Help me buy a Giant full sus!

[NIIKME]

My hardtail is nearly worn out. It has served me well for 3 years but an impending trip to wales suggests its a good time to upgrade to a full suspension bike. Recent reviews and topics on here have pointed me at Giant, and specifically the Anthem and Trance bikes. I don't have a preference for which one at this stage but it looks like the 2011 sale bike ship has sailed......
I took a trip to pedalon, north of basingstoke to look at a cracking deal on an Anthem x2 in a medium, but it felt a little small (like I was perched on top of the bike), and so they let me walk away with a Large demo Anthem x2. I am 5'11. I went out last night and all I can say is wow! I was gobsmacked at how it climbed steep inclines and at the top I didn't need to stop for breath - it was so much easier than my current hardtail. Probably not good for my fitness!! The other noticeable benefit was the XT running gear and changing gear was a joy.
So the bad news is that I need a Large and I cannot find any 2011 Anthems anywhere. The 2012 models are expensive by comparison and have much worse running gear. The only thing I can find of interest is the following but a quick call to Paul says he doesn't do finance which means I need to find 2k cash.
http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b...
What are my options? Budget 2k.
Anyone have a source other than the popular google suggestions that I can call on?
When will the 2012 bikes go on sale?

[996 sps]

I bought this is Apr:

http://www.pedalon.co.uk/acatalog/giant_anthem_x3_...

I've raced it, got a 6 hour Enduro on it on 15 Jul 12, regular trips of Cannock and done Windy Gap in South Wales on it last Wed, simply love it.

They've still got some in stock.

Apologies just read they've sold out of Large frame sizes, I bought a Large from them.

[NIIKME]

indeed...that and the X2 are such bargains they make the 2012 bikes look a total rip off! such a shame there are no more Large left.... I am hoping someone can tell me a little local bike shop in the middle of nowhere has one with my name on

[996 sps]

Get it ordered:


http://www.google.co.uk/products/catalog?hl=en&amp...

Thats what happened to me, I took a 2012 model out then found a bargain 2011 model.

[996 sps]

Or this:

http://www.ashcycles.com/site/giant-anthem-x4-2011



http://www.ashcycles.com/site/giant-anthem-x3-2011

Edited by 996 sps on Thursday 5th July 11:32

[Gren]

Why a Giant? The Trance and Anthem are different bikes which both excel at different things - Anthem is more XC/Racy and Trance more Trail focussed...although both will do almost anything.

What about other brands? Pauls do plenty of other brands and there's always a good bike to be had at that prove from Canyon (Nerve XC instead of Anthem and Nerve AM instead of Trance).

Also what about waiting another couple of months if you can and 2012 bikes will start to come down in price to make way for the 2013 ones.

[NIIKME]

Because I've done a lot of research and the Giant gets consistently good reviews. When you compare running with gear with other bikes (specialized for instance) the components £ for £ are also far superior. With all that said I have just found an spec epic elite reduced to 1799 which has thrown a huge spanner in the works!!
Any idea when the giant 2012 bikes start to get knocked down in price ?

[james239]

If you're going to compare value between brands then you really cannot beat Canyon at the moment.

[anonymous-user]

the anthem was the bike that redefined rear suspension in terms of traction and ability with the maestro design so i would go for that over the trance. people think that xc bikes like the anthem are inferior to the trance in some way becuase they only have 120mm travel and we get to pbsessed with numbers and stuff like that but thats plenty enough for the UK, even places like scotland and seven staines. for the actual amount of time you spend with your arse on the saddle, having the traction and comfort of the anthem means its a winner hands down. the weight is low down on the antehm too meaning that it is very fast through the corners.

[anonymous-user]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

the fact is they are high quality bikes for a lower cost compared to the rest. people buy all sorts of things online now so i dont see why bikes should be any different. if it doesnt fit or you dont like it send it back.

they do come flat packed but you only need to put the wheels on, bolt the pedals on, put the bars on the stem, give everything a safety check and you are off, thats all you need to do. cables will be already attached, fluid in brakes bled where applicable, bottom brackets fitted etc etc as i always say, knowing how to do a few basic things on your bike can save a lot of money and more importantl, a long walk home.

[james239]

Haha they do get recommended a lot. It was a PH recommendation that made me buy mine.

Everyone's always shocked at the price I paid for the spec and it always gets positive comments at races/hitting trail centres - everyone knows the brand which can only be a good thing.

As said above, they arrive half built and very easy to our together. Even comes with tyres already pumped up haha.

Only downside is getting spares from Germany if required. Broke my rear mech hanger and had to pay £10 for postage so I bought 2 in case it brakes again! But saying that, very few parts are canyon specific so you can get almost everything else from the uk.