the Hardtail Everyone Has Been Asking For | 2022 Giant Fathom 29 1

[@DanyaAnderson]

I have the 2021 and as a former downhiller I love the geometry. I upgraded the brakes as soon as I could and the cranks might be next but you can't beat this for it's price. Bike park, long rides, tech trails all in one.

[@justwam7619]

This is how everyone should review a bike. Great video and thank you.

[@wekitralph]

i had the 2021 fathom 29 1. such a great bike! i upgraded to a trance 29 3. if anyone buys the fathom, you won’t be disappointed.

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

That's awesome to hear. Hope you're loving your trance just as much or more!

[@devintaylor2287]

Take that diaper off your face and you'll go faster

[@Ivegonefishin411]

How is the talon vs fathom?

[@dougboatwright6592]

@@Ivegonefishin411 I have had the Talon 2 for 30 days and am already trading it in for a fathom

[@c.e.b.7558]

Got my 2022 fathom 1early this year. Gnarly bike. Crest forks are chunky and awesome. Geometry is bang on. Hardtail adds to the versatility. I'll be keeping mine.

[@harrygrimley4352]

A year ago I would have said, way to much. Since then with the help of guys like you I now understand that is not bad. Still a lot of money to me but I have a better understanding. Good looking bike. Thanks for sharing this with us.

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Any time!

[@curtiswatkins2219]

I have a 2022, fathom 29 2 for three months now. I get out on it a couple times a week and have a mini skills park in my yard as well. I have no complaints and haven’t had any issues with the fork so far.

[@cactus_cuber1589]

These bikes are so underrated they have amazing value😁 (Edit: I have one of these but the 27.5 version)

[@jasonrichmond7974]

Finally a bigger name KZbinr showing a Fathom. Are you going to do a ride review? I feel the bike is under rated to it’s peers. The Roscoe and Fuse get more love. Currently ride a 2019 Fathom and love it.

[@Manwichman]

I have a 2019 also and damn... So dope. I stripped all the paint, magura mt5 and 7 brakes, one up dropper, mavic xa pro carbon wheels, descendant carbon cranks, wolf tooth dropper remote one up pedals, renthal fatbar stealth carbon bars with renthal stem, SRAM xo 11 speed derailleur and shifter, schwalbe nobby nic up front and racing Ralph in rear... Only thing I am " missing out on" is 148 rear but you know what? If I had it I wouldn't even notice or care lol. My bike is uniquely mine and it has been a labor of love as I have bought and installed all myself even stripping the paint last winter. 🙋👍

[@Notadrianmonroy]

@@Manwichman , I have the 2021 Fathom 29 1. I’ve ridden my friends full suspension and although it’s nice, I really don’t ever see myself NEEDING full squish. I plan to eventually make it a monster hardtail like yours when the parts wear out. Your build sounds awesome!

[@RedBeardDevelopment]

I got a Talon 1, how does it compare with the fathom?

[@RedBeardDevelopment]

@@Michael-fi6ve sad panda

[@whatfreedom7]

@@RedBeardDevelopment it also has a fork with less travel. I think it’s more of a XC bike than a trail bike.

[@mmarconi6346]

I watched this video like 5 times. Just cancelled my Trek Roscoe 8 (watched that video, too). It's a great upgrade to my previous De Vinci Riff. Picking it up on Monday. Looking forward to it. Thanks guys.

[@papiofisher]

How's the fathom? Is the ride to stiff? I was interested in the fuse but the price point is double than the fathom The fuse and fathom very similar.

[@mmarconi6346]

@@papiofisher Ride is not bad. Suspension is really good, but I wish it was 140 mm. I I hear some clicking noise already and didn't ride it hard yet (trails). Gotta see what's up and update you. I like the handlebar of it more than Roscoe 8. I ride XL and bike is big so that's a plus for me. If you can wait until June, prices will drop even more. Bike Industry is saturated this year.

[@xogeexantonio4715]

I had the Fathom 1 2018, and had enjoyed it so much until I went full suspension. This looks much more trail capable than that bike spec wise!

