NBD! 2019 Giant Fathom E+ 2

DaveMatthews

Well-Known Member
Just got home tonight with my new (and first) e-bike. I'm 61 and was diagnosed with a blood clot last year so have gotten way out of shape. I was sick and tired of being sick and tired so now that I'm doing better, I figured why not try something I like (biking) but make it easier to get back into?
So, did some research for 3 weeks, spoke to some buddies on my guitar forum that are bike geeks and ended up choosing this 2019 Fathom! I'm the first to order one from the LBS!:eek:
I just got back from 2 rides, and it's amazing! Love it!

Now... without further delay...
A 2019 Giant Fathom E+ 2 for your perusal.
Here it is all loaded up at the store today. Got it a day earlier than expected!



Drove home and took a few snaps...




Close up of batt pack...


Went out for a quick spin, and did another after supper. This thing is stupid fun!
Oh yeah... not even 90 seconds into the first ride, I come across another MTB rider going the other way/towards me. Not quite under his breath, and easily heard he says... and I kid you not...
"That's cheating!".
What the... ?!!???
I immediately let out a loud guffaw/laugh! Man... is that what I'm in for? Really? I was expecting a comment or two on a more difficult trail or hill climb, but tooling around the neighborhood?
Goof! Put yourself in my shoes, or Shaddap! :rolleyes:
Anyway... whatever.
The power selections are easily made. Mostly didn't use anything over 3rd level of assist up hills.
Gear shifts are smooth and easy. What a cool ride!
 
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Here are the controls.
Two strips of LED. One strip to show 5 assist levels, and one to show 5 levels of battery. No display.


This bike is so new that the app (Bluetooth to phone) isn't even ready yet.
Anyway, I can use Strava/GPS for speed/distance/whatever until then. I'll probably offer myself up for beta testing. I seem to do that a lot.
Gotta go ride again!:D
 
So it's basically $100 more than the 2018 Dirt E, not bad.
Yup... tried to ask about a discout on the Dirt E, but no go.
If a display is important to you, at this point go Dirt E. I thought I'd miss a 2x9 gear setup, but 1x10 is no problem.
Same battery, therefore same distance I'm thinking.
I've enquired about the BT app, but so far no answer.
I need to get on that!
 
I own and use the Dirt E+2 and I've used it over 2 years. Trust me, you're not losing anything without the display. At worst, you'd need a separate speedometer. Probably get that. It'll be removable and easier to replace than Giant's proprietary display. But the thing about it is that it sticks out so it gets dinged a fair bit. Since it's also so big, you tend to want to keep looking at it when you ride and manage your battery obsessively. One extra thing you have to discipline yourself NOT to do. I'm looking forward to an upgrade this year, with a cleaner cockpit and a purer experience.

How's the slack on the front fork? The Dirt E is more XC-oriented so it's fairly steep. I keep worrying about pitching forward on relatively tame downhill sections. Of course, the weight of the bike means that's somewhat less likely, but old habits die hard.
 
I own and use the Dirt E+2 and I've used it over 2 years. Trust me, you're not losing anything without the display. At worst, you'd need a separate speedometer. Probably get that. It'll be removable and easier to replace than Giant's proprietary display. But the thing about it is that it sticks out so it gets dinged a fair bit. Since it's also so big, you tend to want to keep looking at it when you ride and manage your battery obsessively. One extra thing you have to discipline yourself NOT to do. I'm looking forward to an upgrade this year, with a cleaner cockpit and a purer experience.

How's the slack on the front fork? The Dirt E is more XC-oriented so it's fairly steep. I keep worrying about pitching forward on relatively tame downhill sections. Of course, the weight of the bike means that's somewhat less likely, but old habits die hard.
Good info about the Dirt E+ 2!
Thanks for that. I came really close to buying the 2018 version until I asked about 2019. The 1x10 drive is all I need. The app just came out and it's good for tracking rides, cadence etc. but Strava does a good job too. You can leave your phone in your pocket and as long as it's within Bluetooth range you're good to go! I do love the accurate battery percentage.

I'm going to say that the fork is quite likely similar yours? Or at least similar to the 2018. Compare these:
Fathom
Fork SR Suntour XCR34 LO-R 27.5+ 120mm travel, Tapered 1½ - 1⅛" steerer, lockout

Dirt E
Fork SR Suntour XCR 32 LO-R, 15mm Thru-Axle, OverDrive Tapered Steerer, Remote, 120mm

I'm just getting back into the single track aspect after way too long, but I'm thinking that once I'm back in the saddle properly, then a dropper post might be in order. That would help with downhills a bunch methinks.
 
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