When your bike already has a World Championship under its belt, before it’s even been released to the public… you know you’re on the right path. That’s the all-new 2026 Giant Anthem Advanced SL. Giant went all in on the new Anthem; it’s lighter, sharper, stiffer, and already kicking butt internationally. This is the update the Giant Anthem deserved: a modern, purebred XC race bike.
A Complete Redesign for the New XC Era
The new Anthem Advanced SL is built around Giant’s lightest full-suspension frame ever—just 1,530 g (size M), roughly 90 g lighter than the outgoing model.
Giant says the new chassis delivers 7–8 % more pedaling stiffness. This comes thanks to an all-new layup and the updated Advanced SL composite construction.
At its core is the next-gen FlexPoint Pro suspension system that was hinted at Eurobike earlier this year: a one-piece carbon swingarm and single-pivot layout that delivers 120 mm of rear travel, paired with a 120 mm fork. Giant says the design ditches weight and pivots without losing precision, creating a feel that’s more direct and responsive under hard pedaling.
Racers also get geometry choice. A flip-chip at the rocker allows riders to toggle between a “High” mode for tight XC circuits and a “Low” mode for aggressive descents and marathon stages.
Key Frame Features
- Advanced SL Composite Frame: Giant’s lightest and stiffest carbon construction, hand-layered in-house.
- FlexPoint Pro Suspension: Simplified, lighter 120 mm linkage with carbon rear triangle.
- Adjustable Geometry: Two settings via flip-chip to fine-tune head angle and bottom bracket height.
- WideGuard Wheel Integration: 30 mm internal carbon rims and tubeless-ready Giant tires for traction and durability.
- Updated Cable Routing & Chainstay Protection: Sleeker, quieter, and easier to service.
Build Options & Pricing
All models share the same Advanced SL carbon frame and 120 mm front /120 mm rear travel.
- Anthem Advanced SL SE — $14,500 USD
Top-tier build with SRAM XX SL Transmission, Flight Attendant electronic suspension, and a full carbon finishing kit. - Anthem Advanced SL 0 — $10,500 USD
A true race-ready build with Fox Factory SID SL suspension, SRAM XX Transmission, and carbon wheels. - Anthem Advanced SL 1 — $8,000 USD
The all-rounder. Mechanical SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain, Giant XCR 1 carbon wheels, and the same chassis and geometry as the top bikes. - Anthem Advanced SL 2 — $5,600 USD
Entry into the Anthem family, but still with a full-carbon frame. Outfitted with Shimano Deore XT 12-speed, alloy finishing kit, and performance suspension.
Each model runs Giant’s 30 mm internal carbon wheel system, full tubeless integration, and clean internal routing for that pro-team look.
Expect it to hit dealers in early 2026. Giant-Bicycles.com
The post Giant Completely Rebuilds the Anthem Advanced SL for 2026 appeared first on Bikerumor.