Glory Advanced (2025)

Giant offers the Glory Advanced in a single, premium build that pairs a high-end suspension package with a mix of workhorse and budget-conscious components. The clear highlight of the spec sheet is the Fox Factory suspension, featuring a 40 fork with the GRIP2 damper and a DHX2 coil shock. This pairing provides the extensive high- and low-speed adjustability expected on a dedicated race bike. The drivetrain relies on SRAM's proven GX DH 7-speed group, while stopping duties are handled by Shimano Saint brakes.

However, reviewers consistently pointed out cost-cutting measures that detract from the bike's overall value. Despite the premium brakes, Giant specs basic stamped steel Shimano rotors rather than higher-tier IceTech versions, which testers found prone to overheating and vibration. The in-house Giant AM30 alloy wheelset also drew universal criticism for its soft construction, with rims denting and requiring frequent truing after just a few days of park riding. Finally, the frame's compact linkage design makes accessing the rear shock's high-speed rebound dial exceptionally difficult, often requiring a hex key rather than fingers to make adjustments.

Reviewers present a sharply divided consensus on the Glory Advanced, revealing a chassis that behaves very differently depending on setup and rider preference. On flow trails and jump lines, the Maestro suspension platform earns praise for its supportive mid-stroke. Testers found it "easy to get along with" (BikeRadar), noting that the bike generates speed efficiently when pumped through rollers and berms. In these scenarios, the stock mixed-wheel configuration contributes to a highly maneuverable, agile ride character.

However, the stock geometry draws significant criticism in steep or slow technical terrain. Multiple reviewers experienced unpredictable steering, with one noting a pronounced "wheel flop" (PinkBike) that makes the front end difficult to weight properly. The suspension kinematics also polarized testers. While some praised the shock tune for erasing trail chatter, others found the high initial anti-squat generated harsh pedal kickback. This led to a sensation of "busy feet and bangs" (PinkBike) on square-edged hits, rather than a smooth, isolating ride.

Additionally, aggressive riders warned that the rear suspension lacks sufficient end-stroke progression. Heavy compressions and flat landings can result in harsh bottom-outs, meaning that "your ankles won’t be happy" (Enduro MTB) after a long day of park riding without careful shock tuning.