First Look: 2024 Giant Glory Downhill Race Bike

Jun 6, 2023
by Matt Beer  
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The last time Giant updated their infamous Glory downhill bike was nearly a decade ago, back in 2015. After seasons of World Cup racing on alloy and carbon prototype frames, Giant is finally releasing a production version of the 2024 Glory. This time though, the entire frame is molded from carbon, including the rear triangle and rocker link, and sports 200mm of rear wheel travel.

Like their Reign enduro bike that debuted with a new 3-position flip chip at the seat stay pivot, the Glory can also run in a full 29er mode or mixed wheels. There are more adjustments to be made at the chainstay and head tube as well.
Giant Glory Details

• Carbon frame
• Travel: 200mm
• Mixed or 29" wheel size
• 61.6 - 62.4-degree head tube angle
• +/-5mm reach adjustment
• +/- 10mm chainstay adjustment
• Sizes: S/M, M/L, L/XL
• Weight: 3200g (size S/M w/o shock)
• Price: $8,000 USD / $6,200 USD frame, fork, shock
giantbicycles.com

Only one complete Glory model will exist in the lineup and will cost $8,000 USD, but there’s a special edition frame and suspension kit with components from Fox for those that would like to custom-build their own race bike. The nostalgic red, yellow, and purple “Legend’s Edition” paint scheme pays homage to the Giant ATX bike that downhill legend, Rob Warner, won his first World Cup aboard.




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The chainstays can be set to 447 or 457mm.
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The 3-position seatstay flip-chip accommodates either a 27.5" or 29" rear wheel. Each setting will change the BB height by 5mm and the head angle by 0.4 degrees.
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Offset headset cups offer +/5mm of reach adjustment on the 445, 465, 485mm size frames.

Frame Details

The Glory doesn’t fall short on adjustments but does only have three frame sizes in the lineup. However, the reach can be adjusted +/- 5mm from the 445, 465, or 485mm lengths via integrated headset chips.

The 3-position bottom bracket and head angle adjustment will put the head angle at 62-degrees in the middle setting when using mixed wheels. Moving that seatstay chip in either direction will alter the angles by 0.4-degrees and the BB height by 5mm. With a 29” rear wheel, the head angle will sit at 62.8-degrees in the middle setting.

There’s also a chainstay flip-chip that will toggle the dropout between 447 to 457mm. You’ll need to also do the same to the in-set brake mounts as well. All frame sizes use the same rear triangle.

Moving to a full carbon frame saves weight as the smallest of the three sizes clocks in at 3200g without the shock. In order to protect the paint and reduce noise, a full-length rubber downtube and chainstay have been added.

Giant has also kept the rear brake line external after exiting the downtube just above the threaded bottom bracket. There are even bolts under the top tube for accessory mounting which is something we don't often see on downhill bikes.




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Suspension Design

Giant has opted for a 225 x 75mm trunnion-mounted Fox DHX2 shock that has been custom-tuned for the Glory’s leverage ratio using their steadfast Maestro dual-link system. That provides 200mm of travel in the shorter chainstay setting with either size wheel.

The progression has been increased slightly towards the end of the travel to prevent hard bottom-out events but is said to remain supple off the top. The S/M frame will come with a 425 lb/in spring rate and move up by 25 pounds for each frame size.

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The axle moves to a maximum 4mm in the rearward direction around the sag point before moving forwards roughly 16mm throughout the rest of the 200mm.
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The anti-rise starts around the 75% mark and slower decreases to 60% which should keep the rear wheel active without pitching the bike forward under braking. As for pedalling efficiency, the anti-squat hovers around 80% when sitting around at the general sag point, or one-third of the travel.




Geometry
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The Glory Advanced complete bike is built with mixed wheels and the head tube angle tips back to 61.6-degrees in the slackest setting.
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The 29er geometry sits slightly steeper with a head tube angle of 62.9-degrees in the middle position.




