EVERY SECOND COUNTS
THE ALL-NEW ANTHEM ADVANCED SL
THE PROOF IS IN THE RESULTS
Today’s XC racers demand everything. Smooth control for fiercely technical terrain. Ruthless efficiency to maximize every watt of pedaling power. And instantaneous response for high-paced, elbow-to-elbow competition.
These are the factors that lead to race wins. They are the non-negotiables for pro racers like Giant Factory Off-Road Team rider Alan Hatherly— who piloted a prototype model of the new Anthem Advanced SL to a dominating win at the 2025 UCI Elite Men’s XCO World Championship race.
If XC racing or riding is in your blood, if you live to push limits and race for podiums, Strava segments and new PRs, this next-generation Anthem Advanced SL was made for you.
But first it was made for Alan. For the pressure cooker that is pro XC racing. The lightest, fastest Anthem that has ever existed is the result of a collaborative effort between Giant engineers, pro athletes and team technicians. From the conceptual phase through exhaustive engineering and development—in the test lab and at the races—it was put through its paces. Multiple frame iterations were developed and tested, every component optimized for uncompromising performance.
“This bike is exactly what I needed to achieve my goal of winning a second straight world championship. XC is full-gas intensity and focus, from the second the start light goes green until you cross the finish line—no room for error. It’s about being efficient and controlling the chaos. And knowing that, when you see the opportunity to make your move, the bike is right there with you, maximizing every pedal stroke and conquering the most challenging technical sections.”
ALAN HATHERLY | TWO-TIME XCO WORLD CHAMPION
LOW-LATENCY SPEED CONCEPT
WATT COUNTS
From the superlight and stiff frameset—handcrafted using our highest-grade Advanced SL composite material—to the new FlexPoint Pro suspension system and integrated components, every element of this nextgeneration XC ripper is designed for maximum power transfer and measurable gains in efficiency.
Our low-latency speed concept is a systematic approach to maximizing a racer’s input efficiency. Every element of the bicycle is analyzed and optimized to achieve new levels of transmission stiffness and minimal weight. In short, when you’re ready to go, Anthem Advanced SL responds— without hesitation and with maximum efficiency.
LIGHTER, STIFFER, FASTER
With a frame weight of just 1530 grams (size medium), and higher torsional/pedaling stiffness than any other bike in its category—including the Specialized S-Works Epic 8—the flagship Anthem Advanced SL 0 achieves a total stiffness-to-weight ratio that’s up to 16.66 percent greater than its competitor. (See test results, page 11).
SNAP TO IT
Stiffness-to-weight is about more than just climbing. This measurement, which calculates frame weight against torsional stiffness and pedaling stiffness, affects the bike’s quickness and agility. It’s what XC racers call “snappiness.” The Anthem Advanced SL’s superior stiffness-to-weight gives racers what they want most: a dynamic feel and instantaneous reactivity.
FIRM PEDALING PLATFORM
The engineering of FlexPoint Pro allows the rear shock to have a lower initial leverage ratio for a firmer pedaling platform. That means no watts are wasted when you’re going all out, but with zero compromises to small-bump sensitivity. When you punch it, the bike goes instantaneously—while keeping both tires in contact with the trail for greater traction and control.
LOW-LATENCY SPEED CONCEPT
SINGLE-PIVOT SPEED
The new FlexPoint Pro rear suspension uses a superlight composite rear swingarm with minimal flexing elements and less frame deformation compared to other single-pivot suspension designs. In addition to making the chassis lighter, this design creates less suspension resistance, smoother shock action, and improved efficiency.
WHEEL POWER
The XCR and XCA WheelSystems in the Anthem Advanced SL range feature a 10° helical engagement between the hub and ratchet rings for efficient, consistent power transfer with reduced stress on components. A 120-tooth helical ratchet delivers rapid 3° engagement for immediate response and precise power delivery when every second counts.
