Developed in partnership with South Africa’s double World Champion Alan Hatherly – Giant has announced a new range of Anthem XC bikes featuring lightweight composite framesets, fully re-engineered rear suspension, integrated cockpit components and lighter, stronger wheel systems.

The new range includes two series: The race-focused Anthem Advanced SL and the versatile long-travel Anthem X Advanced SL. However, South African importers Dragons Sports have opted not to bring in the Anthem X and will only bring in the Advanced SL SE, SL0, SL1, and SL3 models.

This superlight composite flyer is engineered with a semi-integrated 120mm FlexPoint Pro single-pivot rear suspension system paired with a 120mm fork, plus a flip chip to adjust geometry…

The Anthem Advanced SL is a pro-level XC race machine developed with two-time world champion Hatherly. The South African rode prototype models throughout the 2025 World Cup season and piloted it to victory at the Elite Men’s XCO World Championship race in Switzerland. This superlight composite flyer is engineered with a semi-integrated 120mm FlexPoint Pro single-pivot rear suspension system paired with a 120mm fork, plus a flip chip to adjust geometry for any racecourse or XC terrain.

“This is the 20th anniversary of Anthem’s introduction as a game-changing XC bike,” said Joe Staub, Giant’s off-road global category manager. “Since that first Anthem, XC has evolved into a completely different sport. It’s faster, it’s more technical, the demands are different – and our athletes are seeking the marginal gains they need to win. This is the result – it’s the lightest Anthem ever, and the numbers show that it gives our athletes better efficiency and control than any other XC bike out there.”

Composite Frame
A fully reengineered composite frameset saves significant weight compared to the previous generation while also boosting the stiffness-to-weight ratio (efficiency). This helps riders 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 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.

The engineering of FlexPoint Pro allows the rear shock to have a lower initial leverage ratio for a firmer pedalling platform while the Giant XCR and XCA WheelSystems featured throughout the range all 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.

New Suspension
The new FlexPoint Pro suspension system featured on the Anthem Advanced SL is repositioned on the frame and totally reengineered to deliver 120mm of smooth, active rear travel. The result is superior control and trail-hugging traction to shred rough descents and float up technical climbs. Lab tests show the rear triangle 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. Moving the suspension system to a new position on the frame – with the shock mounted beneath the top tube rather than the front of the seat tube – also allows for a clean, semi-integrated chassis. The new  design opens space for a second water bottle. Integrated mounts on the seat tube allow you to attach a second cage so that you can carry more hydration without having to wear a pack – a major upgrade for epic trail days or marathon races.

Flip Chip
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 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.

Wheels
Superlight composite or alloy Giant WheelSystems (depending on model) feature Wide Guard technology for added control and tyre protection. The hookless rims each have 5mm wide, rounded edges to help deflect angled strikes and reduce the risk of rim damage or tyre sidewall cuts. This lets you run lower tyre pressures for better control and less chance of a puncture.

Handlebar
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.

South African prices:
Anthem Advanced SL SE: R269 990
Anthem Advanced SL 0: R184 990
Anthem Advanced SL 1: R134 990
Anthem Advanced SL 3: R74 990

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