The Giant Fathom series received some promising updates for 2021, including wide 27.5″ and 29″ builds, tweaked geometry, a longer travel fork, and more bottle mounts. Find photos, specs, and breakdowns of the different build options here…
We’re always happy to see another affordable alloy hardtail that still offer a progressive trail-ready geometry, good components, and bikepacking-friendly features. A hardtail mountain bike with slightly larger than average tires is a great option for bikepacking, particularly for newer riders who are just getting started. The new 2021 Giant Fathom lineup has received some major updates, including a redesigned aluminum frame, a 12-speed drivetrain, and an additional bottle mount. With prices ranging from $1,250 to $1,600 USD, the new Fathom looks like a nice value-focused option for a versatile hardtail. Find highlights, photos, and build options below.
2021 Giant Fathom Overview
- New ALUXX SL aluminum frame with predominately 6011 alloy, offers great strength-to-weight ratios.
- New forged chainstay for larger tire clearance (up to 27.5 x 2.6″) and shorter rear centre.
- 27.5 x 2.6″ and 29 x 2.5″ builds available.
- All models come with Giant Crest 34 130mm fork with adjustable volume spacers and damper.
- All models come with Giant Contact Switch dropper post and lever.
- Medium, large, and X-large frames can now carry up to three bottles.
- All models are now based around 1x drivetrains, allowing larger tire clearances.
- Boost hub spacing across the board.
- Internally routed cables.
- More balanced geometry, featuring 66° headtube and 75° seattube angles.
There are a total of four different Fathom build options for 2021, offering two different sub-$2,000 price points in both 27.5″ and 29″ wheel options. The base Fathom 1 27.5″ is available in one colour, while the other builds are all offered in two. Here’s a quick breakdown on each of the different builds.
2021 Giant Fathom 1
- SRAM SX Eagle 1×12 Drivetrain
- Shimano MT401 Hydraulic Brakes
- Giant AM 27.5, tubeless ready rims
- Maxxis Ardent Race 27.5 x 2.6″ tires
- Giant Crest 34 RCL, 130mm fork
- $1,600 USD
2021 Giant Fathom 2
- Shimano Deore / SX Eagle 1×12 Drivetrain
- Tektro TKD143 Brakes
- Giant AM 27.5, tubeless ready rims
- Maxxis Ardent Race 27.5 x 2.6″ tires
- Giant Crest 34 RCL, 130mm fork
- $1,250 USD
2021 Giant Fathom 29 1
- SRAM SX Eagle 1×12 Drivetrain
- Shimano MT401 Hydraulic Brakes
- Giant AM 29, tubeless ready rims
- Maxxis DHF, 29×2.5″ (front), Maxxis Aggressor, 29×2.5″ (rear)
- Giant Crest 34 RCL, 130mm fork
- $1,600 USD
2021 Giant Fathom 29 2
- Shimano Deore 1×12 Drivetrain
- Tektro TKD143 Brakes
- Giant AM 29, tubeless ready rims
- Maxxis Minion DHF, 29×2.5″ (front), Maxxis Aggressor, 29×2.5″ (rear)
- Giant Crest 34 RCL, 130mm fork
- $1,250 USD
Learn more at Giant-Bicycles.com.
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