BuffsVintageBikes Posted February 4 Posted February 4 (edited) And would care to share some feedback on how they're finding the bike? I have an itch that's requiring a scratch 🙄 Edited February 4 by BuffsVintageBikes El Duderino, Neill Du Toit, Underachiever and 2 others 5
leon_pro Posted February 4 Posted February 4 6 minutes ago, BuffsVintageBikes said: And can give me some feedback on how they're finding the bike? I have an itch that's requiring a scratch 🙄 You need to be the 1st.... Just do it! Part with your kids varsity fund! BuffsVintageBikes, BigDL, El Duderino and 1 other 1 3
BuffsVintageBikes Posted February 4 Author Posted February 4 At the moment I'm parting with that annually, I'm now stressing there'll be nothing left for bikes if I don't act swiftly 😉 BigDL, WaynejG, babse and 6 others 1 8
Mamil Posted February 4 Posted February 4 1 hour ago, BuffsVintageBikes said: At the moment I'm parting with that annually, I'm now stressing there'll be nothing left for bikes if I don't act swiftly 😉 I've just finished that --- I have an ebike trail bike itch that might be going to be scratched at some point soon BuffsVintageBikes 1
BuffsVintageBikes Posted February 4 Author Posted February 4 (edited) 2 hours ago, Mamil said: I've just finished that --- I have an ebike trail bike itch that might be going to be scratched at some point soon @Mamil Too be honest, I’m stuck with that decision dilemma at the moment. Approaching 60 I know there’s an ebike in my future at some stage but I’m trying to convince myself that I’m not quite there yet and should still stick with analogy for another few years. But the reality is that I turn down some training MTB rides with younger, stronger friends like @leon_pro when I know there’s going to be 1000m plus of climbing just because I know it’s going to hurt. Which kinda sucks because I love technical riding and bombing descents. While I can still manage the ride because they’re prepared to wait, it means the rest of the day is then normally spent in the recovery position on the couch on a beer drip. So at the moment it’s a mind juggling act between the new Anthem and the new Orbea Rise ebike (my wife has last years version and they're really nice bikes). Logic tells me that if I’m going to spend that much money, then I should just get the ebike now instead of waiting but pride tells me that I mustn’t be a pussy and I should get the Anthem. Problem is it’ll lose 70% of it’s value in the next 5 years and I’ll still need an ebike. Hhmmmm... maybe I should just get a new road bike rather 😉😄 Edited February 4 by BuffsVintageBikes ChrisF, Mamil, leon_pro and 1 other 4
no calves Posted February 4 Posted February 4 The price vs spec seems to be way off for Giant lately? BuffsVintageBikes 1
Iwan Kemp Posted February 4 Posted February 4 44 minutes ago, BuffsVintageBikes said: @Mamil Too be honest, I’m stuck with that decision dilemma at the moment. ... Let me know if you'd like to try the Titan Racing Volt. 😈 https://bikehub.co.za/news/titan-racing-announces-the-volt-their-first-dual-suspension-alloy-emtb/ DJR, ChrisF and BuffsVintageBikes 2 1
BuffsVintageBikes Posted February 4 Author Posted February 4 (edited) That Titan Volt seems like extremely good value for money compared to what else is available in that spec but I don't know enough about that ebike motor to throw that much money at it. I'll need to do some online research first. Edited February 4 by BuffsVintageBikes Iwan Kemp 1
Kyle48 Posted February 4 Posted February 4 I’ve been fortunate enough to get my hands on the new Giant Anthem, and wow — what a bike. For context, I came from a 2018 Anthem, so I skipped the previous generation. A few things really stand out. The move to 120 mm of travel is a massive win (up from 90 mm rear / 100 mm front on my old bike). On longer rides, there’s noticeably less fatigue, and the suspension feels incredibly smooth. The new wheels are just as impressive - engagement is instant and makes the bike feel lively and responsive. The bar and stem combo is clean , and I upgraded to the newer XT Trail 4-pot brakes, which I’m really glad I did. They add to the overall clean look and perform exceptionally well. The dropper post, however, I’m still on the fence about. At the moment it feels very much all or nothing - either fully up or fully down, with not much usable range in between. Time will tell. Overall, though, this is a seriously capable and refined bike, and a big step forward from the older Anthem I came from. Shoutout to @East City Cycles for organising this bike. Awesome service as always! Neill Du Toit, BigDL, Sandro and 14 others 13 4
Glen84 Posted February 4 Posted February 4 3 hours ago, no calves said: The price vs spec seems to be way off for Giant lately? Agreed, spec is quite poor for price point of view compared to competitors. guidodg 1
DJuice Posted February 4 Posted February 4 2 hours ago, Glen Harvey said: Agreed, spec is quite poor for price point of view compared to competitors. Remember this is the top end frame, no difference in frame carbon, lay-up for entry anthem 3 to top spec.
thebob Posted February 4 Posted February 4 Anthem SL1 with carbon wheels, GX AXS and Sid Select+ suspension for R135k compares very favourably to an Epic 8 Expert with very similar spec for R150k 🤷🏼♂️ Dexter-morgan, BuffsVintageBikes, DJuice and 1 other 4
DJuice Posted February 4 Posted February 4 1 hour ago, thebob said: Anthem SL1 with carbon wheels, GX AXS and Sid Select+ suspension for R135k compares very favourably to an Epic 8 Expert with very similar spec for R150k 🤷🏼♂️ Agree, and basically you get the s-works frame for R15k less.
Glen84 Posted February 5 Posted February 5 Any idea if the SL 2 will become available in SA as there is a big price jump between the SL3&1 (+-R 60,000)!! I personally think that the SL2 will be in the sweet spot in terms of affordability for most weekend worriers...... https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/anthem-advanced-sl-2-2026
BuffsVintageBikes Posted February 5 Author Posted February 5 Thanks for the feedback @Kyle48, much appreciated 👍 I also had the 2018 version of the Anthem (in Alu) and really loved that bike. Unfortunately the frame eventually cracked and because I was the 2nd owner, couldn't claim a new one. Ended up replacing it with an Orbea Oiz but my heart belongs to Giant 😊 Kyle48 and El Duderino 1 1
BuffsVintageBikes Posted February 5 Author Posted February 5 20 minutes ago, Glen Harvey said: Any idea if the SL 2 will become available in SA as there is a big price jump between the SL3&1 (+-R 60,000)!! I personally think that the SL2 will be in the sweet spot in terms of affordability for most weekend worriers...... https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/anthem-advanced-sl-2-2026 The SL2 is available I believe. Stock might just be an issue at the moment, the bikes are moving fast.
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