Test bestseller bikes 2023: Trail bike Giant Fathom 1

The gearing on the Giant Fathom 1 comes from Sram's NX and SX range. It doesn't get any cheaper than this from the Americans. For the remaining components, the industry giant relies on its own brand. The wheels, the dropper post, the cockpit and even the suspension fork are all made in-house. The geometry fulfils modern standards, but remains free of extremes. A slack head angle, long reach and a steep seat angle - that's just right. The only noticeable feature: the seat tube is very long for a trail hardtail. The developers have positioned the top tube just as high.

This somewhat restricts the freedom of movement off-road. As a result, the Giant feels more composed than manoeuvrable. The choice of tyres seems tailor-made for the area of use. This is because Giant mounts all tyres in a tubeless setup ex works. Paired with the mighty wide 2.5 mm Maxxis tyres, the Fathom allows very low tyre pressure. This offers a lot of comfort and great traction by hardtail standards. The in-house fork offers a maximum of 134 millimetres of travel and can be completely locked out on the climbs. The testers found the damping behaviour on the trail to be somewhat undefined. Comparable models from Fox or Rockshox would go beyond the price point, but are noticeably more plush on the trail. Due to the 11-50 cassette, the range is narrow. Thanks to the 30 t chainring, the climbing gear is still sufficient for most climbs. The riding position on the Giant Fathom is immediately pleasing.

Conclusion from Max Fuchs, BIKE test editor:

"Giant is sending a solid all-rounder into the race for 1699 euros. Safety and comfort are its strengths. The Fathom 1 can cope with any terrain, but can't really shine due to its sluggish handling. The equipment is reduced to the bare minimum."

Technical data and notes Giant Fathom 1

General information

• Price: 1699 Euro >> available here
• Available from specialised dealers
• Frame material: aluminium
• Frame size: S / M /L / XL (tested size L / 46 cm)

Measured values

• Weight without pedals: 13.54 kg
• Frame weight: 2031 g
• Weight of wheels: 5726 g
• Acceleration: Wheels 4060 kg x cm²
• Handlebar width: 770 mm
• Seat comfort: 7.1 mm
• Frame rigidity (absolute): 57 N/mm

Equipment

• Suspension travel: 134 mm
• Wheels: Giant AM 29
• Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF / Aggressor Exo Protection TR 29 x 2.50
• Fork: Giant Crest 34 SL
• Brakes: Shimano BR-MT 200 / 180 mm / 180 mm
• Gear system: Sram NX Eagle 1 x 12
• Gear ratio / bandwidth: 30; 11-50 / 454 %
• Telescopic post / stroke / Ø: Giant Contact Switch / 150 mm / 30.9 mm

Valuation

• Driving behaviour uphill: 21.25 from 25
• Front suspension: 8 out of 10
• Rolling resistance: 14 out of 20
• Weight: 8 of 20
• Inertia impellers: 4 out of 10
• Bottle cage: 10 out of 10
• Seating comfort: 6 out of 10
• Driving behaviour downhill: 21 from 30
• Front suspension: 16.25 of 25
• Saddle retractability: 10 out of 10
• Brakes: 12 out of 20
• Tyre grip: 18 out of 20
• Driving stability: 2 out of 10
• TOTAL UPHILL: 71.25 OUT OF 105
• TOTAL DOWNHILL: 79.25 FROM 115
• Other: 15.75 out of 30
• Ease of maintenance: weak

BIKE test rating*: good - 166.3 out of 250

* The BIKE judgement reflects the laboratory measured values (BIKE laboratory measurement) and the subjective impression of the test riders. The BIKE judgement is independent of price. BIKE judgements: super (250-205 P.), very good (204.75-180 P.), good (179.75-155 P.), satisfactory (154.75-130 P.), with weaknesses (129.75-105 P.), unsatisfactory (104.75-0 P.).

¹ Price may be subject to additional costs for packaging, dispatch and coordination.

² The BIKE judgement reflects the laboratory measurements (BIKE laboratory measurement) and the subjective impression of the test riders.

The BIKE judgement is independent of price. BIKE judgements: super (250-205 P.), very good (204.75-180 P.), good (179.75-155 P.), satisfactory (154.75-130 P.), with weaknesses (129.75-105 P.), unsatisfactory (104.75-0 P.).