X2 29er looks to be going for between £1200-£1600 which seems fairly reasonable for a like for like upgrade on the face of things, but the spec actually looks like a downgrade.
Whats the consensus on the 2012/2013 giant specs in comparision to the 2011 range.
Also whats the sizing like on the Anthem 29er?
I will also be interested in answers here as considering buying anthem or trance. 2013 models are cheaper than 2012 which suggest component downgrades. Superficially this looks like swapping SRAM for Shimano. I am not enough of an expert, well not one at all, to determine the real differences. So if anyone can give me/us help on the spec differences that would be very welcome.
Mike, excuse me jumping on your thread but had created spreadsheet comparing 2012 to 2023 yesterday and now need help from the experts.
The 2011 prices were fairly astronomical when first launched I guess Giant have recognised that and tried to bring it down to a reasonable price point inline with its competitors - most probably with the shift to SRAM.
Let it be said I've got absolutely nothing against SRAM I run it on my best road bike.
But looking at it, it seems that a 2011 X2 is more like a 2012/2013 X1.
The specs for the 2012/2013 are actually putting me off buying an off the peg Anthem and perhaps looking at going down a custom route. Upgrading the frameset only and replacing the shitty standard Giant wheelset.
I've continually adjusted the seat height upwards and am now right at the top of the seat post adjustment and just find its in the way alot of the time.
I don't get this bit. Your seat will be in the same place regardless of frame size
The specs from 2011 to 2012 on the 29er Were definately lower, but then again so was the price as the 2011 x1 29er was 3k but full XT my mate got one of the last ones available and its much better spec than the 2.4k x1 2012 and he got it for 2k
2013 looks to be the same, sign of the times to shift bikes in volume you have to spec them for a certain pricepoint
Maybe I'm just obsessing over the amount of seat post I've got showing 😕
Just had a bit of a chat with one of the guys from the bike shop, and had a look over the size chart: http://www.shopgiant-bicycles.co.uk/281/products/2012-giant-anthem-x-3.aspx
Looks like I'm probably fine on the medium Anthem.
Might be that I just need to buy a longer seat post to accomodate maximum leg extension as I've got pretty much all the seat post out.
Layback post?
At 6'3", I ride a large Anthem X (2010 model IIRC???)....
I find the fit to be ptretty good - the Anthem is a fairly long bike anyway, which I like.
Previously had a large Reign, which was shorter, for the same noominal size. Fitted a layback post to that. Standard in-line psot made the bike feel too short.
They've also switched from Fox to RS for fork and shock on X2
Never really thought about a layback post but it may be an option. Whats the consensus - Thomson?
Is the reach too short? If not then don't see why you'd want a layback, just get a 400mm+ post. I demo'd a medium Anthem 29er last year (I'm 5'11" to) and seemed to fit OK, initially seemed slightly big but that was more just getting used to 29ers (was first time on one). Used to own a medium 26er Anthem to, again got on fine with that without crazy amounts of seatpost showing.
Same height as you and I`m riding a Large Anthem X having also had a medium XTC,which has similar geometry.
Both work,XTC with a 110mm stem and a layback Thomson post,the Anthem with a 90mm stem.Anthem in Large perhaps feels a little more natural as the post on the XTC is about as high as it goes, and bars on the Anthem are at a more comortable height.
Giant really need to offer a M/L as they do on their road bikes.My M/L Giant Defy is spot on.
Oh, the spec on the latest ones looks crap for the money.Instead look at the 2012 models at pedal on.
I love my 26er at the moment.Will wait a year for there to be a better choice of secondhand 29ers before I swap.
I have a 2011 anthem x 2 frame size large for sale
I'm an inch taller than you and run a medium XTC29. Like your initial thoughts of running slightly small for flickableness that's where my logic went and TBH i'm happy with the decision.