Specs and Pricing

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Giant Glory Advanced - $8,000 USD / $11,499 AUS / $9,300 CAD / £7,500 GBR.

A single carbon frame puts the Glory Advanced at $8,000 USD with premium Fox suspension, Shimano Saint brakes, a SRAM GX DH drivetrain, and Giant Contact SL composite handlebar. Finishing touches include the popular Maxxis Assegai/DHR II combo, with a DH casing, MRP SXg chain guide and color-matched Giant Romero saddle.

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The Legend’s Edition frameset is a throwback to the iconic colorway of the Giant ATX DH - $6,200 USD / $8,999 AUS / $7,300 CAD / £6,000 GBR.

The $6,200 USD Legend’s Edition frameset comes with a black Fox 40 fork and DHX2 coil shock, both of which are the Factory level spec.



Remi Thirion


Author Info:
mattbeer avatar

Member since Mar 16, 2001
360 articles

202 Comments
  • 233 2
 wait, this is actually a nice looking bike. I would love to do some laps on it! sick
  • 9 45
flag KeithShred (Jun 6, 2023 at 9:35) (Below Threshold)
 420 Nice
  • 89 1
 I like the fact it has the old ATX color scheme as a tribute to that bike
  • 43 0
 it really is ! and the rubber along the entirety of the downtube should be mandatory for all carbon DH bikes
  • 25 1
 @asapyohanes: *...should be mandatory for all carbon bikes. FTFY.
  • 16 8
 Would you say that you would like to.... Session.... it?
  • 4 4
 Its nice that giant is in giant letters too , whats the deal with logos trek have practicall got the letraset out for theirs
  • 3 0
 Agreed. I haven't been a fan of giants design since the early 2000's. They did a great job keeping their iconic look, but giving it cleaner lines.
The question now is... How does it ride?
  • 9 0
 Yeah. Really dig the bike. Too bad I can’t kill my 2015 Glory. Its still running great after all these years and many miles.
  • 2 6
flag fracasnoxteam FL (Jun 6, 2023 at 22:19) (Below Threshold)
 @enis: trying to make a joke... fail to recognise the suspension... Sad
  • 1 1
 @fracasnoxteam:

Nice, making the joke that no one had made it yet. Of course it has suspension, cant you see the springy thing?
  • 2 5
 @enis ah mais oui désolé mais c'est parce que je ne parle pas très bien ta langue, ce que tu appelles springy things est un amortisseur, tu peux le noter pour la prochaine fois.
  • 2 0
 @fracasnoxteam:

There's not going to be a next time.

