One of the favs coming up at the Interbike Dirt Demo in Bootleg Canyon in two weeks is sure to be this bad boy....the Anthem.
Giant Bicycles has revised its Anthem short-travel cross-country race platform for 2009, giving it more travel and more versatile handling but also markedly less weight.
The Maestro multi-link rear end now boasts 100mm of travel and the unique 'co-pivot' arrangement originally introduced on the Trance X and Reign (the lower shock eyelet and forward lower link share the same pivot). Total frame weight has dropped 185g yet new 3D-forged two-piece rocker links also gives the Anthem X a five percent increase in pedaling and frame stiffness, according to Giant.
The original Anthem's ultra-fast handling reflexes have been toned down a bit as well. The head tube angle is now a slightly more sedate 71° and fork travel has been increased to 100mm across the board (current Anthems are fitted with 80mm or 100mm forks, depending on locale).
The original Anthem was somewhat of a pet project for team rider Adam Craig, a US Olympian whose technical skills are well documented. This new machine continues the trend but with a slightly new focus and new nickname: 'Ultimate Vermont Domination', in reference to the demanding course at Mt. Snow.
"Over the last year I've been working on a variety of bike development projects for Giant," said Craig via his periodic email updates. "One in particular had a definite (personal) goal from day one. Ultimate Vermont Domination. With the combination of extra travel and a touch slacker angles than those found on the razor sharp Anthem Advanced, you can take the irresponsibility of your (cross country race) riding to a whole new level."
The Maestro multi-link rear end now boasts 100mm of travel and the unique 'co-pivot' arrangement originally introduced on the Trance X and Reign (the lower shock eyelet and forward lower link share the same pivot). Total frame weight has dropped 185g yet new 3D-forged two-piece rocker links also gives the Anthem X a five percent increase in pedaling and frame stiffness, according to Giant.
The original Anthem's ultra-fast handling reflexes have been toned down a bit as well. The head tube angle is now a slightly more sedate 71° and fork travel has been increased to 100mm across the board (current Anthems are fitted with 80mm or 100mm forks, depending on locale).
The original Anthem was somewhat of a pet project for team rider Adam Craig, a US Olympian whose technical skills are well documented. This new machine continues the trend but with a slightly new focus and new nickname: 'Ultimate Vermont Domination', in reference to the demanding course at Mt. Snow.
"Over the last year I've been working on a variety of bike development projects for Giant," said Craig via his periodic email updates. "One in particular had a definite (personal) goal from day one. Ultimate Vermont Domination. With the combination of extra travel and a touch slacker angles than those found on the razor sharp Anthem Advanced, you can take the irresponsibility of your (cross country race) riding to a whole new level."
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