Giant's Anthem X 2 lines up against some tough competition in August's MBR Magazine 2K Racers test with bikes from Specialized, Trek and Cube hoping to beat the Anthem X to the top spot.

Since MBR first tested Giant's Anthem X back in December 2008 (2009 Giant Anthem X 0, 10/10!) taking it for an epic day out at the Roc d'Azur, the Anthem X Advanced SL has arrived on the scene and testers were keen to see if it had affected the AluxX aluminium sibling. But with all that expertise and innovation in aluminium engineering Giant's 2010 Anthem X does not disappoint!

The spec list is quite simply described as 'nothing short of incredible' and Giant's new Connect SL componentry get's a BIG seal of approval; "The bar, stem and seatpost are all Giant branded parts...the 670mm bar was the best shape of any on test and the stem felt great for our 5ft 10in testers"

The proof is in the riding for any bike and with the quickest lap times of all four test bikes the Anthem X 2 was always in with a chance of winning this category, but that's not all. As well as being incredibly quick, Anthem X features Maestro suspension technology 'tuned for pedalling efficiency', 'fast climbing and faster descending' and confidence inspiring stability which 'allows you to make mistakes without any great punishment'

'Stiff, good value, and joint lightest on test, the Anthem X 2 is a highly alluring package, whether you're racing every weekend or simply want a fast, light bike for trail riding.'

'A bike that allows you to ride to your limit is the Holy Grail for XC bikes and the Giant let us do just that.'

With a 10/10 Giant's Anthem X 2 is MBR Magazine's 'privateer race bike of choice'. Enjoy the full review in August MBR.