Boyfriend bought me a Giant Anthem
 

I've been riding his race bike Trex Fuel 100(Carbon frame). Its totally decked out he just put a bunch of money into it this week. The only thing is its alittle big for me.

He has been eyeballing the Giant for some time now and went out on a limb and bought it for me. Its my size. I just don't know how I feel about it. Its a nice bike from what I can tell.

What can you tell me about this bike??

the giant anthem got rave reveiws by just about everyone i am pretty sure. i havent seen anything bad about it yet.

it is a cross country bike though. the suspension is supposed to be good. i am pretty sure it comes stock with some good componenets but i dont know exactly.

i hear it also has really tight handling. and handles like a true cross country bike, which isnt a bad thing at all. but if you think you are going to be doing more trail riding and want a trail bike instead, i dunno thats your call.

but yea it is supposed to be an excellent cross country full suspension.

I pretty-much agree with the prev. post. I think it is a little "stretched out" for a bike that you won't be racing. (or will you?)

You may find it a bit more comfy if you put a slightly shorter stem on it with some riser bars. It'll take a little bit of pressure off your ulnar nerves, wrists, back, and hands...making it a more upright and comfortable bike for long "fun-rides".

The suspension works well for its purpose. Just set it up with about 15-20% of sag and it should smooth out the trail for ya.

It's a nice ride, though. I wouldn't mind getting one.

I have no idea why, but I like Giants. I never ride 'em. If it's anything like my Kona, you'll love it...probably. Anyway, congrats!:D

Guys, I will be racing the bike here in Colorado. Does that make a difference? We will be switching out the handle bars, seat, tires/rims.

The Anthem is an awesome bike. If your boyfriend is ever interested in a guy (that won't put out, hold hands, kiss, or anything else for that matter) point him my way. ;)

I have a friend who has one. She loves hers. Its a great bike have fun with it.

race on your bf's carbon fuel :P

acutally.. just tell him to switch the bike with you or else...!

well, i agree with the all the replies, thats why i ordered my Giant Anthem 2, which STILL hasnt arrive yet. Hmm lets hope im lucky and they instead gives me a 07 model or with 07 shimano products, I wont mind that if i even have to wait longer. ^^

I've had my Anthem for 2 months and can't ride it enough. Just an amazing bike. Enjoy it!

How does it feel big, too tall? To long? If its to long, you could shorten the stem and move the seat forward. Too tall is a whole other issue.

In all cases, you sound like you have a cool bf...good on ya...didn't he used to hang here? ;) :D...I bought my gf a bike a few years ago, but it ended up being too much bike. So much so she didn't like riding it for anything but the mountain. It has really limited uses. In the end I will likely sell the frame and buy her a more trail oriented mid travel bike that suits here strengths...Yes, I want to have a partner to ride with me that badly haha

Hey all, I rode the bike this weekend and I love it to say the least. It rode smoothly!!! So I'll be keeping the Giant. :) I will miss the Trek but the Giant fits me like a glove and that is very important. I'm very lucky to have a boyfriend do this for me.

Friday after work we took it into the shop to make sure it was a good fit. They put me on the trainer. After putting me on the trainer, they decided to shorten the handlebars, and adjust the stem. We put some tires on the bike that I like and it was good to go. Bf and I met some others for a ride and they had me lead (which I hate by the way :)) but I had to stop for a moment and they were like DAMN girl your moving. :) The ride was great up until I decided that I wanted to end it with a fall. Thank God for my helmet AGAIN. :) I'm okay just some bruises, but I wanted to let you all know that I love the bike and yes the bike is okay. :)

Snowy.

Congrats on the new bike! Good luck with the racing as well. Sounds like your BF is taking good care of you, being so concerned that the bike fit well.

congrats, aww, you have such a sweet and good bf, I wish I have a gf whos a Mountain Bike Enthousiasts as you :) And my Giant Anthem 2 hasnt arrive yet! Grr, ok if this continues on, I hope I will get a 2007 Shimano Components with my Giant Anthem 2 and If they say I must wait longer, I wont mind ^^

Hey I hope your bike comes soon too. Yeah I wished my Anthem had the higher end components but its not a big deal I'll ride whats on it tell its time to be replaced.

Yeah, my bf probably didn't figure he would end up with a girl that loves to ride as much as him. :D

I bet you'll find the girl out there. We are out there we just tend to hide alittle. :)

Sweet! Sounds like you're breakin' it in well.;) I need to stop doing so much typing and show my poor Kona some love.:( If the rain holds off, I'll be on it soon.

I've been researching the new Giants recently. The Maestro bikes have been getting universally great reviews. The Anthem is regarded as a very, very good XC race specific bike. Great boyfriend you have!

Feel happy, of course!
1)it's a gift
2)your boyfriend bought it for you, makes it that much special-er
3)it's a bike!

:D:D

Ride on!

PS: As far as I can tell, that's one great bike! It will treat you very very nicely.

Anthem vs Fuel ...
 

The Anthem is in the same category as the Fuel. They're both short travel XC bikes. If the Fuel had enough travel Colorado for your style of riding, than the Anthem work in Colorado as well. Besides, I'm sure that any boyfriend willing to drop that kind of change on a bike probably knows what he's talking about.

If there isn't enough travel ... than you need to learn to ride better. People over-rely on full-suspension anyway. Hence the fully rigid single-speed movement.

well thx for the tip, anyway long live snowy and her bf relationship!!!, HOORAH!!!

are kona's good bikes?