Smile
  • 106 1
 I don't know what's wrong with me but I absolutely LOVE that paint.
  • 34 0
 Nothing is wrong, you're old like me and you remember Giant paintjobs from back in the day. tup
  • 13 0
 It looks phenomenal.
  • 2 1
 The silver/gray bike with the orange coil and Kashima looks sick too. Logo looks a lot like Pivot
  • 1 1
 They put red where green should go.
  • 108 7
 Wowza, PB comments crew generally complimentary and positive this morning. Keep sprinkling in whatever you've added to your coffee.
  • 17 0
 Beer goggles will make anything look attractive.
  • 35 0
 I think people are genuinely refreshed to see a bike with tons of geo customization, no cable tourism, and the revival of a bike we all remember was sick in the 26" era. Big dose of reasonable design and double hit of nostalgia.
  • 4 0
 Refreshingly conservative?
  • 1 0
 @BryceBorlick: What do you feel like is pushing the edge right now in terms of geo? seat tube lengths are pretty short across the board so you can get whatever reach ya want, head angle with the mullet is a 61.6 which feels decently slack. This comment confused me a bit because I feel like the industry has finally caught up to Nicolai and other pushers of progressive geo.
  • 99 1
 Can we get Danny Hart back too?
  • 3 0
 That would be nice! And Johnny-T on the Legend’s Edition frameset with Manitou fork just like in the old times as a bonus please.
  • 2 0
 Can Giant sign Vali Holl one day?
  • 3 0
 WITH BALLS THAT BIGGGGG
  • 70 6
 coming soon to a DH rental fleet at your local mountain (I'm not mad about it)
  • 64 2
 At 8 grand each, probably not.
  • 26 2
 I'm sure they'll have a park version they sell only to rental shops. Lots of brands do this.
  • 20 1
 @ratedgg13: I'm thinking the Reign SX probably fits this task.
  • 9 0
 @jovesaxa: bike parks want real dh bikes to rent generally. One they can rent to riders who may already own an enduro bike and the extra travel greatly decreases wear and maintenance.
  • 3 0
 @lancemountainbike: you should rent bike in the Alps, to try a V10
  • 60 1
 External rear brake routing, NO headset routing (tourism) and a solid component spec. Nicely done Giant!
  • 9 1
 Kind of external. It’s internal in the downtube, then external from there above the BB to the brake mount, if I’m reading that right. Does that really solve the issue of swapping out brakes being a pain in the ass?
  • 4 0
 Not fully external. Just the rear chainstay. Still internal in the downtube.
  • 6 0
 @schwaaa31: it would allow for a full bearing swap without a brake bleed (I think) so maybe thats useful.
  • 1 1
 @schwaaa31: Good catch.... At least now HS routing.
  • 5 0
 @mtmc99: Bingo! If I'm swapping brakes, I'm probably fine with cutting the barb/olive off the hose anyway (though ideally I wouldn't have to, but let's be real: it's rare I'd need to). But doing frame service on my bike without being able to remove the brake hose from the rear triangle internal routing is a royal pain. I'd love it if it was configured like this Giant and I could fully remove the rear triangle to work on the bike.
  • 51 0
 61 degree HTA. We've come a long way since Danny raced on a DH Giant Glory with 66 degree HTA
  • 1 0
 There needs to be evidence of this 2011 HA. I'm not yet a believer.
  • 17 1
 @hamncheez: that extra 0.5 was for Hart balls accommodation.
  • 22 0
 I didn't realize there was such the market for the yellow-red-purple fade color scheme.
  • 6 3
 maybe the are catering to the VW fans.... ‍‍♂️
  • 3 0
 @b0bbY: good reference
  • 13 0
 It is tribute to the paint scheme of the Giant ATX One DH, which Myles Rockwell won the 2000 DH world championships on. Everybody had these bikes back in the early 2000's. I still never understood the color choice.
  • 2 1
 @vesania: Yeah...I'm aware of the heritage. But, this and Trek's Top Fuel in an almost identical color scheme? Is this the point where one can say, "looks like a Top Fuel"
  • 1 0
 @dopepedaler: yep haha
  • 17 1
 That's a good looking bike.
  • 14 0
 That paint job isn't paying homage to Rob's world cup winning bike, you're thinking of the bikes that followed his raw front triangle older ATX model he won on.
  • 15 0
 Wait... Rob Warner win a world Cup? He should've mentioned that in his you tube vlog....
  • 1 0
 @bigtim: shows you what really matters in bikes
  • 12 0
 Correct, Myles Rockwell won the 2000 DH world championship on the bike (ATX One DH) that had these colors.
  • 2 0
 @bigtim: I think hes hinted at it a few times, easy to miss the references though.
  • 13 0
 giant knocked this out of the park. i just hope they release an aluminum version!
  • 12 0
 looks good and pretty adjustable, seems like they set themselves up for this one to be good to go for a while
  • 22 11
 $8K lollllll or $6200 frame and fork?
Giant is definitely not trying to sell these with those prices.
  • 11 1
 Be willing to be they sell every one they make. The $6200 is the special addtion only.
  • 19 1
 $9300cad is the same price as a v10 s-kit but you get brakes that work, and a top end fork/shock. Seems like a pretty good price comparatively to me.
  • 3 0
 damn, I was nervous that I had to scroll down so far to find the first comment bitching about price.
  • 1 5
flag brownstone (Jun 6, 2023 at 18:29) (Below Threshold)
 Kinda happy I built up an aluminum Nukeproof dissent at half that price with very similar components ( some used, but still)
  • 1 2
 I'm shocked that so few people are bitching about it. It's outrageous
  • 1 0
 @mick06: And add the fact that apart from their sheer size as a company, they don't really have any competitive advantage in the carbon bike market. Well priced Giants live exclusively in the aluminum lineup, and I wouldn't be surprised if they start trying to make a bit of extra margin there too Smile
  • 8 0
 Well done giant,
-Proper Downtube protection
-half external routing, good for bearing replacement
-Good job on not falling for the "long reach" on a dh bike
- lots of adjustable things.

