Anyone on here bought the new 2026 Anthem?

[thebob]

There are still some Trance Advanced available in the Giant dealers with steep discounts. Not 100% XC bikes, but still very capable and quick. I picked one up last year and had been very impressed

[no calves]

12 hours 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 🤷🏼‍♂️

I was looking more at the 3's price. I also think where Giant is missing the market here is with their models jump in pricing. That is where Scott has always shined IMO. Have 60k to spend... look at this model. Willing to save 2 more months.... then there is the model up.   Giant seems to be 70k-135k-POA.

 

again, just my Opinion. 

[thebob]

5 minutes ago, no calves said:

I was looking more at the 3's price. I also think where Giant is missing the market here is with their models jump in pricing. That is where Scott has always shined IMO. Have 60k to spend... look at this model. Willing to save 2 more months.... then there is the model up.   Giant seems to be 70k-135k-POA.

 

again, just my Opinion. 

For sure, but the Anthem 2, as mentioned earlier, does not appear on the local catalogue which would plug the gap. We also don't have the X models available locally. 

[gerriemtb]

22 hours ago, BuffsVintageBikes said:

And would care to share some feedback on how they're finding the bike? I have an itch that's requiring a scratch 🙄

Scratch it!

And remember a nice couch pic for the hub

[Help.Me.]

20 hours ago, BuffsVintageBikes said:

@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 😉😄

Hi BuffsVintageBikes,

My riding partner is 70 and I am also turning 60 this year, (if all works out will do the TB with my daughter on normal bikes on my Birthday!!) Just to give some perspective , my 70 year old riding partner and my wife fortunately convince me to get an e-bike, I succumb to there wishes and bought the Giant E-bike with the 800 W battery. It is absolutely a game changer and we explore our world (Sundays River Valley) on those e-bikes every time we go out. I do still all my training on normal bike (spinning most of the times) and when its recovery or weekends we hit the roads. You will never regret the purchase , belief me!!! JUST DO IT

[Glen84]

2 hours ago, BuffsVintageBikes said:

The SL2 is available I believe. Stock might just be an issue at the moment, the bikes are moving fast.

No it isn't from what I can see - not listed on Giant SA website or with the major retailers??

 

Just SL SE, 0, 1 & 3 (Not 2)

[Zebra]

Hi Buff, my Spez Epic/Chilled Squirrel eBike was stolen after 7 years happy riding; really was a game-changer, since i rode most places with assistance TURNED DOWN (riding on Level 3 out of 9 Levels MOSTLY…).

Why did i bother? Recovering from a broken leg, later enabled LONGER rides around the Point in near-gale conditions, with just light boost to ‘help’.

So using the motor -lightly - when you need it could really work, and work well for you, my opinion, esp. if you went SL-style, maybe lighter eBike with lower absolute power…

When commuting, as well as visiting my Mother, in both cases with biggish climbs, other eBikes would occasionally fly past me, yet i was riding at a good/hard  ‘analog’ pace, but with light assistance, and still a GOOD workout (sweat-soaked after the ride…).

Seems like a bike run in low-power mode could suit your planned riding well; a little assistance uphill, and then practically ‘analog’ downhill.

Chris