TOTAL CONTROL
1 | ELEVATED SUSPENSION
The FlexPoint Pro suspension system is repositioned on the frame and totally reengineered to deliver 120mm of smooth, active travel (compared to 100mm in the previous generation). The result is superior control and trail-hugging traction to help you shred rough descents and float up technical climbs.
2 | TEAM EFFORT
The FlexPoint Pro suspension uses a single full-composite upper rocker arm to achieve significant weight savings compared to dualrocker designs. We worked with suspension partners Fox and RockShox to optimize rear shock designs using lightweight, compact shock bodies that further minimize weight. The rear suspension is paired with a 120mm fork, offering balanced control on fast-changing XC terrain.
Modern racecourses demand the very best from both rider and bike—and the Anthem Advanced SL responds. We meld state-of-the-art engineering, radical design, and cutting-edge manufacturing techniques to create an XC bike that is a pure extension of the rider. Every component and every technology is designed to help you get to the finish line first.
3 | SMOOTH AND CONSISTENT
FlexPoint Pro isolates the suspension elements from the frame, minimizing the uncontrolled forces from flexing chainstays and seatstays that occurs in most single-pivot systems. Lab tests show the rear triangle of the Anthem Advanced SL reacts to force with up to eight times less deformation. This translates to improved small-bump sensitivity and consistent damping and spring action.
4 | YOUR RIDE, YOUR GEOMETRY
Because XC racetracks and trails vary from smooth and fast to tight and technical, we engineered a two-position flip chip system that lets you fine tune the handling by choosing a High or Low setting. The High setting has a steeper head and seat tube angle for sharp, aggressive handling. The Low setting reduces those angles by a half-degree, offering slightly more relaxed handling for the most technical terrain.
5 | BETTER GRIP, FEWER FLATS
The WheelSystems throughout the Anthem Advanced SL range feature Wide Guard technology for added control and tire protection. The hookless rims each have 5mm wide, rounded edges to help deflect angled strikes and reduce the risk of rim damage or tire sidewall cuts. This lets you run lower tire pressures for better control and less chance of a puncture.
SYSTEM INTEGRATION
SEAMLESS SUSPENSION
Moving the FlexPoint Pro suspension system to a new position on the frame—with the shock now mounted beneath the top tube rather than the front of the seat tube—allows for a clean, semi-integrated chassis.
CLEAN COCKPIT
A new composite one-piece handlebar/stem unit (on select models) adds compliance to reduce shocks and vibrations, improving control and hand comfort. The design saves weight and cleans up the cockpit with tidy internal cable routing for brakes, shifters, shocks and a dropper seatpost.
TWO BOTTLES FOR LONGER RIDES
The new frame and suspension design opens up space for a second water bottle. Integrated mounts on the seat tube allow you to attach a second cage, so you can carry more hydration without having to wear a pack—a major upgrade for marathon races or longer XC adventures.
MATERIAL OPTIONS
The integrated handlebar comes in two models—the Contact SLR XC Integrated composite version and the Contact SL XC Integrated alloy option. Both offer the same seamless cable routing and versatile sizing with a 780mm standard width and stem lengths ranging from 50-90mm.
ULTIMATE XC SUSPENSION
Developed to meet the demands of Giant’s World Cup XC racers, this innovative rear suspension delivers smooth control, uncompromising efficiency, and lightweight agility. Its single-pivot design isolates the rear shock and produces 120mm of fully active, ground-tracking suspension. Whether you’re gunning for podiums or burning up your local trails, you have the confidence and control to fly down technical descents and hammer up steep climbs.
ULTRA-SMOOTH ACTION
This linkage-driven, single-pivot system produces consistent damping and spring performance throughout its travel. The rear shock is isolated to provide small bump sensitivity through the entire wheel path, delivering a smooth, active feel through the shock stroke with no harsh bottom-outs.
SUPERLIGHT XC SUSPENSION
By eliminating the lower rocker arm and using a single full-composite upper rocker arm, FlexPoint Pro saves significant weight over traditional dual-rocker designs. Fewer pivot points (three instead of four) and one less linkage means fewer grams to carry up climbs.
