At last the day has come that I can build a bike that is exactly the spec I want (mostly), if one really managed to build the perfect bike then there would be nothing to upgrade and we can't have that now. Specs for now (12.58kgs with pedals and old tyres): Fork: 2013 RockShox Revelation RL with remote lockout (1.84kg inc axle and remote) Currently in for warranty repair and hopefully removal of the lockout. Shock: RockShox Monarch RL Frame: Anthem Advanced 27.5 frameset large (2.4kg with thru axle) Wheels: Giant P-XC2 27.5 Groupset: Full Shimano XT, 2x10, RT66 Rotors, 180F, 160R Stem: Easton Haven, 70mm, 0degree Bars: Nukeproof Warhead, 720mm, 20mm rise Seatpost: RockShox Reverb, 420mm, 125mm drop Seat: Pro Turnix Pedals: Shimano m520 Tyres: Onza Canis 2.25 front and rear (pictured with Racing Ralph and Honey Badger) Grips: ESI Chunky Future Upgrades: Wheels: ZTR Flow EX on something or AC Wide lightning. Bars: Raceface Next Riser carbon Seatpost: RockShox Reverb Stealth Pedals: Shimano XT m780 Frame arrived 2 days after the order was placed, good form William! The fork with remote on its way back for warranty. Basically the concept of this bike is to create a trail bike that is as light as possible but without compromising on strength and descending ability. Traits I require are a stiff but supple fork, plenty of grip from the tyres and a dropper seatpost for downhills and cornering. On the flip side I have a strange love affair with brutally steep climbs and so I also need something thats not too heavy and pedals well while seated or standing. Frame with 12mm thru axle but no cable grommets. Other frame options were a Santacruz 5010 (ruled out because of price) or a Pyga OneTwenty650 (ruled out because of weight). Although ideally I wanted 120mm of rear travel, enough good things have been said about the Anthem's descending prowess in its standard spec (100mm front and rear) that I thought I would give it a try. Personally my favourite review of the Anthem 27.5 came from right here on the hub. I trust the opinion of a guy who rides in baggies, a t-shirt and FiveTens far more then a fully decked out lycra jock, so thank you for your review Claudio. It was rumoured a while ago that Giant was toying with the idea of making an Anthem with a 120mm fork, this sounded like a great idea to me as my previous bike was a Morewood Zula with a 130mm Sektor and I loved it but it was a bit portly. Recently Giant announced their 2015 bikes and the Anthem SX was among them. So now that I have a name for what I'm building lets get started. Daryn wrenching, he should have his arm in a sling but he's bad like that! I'd like to dedicate this build to my good friend Dazza (Mechanic at William's bike shop) who is currently recovering from a severe meeting with a tree in Jonkershoek. That didn't however stop him from giving up his evening and doing alot of the work to get the bike together in quick time with fractured scapular and all. Also a special mention to SJ from Revolution Cycles for great service & advice. The Reverb hose needs better securing but otherwise I'm extremely impressed with the finished product, orange grips and all. When the Revelation returns I'll update with pics. Once again massive thanks to Daryn, I would have spent twice as long and done the job half as neatly.
