tzvia
09-20-2008, 06:29 PM
My trusty Proflex 856 was getting really old even with my fork/shock/wheel upgrades, so I decided to buy a new MTB and maybe get a deal on an '08 with the '09s being introduced. After reading up, I went to look at a Giant Anthem W. Yes, the XW is out, but it has the Fox fork (I want the Rox Shox), and a Float RP2 instead of the RP23 which is more adjustable. The XW has 1/2 more travel so they say, but it was more money for not much more considering the downgraded rear shock. My LBS had a size small W so I bought it about a month ago and I thought I would give it a review, along with a new wheelset and hydration-pack mini-review.
I set the rear shock PSI to my weight, set the front to sag about 25% of the total travel, and set the negative chamber to the same PSI as the positive. That first ride was amazing. It didn't bob at all, unlike the Proflex, and the suspension felt very smooth. And boy it does climb (gives me hope that I may be able to some day). Chatter is nonexistent; bumps and roots just get soaked up. The Kenda Short Block V8 tires are fine for all but deep sand and mud; the front washes easily in the deep sand so I will be changing the front tire to Nevegal 2.1s. Shifting is via Deore LX; Shimano does a good job even on their budget shifting package. The stuff's not pretty but it does work. Breaking is via the very nice Hayes Stroker Trails. Their first ride was not too good, they had no modulation at all but now that they have 'broken-in' it is easy to get just the right amount of braking and the levers can be adjusted in a moment to whatever pull length you need. My short fingers appreciate that.
3 1/2" of travel is plenty for trail riding, especially when I'm lugging all that suspension up the hills. Even so, the bike's a bit heavy at a smidgen over 27lbs. Those WTB Laserdisc 'Lite' wheels account an extra pound of excess weight compared to a typical lightweight XC wheelset. They were also the only low point in the package. I had budgeted for a second wheelset with my savings on the '08, so bought the Easton XC One wheelset online. I don't recommend them for heavy, bash the rocks and do big jumps kind of riders, but for someone like me who likes to finesse they are fine. It is an XC bike, not an 'All-Mountain' or downhill bike anyway. I picked up a gear and dropped a pound by changing to the Easton wheels. They feel plenty strong for my kind of riding and are a big improvement over the WTB wheels.
I also bought a Camelback L.U.X.E 'Woman Specific' model water hydration pack. 100 ozs and 500cu. in. space, and shaped to strap on and around a woman's body. As I often ride alone, I need the space for a banana, tube, pump, patchkit, tools, spaceblanket, firstaid kit, phone, folding knife, signal mirror and energy gels/bars. It's real heavy when filled, but it doesn't shift around as I wear it; the two horizontal straps keep it against the body and don't interfere with any anatomical parts. I've been out in the mid 90s F, and haven't noticed it being hot or sweaty on my back as the airflow from the padding channels seems to actually work. I get plenty of water quick via the bitevalve and it doesn't drip. The bladder is easy to fill and clean as well. Two thumbs up on good design.
It's amazing how much full suspension MTBs have improved in 11 years.
http://home.earthlink.net/~zahava.s/images/giant1.jpg
http://home.earthlink.net/~tzvia/images/giant%204.jpg
I set the rear shock PSI to my weight, set the front to sag about 25% of the total travel, and set the negative chamber to the same PSI as the positive. That first ride was amazing. It didn't bob at all, unlike the Proflex, and the suspension felt very smooth. And boy it does climb (gives me hope that I may be able to some day). Chatter is nonexistent; bumps and roots just get soaked up. The Kenda Short Block V8 tires are fine for all but deep sand and mud; the front washes easily in the deep sand so I will be changing the front tire to Nevegal 2.1s. Shifting is via Deore LX; Shimano does a good job even on their budget shifting package. The stuff's not pretty but it does work. Breaking is via the very nice Hayes Stroker Trails. Their first ride was not too good, they had no modulation at all but now that they have 'broken-in' it is easy to get just the right amount of braking and the levers can be adjusted in a moment to whatever pull length you need. My short fingers appreciate that.
3 1/2" of travel is plenty for trail riding, especially when I'm lugging all that suspension up the hills. Even so, the bike's a bit heavy at a smidgen over 27lbs. Those WTB Laserdisc 'Lite' wheels account an extra pound of excess weight compared to a typical lightweight XC wheelset. They were also the only low point in the package. I had budgeted for a second wheelset with my savings on the '08, so bought the Easton XC One wheelset online. I don't recommend them for heavy, bash the rocks and do big jumps kind of riders, but for someone like me who likes to finesse they are fine. It is an XC bike, not an 'All-Mountain' or downhill bike anyway. I picked up a gear and dropped a pound by changing to the Easton wheels. They feel plenty strong for my kind of riding and are a big improvement over the WTB wheels.
I also bought a Camelback L.U.X.E 'Woman Specific' model water hydration pack. 100 ozs and 500cu. in. space, and shaped to strap on and around a woman's body. As I often ride alone, I need the space for a banana, tube, pump, patchkit, tools, spaceblanket, firstaid kit, phone, folding knife, signal mirror and energy gels/bars. It's real heavy when filled, but it doesn't shift around as I wear it; the two horizontal straps keep it against the body and don't interfere with any anatomical parts. I've been out in the mid 90s F, and haven't noticed it being hot or sweaty on my back as the airflow from the padding channels seems to actually work. I get plenty of water quick via the bitevalve and it doesn't drip. The bladder is easy to fill and clean as well. Two thumbs up on good design.
It's amazing how much full suspension MTBs have improved in 11 years.
http://home.earthlink.net/~zahava.s/images/giant1.jpg
http://home.earthlink.net/~tzvia/images/giant%204.jpg