LESS IS MORE
The minimal flexing action of the chainstay/seatstay junction creates a round-tracking, fully active system with fewer complex pivots, linkages and additional frame reinforcements. This makes it a durable system that requires less maintenance.
ULTIMATE XC SUSPENSION
HOW IT WORKS
NO MECHANICAL REAR PIVOT POINT
The full-composite swingarm in combination with a robust main pivot and Advanced Forged Composite linkage creates 120mm of rear wheel travel. This patented design controls the swingarm’s flexing action to reduce influence under compression and makes FlexPoint Pro the most active, lightweight XC suspension system available.
COMPOSITE SWINGARM
A superlight rear swingarm, made from our Advancedgrade composite, provides minimally flexing elements for an active feel that’s significantly lighter than dualrocker designs. This creates a lighter frameset, helping XC racers climb and accelerate faster.
LINKAGE-DRIVEN SINGLE PIVOT
Delivers maximum efficiency without brake interference or pedal feedback for smooth, unimpeded compression activity.
US VERSUS THEM
While there are many flexing rear suspension designs on the market, none deliver the patented performance of FlexPoint Pro.
OTHERS
As the swingarm moves in its initial range, frame deformation immediately occurs, introducing spring forces from the frame’s chainstays and seatstays. Deeper into the travel, deformation continues, and uncontrolled spring forces increase. This translates into both the shock and the frame producing unwanted suspension resistance. In summary, both the frame and shock are resisting travel. While the shock is custom-tuned to provide controlled performance, the frame is not—so it cannot provide controlled resistance.
FLEXPOINT PRO
Due to minimal deformation throughout suspension travel, uncontrolled spring forces are very low and occur only at the midpoint of travel. This allows isolation of suspension elements. Because there is no extra spring ramp effect from the frame, smallbump sensitivity is improved. In summary, the frame provides minimal resistance throughout its travel, while the shock is isolated to provide controlled resistance—giving XC riders a higher level of performance in demanding situations.
WEIGHT COMPARISON
Frame weight can be a subjective variable, depending on what is considered a frame. For this comparison, we define a frame as follows:
» Size medium, painted/decaled production frame
» Headset and top cap
» Rear derailleur hardware
» All production hardware (water bottle bolts, etc.)
Compared to the outgoing Anthem Advanced 29 frame, the new Anthem Advanced SL version saves 89 grams through its state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques and advanced materials. Furthermore, the new Anthem Advanced SL frame is 194.3 grams lighter than its main rival, the Specialized S-Works Epic 8.
STIFFNESS COMPARISON
Stiffness was assessed using industry-standard protocols, with size medium framesets. Giant tested both steering and pedaling stiffness with a steel dummy fork installed. This provides the most accurate measure of how a bicycle will perform in real-world conditions and helps ensure that our testing procedures translate into performance gains that can be felt on the trail.
Our testing determined how much the complete frameset flexed torsionally under load. Each frame was locked at the rear dropouts with lateral force applied to the fork. More frame stiffness means better cornering and response to rider input. The Anthem Advanced SL provides over 6 percent greater transmission stiffness than the Specialized S-Works Epic 8.
EFFICIENCY COMPARISON
Increased frame stiffness means better power transmission, enabling the rider to reach and maintain higher speeds with less effort. The combination of lower weight and higher stiffness adds up to superior overall efficiency.
ADVANCED SL COMPOSITE
Professional Grade raw carbon fiber is woven in our composite factory to produce our lightest, stiffest and highest quality frames. This is the technology used by Giant’s pro racers in almost every cycling discipline. These frames feature the most advanced engineering and construction methods.
MATERIALS
Professional Grade raw carbon material is used to engineer framesets with the highest stiffness-toweight ratios available today.
RESIN
Professional Formula resin features Carbon Nanotube Technology (CNT), a microscopic polymer that acts like miniature buttresses to strengthen the layers of composite. Frames featuring CNT are 14 percent more impact resistant than those without it.