Its not often i want a new DH bike but think im sold.
  • 8 0
 Looks like a nice bike.

I wonder if they’ve given it so much adjustability so that they don’t have to make another one until 2031
  • 9 0
 Hope Remi Thirion can throw down on this rig.
  • 5 0
 That big chunky sculpted headtube/tt/dt junction area is very appealing... and the relatively uncluttered nature of the rest of the frame is a nice visual touch compared to a number of big travel bikes with things going through things, over things, around things. Nice to have so much adjustability combined with the minimalist design - and zero headtube cabling is such a relief.
  • 4 0
 I don't know why but I find it satisfying how we are basically back where we started at 23 years ago.

Yes of course compared to the original ATX it is an infintly better bike, but to the untrained eye put them side by side and ask a non-rider what is the difference? Not much!

This new bike is a highly developed version the same basic concept. This development phase has lasted 23 years it goes to show there really isn't as much to it as some bike companies will have us believe.

It's not about continually bringing in new more complicated suspension systems it is about development and refinement of something quite simple.

It seems this layout has been now confirmed as the best for a mountain bike and I am just fine with that.
  • 3 0
 uhhhh,
put a house built in 1950 beside a house built yesaterday, and to lots of people they seem pretty similar, in reality they are worlds apart in terms of construction, materials, efficiency, etc.

I'm not sure this is, or any layout is "the best" for a mountain bike layout. Its just the set of comromises that Giant feels works best for them in terms of manufacturing, what they think will sell, etc. It might not even be what they feel is the best layout.....
This isnt even the same suspension platform as the original ATX, in fact, that suspension layout changed and evolved through different iterations of the bike.

it takes years of development, research, design and testing to make something look and appear simple
  • 1 0
 @onawalk: tbf you are right lol it's not the same layout ha ha I was a bit hasty there you are correct!
I actually prefer the old layout, don't like these little links. So my comment was utter nonsense ha ha
  • 7 0
 Ooo ATX1 colour scheme looking fine
  • 5 0
 Giants site says it's not compatible with 2023 or earlier boxxers for some reason so I wonder if that's why it's a framset and fork
  • 7 1
 Perhaps the stanchion spacing is too narrow on the Boxxer? The 40 is a wider fork, which allows for more steering input/clearance. That's my best guess, at least...
  • 3 2
 It's actually not compatible with the old Boxxer because of the downtube protector. But yeah, that fork probably feels like a wet noodle to anyone 200LB or over on new super-slack bikes.
  • 3 0
 @Glory831Guy: It's actually not compatible with the old Boxxer because of the downtube protector.

