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 CADEXs brand-new Max XC WheelSystem and exclusive, limited-edition paint jobs.To avoid any potential confusion, well be discussing Giants Anthem and Livs Pique models as if they are the same bikes, because in many ways, they are. But its 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.The Anthem Advanced SL SEAnthem and Pique Advanced SL SEThe 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 Giants Contact SLR XC integrated cockpits. If that wasnt enough bling, theyre rolling on CADEXs brand-new Max XC WheelSystem with bonded carbon spokes.The Advanced SL SE models come with CADEXs fancy new Max XC WheelSystem and integrated carbon cockpits.And if that werent enough, the Advanced SL frames with 120mm of FlexPoint Pro rear suspension get some truly eye-catching limited-edition paint. And its 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 theres some natural variation and no two are exactly the same.The Pique Advanced SL SE comes in an exclusive Stella Storm colorway.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 its referred to as Stormfire Spirit.The Anthem Advanced SL SE comes in the unique Stormfire Spirit colorway.Key Special Edition HighlightsRockShox SID Flight Attendant suspensionSRAM XX SL Eagle TransmissionQuarq power meterAll-new CADEX Max XC WheelSystemExclusive Stella Storm (Pique) and Stormfire Spirit (Anthem) colors and graphicsCustom RockShox Flight Attendant suspension decalsExclusive detailing on SRAM Motive ULT brake calipers and leversThe top-tier Advanced SL Special Edition bikes retail for a cool 14,000.Advanced SL Special Edition PricingThe 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 ProThe Pique Advanced Pro (left) and Pique X Advanced Pro (right) bring XC performance down to a much more accessible price point.The Advanced Pro and X Advanced Pro models are built around Giant/Livs 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.The Advanced Pro version of the Anthem and Pique (pictured) are still speed-focused, just less expensive.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. Its 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.The X Advanced Pro models get more fork travel for more aggressive riding, plus in-frame storage.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 Pros 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 SuspensionThe Crest FloTrac XC shock on the Pique Advanced Pro.The Advanced Pro and X Advanced Pro both rely on Giant/Livs own Crest suspension components. This includes the Crest FloTrac XC rear shock, which has been custom-tuned around the FlexPoint Pro suspension platforms 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 130mm Crest XC Comp fork on the Pique X Advanced Pro.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.SpecsIntegrated alloy cockpits on the Advanced Pro models.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.The Praxis Cadet cranks and 12-speed mechanical Deore drivetrain on the Anthem X Advanced Pro.Advanced Pro and X Advanced Pro Spec HighlightsAdvanced-grade composite frame, 120mm FlexPoint Pro suspensionCrest XC Comp Fork: 120mm Advanced Pro, 130mm X Advanced ProCrest FloTrac XC shock: 120mmShimano Deore M6200 mechanical 12-speed drivetrainPraxis Cadet cranksTektro Orion HD-M6041 hydraulic disc brakesGiant XCA 2 WheelSystemGiant Contact SL XC integrated handlebar stemGiant Contact Switch AT DropperThe Anthem and Pique Advanced Pro models bring XC performance to a more accessible price point.Advanced Pro PricingWith 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 3,900.AvailabilityThe availability of the Giants new Anthem and Livs new Pique Advanced Pro and SL SE models varies by region. Head to the Giant or Liv websites to check availability in your region, complete build specs, and geometry details.giant-bicycles.comliv-cycling.com