ADVANCED SL COMPOSITE
ONE-PIECE MOLDING TECHNOLOGY
New construction technique uses a single bladder (as opposed to previous generation’s three bladders) to create a one-piece front triangle. The result is reduced weight without compromising stiffness or aerodynamic shaping.
CONTINUOUS FIBER TECHNOLOGY
This partly robotic manufacturing process (shown) allows Giant to construct the front triangle of Advanced SL frames with larger, and therefore fewer, sections of composite material. With fewer pieces and junctions, these frames are lighter and significantly stronger.
COLD-BLADE CUTTING TECHNOLOGY
Whereas previous generations of Anthem frames relied on laser-cut composite swatches, cold blade technology is now used to make ultra-precise cuts and eliminate the concern of deformation from excess heat. This translates into fewer and more exacting swatches, which results in lighter overall frame weight.
KEY FEATURES
1 | ADVANCED SL COMPOSITE
Professional-grade raw carbon is woven in the Giant composite factory using the most advanced engineering and construction methods. Continuous Fiber Technology adds strength and minimizes weight.
2 | FLEXPOINT PRO SUSPENSION
Developed as superlight rear suspension for XC bikes that demand efficiency, control and responsive handling, this 120mm, linkage-driven, single-pivot system is semiintegrated and attached beneath the top tube with a full-composite swingarm to minimize frame weight.
3 | ADVANCED FORGED COMPOSITE
A high-pressure molding process is used to produce a complex shaped carbon-fiber upper rocker arm that is lighter, stiffer and stronger than an aluminum version.
4 | ADJUSTABLE GEOMETRY
A two-position flip chip lets you adjust frame geometry and fine-tune the handling for your riding style and terrain. The High setting locks in a steeper head and seat tube angle, along with a higher bottom bracket, for sharp, aggressive handling on tight, technical terrain. The Low setting reduces the head and seat tube angles and lowers the bottom bracket, offering slightly more relaxed handling and greater control for high-speed descents.
5 | TWO BOTTLES
New frame design has space for a second water bottle. Integrated mounts on the the seat tube allow you to carry more hydration without having to wear a pack—a major upgrade for marathon races or longer XC rides.
6 | OVERDRIVE
Designed to provide precise front-end steering performance, the system’s oversized headset bearings (1 1/2” lower and 1 1/8” upper) and tapered steerer tube work in conjunction to provide optimal steering stiffness.
7 | MEGADRIVE
A massive down tube and oversized top tube provide superior front end lateral and torsional stiffness. The precisely engineered, rectangular shaped down tube yields unprecedented steering precision and pedaling performance.
8 | POWERCORE
A massively oversized bottom bracket area features a fully integrated, 92mm wide design. Asymmetric chainstays provide additional stiffness on the driveside and increased stability on the non-driveside.
9 | WIDE GUARD
Hookless rims with a 30mm inner width and robust 5mm rounded-edge sidewalls let you run lower tire pressures for greater control, and a reduced risk of rim damage and punctures.
10 | RATCHET DRIVE SYSTEM
A 10° helical engagement between the hub and ratchet rings produces efficient, consistent power transfer with reduced stress on components. 120-tooth helical ratchet rings deliver rapid 3° engagement for immediate response and precise power.
11 | GIANT TUBELESS SYSTEM
Integrated Tubeless WheelSystem and tires deliver improved efficiency, comfort and control in the most user-friendly and reliable system.
ANTHEM ADVANCED SL SE
ANTHEM ADVANCED SL
A pro-level XC race machine built to shred singletrack and aim for the podium.
Developed to help Giant pro Alan Hatherly win the 2025 Elite Men’s XCO World Championship, this superlight XC composite flyer is engineered with a semiintegrated 120mm FlexPoint Pro rear suspension system and a flip chip to adjust geometry for any racecourse or XC terrain.
