MY24 Glory Advanced

ALL GUTS. ALL GLORY.

THE ALL-NEW GLORY ADVANCED

RETURN TO GLORY

It has won the world championship. It was backflipped to victory at the Red Bull Rampage. It has sailed above the crowds at urban downhill races and has been raced to countless DH podiums around the world.

Since it was first introduced in 2006, the Giant Glory has been pushing the limits of gravity-fueled mountain bike progression. A lot has changed since that first-generation Glory, which had 26-inch wheels, an aluminum frameset, and a burly build that was designed to withstand the punishment of pro DH racing.

Now comes the fifth generation of Glory. It’s totally reengineered from the ground up to give DH racers a competitive edge. Built on a full-composite frameset with multiple ways to adjust and dial in its geometry, its handling and the rear wheel size, the all-new Glory Advanced embodies the here and now of cutting-edge DH performance.

This is a bike that’s born from racing. Giant engineers and product developers spent several years working with Giant Factory Off-Road Team racers and their mechanics to create multiple iterations, testing them on the most extreme and challenging DH tracks in the world. Over the past two seasons, Frenchman Rémi Thirion piloted prototype models to multiple top-10 World Cup finishes. And earlier this year, Luke Meier-Smith won the 2023 Australian Elite Men’s national DH title on a pre-production model.

The heart of the Glory Advanced is a lightweight, super-strong chassis that’s handcrafted with Advanced-grade composite. This is the first time a full-composite Glory is being made available to consumers, and at just 3200 grams (S/M frameset), it’s lighter, stiffer and quicker than previous generations.

In the following pages, we take a deeper look at the key performance factors behind the new Glory Advanced.

RACE-READY SUSPENSION

A new Maestro rear suspension system features 200mm of smooth, active travel. It uses four strategically positioned pivot points and two linkages that all work together to create a single floating pivot point.

The rear suspension has a new upper rocker arm made with Advanced Forged Composite that increases strength and stiffness and lowers overall frame weight. The result is better handling while navigating rough, technical trails, cornering at speed, and accelerating out of corners.

A 225mm trunnion mount shock in combination with a 75mm stroke make the rear suspension feel smoother and more active. And the frame’s leverage ratio has been adjusted to provide a smoother end stroke without bottom-outs.

The rear suspension is paired with a 203mm travel fork that absorbs trail impacts ranging from high-speed stutter bumps to big drops, heavy hits and hard landings on the most extreme DH terrain.

ULTRA ADJUSTABLE

One of the defining traits of this new Glory is an ability to adjust angles, dimensions and wheel size options to suit individual riding style and terrain. This adjustability is made possible with three different flip chips. The first is located on the upper rocker arm of the Maestro suspension system with three positions (High, Medium and Low) to dial in the handling. The different settings change the bottom bracket drop in 5mm increments (13, 8 or 3mm) as well as the head tube angle (61.6, 62 or 62.3 degrees) and seat tube angle (78.4, 78.8 or 79.1 degrees).

The High position raises ground clearance and steepens the head tube and seat tube angles, which results in quick and responsive handling. This is a good choice for riding smoother, faster singletrack in the mixed wheel “mullet” setup. The Mid position is the most versatile and most often used by Giant Factory Off-Road Team DH riders. The Low position is a good choice for the steepest, most technical descents and well suited for stable handling when riding 29-inch wheels front and rear.

The second adjustment point is a two-position flip chip on the rear dropout that changes the wheelbase and rear-center measurement. The Short position results in a quicker, more agile ride quality and is a great option for tight, twisty terrain. The tighter wheelbase and rear-center makes for responsive steering and flickable handling. The Long position, on the other hand, extends the wheelbase and rear-center for better control at high speeds. This setting boosts chassis stability on more open and fast DH tracks with longer straightaways and fast cornering.

The third adjustment is a new modular three-position flip chip at the headset area that lets riders adjust the reach in 5mm increments to Short (-5mm), Mid (0mm) or Long (+5mm). The Short position puts the headset closest to the rider for a more upright position that’s good for tight, technical downhill terrain. The Mid position offers a neutral reach for well-balanced handling on changing terrain. The Long position creates a more stretched out rider position for a planted feel.

REAR WHEEL OPTIONS

Riders can choose either a 29-inch or 27.5-inch rear wheel. All models come from the factory with a mixed wheel “mullet” stock setup that many racers, including the pros from the Giant Factory Off-Road Team, often choose to race with. Riding with the smaller diameter rear wheel creates a snappy, agile feel as well as increased saddle-to-tire clearance in the rear.

For those who favor the rollover speed and stability of 29-inch wheels front and rear, the swap can easily be made with the purchase and installation of a larger-diameter rear wheel and tire.