[@miguelzazueta5566]

I bought the Fathom 2 2022 about 2 months ago and I Can tell, the bike does everything! I’ve ran carreers, I Can go trough heavy trails, enduro, CX, and even use it on the road, it’s light, capable, deft and the suspension works just fine. The only thing I “did not like” about this combo, is the fact that the Fathom 2021 came on 12 speed and this year they changed for 10 speed, but still, not a turn down, you Can always work on your condition or upgrade the cassette. If you’re willing to buy this bike, this is the signal, go for it

[@erickrose5273]

Is it comfortable for a long bike ride on the road?

[@selfpeace9539]

Thanks for the review! Just picked up mine and I’m in love. I originally put in an order for an REI DRT 2.1 but after test riding the Fathom, I knew she was the one.

[@jimborghini2761]

Did you have trouble finding this bike in stock? I might order one from local shop and put some 2.8 tires on it. Looks great!

[@selfpeace9539]

@@jimborghini2761 not at all. Good luck!

[@toml7945]

I have this bike, I replaced the junk fork with a Rockshox 35 gold RL, 160mm travel and now it'a way better, the 35 gold is a great fork. The increase in travel set the HT at 64.5. Also upgraded the the headset bearings to sealed

[@johnnydoe66]

A friend has an older Fathom and loves it. I know Giant makes great quality bikes and components, but I am interested in this new fork and how it performs compared to known suspension brands

[@scrappyhustler7467]

I just bought a fathom 2 2022 last month ridden it a dozen times now and absolutely love it mine came shimano deore xt 12spd and I can tell u the crest 34 fork performs just as good as my Marzocchi on my 27.5 nukeproof ht I love it great bike for the money I upgraded the Tektro brakes to shimano just for my preference.

[@johnnydoe66]

@@scrappyhustler7467 Thanks, I was curious about the Crest. I don't doubt Giant Bicycles ability to produce bikes and parts, but suspension is something new. Congratulations on your bike purchase

[@scrappyhustler7467]

@@johnnydoe66 thank you yeah everytime I ride it ear to ear grin 😁 i think mainly because it's my first 29er.

[@svensshed1564]

I bloody love my Fathom, I did put lightweight tyres on and I have set it up for more of a XC type riding.

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Awesome bike ain't it!

[@Notadrianmonroy]

I have a 2021 Fathom 29 1. As a novice rider, it will be a LONG TIME until my skills outgrow this bike. No fork or any other reliability issues so far.

[@ramirorivera9705]

Thank you appreciate the quick response 👌

[@oldkicker8958]

I would buy one if I could find one. This is the first one I’ve seen reviewed.

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

It is a sweet bike

[@billybaroo3358]

Got mine last spring. Love it...

[@bedlightbrown]

I have a 2020 Yukon fat bike and it is very similar to this bike and I love it. That thing bombs downhill and climbs well surprisingly.

[@TubaSolotheHiker]

I have a Giant Fathom 1 2021 in the Black/Charcoal. I LOOOOOVE that bike.

[@SCnative64]

There's a lot of hardtails like that - like the Norco Fluid HT, and the Orbea Lauffey to name 2. And they both have capable but not too extreme geo. And they run threaded bottom brackets.

[@sarjy4209]

I just got my 2022 Fathom 2 and I LOVE IT

[@jensoncremasco3352]

2021 fathom 2 is the best fathom in the lineup once breaks are upgraded

[@Notadrianmonroy]

I agree. I wanted a Fathom 2 but only could find a Fathom 1 within 500 miles back in 2021. I do think the Fathom 2’s shimano drivetrain would’ve been better than my Sram Sx with NX derailleur but oh well. Guess I’ll just eventually go GX when it wears out.

[@socalhardtailmtb4194]

I’ve been loving my Fathom2. Such a great bike.

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

It sure is

[@MikeKraemer87]

They need to offer these as a frameset, i had a 2021 fathom and it was awesome!

[@pepeanza6187]

Best bike i ever have more fun than any full suspension that i own in 20 years of riding, make my sold my 2 full suspension bikes, but yes i upgrade almost anything but the wheels/hubs, bar and stem and saddle, thinking in making a xc build in a fathom frame, im looking at everyone for a medium frame

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Nice dude, sounds like a cool build

[@aquilararmando]

Would you recommend the 2022 giant fathom 2 or the 2002 trek Roscoe 7?

