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The new Anthem Advanced SL represents a complete performance evolution, validated through precision engineering and measurable results. Giant’s development team analyzed every gram, junction, and angle to optimize three key metrics: weight, stiffness and efficiency.

The result? A next-generation Anthem that outperforms its predecessor and the Specialized S-Works Epic 8—delivering real, tangible speed and precision from the first pedal stroke.

Testing Definition:

Frame weight can be a subjective variable, depending on what is considered a frame. For this comparison, we define a frame as follows:

  • Size medium, painted/decaled production frame
  • Headset and top cap
  • Rear derailleur hardware
  • All production hardware (water bottle bolts, etc.)

ANTHEM ADVANCED SLANTHEM ADVANCED 29 (PREVIOUS)SPECIALIZED S-WORKS EPIC 8 (CURRENT)Δ vs. PREVIOUSΔ vs. S-WORKS EPIC 8
FRAME WITH PAINT1530 g1619 g1724.3 g89 g less194.3 g less
REAR DERAILLEUR HARDWARE49.1 g46.8 g33.9 g2.3 g more15.2 g more
TOP CAP AND SPACERS28.8 g30.0 g13.0 g1.2 g less15.8 g more
HEADSET & BOLTS138.5 g94.7 g69.0 g43.8 g more69.5 g more
TOTAL WEIGHT1746.4 g1790.5 g1840.2 g44.1 g less93.8 g less

RESULT

Compared to the outgoing Anthem Advanced 29 frame, the new Anthem Advanced SL version saves 89 grams through its state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques and advanced materials. Furthermore, the new Anthem Advanced SL frame is 194.3 grams lighter than its main rival, the Specialized S-Works Epic 8.

Testing Method

Stiffness was assessed using industry-standard protocols, with size medium framesets. Giant tested both steering and pedaling stiffness with a steel dummy fork installed. This provides the most accurate measure of how a bicycle will perform in real-world conditions and helps ensure that our testing procedures translate into performance gains that can be felt on the trail.

COMPONENT (STIFFNESS TYPE)ANTHEM ADVANCED SLANTHEM ADVANCED 29 (PREVIOUS)SPECIALIZED S-WORKS EPIC 8 (CURRENT)
FRAME (STEERING)74.4 Nm/ º71.3 Nm/ º71.3 Nm/ º
FRAME (PEDALING)89.2 N/mm88.0 N/mm82.3 N/mm
TRANSMISSION*163.6 N/mm159.3 N/mm153.6 N/mm
DIFFERENCE**2.6 % LESS STIFF6.1 % LESS STIFF

*FRAME STEERING & PEDALING STIFFNESS COMBINED

** (%) COMPARED TO NEW ANTHEM ADVANCED SL

RESULT

Our testing determined how much the complete frameset flexed torsionally under load. Each frame was locked at the rear dropouts with lateral force applied to the fork. More frame stiffness means better cornering and response to rider input. The Anthem Advanced SL provides over 6 percent greater transmission stiffness than the Specialized S-Works Epic 8.

FRAME EFFICIENCY

Increased frame stiffness means better power transmission, enabling the rider to reach and maintain higher speeds with less effort. The combination of lower weight and higher stiffness adds up to superior overall efficiency.

FEATUREANTHEM ADVANCED SLANTHEM ADVANCED 29 (PREVIOUS)SPECIALIZED S-WORKS EPIC 8 (CURRENT)
TRANSMISSION STIFFNESS*163.6 N/mm159.3 N/mm153.6 N/mm
FRAME WITH PAINT WEIGHT1.530 kg1.619 kg1.724 kg
STIFFNESS-TO-WEIGHT RATIO106.8998.3989.1
DIFFERENCE**7.95 % LESS EFFICIENT16.66 % LESS EFFICIENT

*FRAME STEERING & PEDALING STIFFNESS COMBINED

** (%) COMPARED TO NEW ANTHEM ADVANCED SL