MAESTRO SUSPENSION TECHNOLOGY

Whatever your choice of off-road terrain, Maestro Suspension expands your bike’s capabilities and boosts your performance. It’s an adaptable rear suspension platform that gives you more control, traction, comfort and speed.

KEY BENEFITS

PEDALING EFFICIENCY

Whether you’re sprinting up a climb or hammering through a rock garden, Maestro performs consistently under pedaling power and doesn’t compromise efficiency.

FULLY ACTIVE

From high-frequency trail vibrations to big-hit compressions, Maestro soaks up the full spectrum of trail impacts to give you a smoother ride over all types of terrain.

TOTAL BRAKE INDEPENDENCE

Even under full braking force, Maestro Suspension stays active, keeping your tires in contact with the trail and giving you better traction at all times.

HOW IT WORKS

1. GROUND CONTROL

Maestro’s engineered wheel path and linear spring curve allow the rear suspension to remain sensitive to both small and big impacts without “packing up” under rapid, successive hits or bottoming out from big hits. This results in better contact between your tires and the trail, improving traction, acceleration, cornering and braking.

2.

Maestro utilizes four strategically positioned pivot points (the four red circles above) and two linkages that all work to create a single floating pivot point (the larger circle). This single floating pivot point improves pedaling efficiency by counteracting pedaling forces that would otherwise create suspension compression (squatting) or pedal kickback (bobbing).

3. FULLY CONNECTED

Maestro’s upper rocker arms feature trunnion shock mounts, which produce a lower leverage ratio on rear shock compression for better pedaling and braking efficiency. This configuration also allows engineers to create bikes with shorter chainstays, improving agility.

4.

LOWER CENTER OF GRAVITY

Maestro’s moving parts and components, including the linkages, shock, pivots and hardware, are centralized within the frameset. This results in a low center of gravity, which helps improve the bike’s overall handling on the trail.

5. LIGHTER AND STRONGER

A state of the art, high-pressure molding process is used to produce the Advanced Forged Composite upper rocker arm. This makes it lighter, stiffer and stronger than aluminum to help boost the overall performance of your bike.

6. SMOOTH OPERATOR

Double-sealed pivot bearings provide long-term, smoothfunctioning suspension articulation.

7. PRECISE TRACKING

A single-piece rear swingarm (no chainstay or seatstay pivots) provides the ultimate in rear-end stiffness for precise tracking over rough terrain.

FOUR, TWO, ONE

ADJUSTABILITY BEYOND COMPARE

FLIP CHIP - MAESTRO 3

WHAT IS IT?

This all-new technology allows riders to quickly adjust the geometry and choose a rear wheel size (29-inch or 27.5inch) for their riding style and terrain. It’s available on select Maestro-equipped mountain bikes. The adjustment affects head tube and seat tube angles, bottom bracket height, and rear-wheel size using eccentric flip chip hardware located on the upper rocker arm of the rear suspension.

HOW

DOES IT WORK?

This new technology provides three positions (high, mid and low) using two different flip chips—a combination high/low chip or a dedicated mid-position chip.

1. HIGH POSITION

When this dual-position flip chip is installed in the high setting, the frame’s head and seat tube angles become steeper and the bottom bracket height is elevated.

2. MID POSITION

When this single-position flip chip is installed, the frame’s head tube and seat tube angles are positioned in a neutral stance, and the bottom bracket height is at its mid-height point.

3. LOW POSITION

When this dual-position flip chip is installed in the low setting, the frame’s head and seat tube angles become slacker, and the bottom bracket height is lowered. This provides the most stable geometry for riding at higher speeds and on the most aggressive terrain.

CUSTOMIZE YOUR FIT

FLIP CHIP - HEADSET

WHAT IS IT?

This new three-position flip chip at the headset area of the Glory Advanced lets riders quickly fine-tune cockpit dimensions and geometry for their riding style and terrain.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Two different “chips” set the headset/reach in either a -5mm (short), 0mm (mid), or +5mm (long) offset position. The modular system consists of two positioning chips (short/long and mid), which can be easily removed and swapped to achieve a short, mid or long reach frame geometry.

1. SHORT POSITION (-5MM)

The headset/reach is positioned 5mm closer to the rider.

2. MID POSITION (0MM)

The headset/reach is positioned neutrally. In this position, the bike is better suited for a balance of descending/technical conditions.

3. LONG POSITION (+5MM)

The headset/reach is positioned 5mm farther from the rider. In this position, the bike is better suited for faster conditions. This long position also offers “corrected” rider positioning for 29/27.5-wheel configuration.

