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I just got an anthem for an absolute bargain and have now ordered a works 2 degree headset on the back of this video and the info you provided. Thanks for the help
Thanks for the interesting video; I enjoyed your rationale accompanied by helpful diagrams. Small details matter in human powered endeavours like cycling, and creating spare coin is a win :) On my bike (Giant XTC), I stroked the fork (Manitou) out to 110mm, swapped in a spare Hope-built rear wheel for increased compliance (over Easton XC90) and went 2.35 for the seasonal tyre refresh. The changes make the bike faster, more playful and ultimately more enjoyable to ride for minimal $$$. Thanks again and good luck with the channel. Subscribed :)
Thanks Michael! I appreciate it man. What year XTC do you have? I have thought about getting one of those to play with and set up as a Mud/Family hauler/Travel bike. Honestly I think the Anthem would feel amazing with the Fox 34 set at 110mm like they did on the Blur TR and then slacken it out some more with that Angle Headset.
@@BlackWaterCyclist I have 2013 XTC carbon. Comparatively heavy for a carbon hard tail, flip side is it's *impossible* to kill, it seems. Would make a great family hauler haha. Tyre clearance and paint durability are excellent. I love Giant creating and controling their carbon manufacturing processs - gives me confidence without paying Time Sports money. The 2013 geo with 110mm stroke/51mm offset fork retains the XC feel which I prefer and doesn't feel overforked. Your Anthem on this set up would be an interesting experiment for sure :)
Really helpful video. I've been riding the anthem for 3 years with standard head angles. Looks like the new anthem follows your geometry tweaks with a slightly slacker head angle 69 to 67.5. Also interesting both Giant and Santa Cruz have updated the anthem and blur to be lighter but with simpler rear suspension. Do you ride a dropper with your anthem? Which one?
i have the anthem for two years i love this bike the maestro suspencion is amazing is realy realy good the geometry for my is good i dont like the seat tube angle 75 76 is to much agressive for me i love giant
That is great to hear Luis! Yes the Maestro suspension is great. I find the Santa Cruz rear suspension pretty good as well. Maestro is amazing when you get it adjusted just right. Cannot beat Giant for the value and the performance.
Yes for the most part. I do prefer the 67 degree head tube angle which I wish the blur had but the blur has that longer reach I prefer. The Intense Sniper geo is what I like. It has the same reach as the blur but 67 degree head tube angle. Hmm maybe future project.
I still use it for long rides. I took it off because I was just doing singletrack that was on a 12 mile loop so didn't didn't the extra weight and water. When I head out for longer days, I put it back on. No issues at all with it and still works great!
Hi David! If you have not yet, be sure to go with the 120mm front fork with the Works Components 2 degree slacker head angle. As far as the rear, I went with an Orbea Squidlock remote because it has 3 positions (Open, Half Travel, Full Lockout). That way I can run my sag a little lower than normal for descending and then I can use that half travel for technical climbing. The Anthem's rear is already very plush, especially for a dedicated race bike so just running more sag (less air pressure) should help make it feel more like a trail bike. Run like 30% sag and test it and see how it works. Rebound as always, you want it as fast as possible without being a pogo stick. Let me know how it works for you.
It has crossed my mind several times now 🙂. The new Anthem will also be released soon and I've thought about trying the Pivot Mach 4 as well. Of course all this hinges on availability.
@@BlackWaterCyclist why are they in such short supply? The Blur is made in USA right? There’s no ‘chip’ shortage holding it back like the auto industry. I don’t get it… I’m gonna take a 👀 at those other bikes you mentioned. I want to consider only made in 🇺🇸 offerings though.
@@gaffle-411 I'm pretty sure the Blur is made in one of the 3 major factories that makes 99% of carbon frames but don't quote me on that. Would love to see a Blur made in the states. Even if it was made in the states, they may have issues getting carbon or resin or other materials.
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I just got an anthem for an absolute bargain and have now ordered a works 2 degree headset on the back of this video and the info you provided. Thanks for the help
Awesome Jason! The Anthem really is a great bike. It is even better with the 67 degree head tube angle. You will definitely enjoy it.
@@Lenser yes it worked really well to bring me more into the bike and help feel more grounded on descents
Thanks for the interesting video; I enjoyed your rationale accompanied by helpful diagrams. Small details matter in human powered endeavours like cycling, and creating spare coin is a win :) On my bike (Giant XTC), I stroked the fork (Manitou) out to 110mm, swapped in a spare Hope-built rear wheel for increased compliance (over Easton XC90) and went 2.35 for the seasonal tyre refresh. The changes make the bike faster, more playful and ultimately more enjoyable to ride for minimal $$$. Thanks again and good luck with the channel. Subscribed :)
Thanks Michael! I appreciate it man. What year XTC do you have? I have thought about getting one of those to play with and set up as a Mud/Family hauler/Travel bike. Honestly I think the Anthem would feel amazing with the Fox 34 set at 110mm like they did on the Blur TR and then slacken it out some more with that Angle Headset.