TOTAL CONTROL
The new FlexPoint Pro suspension delivers 120mm of smooth, active rear travel paired with a 120mm fork—helping you fly down rough descents and power up technical climbs. A flip chip lets you fine tune handling for all types of XC terrain. Superlight composite or alloy Giant WheelSystems (depending on model) with a next-generation 120-tooth helical ratchet drive system for immediate power and robust 5mm rim sidewalls for greater protection against impacts and punctures.
LOW-LATENCY SPEED CONCEPT
A fully reengineered composite frameset is 89 grams lighter than its predecessor, with 7.95 percent greater stiffness-to-weight ratio (efficiency) to help you power up climbs and make every watt count. The WheelSystems and integrated handlebar/stem units are designed for maximum efficiency and instantaneous response to rider input. The rear shock is repositioned and semi-integrated with the top tube, shaving weight and creating space for a second water bottle cage.
SYSTEM INTEGRATION
A new one-piece integrated handlebar/stem unit adds compliance to reduce shocks and vibrations, improving control and hand comfort. It’s available in two models—the Contact SLR XC Integrated composite and Contact SL XC Integrated alloy. Both feature the same seamless cable routing and versatile sizing with a 780mm standard width and stem lengths ranging from 50-90mm.
FRAME GEOMETRY | UNITS IN MM UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED
THE ALL-NEW ANTHEM X ADVANCED SL
SINGLETRACK SCORCHER
Every trail presents a challenge. Can you conquer the technical climb? Descend and rail corners with more flow? Can you go faster today than you did yesterday?
The desire to squeeze out more speed, to see how far you can push yourself, doesn’t always mean pinning on a race bib. Whether you’re going all out for a Strava segment, for bragging rights with friends, or just to experience that feeling of speed, it’s fun to go fast.
That’s the idea behind the new Anthem X Advanced SL. With a longer travel fork and modern, trail-tested components, it’s the wilder sibling of the race-focused Anthem Advanced SL. It’s built on the same composite frame with 120mm of smooth FlexPoint Pro rear suspension. Lightweight and efficient, it climbs with purpose and it charges technical terrain with swagger.
It’s not just about chasing podiums. It’s about chasing that rush.
LOW-LATENCY SPEED CONCEPT
Our low-latency speed concept is a systematic approach to maximizing a rider’s input efficiency. Every element of the bicycle is analyzed and optimized to achieve new levels of transmission stiffness and minimal weight. In short, when you’re ready to go, Anthem X Advanced SL responds— without hesitation and with maximum efficiency.
EVERY WATT COUNTS
From the superlight and stiff frameset—handcrafted using our highest-grade Advanced SL composite material—to the new FlexPoint Pro suspension system and integrated components, every element of this nextgeneration XC ripper is designed for maximum power transfer and measurable gains in efficiency.
SNAP TO IT
Stiffness-to-weight is about more than just climbing. This measurement, which calculates frame weight against torsional stiffness and pedaling stiffness, affects the bike’s quickness and agility. It’s what intuitive riders call “snappiness.” The Anthem X Advanced SL’s superior stiffness-to-weight gives riders what they want most: a dynamic feel and instantaneous reactivity.
LOW-LATENCY SPEED CONCEPT
SINGLE-PIVOT SPEED
The new FlexPoint Pro rear suspension uses a superlight composite rear swingarm with minimal flexing elements and less frame deformation compared to other single-pivot suspension designs. In addition to making the chassis lighter, this design creates less suspension resistance, smoother shock action, and improved efficiency.
FIRM PEDALING PLATFORM
The engineering of FlexPoint Pro allows the rear shock to have a lower initial leverage ratio for a firmer pedaling platform. That means no watts are wasted when you’re going all out, but with zero compromises to small-bump sensitivity. When you punch it, the bike goes instantaneously—while keeping both tires in contact with the trail for greater traction and control.
WHEEL POWER
The XCR and XCA WheelSystems in the Anthem X Advanced SL range feature a 10° helical engagement between the hub and ratchet rings for efficient, consistent power transfer with reduced stress on components. A 120-tooth helical ratchet delivers rapid 3° engagement for immediate response and precise power delivery with zero hesitation.