HOW DOES IT CHANGE MY RIDE EXPERIENCE?

SHORT POSITION

A shorter reach produces quick handling, a great option for tight, twisty terrain. This position translates into shorter reach, top tube, front/ center and wheelbase measurements and a more upright position for quicker turning, more flickable handling.

MID POSITION

A neutral reach produces well-balanced handling, ideal for trails with general technical challenge and equal parts pedaling and descending. A zero-offset headset position translates into neutral reach, top tube, front/center and wheelbase measurements and a balanced position for predictable handling.

LONG POSITION

A longer reach produces stable handling, a great option for efficient performance over smoother terrain. This translates into longer reach, top tube, front/center and wheelbase measurements and a more stretched out rider position for a planted feel while cornering.

ADJUST TO THE CHALLENGE

FLIP CHIP - DROPOUT DH

WHAT IS IT?

A quick and simple adjustment on the new Glory Advanced lets you fine tune your bike for the way you ride. A two-position flip chip located on the rear dropout changes the rear-center measurement so racers can get the best performance out of the bike depending on their riding style and terrain.

SHORT POSITION

LONG POSITION

HOW DOES IT WORK?

A flip chip on each side of the rear dropout can be set to a long or short position. The integrated system consists of eccentric, offset hardware that can be easily loosened, removed and flipped to the long or short setting using common tools.

1. SHORT POSITION

When the flip chip is in the short position, the rear-center/ wheelbase is shorter. In this position, the bike is better suited for slower, more technical conditions.

2. LONG POSITION

When the flip chip is in the long position, the rear-center/ wheelbase extends 10mm, which is better suited for fast, open course conditions.

HOW DOES IT CHANGE MY RIDE EXPERIENCE?

SHORT POSITION

A shorter wheelbase results in a quicker, more agile, ride quality. This is a great option for tight, twisty terrain. A shorter rear-center/ wheelbase makes for quicker turning, more flickable handling.

LONG POSITION

The long position extends the rear-center/wheelbase, which adds stability for high-speed straights and fast cornering. It also boosts chassis stability when wide-open course conditions prevail.

SUSPENSION SCIENCE

Giant engineers took great care in perfecting the delicate balance of anti-squat, anti-rise, axle path, and leverage ratio. These critical elements lie at the foundation of the Glory Advanced, shaping how power is transferred, how braking forces are managed, and how the bike interacts with the ever-changing terrain. The following four charts delve into the intricacies of anti-squat, which counteracts unwanted suspension movement during pedaling, antirise, which resists brake dive, and the wheel path and leverage ratio characteristics that determine how the bike absorbs impacts and handles rough terrain.

The Glory Advanced features the right amount of anti-rise capability to combat brake dive.

ANTI-SQUAT

Maestro Suspension

Technology allows for complete suspension activity whether under pedaling forces or coasting down the steepest terrain.

SUSPENSION SCIENCE

AXLE PATH

The Glory Advanced features a highly updated axle path, providing the right amount of initial rearward deflection, then progressing into a highly efficient, near-vertical wheel path

LEVERAGE RATIO

A highly revised leverage ratio feels softer off the top, progressing steadily through its mid-stroke, then finishing with smooth bottom-out performance.

2014 Glory Advanced 2024 Glory Advanced

GLORY ADVANCED

Thoroughly reengineered from the ground up, the new Glory Advanced features a lightweight, super strong composite frame, 200mm of Maestro rear suspension (with a 203mm fork up front), and multiple flip chips to dial in geometry, rear wheel size, fit and positioning. The stock setup is a mixed wheel configuration with a 29-inch front and 27.5-inch rear, striking a perfect balance of roll-over speed and maneuverability. Riders also have the option to switch to a 29-inch rear wheel using a simple two-position flip chip on the rear dropout. The legend is back.

TECHNOLOGY

1 ADVANCED COMPOSITE

Mainframe and rear swingarm crafted with high-performance grade raw carbon fiber and custom resin that’s custom made in Giant’s own composite factory. Handcrafted monocoque construction makes it extremely lightweight, stiff and compliant.

2 MAESTRO SUSPENSION

Four strategically positioned pivot points and two linkages all work together to create a single floating pivot for the most active, efficient and independent suspension system on the trail.

3 ADVANCED FORGED COMPOSITE

A state-of-the-art high-pressure molding process is used to produce the hybrid aluminum/carbon fiber upper rocker link that’s lighter, stiffer and stronger than pure aluminum.

4 ADJUSTABLE DH GEOMETRY

Frame geometry can be adjusted between three settings to match riding style and terrain. You can select a 61.6, 62 or 62.3-degree head angle and corresponding 78.4, 78.8 or 79.1-degree seat tube angle, resulting in a 13, 8 or 3mm bottom bracket drop (size M/L).

