Giant Anthem Advanced SL 2026 XC mountain bike

Giant’s 2026 Anthem lineup redefines cross-country and short-travel trail bikes.

The new Anthem Advanced SL and Anthem X Advanced SL deliver world-class performance to serious enthusiasts.

So much changed. It's not even remotely similar.

The new chassis uses cutting-edge carbon. Updated geometry enhances handling. And a renewed focus on efficiency makes it the fastest Anthem ever.

Rider on a 2026 Giant Anthem Advanced SL showcasing how playful the bike is

Anthem SL vs. Anthem X SL

There are 2 types of Anthem Advanced SL's.

Both use 120mm of rear wheel travel. A massive increase of 20mm over the previous generation. And both also have 2-geometry positions - High and Low.

The Anthem Advanced X SL uses a 130mm travel front fork, compared to 120mm for the Anthem Advanced SL.

The Anthem X SL is going to be a little more composed and easier to ride on high-speed, technical descents.

With the Anthem X SL the only limitation is going to be model range.

There are more build kits (and therefore price points) available in the Anthem Advanced SL.

In Australia, there are 4 Anthem Advanced SL options starting from $8,499. Compared to 2 options for the X. But the Anthem X SL has a lower starting price of $7,399.

Giant Anthem Advanced SL (2026) being ridden over a drop-off showcasing frame handling

A New Era of Carbon XC Efficiency

Giant’s Advanced SL-grade carbon is its premium carbon layup. The best that Giant has. And the redesigned for 2026 uses a stiffer front triangle and refined resin.

Efficiency is:

A made of weight and stiffness. Otherwise called the stiffness-to-weight ratio.

The 2026 Anthem Advanced SL is the lightest Anthem frameset ever at 1,530 grams. It's closest rival, the Specialized Epic S-Works SL 8, is 1,724 grams.

Frame stiffness is critical.

Stiffness dictates handling and how responsive the frame is to rider input.

There's steering stiffness and pedalling stiffness.

And the 2026 Anthem Advanced SL has a combined stiffness of 163N/mm. The Epic 8 compares at 153N/mm.

Advanced SL carbpn frame with FlexPoint Pro linkage tracking over rocks

FlexPoint Pro Suspension

Giant’s designed FlexPoint Pro suspension for the Anthem Advanced SL specifically.

It's designed to deliver smooth, efficient, and controlled feel across the rear shock's entire movement.

Some suspension systems have the frame itself bending. This adds unpredictable resistance. FlexPoint Pro keeps the frame stiff and efficient; allowing the rear shock to do the work it was designed for.

In most bikes, as the rear part of the bike moves, the frame naturally flexes slightly.

This can create extra “spring forces” from the chainstays and seatstays. Which increase deeper into the travel.

The problem is that the frame’s flex is not tuned. It adds uncontrolled resistance alongside the shock, making the suspension feel inconsistent.

FlexPoint Pro solves this by minimising frame deformation.

Small bumps are absorbed smoothly because the frame provides almost no resistance. Allowing the shock to remain fully in control.

The result is much better small-bump sensitivity and grip.

Plus predictable mid-stroke response, and efficient pedalling. Exactly what riders need when tackling technical XC trails or aggressive down-country terrain.

In simple terms:

The frame stays stiff and efficient. The shock handles the bumps. And every pedal stroke translates into forward motion without unwanted flex or harshness.

System Integration

  • Giant Anthem Advanced SL SE (2026) rear suspension

    Seamless Suspension Layout

    The FlexPoint Pro suspension layout positions the shock below the top-tube instead of in-front of the seat tube.

  • Giant Anthem Advanced SL (2026) accommodates 2 water bottle holders

    2 Water Bottles

    The Anthem Advanced SL frame can now fit 2 water bottles easily. Perfect for Marathon XC racing.

  • New Giant Anthem Advanced SL integrated carbon handlebar

    Clean Cockpit

    A new carbon one-piece handlebar is available on select models. It absorbs vibrations, reducing hand fatigue.

    Plus it cleans up cable routing for brakes, rear shock, derailleur and shifter.

  • Giant Anthem Advanced SL integrated handlebar/stem setup

    Handlebar Options

    The new integrated handlebar comes in carbon and aluminium.

    Both have a standard width of 780mm and stem lengths of 50mm to 90mm.

Giant Anthem Advanced SL Australian Range

  • Giant Anthem Advanced SL SE

    $18,499
    • SRAM XX SL Eagle T-type electronic gears
    • QUARQ power meter
    • RockShox Flight Attendant electronic suspension
    • SRAM Motive Ultimate brakes
    • Giant XCR Carbon wheelset

  • Giant Anthem Advanced SL 0

    $14,999
    • SRAM XX Eagle T-type electronic gears
    • QUARQ power meter
    • RockShox Ultimate suspension
    • SRAM Motive Ultimate brakes
    • Giant XCR Carbon wheelset

  • Giant Anthem Advanced SL 1

    $10,999
    • SRAM GX Eagle T-type electronic gears
    • RockShox Select+ suspension
    • Shimano Deore XT brakes
    • Giant XCR Carbon wheelset

  • Giant Anthem Advanced SL 2

    $8,499
    • SRAM Eagle 90 T-type
    • RockShox Select+ suspension
    • Shimano Deore SLX brakes
    • Giant XCA Alloy wheelset

Giant Anthem X Advanced SL Australian Range

  • Giant Anthem X Advanced SL 2

    $8,499
    • SRAM Eagle 90 T-type
    • Fox Performance suspension
    • Shimano SLX brakes
    • Giant XCA Alloy wheelset

  • Giant Anthem X Advanced SL 3

    $7,399
    • Shimano Deore
    • Fox Rhythm and Fox Float SL
    • TRP Slate EVO brakes
    • Giant XCA Alloy wheelset

Reach out about the new Anthem Advanced SL

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