Giant Anthem Advanced or Spez Camber Comp Carbon

[ChrisRawbone]

Hi,

 

I am fairly new to biking, and, after a lot of research, I think I've narrowed my choices to the Giant Anthem Advanced 29er (R41k - 2015 model) or the Spez Camber Comp Carbon 29er (R41k - 2015 model) i.e. both are the same price.

 

I have also been quoted R47k for the Spez Epic Comp Carbon 29er. 

 

I'd be interested to hear from the members which bike they feel offers better rideability and value for money.

 

After reading numerous posts, I know that a lot has to do with personal preference so I plan on riding both, if possible, before purchase.

 

Cheerio.

[dirtypot]

Are you a spaz?  If not, get the Anthem.

 

 

[NicoBoshoff]

I think that is officially the fastest someone has derailed a sincere request for advice because of an anti-Specialised sentiment.

 

FWIW, both bikes are great value for money.  Peronally I just rate the Camber because it is slightly more accomodating to general trail riding whereas the Anthem, although still very capable is a bit more marathon focussed. 

 

Would you happen to have the spec sheet for the Anthem?

[Stevief]

I Got the Camber Comp Carbon its a brilliant bike.  Anthem is also good ride both.

[Long Wheel Base]

All I can say is firstly, You lucky bugger and secondly good luck as you probably have 2 of the most popular brands with the most loyal owners.

[ChrisRawbone]

Hi Nico, the quote was from Giant Durbanville so I assume the specs are the same as publicised on their website: 

 

http://www.giantdurbanville.co.za/en-za/bikes/model/anthem.x.advanced.29er/19597/78193/#specifications

[dirtypot]

I was only kidding - they're both great bikes.  I've ridden them both, and personally I prefer the Anthem.  But it suits my riding.  If you do more extreme riding, or take on harsher terrain, then the Camber will be the better option.

[nonky]

There are specials on 2015 cambers around....but you'd better act fast.

.

A guy at my LBS told me to prepare for the worst when the 2016 Spez prices come out.

.

I own a 2014 Camber and it's magic bike - handles anything from Sani2C to Hakahana/van Gaalens to Hermanus to the Spruit to Table Mtn.

 

You simply fit the right tyres for the task at hand and the bikes rocks.

[NicoBoshoff]

Hi Nico, the quote was from Giant Durbanville so I assume the specs are the same as publicised on their website: 

 

http://www.giantdurbanville.co.za/en-za/bikes/model/anthem.x.advanced.29er/19597/78193/#specifications

Ja there's very little wrong with that spec and it is probably better specced than the Camber.  But again, the geometry is very marathon orientated, even if you were to slap a 120mm fork on that, whereas the Camber is slacker and with a 120mm fork up front you will be able to ride and enjoy 99.9% of the trails and races in South Africa.

 

So I suppose you have to decide whether you go for parts or ride quality.

[NicoBoshoff]

Are the XCR1 rims on the Anthem Carbon?  I can never figure out their wheel system.  Just friggin say carbon or alu.

[Steven Knoetze (sk27)]

Two pretty different bikes. Anthem more XC while the Camber is more trail.

Get the one that suits your riding.

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

I'm going to throw a spanner int he works and suggest an alternative - the Giant Anthem SX. THis would be more comparable to the Camber, tbh, with the 120mm fork on the front, and has been voted in many a tester's top 5 or whatever it is they have a list of nowadays.

 

Of the 3 you posted though, my choice would be the Anthem, and throw a 120mm fork on the front. 

 

If you weren't going to make any changes to the spec, I'd go Camber. Just that much more capable than the others. 

[JXV]

You also mentioned an Epic as an option. The Epic is a very focussed XC race bike. An excellent bike but it is all about efficiency and offers a slightly harder ride. It also has the Brain shock and on some models a brain in the fork too. These are the key to its efficient ride but also expensive to maintain.

If you plan on a mix of trail riding for fun, some training rides and some XC or marathon races then the Anthem or Camber are likely more suited to that mix.

As for choosing between them....yeah I'd go with what Nico said.....the Camber is a bit more trail oriented. Either way you can't really lose out performance-wise.

 

Shop around carefully for the best deals because the 2016 bikes are about to hit the shelves and there will be some discounts offered to move the 2015 stock.

[ChrisRawbone]

I should mention that I live in Elgin/Grabouw where the riding is mostly single-track and more technical. Perhaps a more trail orientated bike is the way to go.

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

I should mention that I live in Elgin/Grabouw where the riding is mostly single-track and more technical. Perhaps a more trail orientated bike is the way to go.

Yes. 

 

I'd lean towards the Camber. Maybe even a stumpjumper, which still apparently has amazing pedalling efficiency.

 

Also, see if you can get a price on the Anthem SX. That is touted as a trail muncher

[pellieg]

I went through this a couple of months ago, both very capable  , for me it all came down personal riding style , 

I was lucky enough to test ride both and went for the Anthem , with a few tweaks, 

 

My suggestions ride both then decide .