2014 Giant Anthem 27.5 2 // The first 500 km

Since I started to use this brilliant 2014 Giant Anthem 650b machine I have posted a quick first impressions post here. I'm over the first 500 km on the bike at this point (general commute excluded), so it is time to check the bike out in details once again! I won't get into the benefits of the 650b wheelsize in this post, I would rather focus on the techical features of the bike after 500 km of proper riding.

After the bike has been put through a lot in relation of trails and weather conditons, the first and most important thing to mention is that everything works perfectly on this machine! The Sram gears, the Avid brakes and the Rock Shox suspensions are doing what they ment to do: work perfectly! The wheels are also very well built, they are still running true. The bushings & bearings in the frame are well sealed, so there's no issue either ( I mean after only 500 km there shouldn't be any issues but I figured it's worth to mention anyway). The bike feels awsome and very solid for sure!

One feature that really surprised me in a good way is the internal cable routing, the rubber guide plugs in the frame to be precise. It was an awsome idea, kudos to Giant! There's no rattling noise at all, everything is nice & quiet. Lovin' it! :)

Rubber cable guide plugs, brilliant invention! :)

The only little issue that I could come accross with is the dropout design...I'm not 100% sure how durable it is. The problem is that the dropout is being held be one single (mega skinny) screw. Yeah sure, when the rear wheel is in the frame the QR axle gives the whole thing a massive support but when the wheel needs to be taken out there's a different situation altogether...

The dropout design...could have been a bit better? I'd say so.

If the screw is loose the dropout is getting out of it's place. It is an issue during transport and it is an issue out on the trail also. I mean havin' a rear puncture during a cold and wet spin is enough on it's own, the last thing I need is to mess around with the dropout before I put the wheel back in. It would have been better if they use either increased size, more durable screw or perhaps use two screws instead of one, so it won't be able to rotate. Now, it isn' the end of the world indeed, we could live with it, right?

So, the new 650b Giant Anthem is a very reliable and a truly amazing bike I have to say. I love riding this thing, enjoying every minute of my MTB spins indeed! In fact I can't wait for the next one already!! :)