Giant and its sister brand Liv have just announced new builds for their XC mountain bike platforms, the Anthem (Giant) and Pique (Liv). Both models were completely redesigned for the 2026 model year, and they now come in new Advanced Pro and X Advanced Pro builds. Additionally, both are being made available in top-of-the-line Advanced SL Special Edition builds. These feature specs normally reserved for World Cup XC racers and include CADEX’s brand-new Max XC WheelSystem and exclusive, limited-edition paint jobs.
To avoid any potential confusion, we’ll be discussing Giant’s Anthem and Liv’s Pique models as if they are the same bikes, because in many ways, they are. But it’s important to point out that while it is nearly identical to the Anthem, the Liv Pique has been developed with a women-first approach, including input from Liv athletes, and frame sizing and suspension tuning that cater to female riders.
Anthem and Pique Advanced SL SE
The new Advanced SL SE (Special Edition) models build on the World Cup-proven Anthem and Pique platforms introduced last fall with an elite-level component package and exclusive limited-edition paint schemes. These builds go all-in with speed-focused specs, including RockShox Flight Attendant suspension, SRAM XX Transmission, Motive Ultimate brakes, and Giant’s Contact SLR XC integrated cockpits. If that wasn’t enough bling, they’re rolling on CADEX’s brand-new $4,000 Max XC WheelSystem with bonded carbon spokes.
And if that weren’t enough, the Advanced SL frames with 120mm of FlexPoint Pro rear suspension get some truly eye-catching limited-edition paint. And it’s not just the frames; the graphics extend to the suspension decals, brake levers, and brake calipers for a full custom look. And each frame has been finished by hand, so there’s some natural variation and no two are exactly the same.
The Pique Advanced SL SE comes in the exclusive Stella Storm colorway: “Electric purple runs through layers, nebula-like effects, and raw splatter textures to create a finish that reflects the energy and intensity of racing.”The Anthem Advanced SL SE gets a similar treatment, although it’s referred to as Stormfire Spirit.
Key Special Edition Highlights
- RockShox SID Flight Attendant suspension
- SRAM XX SL Eagle Transmission
- Quarq power meter
- All-new CADEX Max XC WheelSystem
- Exclusive Stella Storm (Pique) and Stormfire Spirit (Anthem) colors and graphics
- Custom RockShox Flight Attendant suspension decals
- Exclusive detailing on SRAM Motive ULT brake calipers and levers
Advanced SL Special Edition Pricing
The Giant Anthem Advanced SL SE and the Pique Advanced SL SE represent the pinnacle of XC performance, and they come at a pinnacle price to match. They are listed at a retail price of €14,000.
Anthem and Pique Advanced Pro and X Advanced Pro
The Advanced Pro and X Advanced Pro models are built around Giant/Liv’s Advanced-grade composite frames. These frames aim to provide lightweight XC performance and incorporate the same modeling technologies used for the Advanced SL frames, but with a different grade of composite material to keep the price down. Both frames get 120mm of FlexPoint Pro suspension travel and feature adjustable geometry via a flip chip in the upper shock mount.
With 120mm of travel front and rear, the Advanced Pro aims to provide the same speed-focused cross-country performance as the Advanced SL at a more accessible price point. It’s aimed at riders who prioritize speed, efficiency, and responsive handling. The X Advanced Pro builds on that same responsive, efficient platform, but bumps up to a 130 mm travel fork to add a bit more trail capability and confidence on rougher, steeper, or more technical terrain.
With the longer-travel fork and more trail-oriented use case, the head tube angle of the X Advanced Pro model is about 0.5° slacker than its XC-oriented Advanced Pro counterpart. In the high geometry setting, the Advanced Pro’s head tube angle is 67° while the X Advanced Pro is at 66.5°. Also speaking to that trail-oriented, adventurous use case, the X Advanced Pro frames also include in-frame storage for tools, tubes, snacks, and more for self-sufficiency on longer rides.
Crest Suspension
The Advanced Pro and X Advanced Pro both rely on Giant/Liv’s own Crest suspension components. This includes the Crest FloTrac XC rear shock, which has been custom-tuned around the FlexPoint Pro suspension platform’s suspension kinematics. It includes Triple Flow Path technology, which “manages damping across different shaft speeds to balance pedaling efficiency, small-bump sensitivity and support over larger or repeated impacts.”
The Pro models use the Crest XC Comp fork: 120 mm on the Advanced Pro and 130 mm on the X Advanced Pro. The Crest XC Comp uses a twin-air spring system and XC-tuned damper “to combine initial sensitivity, traction, and controlled support under power.” These in-house suspension components also help to keep the price of the Advanced Pro models more accessible.
Advanced Pro Specs
Beyond the aforementioned difference in fork travel, the Advanced Pro and X Advanced Pro models share almost identical component specifications. Another difference worth mentioning is that the Advanced Pro comes with a remote lockout for the rear shock, while the X Advanced Pro has a three-position switch. In that same vein, the Advanced Pro comes with speed-oriented Maxxis Rekon Race tires front and rear, while the X Advanced Pro switches to a Rekon in front to add a bit more grip. Otherwise, the specs are the same.
Advanced Pro and X Advanced Pro Spec Highlights
- Advanced-grade composite frame, 120mm FlexPoint Pro suspension
- Crest XC Comp Fork: 120mm – Advanced Pro, 130mm – X Advanced Pro
- Crest FloTrac XC shock: 120mm
- Shimano Deore M6200 mechanical 12-speed drivetrain
- Praxis Cadet cranks
- Tektro Orion HD-M6041 hydraulic disc brakes
- Giant XCA 2 WheelSystem
- Giant Contact SL XC integrated handlebar stem
- Giant Contact Switch AT Dropper
Advanced Pro Pricing
With Advanced-grade composite frames, in-house Crest suspension components, and budget-friendly builds, the Advanced Pro models land at the other end of the price spectrum compared to the Advanced SL SE described above. They retail for $3,800 USD / €3,900.
Availability
The availability of the Giant’s new Anthem and Liv’s new Pique Advanced Pro and SL SE models varies by region. Head to the Giant or Liv websites to check availability in your area, complete build specs, and geometry details.