[@vialactea5549]

I'm toying with the same idea. But I don't know what fork to match it in order to maintain the same geo.

[@G14tube]

What do you think of the roscoe 8 compared to this? Which one would you take?

[@KA-ne2et]

Entry level riders can certainly do well with this ride But it’s a solid hard tail all the way around and not just for entry level riders

[@warthundershorts6649]

Every one gangsta till the fork fails and the PF bottom bracket starts creaking

[@Pedritopancito]

Nice review!

[@hallstewart]

Interesting lurch toward hardcore hardtail. I have the the 2019 Fathom 1 27.5+ and I still think that was at the sweet spot between xc and trail.

[@markcottierkw950]

I was waiting for your opinion on the bike.

[@antondiaz8547]

Really love your videos! I wish you do a review of the xtc advanced 29 3 2021 or 2022. Planning to grab one soon but can’t find a good review on youtube. Keep it up!

[@joemesserhd1]

i currently have a 2021 Fathom 2 ..... very nice bike !!!

[@sirces9]

I enjoyed the in-depth review that you did on this bike. I just purchased a 22 Fathom from my LBS. I think it’s time I switch up from the road bike and start exploring some of my local dirt roads and bike trails. By the way, I love the stand in your video. Do you sell that particular one?

[@xandebikes]

I love this bike

[@Louis-nh6st]

In my opinion the best bike for under 2000 bucks, is the Radon cragger 8.0 it has a dvory sapphire 34 with 130mm of travel, magura mt5 Brakes and a full sram gx drivetrain. I already own two Radon mountainbikes and in have to say that i really love them.

[@alwaysshifting9574]

Great looking rig

[@peterwilliamson4296]

On point review.

[@bikechiatrist]

Nicely presented 👌🏽

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Thanks a lot 😊

[@DJEpisteme]

SOLID review! Niiiiice

[@shaymtbrider7244]

V under rated bike

[@terrycorkum]

Sweet this is my bike. 2021 though. But still. My advise. Change out the chain to gx and get the freehub to change over to gx drivetrain. I hot my free hub from a retailer in Germany.

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Nice upgrade tips

[@avengethedead05]

I have a 2021 Fathom 29 1 as well. Thanks for the advice.

[@terrycorkum]

@@avengethedead05 it's an xd freehub for giant wheels if you do look.

[@CasperBlackbird]

As a beginner myself i wonder if this is this bike to get when eventually after stuff wears out i 'rebuild' this into a gravel/urban trick/fooling around single speed HT?

[@silver_c1oud]

The common issue with Fathom is the Crest fork. that is why when i got my XTC, i replace the Crest with Rockshox Right away

[@Notadrianmonroy]

I’ve had my 2021 Fathom 29 for about 12 months now and no issues with the Crest fork or anything else. But I can see the desire to want to upgrade.

[@adamdobos3578]

The 2022 versions have no fork issues.

[@noturnleftunstoned72]

Gorgeous!

[@salty_bean3656]

I picked up mountain biking this past year and Bought the Fathom 2 around November… was already sending it hitting jumps my third time on the bike at Spider Mountain and i broke my wrist🥴

[@RedPanther2030]

I got 2021 Fathom 2 and so far it's amazing in the trail. I'm 230lbs and I'm smashing the cr@p out of it. It definitely can handle some beating..

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Nice Nice

[@camwells9726]

Canyon have just brought out a hard tail that looks interesting, it’s basically the spectral geo without rear suspension

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Cool!

[@briangarrod5485]

Trying to save up for one I got the 2019 giant Fathom 2 29er Which is still amazing bike

[@Mikemalone7873]

I stayed for the review, but check out at “ press fit BB”. The manufacturer KNOW they always creak when you ride off road like this bike is begging to be ridden. Great info. Thanks for sharing!

[@shaymtbrider7244]

I have fathom 29er n 27.5 more then a year now put lot of miles no creaking yet

[@Mikemalone7873]

@@chrro466 could be! Mine has a big red S… Not my Surly though. It’s threaded and is awesome!

