Giant Fathom E+ Review
- Fully integrated battery pack
- 27.5 and 29er options
- Hardtail simplicity
- Dropper post on highest model only
- No XS size option
- No clutch mech on entry level models
Discipline:
Electric MTBUsage:
Trail ridingWeight:
22.1 Kgs (48.7lbs) *22.5 Kgs (49.6lbs) **
The new 2019 Giant Fathom-E+ is a hardtail E Mountain bike that takes the reliable and simple fun of a hardtail and pairs it to a powerful custom tuned motor from Yamaha.
2020 Update
Giant have tweaked the components on the Fathom E+ range for 2020. The frames and drive units remain the same but all the bikes now get a 120mm travel suspension fork. The E+ Pro has a SRAM Eagle 1x12 speed drivetrain for a wider gear range.
Updated: 19th December 2019
Overview
This new Fathom E+ from Giant takes an already well established and respected hardtail and seamlessly integrates the Yamaha motor and sleek battery into the frame. Giant has been making high-end electric mountain bikes for some time, working with Yamaha to create their own take on this relatively new area of cycling. Hardtails in their nature climb incredibly well especially when aided by a motor. With no pivots or linkage to maintain you can spend more time out on the trails. There are four models in the range, each with 27.5+ or 29 inch wheels.
*Fathom E+ 2 - Size Large tested, without pedals
**Fathom E+ 3 - Size Medium tested, without pedals
The Fathom-E uses Giants lightweight ALUXX aluminium tubing for a high strength to weight ratio, the two Pro models use the lighter ALUXX SL tubing. All bikes feature boost rear axles, bottle cage mounts and internal cable routing, along with routing for a stealth dropper post.
A good trail geometry with 68° head angle and 405mm reach on the medium, along with a long stable wheelbase create a great feel for all-round trail and leisure riding.
141mm boost QR rear axle handles the extra power of the motor and enables Giant to keep short chainstays with a 27.5 plus tyre or large 29-inch wheel. The geometry differences between the Fathom E+ and the regular non-motorised Fathom are quite small, they both keep the 45mm bottom bracket drop for a low centre of gravity while the wheelbase/chainstays are around 20mm longer on the Fathom E+ depending on size, keeping that fun, nimble and exciting feel.
This High-Performance level, state-of-the-art aluminium material is made predominantly from 6011 alloy and delivers best-in-class strength-to-weight ratios.
The RockShox Recon sets a new benchmark for value-based performance.
The suspension is handled by Suntour and RockShox, the two Pro models feature 120mm forks on both wheel sizes, while the entry-level models have wheel specific travel with 120mm for the nimble 27.5 wheels and 100mm of travel on the fast rolling 29ers.
The entry-level Fathom E+ 3 features coil sprung Suntour forks working up through the range to air sprung Suntour. The two Pro models feature Rockshock’s Recon and Revelation forks, sharing the same crown’s and lower legs, these lightweight air sprung forks give high-performance Rockshock adjustability and feel to the range.
The two entry-level models use the smooth Yamaha SyncDrive Sport motors, with 80Nm of torque this motor offers 5 power modes perfect for everyday riding as well as trail use.
The two higher-end models use the SyncDrive Pro motors, these are more mountain specific with an instant and powerful response even at high cadence.
The Fathom E+ 3 has a 400Wh battery while all other models have a slightly larger 500Wh battery.
All models in the range use the simple and effective RideControl ONE remote, with no distracting screen and simple, glove-friendly operation you can concentrate on the ride, with 5 LED’s for mode and battery level.
All bikes also connect with Giant’s E-Bike App where the amount of assistance in each mode can be customised. The App also gives fitness, goal and ride info.
SyncDrive Pro is designed for high-performance E-bike riding. Giant have tuned the motor to make it more powerful, producing a performance-oriented riding style.
Strong E-Bike specific chains on all bikes in the range.
All gearing is from Shimano. Deore 9 speed to XT 11 speed as you go up through the models. All bikes feature a strong E-bike specific chain. Tektro hydraulic disc brakes on the entry-level models working up to Shimano with larger 200mm rotors on the Pro models.
All contact points and cockpit are from Giant’s own components, helping to give this bike incredible value for money.
The Top of the range 1 Pro bike has Giants own stealth dropper post, though all frames have the capability and are suitable for this upgrade.
Plus-sized tyres on the 27.5 bikes with standard width tyres on the 29ers. All bikes feature rubber from Maxxis, great to see top line tyres from new in a place where some manufacturers might try to save cost. High-end Giant bikes arrive already set up tubeless, giving the ability to run lower pressures without risk of snakebite punctures while giving less rolling resistance and weight.
Wheels are strong and perfectly suited for use on an E-bike with wide rims and E-bike optimised hubs.
Strong, wide and ready for the rigours of trail riding.
For those who love the exciting and nimble feel of a hardtail, the Fathom-E adds the power and buzz of a powerful electric motor to tame the climbs and the miles.
This makes it perfect for anyone recovering from an injury, wanting to get into this amazing sport, or just wishing to commute on rougher paths with ease. The Fathom-E from Giant gives the power to your ambition.