@@BlackWaterCyclist I have 2013 XTC carbon. Comparatively heavy for a carbon hard tail, flip side is it's *impossible* to kill, it seems. Would make a great family hauler haha. Tyre clearance and paint durability are excellent. I love Giant creating and controling their carbon manufacturing processs - gives me confidence without paying Time Sports money. The 2013 geo with 110mm stroke/51mm offset fork retains the XC feel which I prefer and doesn't feel overforked. Your Anthem on this set up would be an interesting experiment for sure :)
Really helpful video. I've been riding the anthem for 3 years with standard head angles. Looks like the new anthem follows your geometry tweaks with a slightly slacker head angle 69 to 67.5. Also interesting both Giant and Santa Cruz have updated the anthem and blur to be lighter but with simpler rear suspension. Do you ride a dropper with your anthem? Which one?
i have the anthem for two years i love this bike the maestro suspencion is amazing is realy realy good the geometry for my is good i dont like the seat tube angle 75 76 is to much agressive for me i love giant
That is great to hear Luis! Yes the Maestro suspension is great. I find the Santa Cruz rear suspension pretty good as well. Maestro is amazing when you get it adjusted just right. Cannot beat Giant for the value and the performance.
From your description it almost seems like you went through all the trouble to make the Anthem feel like the Blur for $800 less.
Yes for the most part. I do prefer the 67 degree head tube angle which I wish the blur had but the blur has that longer reach I prefer. The Intense Sniper geo is what I like. It has the same reach as the blur but 67 degree head tube angle. Hmm maybe future project.
how much the works headset cut into the price?
Are not using the holy rail any more? Didnt see it on your bike and wondered if it stayed secure or put to much stress on frame nut inserts etc?
I still use it for long rides. I took it off because I was just doing singletrack that was on a 12 mile loop so didn't didn't the extra weight and water. When I head out for longer days, I put it back on. No issues at all with it and still works great!
Any idea on the max chainring for the Anthem? Just ordered a frame. I was hoping a 34t oval would fit?
Hi Ray, the Anthem can clear up to a 38T with no issues so your Oval 34T should fit easily.
Excellent. Thanks for the reply. Good set of videos here. Didn't get as good of a deal as you got on the frame but it was still a good deal.
XL Anthem rider as well - I'd appreciate any thoughts you are willing to share about setting up the rear suspension for xc/down country riding.
Hi David! If you have not yet, be sure to go with the 120mm front fork with the Works Components 2 degree slacker head angle.
As far as the rear, I went with an Orbea Squidlock remote because it has 3 positions (Open, Half Travel, Full Lockout). That way I can run my sag a little lower than normal for descending and then I can use that half travel for technical climbing. The Anthem's rear is already very plush, especially for a dedicated race bike so just running more sag (less air pressure) should help make it feel more like a trail bike. Run like 30% sag and test it and see how it works. Rebound as always, you want it as fast as possible without being a pogo stick. Let me know how it works for you.
@@BlackWaterCyclist Thank you.
Is the blur for sale?
Hi Moris, it has already sold. It sold pretty quickly since it is such an amazing bike.
@@BlackWaterCyclist ok
Essentially you prefer the Anthem for two drink bottles 🤣🤣🤣
2 Bottles, cheaper, and Steeper Seat tube angle, that is essentially what it boiled down to.
How tall are you to be rocking the xl sizes?
I am a little under 6'2. I prefer the longer reach of an XL. Technically I could go with a L but I definitely prefer the XL models.
Now that the new Blur is out, you'll be switching back... 🤣
It has crossed my mind several times now 🙂. The new Anthem will also be released soon and I've thought about trying the Pivot Mach 4 as well. Of course all this hinges on availability.
@@BlackWaterCyclist why are they in such short supply? The Blur is made in USA right? There’s no ‘chip’ shortage holding it back like the auto industry. I don’t get it…
I’m gonna take a 👀 at those other bikes you mentioned. I want to consider only made in 🇺🇸 offerings though.
@@gaffle-411 I'm pretty sure the Blur is made in one of the 3 major factories that makes 99% of carbon frames but don't quote me on that. Would love to see a Blur made in the states. Even if it was made in the states, they may have issues getting carbon or resin or other materials.
Horrible move, I would sell my body first before I sale my blur to buy a giant
Bahaha, that's hilarious. I am always testing bikes and tinkering. Honestly I look forward to the next generation Blur.
Anthem looks so lame with its high top tube
I could not agree more. The Blur looks so much better. They should have dropped it like the Trance.