[@aquilararmando]

This bike is on my list but the front fork has so many bad reviews so deciding if I should get the 2022 trek Roscoe 7 instead with a better fork “rock shock”

[@radiffff]

Thanks for the review. I’m looking between this and Stoic 4. I like Giant but I’m shy of 6.2ft and think L of Fathom 1 is a bit small with my knees and handle bar getting to close on turns but then XL I’m gonna be stretched and handlebar would sit too far out….Stoic 4 geometry/handlebar and its components seems to be a better fit but you folks let me know!

[@betafi4535]

I've got the same situation, let me know if you find a good solution (:

[@joebos7168]

You should do the giant fathom 2

[@outbackwack368]

Thanks! I like the build overall. Gotta see what Steve at HTP thinks of it ;-)

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

I'm sure he would have a good time reviewing one

[@linecrosser1738]

He chose a great bike to review. The Santa Cruz chameleon. Bang for the buck best bike.

[@kael3556]

I love my giant fathom 1 2021 27.5.

[@ramirorivera9705]

Question I just ordered mine fathom 1 do they come with pedals?

[@curtiswatkins2219]

It will come with plastic test pedals. Most folks replace these with something that has pins for more grip.

[@dcouture79]

So, will I ever see you in the Braintree location??

[@giewerilagan8799]

Im trying to get into mtb can you lock the suspension on this one?

[@badagaioo]

Had a 2020 fathom, still with qr and more om the XC side. I like these new interactions but the Orbea Laufey runs laps around this in all departments and its basically the same price and better components.

[@brodiestorch656]

Wrong, NX, SX eagle > Deore. How can you say the parts are better but they aren't lol....

[@getstrongby4038]

@@brodiestorch656 why do you say SX over deore?

[@rickhoras7797]

I purchased a Fathom 2 this past July. I found the bike to be slow, heavy and difficult to handle in rocky terrain. I sold mine after 2 months. I much prefer a lighter dual suspension cross country bike!

[@GrimYak]

I too purchased a Prius. It was too slow for me on rock climbs and mountain trails. I much prefer a Jeep or a land cruiser with a 2 inch lift and 20 tires.

[@LAFooFrmLA]

@@GrimYak 🤣🤣🤣

[@robo1989]

Can I use this mtb for uber or door dash?

[@ericcartmansstrengthandpow5960]

No it will explode.

[@erickrose5273]

Is it still good for long bike ride?

[@MrTrazz09]

the 2020 version which i own, has many differences compared to the one in the video...mine has no dropper post, its still QR locking on the frame not TA, and it comes with a 100mm fork, the only similarity is the groupset and the wheelset and tires...giant is not consistent of their setup

[@lougutierrezjr5825]

I still use my 2019 Fathom 1

[@stevemurray710]

7 pounds less than the weight you gave for my stumpjumper alloy which of course has an extra shock and some SX taper crank which is supposed to be heavy. Bike weight doesn't bother me except when loading the stumpy into the trunk of my 95 Volvo and when removing the front wheel. I guess I need to watch some videos on bike racks.

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Bike rack is the key to your adventure

[@kristapszs1]

I heard that the crest fork is not so good. The lockouts are blowing out and rattling.

[@adamdobos3578]

The 2021 versions had fork problem. The 2022 Fathom (which I own for a while) has no problems.

[@lukecreese6699]

great bike just ordered one but mine comes with shimano 4 pot brakes?

[@PatrickKocha]

I gave always been die hard specialized only but having a giant and looking at others they build there right on with specialized just lot less money

[@juanhuttoe4517]

Looks fun, so seems to be comparable to this year's trek roscoe?

[@Officernoob]

wonder why pressfit

[@davidg5683]

Does the bike come assembled?

[@paulw7371]

Fathom 1 is around 1800. Fathom 2 is 1500. What costs the extra 300?

[@ivannunez8795]

I’m thinking about this one or the trance 29 3, what do you think I should go to? I’m a beginner mountain biker in central florida! Thank you!

[@dondon0906]

Is it applicable if i put 100mm reba and set it up to a Xc -20 stem

[@rcarma97]

Are the SRAM drive train and Orien brakes any good. Could I change to shimano?

[@lordofarcades]

Its nice but I went with a 22 trek roscoe 8 in matte blacl olive.

[@lukewignall9947]

This or specialized fuse comp?

