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GIANT FATHOM 29 2 Bike Review

GIANT FATHOM 29 2
Bike Review

GIANT Fathom 29 2 Bike Review

GIANT FATHOM 29 2 Bike

This GIANT FATHOM 29 2 is a great bike for all XC trails. The 12-speed cassette has more than enough gears for any climb or downhill. Geometry is excellent and it handled great through all the single-track trails we rode. I would recommend this bike for anyone who is looking for a cost-effective responsive smooth ride. This bike can handle the trails!

PROS

  • Fork: Giant Crest 34 RCL, 130mm, Boost 15×110, Loved it! There was enough travel for all the trails, and it was not too soft.
  • Brakes: Tektro TKD143 [F&R] 2-Piston, 180mm Rotors [F&R], Loved the brakes! Stopped so quickly when needed. The only thing that I would change if possible is how squeaky they are when wet.
  • Cassette: Shimano Deore, 12-speed, 10×51, more than enough gears to get you to the top of any hill or accelerate on downhills.
  • Tires: [F] Maxxis DHF, tubeless, 29×2.5, WT, foldable, EXO, TR [R] Maxxis Aggressor, tubeless, 29×2.5, WT, foldable, EXO, TR, opted for the tubeless option and loved it! The tread is way overkill on these tires, but it didn’t negatively affect the ridding. Tubeless is the way to go for sure!

CONS

  • There were no issues with this bike, and I got exactly what I thought I would. A tire with less aggressive tread would have been preferable for me but that is the only negative about this bike.

Detailed Breakdown of Features
Giant Fathom 29 2

1. Size : S M, L, XL

I am 6’1” and 180lbs, went with the Large frame size.

2. Color : Trekking Green or Black/Blue Ashes

Both 2021 colors look good but I chose Trekking Green to match my son’s STP 20.

3. Frame : ALUXX SL-Grade Aluminum

No issues with the frame and the geometry fit.

4. Fork : Giant Crest 34 RCL, 130mm, Boost 15x110

Loved it! There was enough travel for all the trails, and it was not too soft.

5. Handlebar : GIANT Contact Trail, 35

Wider bar than I was used to, but I now really enjoy the wider grip.

6. Stem : GIANT Contact TR 35

Worked well with the geometry of the bike and it felt good while riding.

7. Seat Post : GIANT Contact Switch dropper post with remote, 30.9

Never used the drop function of the post. This option may be a great idea for those that are extremely aggressive on some major mountain downhills.

8. Saddle : GIANT Romero

No issues with the saddle all year.

9. Shifters : Shimano Deore

Worked great all season and didn’t have any issues.

10. Rear Derailleur : Shimano Deore, Shadow+

No issues with shifting all season. I was pleasantly surprised by the performance.

11. Brakes : Tektro TKD143 [F&R] 2-Piston, 180mm Rotors [F&R]

Loved the brakes! Stopped so quickly when needed. The only thing that I would change if possible is how squeaky they are when wet.

12. Brake Levers : Tektro TKD143

Liked the brake lever’s size. Single finger braking works just fine with this setup.

13. Cassette : Shimano Deore, 12-speed, 10x51

More than enough gears to get you to the top of any hill or accelerate on downhills.

14. Chain : Shimano

No issues all year, cleaned it a few times and used a nice chain wax.

15. Crankset : Praxis Cadet Boost, 30t

No issues at all except for some creaking when you are pushing it on the trails.

16. Bottom Bracket : Praxis, press fit

No issues at all except for some creaking when you are pushing it on the trails.

17. Rims : GIANT AM 29 wheelset, alloy, 30mm inner

Rode hard all season and didn’t have any issues.

18. Hubs : Shimano Boost [F] 15x110 [R] 12x148, sealed bearing

No issues at all. We ride in dirt and can have a lot of sand in the summer months.

19. Tires : [F] Maxxis DHF, tubeless, 29x2.5, WT, foldable, EXO, TR [R] Maxxis Aggressor, tubeless, 29x2.5, WT, foldable, EXO, TR

Opted for the tubeless option and loved it! The tread is way overkill on these tires, but it didn’t negatively affect the ridding. Tubeless is the way to go for sure!

GIANT Fathom 29 2 Bike Review
Where to Buy

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