Super light and super fast: Giant Anthem Advanced SL and Yeti ASR in a duel

Under the direction of Alan Hatherly, the Giant Anthem Advanced SL proved right from its market launch that it has what it takes to be the fastest cross-country bike in the world. Today, mountain bike collectors are licking their fingers after the legendary predecessors of the Yeti ASR. However, the new interpretation is not intended for the showcase, but for the race track. At a purchase price of 9500 euros each, our test bikes are exactly the same price and are built quite exclusively. Both manufacturers put all their decades of experience into the development of their flagship bikes. Giant Anthem Advanced SL 0 or Yeti ASR T3: Which concept gets the most out of the XC and marathon discipline?

The opponents at a glance: Giant versus Yeti

Giant Anthem Advanced SL 0

details

• Area of application: Cross Country / Marathon
• Suspension travel: 120 / 120 mm
• Wheel size: 29"
• Frame material: Carbon
• Frame weight: 1.6 kg (BIKE measurement, size L, without shock)
• Complete bike weight: 10.6 kg (BIKE measurement, size L, without pedals)
• Maximum system weight: 138 kg (rider and luggage) + bike
• Guarantee: for life
• Price: 9499 Euro >> available here
• Special features: Flex pivot, flip chip

Rating spider diagram: Uphill, play instinct, downhill refers to the riding behaviour: The greater the deflection, the better the suitability. Equipment: refers to the quality of the components fitted.

Pro

• Light frame weight
• Very fast impellers
• High chassis reserves
• Contemporary high-end equipment
• High maximum payload and lifetime warranty

Contra

• less drive-neutral than competitors
• Effective seat angle can limit seat post extension

Grade: 1.9

>> To the detailed test of the Giant Anthem Advanced SL 0

Yeti ASR T3 X0 AXS Transmission

details

• Area of application: Cross Country / Marathon
• Suspension travel: 120 / 115 mm
• Wheel size: 29"
• Frame material: Carbon
• Frame weight: 1.7 kg (BIKE measurement, size L, without shock)
• Complete bike weight: 11.2 kg (BIKE measurement, size L, without pedals)
• Maximum system weight: 120 kg
• Guarantee: for life
• Price: 9500 Euro
• Special features: Flex pivot

Rating spider diagram: Uphill, play instinct, downhill refers to the riding behaviour: The greater the deflection, the better the suitability. Equipment: refers to the quality of the components fitted.

Pro

• Balanced, modern seating position
• drive-neutral chassis
• High trail riding fun
• Versatile area of application
• Lightweight frame and lifetime warranty

Contra

• slower to accelerate than other high-end race bikes
• Price-performance ratio of the equipment lags behind in comparison

Grade: 2.0

>> To the detailed test of the Yeti ASR T3

Less is more

Cross-country race bikes are no longer filigree racing files. Giant and Yeti have also increased the travel of their fast fullys to 120/120 and 120/115 millimetres respectively. Long, flat geometries and large tyre clearance speak the same modern language in both camps. Nevertheless, in the racing world, light is still the trump card. This is why Giant and Yeti rely on so-called Flex-Pivot rear triangles, which save the weight of an additional bearing and are now standard in the XC sector. In addition, the development departments of both brands have spared no effort to save every last bit of superfluous material in the carbon construction of the frames. Giant uses high-precision robotics in production and even produces the prepreg material itself. Yeti has also identified potential for optimisation with the help of modern analysis tools and keeps the frame extra slim even in the pivot point area.

Race fullys today look like several peas from the same pod. The Giant Anthem Advanced SL and the Yeti ASR stand out with their extra-light frames. - Hans Peter Ettenberger, BIKE test laboratory

>> Would you like something a little cheaper? These bikes are the entry into the marathon class.

1 gram and 1 euro difference

At 9499 euros for the Giant Anthem Advanced SL 0 and 9500 euros for the Yeti ASR T3, the price difference between the two marathon bikes is virtually non-existent. The weight ranking in the BIKE test lab is a neck-and-neck race. The naked Giant frame weighs 1597 grams without shock, thru-axle and headset, the Yeti counterpart 1596 grams. Not only are the competitors separated by a single gram of frame weight, they are also among the lightest frames in their class. Despite cutting weight, the manufacturers do not want to compromise on durability and both offer a lifetime guarantee on their expensive bikes. The weight limits are also pleasingly high. There's no doubt about it: these frames are perfected engineering achievements. The fact that the complete Yeti ASR bike weighs around 600 grams more than the Giant Anthem Advanced SL 0 is mainly due to the higher weight of the aluminium wheels and the conventional two-piece cockpit of the American.