[@scottbatten1937]

Comp 2021 Adjustability on rear drop outs really makes a big difference a little taller bar or stem on the comp an it’s shreds Ville! I ride one daily an coming from BMX industry it’s a perfect fit..👍🏼

[@vincealfred3018]

Nice video bro keep it up. would you mind bike check the Canyon stoic 2 planing to buy 1

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Canyon does not have any dealers for me to borrow a bike from. It's unlikely you'll see one on the channel

[@davidfunchion6613]

My dropper came down on the water bottle screw and split the aluxx tube. What do I do

[@shaymtbrider7244]

Right now fathom 2 is 1200$ best bang for bucks

[@MeachPango]

Really wish that this sport was a bit cheaper to get in to.

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

You can get into riding for sub $500 and have an amazing time. Sure costs grow but you don't "have" to do so.

[@NerdTouchingGrass]

am i wrong for not wanting a press fit BB?

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Personal preference. A good quality bike and properly installed press fit BB works great. Plenty of hack things out on the interenet where it has gone wrong, but your choice is valid for you.

[@theeverydayapologist5687]

can you review the roscoe 7?

[@arthurmercado6828]

Hello.How’s the rear hub sound?is it loud?

[@РоманБородин-в7е]

Hello! What frame is suitable for a height of 184 cm?

[@ericcartmansstrengthandpow5960]

Bout tree fiddy.

[@youfelixx]

I wanna change the fork cause it's awful. Can you suggest with what i can replace it?

[@ericcartmansstrengthandpow5960]

Marshmallows and chopsticks.

[@tuco0x]

Installing a 34-tooth chain ring looks questionable. What is the maximum chain ring the frame will support?

[@shaymtbrider7244]

34

[@pepeanza6187]

32

[@Redhood-417]

Not a fan of full suspension bikes. Hardtail are all i need. Love this one but i the Roscoe 9 is calling me. Haha!

[@johnr5545]

Nice job god bless

[@rolis.j]

i fink rear tire mounted in wrong side

[@cloudlombax]

isn't a 130mm too short?

[@86309]

rotor diameter? thanks

[@BikeLife154]

I have the 2022 Fathom 29 2 and it’s ok. I think there are better bikes out there though. Fork doesn’t lock out properly already and the bb makes loud clunky noises now and again. Giant’s QC has dropped like a stone since Covid and I guess others have too. Just lucky if you can get a bike these days!

[@mattlyone3147]

Take it to a giant dealer they will fix it up

[@darkwinter-lll]

Carrea bikes are the best

[@vidstjepanvlahovic856]

i bought fathom 1 29 2021 and returned it like 3 times had 3 different frames and 2 forks replaced by giant as sound from fork was present day1 and frame got crack after 2 rides insane !!!! i got new fork and frame but im skeptic overall its gonna hold....did any of u rode this bike hard as it can get and did u experienced any problems afterwords ?!?!

[@kw4704]

I've ridden mine about 2k miles last year. No frame damage, but I definitely heard some knocking in the fork after 1k miles. Never took it in, and the sound eventually went away.

[@linecrosser1738]

@Jamesthebikeguy see what I mean.

[@vidstjepanvlahovic856]

@@kw4704 yea fork seams to have problems with air seal first time they just replaced it on mine and fork was silent but it could not lock up properly and was squeaking when locked up thats why i returned it, all tho it felt much smoother after service……hope we will be able to get part and service it ourselves in future as i don’t want to send it anymore i waited long enough…….i just hope i will last now as im afraid for frame……did u do any jumps or anything gnarly or just riding?

[@Alba0825]

I was close to buy a Fathom but decided to go with a full suspension T7 from polygon at the same or less price point, absolutely no regrets. Nice bike though. Thanks for the review.

[@calderondy]

What's the rear hub 148x12?

[@T800-p7p]

hmm this bike didnt have slr grade frame. even 800 dollar xtc slr 3 has slr grade aluminum. in case if u didnt know about xtc slr 3 . it's only available in asia very good bike for the money

[@silver_c1oud]

I think because SLR is XC oriented.. Thinner side wall for additional weight. but Fathom is trail oriented. so the Wall thickness should be slight thicker