Giant Anthem Advanced SL 1

The Giant Anthem Advanced SL 1 is a high-end cross-country mountain bike built around Giant's finest carbon grade, Advanced SL. The frame weighs just 1,530 g bare in size M and uses the FlexPoint Pro suspension platform — 120 mm of rear travel delivered through a single-pivot carbon flexstay design. The result is a frame that filters trail chatter and keeps the rear wheel tracking without the weight penalty of more complex linkages.

Shifting duties go to the SRAM GX AXS wireless electronic drivetrain. There are no shift cables to route or tension: a tap of the AXS pod sends the rear derailleur — a SRAM GX Eagle Transmission AXS unit — across a 12-speed SRAM XS 1275 cassette (10-52T). That range handles everything from steep climbs to fast descents. The RockShox SID Select+ 3P fork (120 mm, Charger Race Day 2 damper, Boost 15x110) comes with a handlebar-mounted remote lockout, so you can firm up the front end without reaching down.

The wheel package is centred around Giant's XCR Carbon WheelSystem: 29-inch hookless carbon rims with a 30 mm internal width, set up tubeless from the factory and wrapped in Maxxis Aspen 29x2.4 MaxxSpeed EXO tyres. Braking is handled by Shimano Deore XT BR-M8100 hydraulic disc brakes with a 180 mm rotor upfront and 160 mm at the rear. The cockpit is a one-piece Giant Contact SLR XC Integrated Carbon bar-and-stem unit (780 mm wide), and the Giant Contact Switch SL dropper post (up to 140 mm of travel depending on size) rounds out a complete, competition-capable package.

Available in S, M, L and XL, the Anthem Advanced SL 1 suits ambitious riders who want a capable XC race bike that also handles real-world trail riding with ease.