Giant Anthem X5 – £1400

Giant’s Anthem is a modern classic, a cross-country bike that has been with us for a long time now and has continued to be updated keeping it a popular choice for those seeking a lightweight race or all-day epic trail bike.

The new Anthem X5, just released earlier this year, is the latest model to be added to the range and is a more affordable entry-level model. At £1400, now more people will be able to access the Anthem’s fantastic ride quality and unparalleled performance.

The frame is, more or less, identical to that found on the top-end version. It’s made from Giant’s own AluxX SL aluminium and the distinctive profiles of the various tubes are achieved with Fluid Forming (essentially hydroforming). It’s a cracking looking frame, with smoothly profiled tube shapes, a manly square profiled downtube with neat cable routing, and a slender top tube.

The Anthem’s 100mm (4in) rear suspension is provided by Giant’s Maestro suspension platform. It was first introduced in 2005, and while it essentially remains the same on this 2011 bike, it has been through various updates to tweak and improve it. We’ve always liked the feel of the Maestro system, it’s efficient, comfortable and fast.

Giant haven’t skimped with the X5’s components. There’s a RockShox Recon Gold TK Solo Air fork with a tapered steerer tube slapped into the head tube, which is easy to setup and there’s rebound adjustment and a lockout lever.

Elsewhere there’s a mix of Shimano Deore and Alivio offering a spread of 27-speeds via a triple chainset. It’s not flash, but the shifting performance is as usual form Shimano sharp and reliable. Bringing the Anthem to a speedy halt are the excellent M445 hydraulic discs, they may not be the lightest but they are reliable and afford high levels of stopping performance.

Finishing kit, bars, stem, grips, saddle and post, all wear Giant Connect decals, and all carry out their respective roles with little to complain about. The Maxxis Crossmark 2.1in tyres are a good choice, offering great grip and rolling speed for the general trail rider – a XC snake will no doubt have some lighter rubber in mind.

On initial inspection then it looks to offer an attractive package. Watch out for our full review next week.

Head over to the Giant Bicycle website for more.