Anthem Advanced SL (2026)
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.
Weight Comparison
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 SL | ANTHEM ADVANCED 29 (PREVIOUS) | SPECIALIZED S-WORKS EPIC 8 (CURRENT) | Δ vs. PREVIOUS | Δ vs. S-WORKS EPIC 8 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FRAME WITH PAINT | 1530 g | 1619 g | 1724.3 g | 89 g less | 194.3 g less |
| REAR DERAILLEUR HARDWARE | 49.1 g | 46.8 g | 33.9 g | 2.3 g more | 15.2 g more |
| TOP CAP AND SPACERS | 28.8 g | 30.0 g | 13.0 g | 1.2 g less | 15.8 g more |
| HEADSET & BOLTS | 138.5 g | 94.7 g | 69.0 g | 43.8 g more | 69.5 g more |
| TOTAL WEIGHT | 1746.4 g | 1790.5 g | 1840.2 g | 44.1 g less | 93.8 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.
Stiffness Comparison
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 SL | ANTHEM ADVANCED 29 (PREVIOUS) | SPECIALIZED S-WORKS EPIC 8 (CURRENT) |
|---|---|---|---|
| FRAME (STEERING) | 74.4 Nm/ º | 71.3 Nm/ º | 71.3 Nm/ º |
| FRAME (PEDALING) | 89.2 N/mm | 88.0 N/mm | 82.3 N/mm |
| TRANSMISSION* | 163.6 N/mm | 159.3 N/mm | 153.6 N/mm |
| DIFFERENCE** | 2.6 % LESS STIFF | 6.1 % 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.
Efficiency Comparison
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.
| FEATURE | ANTHEM ADVANCED SL | ANTHEM ADVANCED 29 (PREVIOUS) | SPECIALIZED S-WORKS EPIC 8 (CURRENT) |
|---|---|---|---|
| TRANSMISSION STIFFNESS* | 163.6 N/mm | 159.3 N/mm | 153.6 N/mm |
| FRAME WITH PAINT WEIGHT | 1.530 kg | 1.619 kg | 1.724 kg |
| STIFFNESS-TO-WEIGHT RATIO | 106.89 | 98.39 | 89.1 |
| DIFFERENCE** | 7.95 % LESS EFFICIENT | 16.66 % LESS EFFICIENT |
*FRAME STEERING & PEDALING STIFFNESS COMBINED
** (%) COMPARED TO NEW ANTHEM ADVANCED SL