TOTAL CONTROL
1 | ELEVATED SUSPENSION
The FlexPoint Pro suspension system is repositioned on the frame and totally reengineered to deliver 120mm of smooth, active travel (compared to 100mm in the previous generation). The result is superior control and trail-hugging traction to help you shred rough descents and float up technical climbs.
The FlexPoint Pro suspension uses a single full-composite upper rocker arm to achieve significant weight savings compared to dual-rocker designs. We worked with suspension partners Fox and RockShox to optimize rear shock designs using lightweight, compact shock bodies that further minimize weight. The rear suspension is paired with a 130mm fork, delivering smooth control on more technical trails.
Modern trails demand the very best from both rider and bike—and the Anthem X Advanced SL responds. We meld state-of-the-art engineering, radical design, and cutting-edge manufacturing techniques to create a mountain bike that is a pure extension of the rider. Every component and every technology is designed for a super-smooth and efficient XC and trail-riding experience.
3 | SMOOTH AND CONSISTENT
FlexPoint Pro isolates the suspension elements from the frame, minimizing the uncontrolled forces from flexing chainstays and seatstays that occurs in most single-pivot systems. Lab tests show the rear triangle of the Anthem X Advanced SL reacts to force with up to eight times less deformation than other bikes in its category. This translates to improved small-bump sensitivity and consistent damping and spring action.
4 | YOUR RIDE, YOUR GEOMETRY
Because trails vary from smooth and fast to tight and technical, we engineered a two-position flip chip system that lets you fine tune the handling by choosing a High or Low setting. The High setting has a steeper head and seat tube angle for sharp, aggressive handling. The Low setting reduces those angles by a half-degree, offering slightly more relaxed handling for the most technical terrain.
5 | BETTER GRIP, FEWER FLATS
The WheelSystems throughout the Anthem X Advanced SL range feature Wide Guard technology for added control and tire protection. The hookless rims each have 5mm wide, rounded edges to help deflect angled strikes and reduce the risk of rim damage or tire sidewall cuts. This lets you run lower tire pressures for better control and less chance of a puncture.
SYSTEM INTEGRATION
SEAMLESS SUSPENSION
Moving the FlexPoint Pro suspension system to a new position on the frame—with the shock now mounted beneath the top tube rather than the front of the seat tube—allows for a clean, semi-integrated chassis.
CLEAN COCKPIT
A new composite one-piece handlebar/stem unit (on select models) adds compliance to reduce shocks and vibrations, improving control and hand comfort. The design saves weight and cleans up the cockpit with tidy internal cable routing for brakes, shifters, shocks and a dropper seatpost.
TWO BOTTLES FOR LONGER RIDES
The new frame and suspension design opens up space for a second water bottle. Integrated mounts on the seat tube allow you to attach a second cage, so you can carry more hydration without having to wear a pack—a major upgrade for marathon races or longer XC adventures.
MATERIAL OPTIONS
The integrated handlebar comes in two models—the Contact SLR XC Integrated composite version and the Contact SL XC Integrated alloy option. Both offer the same seamless cable routing and versatile sizing with a 780mm standard width and stem lengths ranging from 50-90mm.
ULTIMATE XC SUSPENSION
Developed to meet the demands of Giant’s World Cup XC racers, this innovative rear suspension delivers smooth control, uncompromising efficiency, and lightweight agility. Its single-pivot design isolates the rear shock and produces 120mm of fully active, ground-tracking suspension. Whether you’re gunning for podiums or burning up your local trails, you have the confidence and control to fly down technical descents and hammer up steep climbs.
ULTRA-SMOOTH ACTION
This linkage-driven, single-pivot system produces consistent damping and spring performance throughout its travel. The rear shock is isolated to provide small-bump sensitivity through the entire wheel path, delivering a smooth, active feel through the shock stroke with no harsh bottom-outs.