...how does that work?
  • 2 0
 @boozed: Yeah, that doesn't make sense does it lol. On the spec sheet for the bike under "extras" it talks about the downtube protector, then it mentions the incompatibility with the old Boxxer.
  • 3 0
 Sort of weird there isn't an option to buy frame only without fork but also no other build options except the $8000 one.
Have a feeling we will only see this on the world cup circuit and if a local racer that has a small deal worked out with Giant.
  • 7 1
 You did it wrong, ROY G BIV giant ROY G BIV!
  • 6 0
 That looks shit hot, would ride!
  • 6 0
 Just like 1997 ATX990 John Tomac signature in my shed Smile
  • 3 0
 Direct link to the main image: ep1.pinkbike.org/p6pb24911638/p6pb24911638.jpg
If anyone wants to print it off for there son/daughter to put up on there dream bike wall...
Why make the image Private?
  • 1 1
 *their
  • 1 0
 @warmerdamj: go ride your bike.
  • 1 1
 @Bungalow-bikes: I did, there is still wrong.
  • 1 1
 @warmerdamj: Well maybe next time you feel the urge to correct someone's spelling in the comments section of a mountain bike website maybe you should hop on you bike, rather than making a dyslexic person feel like they can't have a voice on the internet.
  • 1 1
 @Bungalow-bikes: Stop using dyslexication as a shield or excuse. Take accountability for your short comings and use this as an opportunity to improve yourself. I am also retarded, but if you spend a moment and think about what you are writing (their there they're) you'll develop mentally, it just means you take a moment longer that someone who isnt dyslexic. If we all do this the world will be a better place.
  • 1 0
 @Mike172: Thanks for the advice (not) next time you feel the urge to comment on here, Please do the world a favour and take a short ride off a high cliff.
  • 7 0
 LOOK AT THE PAINT JOB!!
  • 4 0
 HTAs are edging ever closer to the infamous Grim Donut. At this rate we will be breaking 60 degrees in no time!
  • 3 0
 What an Amazing Tribute to the World Champion Giant ATX One... these colors are Awesome . Can't wait to see the Factory Team kickin' ass at the World Cups on these beauties
  • 2 0
 I like the design and the adjustability. Geometry also looks mostly really good, but what's up with the weirdly low stack height?
  • 1 0
 The adjustability is pretty awesome. I wish more bikes had an adjustable Chainstay.

It’s not clear how the reach adjustment works. Does it come with 2 sets of cups? A nominal reach and the +/- 5mm? Or do you always have to choose either +5mm or -5mm by flipping the orientation of the cups?
  • 4 0
 @gregs22: The geometry table suggests that you get two sets of cups. A set of neutral cups and another set of cups with a 5mm-offset that can be used to achieve the +5 or -5 setting, depending on the orientation they are mounted in the frame.
  • 2 0
 The low stack question is one I've had one my mind for some time. I'd mainly guess it's the amount of rear sag that makes up for it once you ride.
(I've seen the old Propain Rage having something like 612mm, whereas some hardtails have 655mm static)
  • 3 0
 Can't help but think that Formula suspension would look amazing on this bike.
  • 1 0
 Would need a red coil on the rear IMO
  • 2 0
 Maybe a yellow Ohlins fork?
  • 1 0
 @wburnes: Ohlins would definitely look great. I think the original had Marzocchi in red.
  • 2 0
 @jovesaxa: you mean first Giant ATX One DH? It had Boxxer 151 in red and later got Boxxer 180 in candy red
  • 2 0
 @blacktea: ah ha, I stand corrected. Thanks
  • 4 0
 Looks like an ATX One DH. Wink
  • 2 0
 I love my 2016 Giant Glory (mainly for the name) but I picked it up for $1500. I don't think trading in for an $8k bike is smart financially...
  • 3 0
 220mm rotors on the stock bike - noice!
  • 11 7
 Looks like a Session.
  • 17 2
 Looks like a Giant
  • 2 0
 So much want matched with so much fear at the wife’s reaction to first the cost and then the call from A&E
  • 3 0
 The yellow and red looks dope
  • 3 0
 iv never been a giant fan but this steed has totally converted me
  • 2 0
 Sick. Definitely at the top of my list if I ever get that dh bike scratch together
  • 2 0
 I would say looks like a session, but it looks exactly like a Top Fuel with that purple, red, yellow color way…
  • 3 0
 A bar chart to show axle path is dumb. That is all.
  • 2 0
 oof I kinda love it wtf. 61.6 degree head tube angle, what a time to be alive
  • 2 1
 So if a rock flicks off the front wheel and shatters the downtube (through the rubber protector) and Giant doesn't warranty it-will it be a Glory hole???
  • 1 0
 Bring back the old schemed colours!!! That blue cannondale, the white GT with blue and red lines, the trek yellow/purple, the blue sunn/commencal...
  • 3 0
 Change that horrible orange fork with a red Boxxer and it's perfect !
  • 2 0
 I like it when bike companies put a classic model paint job on a modern frame - I'd love to have an old ATX
  • 1 0
 The rear triangle is clunky - AKA the station wagon in National Lampoon's Vacation. And no high pivot - my expert hunch is that they're also unbelievers in the fad.
  • 2 0
 Should have X0 DH... AXS??
  • 3 0
 looks sooo sick!!!
  • 1 0
 Damn this looks sweet! I love that they have a full down tube protector from stock.
  • 2 0
 Ohh my, this thing looks amazing!
  • 2 1
 Looks fit. I don't like Giant, but this looks fit, but then don't all downhill bikes?
  • 2 0
 Nice looking bike, pity its only for small people.
  • 2 0
 Factory paint scheme is sick!!
  • 1 0
 Dam I need one to match my atx ,expensive tho at 9k aus for just frame... so so tempting ahhh
  • 2 0
 Old school vibes coming out of this thing galore. I love the paint
  • 1 0
 Those colors looks much more earthy early 90s than late 90s. Were bikes that far behind the times
  • 2 0
 I hope they release it in aluminum for 2025.
  • 1 0
 No integrated fork bumpers on the cable ports is a strange omission in my opinion
  • 1 0
 I want to drive this bike down the street in an El Camino with a hot rod flaming paint job.
  • 2 0
 You can put a water bottle on it!!!!!!! Top marks from me!
  • 1 0
 What was infamous about the previous bike? Or is that just a typo and it was supposed to say ‘famous’?
  • 1 0
 I'm glad it actually comes in a size XL now. I only ever saw them in L at their biggest
  • 1 0
 My perfect Giant team:

Danny Hart
Marcelo Gutierrez
Marine Cabirou
Valentina Roa
  • 2 0
 Nice looking bike
  • 1 1
 just me or it does look the same for last 10 years ? just different color and some bits
  • 1 0
 Can someone explain the seat stay to me? What's going on with that?
  • 5 0
 Nevermind. I just realized it's for the brake mount. Carry on.
  • 1 0
 @danielfloyd: ha yeah that made me think for a second too.
  • 4 1
 It forms the rear triangle
  • 1 0
 Is this the return of IS mount or is a custom adapter used?
  • 6 0
 glory holes
  • 2 1
 That's a lot of forward axle movement for a DH race bike.
  • 1 0
 That's due to the Maestro link pulling the rear triangle forward the further you go into the travel. Considering at sag there is only ~1mm of rearward travel left, the axle path is pretty much up and forwards, which is what would be expected with something moving in an arc. The arc elongates in the forward direction as the pivot of the rear triangle is rotating on an arc as well.
  • 1 0
 Give me the forward axle movement for racing, pumpy
  • 1 0
 :: looks at a ruler ::

Is 15 mm actually lot? Doesn’t seem like it.
  • 1 0
 Should have posted this on Monday. (Old guy jokes)
  • 1 0
 Daaannnnggg. I bet she's fast!
  • 2 0
 29 is dead
  • 1 0
 Glory, glory, glory reennntallll!!
  • 1 1
 6200 dollars for a frame and a fork .... LOL ... Giant you were selling good and cheap bikes, what happened?
  • 2 0
 Check how much is just the fork...
  • 1 1
 @TIZZASPAIN: that's the problem ... Once time ago Giant was very good at choosing wisely the part to mount
  • 1 0
 Speed Power
  • 1 2
 So much incredible engineering work to have a wheel path from 20 years ago???
  • 4 0
 nobody has ever proven the rearward path is actually faster.
  • 1 2
 Billshit an 8 grand dh bike? I've bout 5 giant bikes, this is b.s.
  • 2 3
 Looks like a Session.
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