>> We tested a very special marathon bike with the Salsa Spearfish Dreambuild.

Taiwan versus USA: The practical test

A race bike has to get its rider to the finish line safely, efficiently and, above all, quickly - there is no room for compromise. It also has to fit like a glove. This is particularly true for the Giant, because the kink in the seat tube means that the effective seat angle with a long reach is slacker than the manufacturer's actual measurement. In order to be able to apply the perfect pressure to the pedals at all times, racers need to make sure they have the perfect frame size. Otherwise, if it says race bike on it, it's a race bike inside. The riding position is largely determined by the specially developed, 780 millimetre wide carbon cockpit. It stretches the rider long and flat over the bike. The Yeti is completely different. This relies on a short, narrow control centre and has a very modern, central riding position, which would even look good on a trail bike and is fun even on long days in the saddle.

Neither duelist lacks traction. Both bikes transfer the rider's power skilfully and in a controlled manner on technical uphills without sagging on edges. This allows racers to push up steep trail ramps without hesitation. The rear suspension of the Yeti is wonderfully neutral in terms of propulsion. You could easily do without the lockout here. The opposite is true for the rear of the Giant: the suspension clearly crunches under power. This is not a problem, as the three-stage damper platform is available for stabilisation. It is obligatory on the new Anthem.

>> We have summarised all the information on the new Giant Anthem Advanced SL model family in this article.

But the world champion bike has another ace up its sleeve that makes it a favourite for any cross-country podium. Once tapped, the lightweight carbon wheels jerk forwards with a rush despite the 2.4 inch wide tyres. Hardly any other 29er fullys have been as light-footed as the Giant in the BIKE tests of the last three years. The low wheel weight is a game changer for hard acceleration on the XC circuit or the sprint to the finish line. The bike can be propelled forwards quickly without sacrificing damping feel, control or stiffness.

As a flawless piece of sports equipment, the Taiwanese model naturally also carries a power meter. The Yeti does not have an integrated power meter ex works. The function of the high-end drives with radio control is beyond reproach on both rivals. However, the wheels of the ASR are a class slower. The coarser Maxxis tyre combination lies firmly and securely on a wide variety of surfaces. This suits the relaxed character of the Californian. However, it lacks the venomous, greedy propulsion of a thoroughbred competition bike.

>> The BIKE weight ranking shows the lightest marathon fully frames in the world.

Bread and games

The Yeti ASR also means well with its rider when it comes to handling. The neutral position on the bike is made for varied courses and never overtaxes the rider, even in unfamiliar terrain. The safety advantage of the prominent tyres and the pleasant feedback in the chassis encourage you to play around. If it wasn't for the short suspension travel and the flat, narrow handlebars, you could easily forget you were riding a cross-country rocket. In any case, the Yeti has little in common with the bitchy race bike divas of the past.

Noticeably more manoeuvrable than a pointedly designed racing car, it has what it takes to be the dream bike for multi-day stage races, Transalp projects or simply a brisk everyday ride. In principle, the Giant is also fun to ride. Short chainstays and easy-turning wheels characterise the lively, reactive nature of the bike. It flies agilely from bend to bend, always accompanied by an aggressive freewheel sound. It can be effortlessly lobbed over obstacles. The playfulness is only curbed by the race cockpit. The Anthem simply demands an experienced hand on the handlebars.

>> Exclusive racer from Switzerland: Have you ever heard of the Nostra Cross Country?

From the mountain sprint to the trail

The fact that both bikes have to withstand a lot despite their lightweight frames is demonstrated not only by the manufacturer's lifetime warranty promise, but also by the approval for 130 millimetre forks. The Anthem can be pimped up to a 130 mm rear triangle with a longer shock. There is also a flip chip in the shock mount, which makes the bike half a degree steeper if required. In the optional trail version, the ASR leaves it at 115 millimetres of travel at the rear. On the other hand, the frame is well protected with protectors and mechanics will be delighted with the classic cable routing.

