$1500 a Good Price for and Anthem 2? (08)

[Coaster]

Hi Farkers,

Had my mind set on a Kona Kula 08 but can't get the right frame size. Such is life.

I just had a look at some Giants and saw the Anthem 2. Liked it. I have 1500 to spend and was wondering how the price and bike stacks up against it's competitors at that level. Checked out the Kona dualies but thought they were too low end.

Also, any idea of the weight for an Anthem 2?

Cheers,

Coaster

[workmx]

$1500 a Good Price for and Anthem 2?

Yes, if it is new.

Also, any idea of the weight for an Anthem 2?

Giant quotes 12.65kg for anthem 2.
A friend bought one recently and weight was 13.1kg for medium size.

You might like to read these threads for more info on Anthems:

http://www.farkin.net/forums/showthread.php?t=132171&highlight=weight+anthem

http://www.farkin.net/forums/showthread.php?t=125274&highlight=weight+anthem

[Coaster]

Thanks for the response Workmx.

I did search, don't know why I didn't pick that up.

Also, where do the Shimano M485 brakeset stand in the scheme of things? Low to middle end?

[Fatman]

The brakes are average, I hooked them up to new XT levers and changed out the pads and they are a little better. I must say the more I ride my Anthem the more I like it, although I have swapped out a great deal of stuff from the original Anthem 2, cranks, shifters, saddle, derailleur, cassette, grips, pedals.
The tyres aren't great either but just wear them out and get new ones.

[workmx]

Also, where do the Shimano M485 brakeset stand in the scheme of things? Low to middle end?

I think they are the entry level Shimano Hydro.
They are lower than Deore (maybe they are Alivio, but the Shimano website doesn't seem to list them.

There were a couple of threads on Farkin about that too:

http://forums.farkin.net/showthread.php?t=89622

http://forums.farkin.net/showthread.php?t=107284 (has useful set-up advice)

And this one on MTBR:

http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=347945

[akashra]

If that's new, $1500, yeah, go for it - that's a brilliant price for it regardless of specs.

[Coaster]

Howdy,

Ok, last question (not a promise). I haven't really seen much info about the differences between the rear suspension of different dualies.

Is the rear end on the Anthems a good product? With the multitude of different set ups and designs, does it stack up ok?

Cheers,

Coaster

[workmx]

Howdy,

Ok, last question (not a promise). I haven't really seen much info about the differences between the rear suspension of different dualies.

Is the rear end on the Anthems a good product? With the multitude of different set ups and designs, does it stack up ok?

That is a bit like asking which pop band is the best.
All have strong and weak points.
The one you like best is up to you.
But all of them have to have at least a little talent to be famous...

Actually the more I think about that analogy, the less I like... Anyway...

There are lots of variables when it comes to rear suspension.
All designs have strong and weak points.
Companies and individuals will swear black and blue that their one is the best.
But basically (these days) if it wasn't a decent design, it wouldn't be used by a major bike manufacturer.

[Coaster]

Well, I got me an Anthem! And for less than 1500. Isn't end of year a great time to buy a bike!!!

I went for a spin on Sunday. Loved it. How smoother is a dualie. I did find the front a bit sketchier though. What's the deal with this? Tyres (don't like the Michelin Dry 2 which is odd as I have a set of Michelin Drys (not 2) and they're great)? Tyre pressure? Front suspension? Just a newbie rider?

Will put on either my Ignitors or Michelin Drys anyway.

[workmx]

I did find the front a bit sketchier though. What's the deal with this? Tyres (don't like the Michelin Dry 2 which is odd as I have a set of Michelin Drys (not 2) and they're great)? Tyre pressure? Front suspension? Just a newbie rider?

Will put on either my Ignitors or Michelin Drys anyway.

The Anthem is a race oriented bike with steep geometry (72° head angle with an 80mm fork). It is built more for speed than stability.

You have identified some of the key factors:
- I have not heard anything positive about Michelin Dry2 tyres (although Dry or Comp S Light tyres are great) - dump them in favour of the Ignitor or Dry tyres:
- tyre pressure should be between 35psi and 40psi (IHMO);
- the handlebars may be a different rise and sweep from your previous one (you may want to swap them over);
- forks: I guess the Rock Shox (RS) Recons on the Anthem 2 are air sprung. If they are, experiment with the air pressure. RS forks usually need less air than is recommended - I run 90psi in my Rebas, whereas RS recommend 120psi... and don't forget to hit the PopLoc and unlock the suspenion before decending, I often forget...;
- technique... no magic bullet here - just: practice, practice, practice...

It will take you a while to adjust to any change in your bike (let alone changing bikes all together)... Just persist and it should all feel natural soon...