A World Championship-winning bike in record time! Can you believe it took just 18 months to transform a concept into a champion? Let's dive into the incredible story behind Giant's new Anthem.
Giant's Anthem has an impressive journey, and the brand has every reason to boast. South African rider Alan Hatherly's victory at the UCI XCO Mountain Bike World Championship in Valais was a testament to this. But here's where it gets controversial... Hatherly achieved this feat with a bike that was still in its carbon prototype stage, and he had only recently joined the Giant Off-Road Factory Team.
We caught up with Hatherly and Giant's off-road category manager, Joe Staub, at the new Anthem's launch. They shared the inside story of how Giant transformed a regular bike into a champion.
A Fresh Start for Giant
Giant's previous Anthem model, launched in 2022, had its moments of glory, but it was time for an upgrade. With cross-country trends evolving rapidly, Staub knew a complete overhaul was necessary. He emphasized, "We had to break our mould and do things in a totally new way."
This wasn't just about the bike; it was a fresh approach to the entire process, from commercialization to target-setting. Staub explains, "It was a blank slate for us, a chance to redefine how we deliver and create products."
Reinventing the Wheel and Frame
The new Anthem looks nothing like its predecessor. The shock has been repositioned below the top tube, creating space for two water bottles in the front triangle. The frame, made from Giant's Advanced SL carbon, combines stiffness and lightness for maximum performance.
The bike also features a one-piece cockpit and internal cable routing, along with new Giant XCR carbon wheels. Staub highlights the wheels as a key innovation, explaining their "low-latency speed concept." He says, "We wanted to ensure a direct transmission of rider input, so there's no lag between Alan putting down power and gaining an advantage, whether sprinting to the finish line or navigating a corner."
To achieve this, Giant designed the wheels and frame together, balancing weight and stiffness. Staub adds, "Our DBL technology provides awesome transmission stiffness, and the full-carbon version has carbon spokes and a near-instant 120-tooth ratchet engagement."
Even the front and rear wheels are tuned differently to suit their specific roles. Staub notes, "The rear wheel requires a unique balance of transmission stiffness for pedalling efficiency and brake stiffness. The front wheel has brake stiffness on one side but must also perform well laterally and vertically."
The Anthem also introduces a flip chip, allowing minor geometry adjustments. Hatherly has already noticed the benefits during training and racing, saying, "Being able to change the bike's setup on the fly is cool. It makes the bike more versatile and suitable for different riding conditions."
Double the Adventure
The new release isn't limited to the Anthem; it also includes the Anthem X. With a 130mm fork, this model is designed for fast and far trail riding, appealing to those who aren't ready for an e-bike yet. Staub explains, "There's a trend towards off-road e-biking, but I believe in the simplicity of pushing a bike to its limits. The Anthem X offers a psychological range limit, allowing riders to explore backcountry and unknown terrain."
Hatherly is excited about the Anthem X's potential, especially for certain UCI World Cup courses, saying, "A 130mm fork could be beneficial on some courses. It's great to have this option."
Race-led Refinements
Bike tech trends are driven by course changes, technical features, and athletes pushing boundaries. The new Anthem responds to these demands. Staub says, "Guys like Alan have identified the product needs because the racing needs are already there. We want to support him, and it's clear what we need to do."
Staub believes these pro-focused improvements benefit average riders too. "We start by ensuring the performance meets Alan's needs, but these improvements can benefit consumers as well. Of course, there are specific requirements for pros that don't apply directly to consumers, which is why we have both the Anthem and Anthem X in our lineup."
The Giant Factory Off-Road Team riders were involved in the design process, but Hatherly's input became crucial from V2 of the alloy prototype. Staub notes, "Alan's feedback significantly improved the suspension performance."
Hatherly rode the alloy prototype at the Nové Město UCI World Cup in May but used the previous-generation Anthem. He received the first carbon prototype in Val di Sole the following month. Staub explains, "When we give Alan a carbon bike, we're seeking super-refined feedback to validate the good points from the aluminum stage and get his valuable input on the final details."
Internal Decisions and Modernization
The Anthem's design isn't solely based on pro athletes' wishes. The move to internal cable routing also reflects Staub's desire to modernize mountain bikes aesthetically, drawing from his experience as a mechanic on the factory team. He says, "Road bikes have evolved with concealed cables, so why shouldn't mountain bikes follow? I've always wanted a cleaner look on the front of the bike."
Staub believes the one-piece cockpit and internal cable routing are natural progressions, saying, "Why shouldn't we extend this modernization and aesthetic across our lineup? We're pushing the boundaries, and we should be the first to do it."
Looking Ahead
Although the Anthem is a recent release, Staub is already thinking about future improvements. He believes the current Anthem meets racing demands but knows that change is constant. "I'm confident we've met the current demands of racing, but I look forward to meeting future challenges as racing evolves."
What do you think? Do you agree that the new Anthem is a game-changer? Share your thoughts in the comments!
