Giant Anthem 29er frame broke

[Pappa Bear]

Not sure if it has been covered or asked, so sorry for duplication if already brought up:

is the failure common to a specific frame size?

Everyone always talking about cracks on the Anthem but you mention the same failure on two other frames as well.

Just curious if failure is specific to frame size?

Not sure, I had a large and my friend with the glory a medium

[MoreTrails]

At Sani2C, saw 2 identical breaks on Large size frames, after day2. One guy bailed at that point. The other gent  got it welded, glued, cable tied, pop riveted for day3. Don't know if he made it though, but it was a brave attempt by the bike shop to try & assist. As a lay person, I just think there isn't enough real estate on that tapered top tube join, to dissipate a rough landing. 2cents.

Yip, landing with your bum on a fully extended seat that may be close to max extension on such a small weld area - poor design 

[Monark]

I guess I can count my lucky stars then... have had the ALU version and am now on the carbon version and have (fingers crossed) never had any issues... both bikes get hammered and I have enjoyed a few big spills on both of them. The frames are still rock solid.

[Pacman777]

Not sure, I had a large and my friend with the glory a medium

Mine is an XL

[Steven Knoetze (sk27)]

Yip, landing with your bum on a fully extended seat that may be close to max extension on such a small weld area - poor design 

Could be down to setup.

I ride a Giant dropper with a good 100mm+ in the seattube.

I landed so hard yesterday it twisted the seat backwards in the clamp. Frame is still good.

The fact that the warranty the frame for life was my buying point. If it breaks, I get the latest model frame as a replacement.

[Pacman777]

I have 130mm in the seat tube so I am sure that is enough.  I phoned Drangons and they reckoned 90mm min but preferably 100mm minimum

[mtbride]

You will always have more people complain than hear about those who have no issues ... so it would seem every 2nd anthem frame breaks but that's not true.

 

I have a 2014 Anthem large, and the seatpost is set to the 55mm mark. I ride the bike hard through anything Gauteng can offer and so far no problem. 

 

Given I'm only 68kg ...

[Pappa Bear]

You will always have more people complain than hear about those who have no issues ... so it would seem every 2nd anthem frame breaks but that's not true.

 

I have a 2014 Anthem large, and the seatpost is set to the 55mm mark. I ride the bike hard through anything Gauteng can offer and so far no problem. 

 

Given I'm only 68kg ...

 

My issue is with the recurring problem.......surely if the frames you make keep on braking in the same place you redesign that area or make it stronger!?!  You don't ignore it and keep on issuing replacement frames?

[mtbride]

My issue is with the recurring problem.......surely if the frames you make keep on braking in the same place you redesign that area or make it stronger!?!  You don't ignore it and keep on issuing replacement frames?

 

I understand what you're saying, as the 29er frame has not been fixed in that area, still looks the same as in 2012 ...

 

But the 27.5 frame looks more rigid in the suspect area ... why

[Pacman777]

My issue is with the recurring problem.......surely if the frames you make keep on braking in the same place you redesign that area or make it stronger!?!  You don't ignore it and keep on issuing replacement frames?

I concur.  A replacement frame is not going to help me if the frame breaks on day 2 of the joberg2c.  I am actually considering whether I should buy another brand.  I don't want to end up having paid big bucks for joberg2c and not being able to finish.  Just the fact that I have to consider it says a lot.

[SimpleDom]

I concur. A replacement frame is not going to help me if the frame breaks on day 2 of the joberg2c. I am actually considering whether I should buy another brand. I don't want to end up having paid big bucks for joberg2c and not being able to finish. Just the fact that I have to consider it says a lot.

If you're really worried, ask them to upgrade your frame replacement to a trance. Pay in whatever, and never worry again.

[Cornerz]

My issue is with the recurring problem.......surely if the frames you make keep on braking in the same place you redesign that area or make it stronger!?!  You don't ignore it and keep on issuing replacement frames?

 

My guess is that it's a financial decision... cost to retool / change the process on the production line not worth the cost of the replacement frames issued. Cost for them will be in the development of the frame - and not the actual material and individual manufacture of a frame. Same idea as the bundled replacement on Samsung phones... cost is in the R&D, not the cost of replacing a phone.

 

Edit:

The fact that they improved the design on the 27.5 confirms this... new production line / process - new design.

[HOEKVLAG]

I own an old 26" Giant Alias that is basically bombproof - and I learned a lot on that bike through trail and error! I realize that the issue might be a bit inflated in a forum like this, but I wouldn't like to cycle with the sword constantly hanging over my head. Other than not being able to finish a stage race I would also be worried about injuries when the frame decides it's time to go.

[Pacman777]

If you're really worried, ask them to upgrade your frame replacement to a trance. Pay in whatever, and never worry again.

Could be quite a stiff upgrade fee though, since I assume all the suspension components will also have to be upgraded.

[RockSpider85]

 Hmmmm has anybody had this problem with the carbon Giant anthem?

I am riding a small 2013, just wanted to know if I should keep an eye on this area on my bike.

I have crashed fairly bad with it and sofar frame is fine.

[Pappa Bear]

If you're really worried, ask them to upgrade your frame replacement to a trance. Pay in whatever, and never worry again.

 

Now this doesn't make sense.......... why would somebody that selected an Anthem now replace it with a Trance?  Surely the geometry and riding style would be different?  One is a racing bike and the other a trail bike -  That is like saying trade in your Hilux for a Fortuner?????

 

Or simply give Giant the finger and buy a Santa Cruz