The new Anthem X race bike is even more comfortable. Just like its predecessor without an X in its name, next year's cross-country bike relies on the tried-and-tested Maestro rear triangle, but with a new shock position parallel to the seat tube. This allows an additional 10 millimetres of suspension travel. Combined with longer-travel forks, the new bike now has 100 millimetres of suspension at the front and rear. Despite more suspension travel, Giant has managed to keep the weight down. With the new carbon frame, the top-of-the-range Anthem X0 model weighs less than 10 kilos. If you don't want to spend almost ten thousand francs, you can choose from four other Anthem models. The three cheapest versions are based on an aluminum frame with the same geometry and are available from CHF 3199.

The new XTC Advanced SL proves that hardtails are far from being scrap metal (or recycled plastic in the case of carbon frames). The racing bike has been given a completely redesigned frame for the new season with greater stiffness reserves in the head tube and bottom bracket area. Thanks to variable tube diameters, the frame remains as comfortable as possible for a hardtail. The 100-millimeter forks, to which the geometry of the XTC Advanced SL has been adapted, also provide additional comfort. As with the full-suspension race bike, the weight will be reduced next year. Thanks to improved frame construction technology, the new carbon monocoque frame should weigh less than a kilo. The lightweight core will be used next year on three bikes in the price range from CHF 4999 to CHF 9500.

www.giant-bicycles.com