Both rivals have high-end suspension from Rockshox to match their high-end price and benefit from new reserves compared to their predecessors. On descents, however, the Yeti makes no secret of its slightly shorter travel. The rear suspension is defined but firm, as you would expect from an athletic bike. This means that the rider is never left in the dark as to which root the bike is currently positioned on, can choose precise lines and aggressively hang on to the throttle, but you shouldn't expect a comfort miracle. Meanwhile, the balanced geometry with a slack steering angle pushes the limits of what is rideable. Technically fit downhill riders can crack any challenge with the ASR.

The rear triangle of the Giant delivers more refinement in a direct comparison. This really blossoms downhill and gets an astonishing amount out of the 120 millimetres of travel. At the same time, the rear suspension absorbs bumps in a sensitive and controlled manner. The suspension feels like it has a lot more crumple zone and encourages you to hit the rocks at full throttle. Despite its light weight, the Anthem is not a delicate scalpel, but sits on the trail like a board. In muddy conditions on the test track, the shallow tread depth of the Aspen tyres did cause the odd moment of shock, but the long, flat geometry offers the necessary reserves to hold the high-speed line.

Efficient and fast, the rider can shoot downhill without hesitation - an impressive statement on the power of modern cross-country mountain bikes. Again, the only prerequisite for unlocking the full potential of the Giant: A pilot who knows how to handle the wide-low riding position. The Sram Motive brakes deliver adequate deceleration performance on the thick HS2 discs on the Anthem. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of the discontinued Level model on our Yeti test bike. Here too, however, the product managers have already made improvements and the ASR 2026 also comes with Motives.

A question of perspective

Fun and a wide range of capabilities speak in favour of the Yeti. That's a good thing, because after all, even racers don't drive their work equipment at the limit between the flutter belts every day. The expensive Amischlitten inevitably triggers have-want reflexes. Its versatile strengths predestine the ASR for marathon use or a fun downcountry build. The competitor from Taiwan offers more for the money and shows a clear edge in the test: The Giant Anthem Advanced SL is a flawless race bike with the necessary suspension reserves for modern cross-country courses. In other words: the perfect fit for the hunt for the world championship title.

>> We have compiled more information on the current Yeti ASR line in this article.

The points at a glance

The BIKE judgement reflects the laboratory measurements and the subjective impression of the test riders. The BIKE judgement is independent of price. Grading range: 0.5-5.5 (analogue to the school grading system).

>> Read more about the background to the BIKE test system in this article

Conclusion from BIKE editor Jan Timmermann

As close as the Giant Advanced SL and Yeti ASR are to each other on paper, the gap in the end result is just as small. Yet they have fundamentally different characters. The Yeti is the more versatile bike and a fun and potent companion on varied trails, such as stage races. The Giant, however, is the more consistent race bike and an ace in fast cross-country sprints. That's why the test victory on points goes to the world champion bike from Taiwan by a whisker.

Comparison with the competition

In the starting block, the Giant Anthem Advanced SL and Yeti ASR compete with other red-hot race bikes. We therefore put our test experience in relation to the rockets from Cannondale and Specialized.

Cannondale Scalpel 1

The Cannondale with its unconventional silhouette has its strengths neither in terms of frame nor wheel weight. Despite the carbon rims, the wheels of the slightly cheaper Model 1 are heavy. In the sprint, the Scalpel is therefore on a par with the Yeti but behind the Giant. The Cannondale Lefty-Ocho suspension fork was well remembered by our testers with its powerful performance. Paired with a long and slack geometry and wide tyres, it makes the bike one of the most potent downhill bikes in its class, although the rear suspension of the Giant offers even more reserves.

• Weight of complete bike: 11.50 kg
• Frame weight: 2058 g
• Weight of wheels: 4134 g
• Suspension travel: 120/120 mm
• Price: 7999 Euro

>> Click on this link for the detailed test of the Cannondale Scalpel.

Specialised S-Works Epic 8

No other bike won more World Cup races last year than the Epic. In the sinfully expensive S-Works version, the bike sets benchmarks. The geometry table shows many similarities to the Giant and Yeti. However, the Specialized has an even more progressive reach. When racing, the Giant is hot on its heels. Its rear suspension offers a little more reserves, but the Epic is better suited to exploring the speed limits downhill. When it comes to riding fun on the trail, the Specialized and Yeti can hold a candle to each other.

• Weight of complete bike: 10.40 kg
• Frame weight: 1682 g
• Weight of wheels: 3534 g
• Suspension travel: 120/120 mm
• Price: 14,499 euros

>> Here we have tested the Specialized S-Works Epic 8 in detail.