5 ADJUSTABLE WHEELBASE

A flip chip on the rear dropout can be set to a Long or Short position to adjust the wheelbase and rear-center measurement. The Short position results in quicker, more agile handling for tight, technical terrain. The Long position extends the wheelbase for added stability on faster trails with longer straightaways and high-speed cornering.

6 REACH ADJUST

A three-position flip chip at the headset lets riders quickly dial in cockpit dimensions and geometry. This modular system has two positioning chips that can be removed and swapped to achieve a Short (-5mm), Mid (0mm) or Long (+5mm) reach and fine tune the bike’s handling and rider positioning.

7 REAR WHEEL OPTIONS

Riders can choose either a 29- or 27.5-inch rear wheel, paired with a 29inch front wheel. The larger 29-inch option improves stability and roll-over capabilities, while the 27.5 option delivers a more agile, snappier feel. It’s a quick and easy change to adjust the bike’s handling and feel.

8 MEGADRIVE

A massive rectangular down tube and oversized top tube provide superior lateral and torsional steering precision. The precisely engineered, rectangular shaped down tube yields unprecedented steering and pedaling stiffness.

9 GIANT TUBELESS SYSTEM

Integrated Tubeless WheelSystem and tires delivers improved efficiency, comfort and control in the most user-friendly and reliable system.

Glory Advanced

GLORY ADVANCED

Backed by world championship pedigree, this full composite-framed downhill flyer is back in action with 200mm of reengineered Maestro rear suspension and multiple ways to adjust geometry, rider positioning and rear wheel size. It’s all new, years in the making, coming to race podiums everywhere.

KEY PERFORMANCE FACTORS

RACE-READY SUSPENSION

A new Maestro rear suspension system, developed over several seasons of World Cup racing with Giant engineers and pro athletes, features 200mm of smooth, active travel for race-winning speed. The rear suspension is paired with a 203mm travel fork*, providing superior confidence and control on the most extreme DH racetracks and trails.

ULTRA ADJUSTABLE

A total of three flip chips provide unprecedented adjustability. First, a three-position Maestro flip chip lets riders dial in frame geometry to suit their riding style and terrain. Next, a new headset flip chip adjusts reach so that riders can easily achieve their preferred positioning. And finally, a dropout-located flip chip lets riders adjust the overall wheelbase and handling characteristics.

REAR WHEEL OPTIONS

Riders can choose either a 29-inch or 27.5-inch rear wheel. All models come with a mixed wheel “mullet” stock setup that many racers prefer. The smaller diameter rear wheel creates a snappy, agile feel and increased saddle-to-tire clearance in the rear. For those who favor the rollover speed and stability of two 29-inch wheels, the swap can easily be made with the purchase and installation of a largerdiameter wheel/tire.

FRAME GEOMETRY (UNITS IN MM UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED)

GLORY ADVANCED LEGENDS EDITION FRAMESET

From early pioneers like Rob Warner in the 1990s to world champions including Myles Rockwell (2000) and Danny Hart (2011), many of downhill racing’s greatest legends have flown the flag for Giant over the years. This special-edition frameset celebrates that heritage with vintage Giant colors and design. Beneath the stunning paint lies cutting-edge DH design and technology including full-composite construction, an all-new Maestro suspension system, and ultra adjustability to tackle different types of DH terrain.

KEY PERFORMANCE FACTORS FRAME GEOMETRY

RACE-READY SUSPENSION

A new Maestro rear suspension system, developed over several seasons of World Cup racing with Giant engineers and pro athletes, features 200mm of smooth, active travel for race-winning speed. The rear suspension is paired with a 203mm travel fork*, providing superior confidence and control on the most extreme DH racetracks and trails.

ULTRA ADJUSTABLE

A total of three flip chips provide unprecedented adjustability. First, a three-position Maestro flip chip lets riders dial in frame geometry to suit their riding style and terrain. Next, a new headset flip chip adjusts reach so that riders can easily achieve their preferred positioning. And finally, a dropout-located flip chip lets riders adjust the overall wheelbase and handling characteristics.

REAR WHEEL OPTIONS

Riders can choose either a 29-inch or 27.5-inch rear wheel. All models come with a mixed wheel “mullet” stock setup that many racers prefer. The smaller diameter rear wheel creates a snappy, agile feel and increased saddle-to-tire clearance in the rear. For those who favor the rollover speed and stability of two 29-inch wheels, the swap can easily be made with the purchase and installation of a largerdiameter wheel/tire.

(UNITS IN MM UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED)