One sign of the price, however, is the quick release wheel axle at the base of the fork. To give you an idea of how unexpected air suspension is on a bike of this price, it was a noted feature on the recently reviewed, and more expensive, Norco Charger 9.2 too.Įven more impressive is that the fork makes use of the frame’s tapered steerer tube, whereas other bikes of this price often sneakily use a heavier and less-stiff fork with a straight steerer tube in an effort to save cost. The air spring, which allows finite and simple tuning of how firm or soft the suspension is specifically to you, is impressive on a bike with the Fathom’s price and is surely a stand-out feature. The 100mm-travel SR-Suntour Raidon fork is packed to the brim with features, including an adjustable air spring (BYO shock pump), external rebound control and a firm lockout. Here, Giant has gone with a brand that offers less desire, but amazing value. Looking past the frame and it’s the front suspension fork that follows in importance. We tested the new Fathom 29er 2 on some local cross country loops to see if Giant’s previous withdrawal from the big wheels has meant a loss in experience, or just a chance to re-consider things. It’s the type of riding that most of us do, and the Fathom is built to get you on the trails, get your heart rate up, ride some stuff that makes you smile and return you home safely. The Fathom takes off from what the long-standing XTC alloy platform left, it’s a bike priced for the beginner to intermediate rider and designed for cross country-type mountain biking.
New bike - older rider - would like a little feedback on three bikes It doesn't seem to be that harsh a ride but I haven't really ridden hardtails for many years. The geometry is pretty nice with a, relatively, slack head angle.
The brakes aren't amazing but are fine for the forest. I put some bigger tyres on it and it runs tubeless. I bought it for using in the winter Epping Forest mud and it does this very well. I think I will change the fork however as it's ok but would like something a little more meaty. So far the gears change smoothly and the rims have stayed true. It rides very nice and is perfect for Epping Forest. The dropper post housing cannot go any lower than in the photos, I find this very annoying as the max extension point is too high for me! Tried taking the water bottle mounts out but it won't get any lower. Then once the photo is uploaded to Pinkbike, youncan use the photo number in the text box after clicking "link PB image" above the comment box. Go to your profile, click the "photos" section and then "photo uploader". I wanted a winter hardtail that can deal with the mud. The geometry seems pretty spot on as well. It also comes with Ardents which are no good for muddy riding. The stem, flats & tyres are not stock, but it does come with a short (50mm) stem. So far seems very very nice and pretty good value. Will be riding it Sunday & Monday so I will let you know. So far just rode it 15 miles home from work (Road only). I spent the extra because the 2018 model comes with tubeless rims and wider bars. Just bought the 2018 Fathom 1 27.5 medium.