SUPERLIGHT XC SUSPENSION
By eliminating the lower rocker arm and using a single fullcomposite upper rocker arm, FlexPoint Pro saves significant weight over traditional dual-rocker designs. Fewer pivot points (three instead of four) and one less linkage means fewer grams to carry up climbs.
LESS IS MORE
The minimal flexing action of the chainstay/seatstay junction creates a ground-tracking, fully active system with fewer complex pivots, linkages and additional frame reinforcements. This makes it a durable system that requires less maintenance.
ULTIMATE XC SUSPENSION
HOW IT WORKS
NO MECHANICAL REAR PIVOT POINT
The full-composite swingarm in combination with a robust main pivot and Advanced Forged Composite linkage creates 120mm of rear wheel travel. This patented design controls the swingarm’s flexing action to reduce influence under compression and makes FlexPoint Pro the most active, lightweight XC suspension system available.
COMPOSITE SWINGARM
A superlight rear swingarm, made from our Advancedgrade composite, provides minimally flexing elements for an active feel that’s significantly lighter than dualrocker designs. This creates a lighter frameset, helping modern trail riders climb and accelerate faster.
LINKAGE-DRIVEN SINGLE PIVOT
Delivers maximum efficiency without brake interference or pedal feedback for smooth, unimpeded compression activity.
Pictured: Anthem Advanced SL - Frame Set
US VERSUS THEM
While there are many flexing rear suspension designs on the market, none deliver the patented performance of FlexPoint Pro.
OTHERS
As the swingarm moves in its initial range, frame deformation immediately occurs, introducing spring forces from the frame’s chainstays and seatstays. Deeper into the travel, deformation continues, and uncontrolled spring forces increase. This translates into both the shock and the frame producing unwanted suspension resistance. In summary, both the frame and shock are resisting travel. While the shock is custom-tuned to provide controlled performance, the frame is not—so it cannot provide controlled resistance.
FLEXPOINT PRO
Due to minimal deformation throughout suspension travel, uncontrolled spring forces are very low and occur only at the midpoint of travel. This allows isolation of suspension elements. Because there is no extra spring ramp effect from the frame, small-bump sensitivity is improved. In summary, the frame provides minimal resistance throughout its travel, while the shock is isolated to provide controlled resistance—giving XC riders a higher level of performance in demanding situations.
ADVANCED SL COMPOSITE
Professional Grade raw carbon fiber is woven in our composite factory to produce our lightest, stiffest and highest quality frames. This is the technology used by Giant’s pro racers in almost every cycling discipline. These frames feature the most advanced engineering and construction methods.
MATERIALS
Professional Grade raw carbon material is used to engineer framesets with the highest stiffness-to-weight ratios available today.
RESIN
Professional Formula resin features Carbon Nanotube Technology (CNT), a microscopic polymer that acts like miniature buttresses to strengthen the layers of composite. Frames featuring CNT are 14 percent more impact resistant than those without it.
ADVANCED SL COMPOSITE
ONE-PIECE MOLDING TECHNOLOGY
New construction technique uses a single bladder (as opposed to previous generation’s three bladders) to create a one-piece front triangle. The result is reduced weight without compromising stiffness or aerodynamic shaping.
CONTINUOUS FIBER TECHNOLOGY
This partly robotic manufacturing process (shown) allows Giant to construct the front triangle of Advanced X SL frames with larger, and therefore fewer, sections of composite material. With fewer pieces and junctions, these frames are lighter and significantly stronger.
COLD-BLADE CUTTING TECHNOLOGY
Whereas previous generations of Anthem frames relied on laser-cut composite swatches, cold blade technology is now used to make ultra-precise cuts and eliminate the concern of deformation from excess heat. This translates into fewer and more exacting swatches, which results in lighter overall frame weight.
KEY FEATURES
1 | ADVANCED SL COMPOSITE
Professional-grade raw carbon is woven in the Giant composite factory using the most advanced engineering and construction methods. Continuous Fiber Technology adds strength and minimizes weight.
