GIANT Glory Advanced – In our 2025 downhill comparison test

A prototype of the latest iteration of GIANT’s legendary downhill bike, the Glory, has been seen on race tracks around the world. This prototype has finally been developed into a production model. The latest generation of the GIANT Glory builds on the experiences of its predecessors, complemented by some smart features. We tested it against five other DH bikes.

Traditional meets modernity: nearly 20 years after its introduction, the latest iteration of the GIANT Glory finally lands on the market. GIANT still rely on their proven Maestro twin-link suspension design, which connects the swingarm to the front frame triangle via two linkages. The most striking innovation is the versatile geometry adjustment. The new Glory rolls out of the factory as a mullet bike but can be converted to a full 29er. However, at 17 kg, it’s one of the heavier DH carbon bikes in this test, generating 203/200 mm of travel at the front and rear, respectively. Retailing at € 7,999, it sits in the middle of the test field in terms of price. Although you can order your Glory online, you’ll have to collect it from an authorized GIANT dealer.

Find an overview of this comparison test here: The Best Downhill Bike 2024 – Six exciting DH bikes in a comparison test

Specs and features of the 2024 GIANT Glory Advanced

The new GIANT Glory stands out from the crowd with an elegant frame silhouette and organic lines, which are typical features of GIANT bikes. The black-and-white paint finish rounds off the sleek look, but unfortunately, the spec leaves something to be desired in some areas: after a few runs, a bolt head broke off during a bolt check – annoying! Another issue: the cables run on the left side of the headset and are routed into the frame through unclamped cable ports, which causes them to rattle loudly inside the frame. The brake line reappears on the swingarm. A useful feature: a tool mount at the bottom of the top tube allows you to secure your trail essentials directly to the frame on long bike park sessions. A generously sized TPU plate extends from the bottom bracket almost across the entire length of the downtube, shielding the frame against stray rocks and nasty impacts.

GIANT rely on Shimano’s proven SAINT brakes, which are paired with a 220 mm rotor at the front and 200 mm disc at the rear. However, the rotors are Shimano’s cheaper stamped variant, which deliver significantly less braking power compared to the other models in this test – and also tend to overheat quicker. The Glory comes equipped with a SRAM GX Eagle DH drivetrain, which, like most drivetrains in this test, has seven gears – only the Pivot and RAAW use a 1×10 setup. A generously sized chainstay protector prevents chain slap and is complemented by a chain guide with bash guard, which prevents the chain from falling off while at the same time protecting the chainring from nasty impacts. The suspension consists of a FOX 40 Factory GRIP2 fork and matching FOX DHX2 coil shock. Since you have to buy the bike from a dealer, you can ask them to deliver the bike with a matching spring rate.

The Taiwanese manufacturer relies on an in-house GIANT AM carbon wheelset and MAXXIS tires, combining an ASSEGAI at the front and Minion DHR II at the rear, both in the tough DH casing and soft MaxxGrip rubber compound – a combination that ensures good puncture protection and maximum grip. However, we recommend upgrading to a rear tire with the harder MaxxTerra or DualCompound rubber compound for more durability.

Tuning tips: Higher quality brake rotors like GALFER’s Fixed Disc Wave discs

The geometry of the 2024 GIANT Glory Advanced

The new GIANT Glory is only available in three sizes, S/M, M/L, and L/XL. These are all relatively close together, meaning that there are no extremely long or super-short frames. All sizes come standard with a mullet wheel setup, with a 29” wheel at the front and smaller 27.5” wheel at the rear. If needed, however, the Glory can be converted to a full 29er using a flip-chip.

As you’d expect it from a modern downhill bike, the Glory offers countless geometry adjustments. What’s special about the GIANT is that you don’t need to buy new parts for this – nice! The first flip-chip is positioned in the upper link and can be adjusted in three stages. This primarily changes the bottom bracket drop between 13 mm and 3 mm and the head angle from 61.7° to 62.3°. The chainstay length can also be adjusted: 447 mm in the short setting and 457 mm in the long setting, regardless of the wheel configuration. You can also adjust the reach by 5 mm using a flip-chip in the headset cup. During our test, we rode the bike in the middle flip-chip setting, with a medium reach and the shorter chainstays.

The GIANT Glory Advanced 2024 on the trail

The GIANT Glory proves to be a real cornering machine and impresses with an agile, playful character from the get go. As soon as gravity takes over, you can clearly feel the bike springing out of corners and berms with great enthusiasm. The Glory shines particularly in tight corners, proving incredibly nimble but at the same time requiring a dynamic riding style.

The frame offers numerous adjustment options that can be implemented without additional parts – perfect for riders who like to fine-tune their geometry.

The active rear suspension ensures excellent composure in rough sections and over brake bumps, allowing the rear wheel to follow the contours of the ground even in bombed-out trail sections, thus ensuring great control and inspiring huge amounts of confidence in the process. At the same time, the Glory’s suspension provides plenty of mid-stroke support, making it easy to generate speed by pumping through rollers and berms. The suspension also provides excellent pop, making the Glory an excellent choice for playful riders who like to pull off edges and carve through berms at mach-10.

However, there are also a few downsides: the suspension lacks end progression, which means it bottoms out quickly with heavy compressions and huck-to-flats – your ankles won’t be happy! Overall, the Glory rides even more dynamically than the Santa Cruz V10, proving a great match for riders who like to throw their bike around the trail. However, this comes at the expense of stability. As a result, the GIANT doesn’t inspire the same amount of confidence in high-speed sections as the RAAW Yalla! and the Pivot Phoenix. Nevertheless, it’s easy to control, and doesn’t take long to get used to.

The Glory is the most agile bike in the test, impressing with its nimbleness and playful handling.

Who should take a closer look at the 2024 GIANT Glory Advanced?

The GIANT Glory is the ideal choice for anyone looking for a super agile bike that is fun not only on brutal downhill tracks but also in bike parks with flow trails, where its nimble character and active rear suspension make it easy to push hard and generate speed. The Glory is also suitable for racers who like to ride actively and pick up their “free speed” by pushing and pumping.

Conclusion about the 2024 GIANT Glory Advanced

The latest rendition of the GIANT Glory, which took a long time to develop, presents itself as a well-rounded package. The stylish frame impresses with countless yet simple adjustment options. On the trail, the Glory isn’t the most composed bike out there, which becomes particularly evident in high-speed sections – and hard landings can really reach all the way into your ankles. However, the bike makes up for this with its nimble character, and proved the most agile bike in the entire test field – a true berm slicer!

Tops

• Super agile handling
• Suspension with plenty of support and pop
• Easy adjustment options

Flops

• Hard landings can be painful
• Limited size range

More information is available on the GIANT website.

The test field

For an overview of this comparison test, check out: The Best Downhill Bike 2024 – Six exciting DH bikes in a comparison test

All bikes in the test: GIANT Glory Advanced | Pivot Phoenix V5 (Click for review) | RAAW Yalla! (Click for review) | ROSE Scrub DC 3 (Click for review) | Santa Cruz V10 DH X01 (Click for review) | YT TUES MK4 CORE4 (Click for review)

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Words: Simon Kohler Photos: Peter Walker