2006 Giant Anthem 1

I'm selling my 2006 Giant Anthem 1 mountain bike. I'm a road racer who has owned this bike since 2008. This bike was ridden by an employee of Giant Bicycles in Newbury Park, CA for a year before being sold to me. I ride road bikes 95% of my miles, so this bike was rarely used. Most miles were spent cruising through Aliso and Wood Canyon in Aliso Viejo, and the occasional trip to Mammoth Lakes to ride cross country there. The bike is in great shape. The only blemishes are from chain and cable wear on the paint.

My price doesn't include shipping. The bike can be picked up in Orange County, CA, or I can deliver if fairly local.

Full Suspension Mountain Bike
Size XL (22”)
Color: Team Blue
Original MSRP: $4,000

Frame: Aluxx SL Aluminum, Maestro Suspension 3.5” Travel
Fork: Rock Shox Reba Race
Rear Shock: Manitou S-Type SR SPV, 3.5” travel

Brakes: Hayes HFX-9 Carbon Disc Brakes, Hayes Carbon Levers
Shift Levers: SRAM X.0 Trigger
Front Derailleur: Shimano Deore XT, Clamp-on
Rear Derailleur: SRAM X.0 Carbon
Crankset: Race Face Deus XC X-Type
Pedals: Time
Bottom Bracket: Race Face Deus X-Type
Rear Cogs: 9-Speed 11-34
Chain: Shimano CN-HG53
Seatpost: Fox DOSS
Saddle: Fizik Wing Flex
Handlebar: Easton Monkey Lite XC Carbon
Stem: Race Face Evolve XC
Headset: 1 1/8” Integrated

Wheels: Mavic Crossmax SL Hubs and Rims
Tires: Kenda Nevegal Tubeless Front, Specialized The Captain Tubeless Rear 26x2.0

Here is a review of the Anthem line from Cyclingnews in 2006:

2005 saw the introduction of Maestro, Giant’s take on virtual pivot rear suspension technology. They applied the new system to the trailbike/endure crowd in 2005 but replaced their ubiquitous NRS rear suspension system with Maestro technology – the introduction of their Anthem line of short-travel cross-country specific mountain bikes is the result.

Like other Maestro platforms, Anthem uses a pair of short links to connect the rear subframe to the main frame in an effort to create a lightweight, efficient, and fully active rear suspension design that still pedals and brakes well. Rear wheel travel is limited to 85mm and production bikes are fitted with XC-specific 80mm travel forks. Manitou suspension with SPV stable platform technology is featured heavily on the Anthem line. Giant officials are quick to report that the rear suspension design is allegedly good enough on its own that little to no platform pressure is required out back for good pedaling performance.

Pro racers Adam Craig and Rune Hoydahl were instrumental in the Anthem’s development as a “short, steep, fast race bike.” Frame geometry is XC racing all the way. Super short chainstays maximize climbing traction while a long top tube stretches the cockpit out for better breathing and power transfer. A steep head tube angle offsets the stabilizing effects of the long top tube somewhat to speed up the handling. If this all sounds a little XC-nervous to you, then you’re right on the money. If you’re seeking a bike that’s a little more stable and forgiving on nasty descents, Giant isn’t afraid of telling you to look elsewhere. Anthem was designed as a race bike, pure and simple.

In addition to being short, steep, and fast, Giant also sought ultralight weight using radically hydroformed aluminum tubes, carefully engineered links and fittings, and a smattering of titanium and aluminum hardware. Anthem frame weights are reported to be comparable to last year's NRS Composite frames with complete Anthem bikes weighing well under 25lbs complete with dual hydraulic disc brakes.

A hearty test ride on a few select trails out at Bootleg Canyon (with Adam Craig serving as our guide) largely backed up Giant's claims. Climbing was remarkably efficient with little to no perceptible energy loss and no noticeable bobbing. Rear suspension performance was admirable in the rocky terrain, particularly given the relatively small amount of wheel travel. The steep and fast geometry, coupled with the low centre of gravity, made for an agile bike but also a somewhat expectedly nervous-handling bike. Half-asleep racers need not apply here but alert ones will clearly be rewarded with razor-sharp, point-and-shoot handling characteristics.


All in all, it seems that Giant satisfied its design goals with the Anthem. A long-travel trail bike it ain't, but it'll likely be one heck of a cross-country race rig.