2 | FLEXPOINT PRO SUSPENSION
Developed as superlight rear suspension for XC bikes that demand efficiency, control, and responsive handling, this 120mm, linkage-driven, single-pivot system is semiintegrated and attached beneath the top tube with a full-composite swingarm to minimize frame weight.
3 | ADVANCED FORGED COMPOSITE
A high-pressure molding process is used to produce a complex shaped carbon-fiber upper rocker arm that is lighter, stiffer, and stronger than an aluminum version.
4 | ADJUSTABLE GEOMETRY
A two-position flip chip lets you adjust frame geometry and fine-tune the handling for your riding style and terrain. The High setting locks in a steeper head and seat tube angle, along with a higher bottom bracket, for sharp, aggressive handling on tight, technical terrain. The Low setting reduces the head and seat tube angles and lowers the bottom bracket, offering slightly more relaxed handling and greater control for high-speed descents.
5 | TWO BOTTLES
New frame design has space for a second water bottle. Integrated mounts on the the seat tube allow you to carry more hydration without having to wear a pack—a major upgrade for marathon races or longer XC rides.
6 | OVERDRIVE
Designed to provide precise front-end steering performance, the system’s oversized headset bearings (1 1/2” lower and 1 1/8” upper) and tapered steerer tube work in conjunction to provide optimal steering stiffness.
7
| INTEGRATED FRAME STORAGE
Easily accessible compartment inside the down tube includes an all-new waterresistant tool roll to safely and quietly carry essential items.
8 | POWERCORE
A massively oversized bottom bracket area features a fully integrated, 92mm wide design. Asymmetric chainstays provide additional stiffness on the driveside and increased stability on the non-driveside.
9 | WIDE GUARD
Hookless rims with a 30mm inner width and robust 5mm rounded-edge sidewalls let you run lower tire pressures for greater control, and a reduced risk of rim damage and punctures.
10
| RATCHET DRIVE SYSTEM
A 10° helical engagement between the hub and ratchet rings produces efficient, consistent power transfer with reduced stress on components. 120-tooth helical ratchet rings deliver rapid 3° engagement for immediate response and precise power.
11
|
GIANT TUBELESS SYSTEM
Integrated Tubeless WheelSystem and tires deliver improved efficiency, comfort and control in the most user-friendly and reliable system.
ANTHEM X ADVANCED SL 0
ANTHEM X ADVANCED SL
A lightweight, efficient mountain bike for XC and fast trail riding.
Built to slay singletrack with blazing speed, the new Anthem X Advanced SL blurs the lines between XC and trail performance. The lightweight composite frame features a new semi-integrated FlexPoint Pro rear suspension setup with 120mm of travel plus a flip chip to adjust geometry. Combined with a 130mm fork and an integrated handlebar with clean cable routing, it’s fast, fun and ready to rip.
RACE-BRED TRAIL SPEED
A full-composite frameset is both ultra-light and highly efficient to help you power up climbs and make every watt count. The WheelSystems and integrated handlebar/stem units are designed for maximum efficiency and instantaneous response to rider input. The rear shock is repositioned and semi-integrated with the top tube, shaving weight and creating space for a second water bottle cage.
TOTAL CONTROL
The new FlexPoint Pro suspension delivers 120mm of smooth, active rear travel paired with a 130mm fork—helping you fly down rough descents and power up technical climbs. A flip chip lets you fine tune handling for all types of terrain. Superlight composite or alloy Giant WheelSystems (depending on model) with a next-generation 120-tooth helical ratchet drive system for immediate power and robust 5mm rim sidewalls for greater protection against impacts and punctures.
SYSTEM INTEGRATION
A new one-piece integrated handlebar/stem unit adds compliance to reduce shocks and vibrations, improving control and hand comfort. It’s available in two models—the Contact SLR XC Integrated composite and Contact SL XC Integrated alloy. Both feature the same seamless cable routing and versatile sizing with a 780mm standard width and stem lengths ranging from 50-90mm.
