Fathom 29 2 is better and cheaper than the 1. Skip 27.5 and the outdated geo Stance.
A Ragley Big Al 1.0 is in and out of stock mailorder from CRC/Wiggle off the notification list. 4 day shipping.
It has a very good Z2 fork and vertical rear frame compliance. Review-
2021 Ragley Big Al Review - How Does a Budget Aluminum Hardtail Stack Up To Sedona's Trails? - YouTube
Watch his other reviews.

 

Choosing a full-suspension versus a hardtail bike depends much on the terrain that you ride. If you're doing long and fast downhills with lots of chunk, then a full-suspension bike is the way to go. For everything else, a hardtail is fine.

 

I figured that might be the case. I love riding to the top and then riding all the way down the trail I'm not afraid of some thing mildly chunky at this point in my riding since I'm only getting back into it. In a perfect world I would just buy both but I don't have the space for both

 

I have been looking into getting a new MTB. I'm an 80's kid, primarily rode on my old 26 inch wheel, hard tail, with Chromoly frame, front suspension, specialized rockhopper.
Unfortunately, I haven't ridden in years, but would like to start back up. I am torn between front suspension only or full suspension and 27.5 or 29. I have looked around my LBS, I can possibly get my hands on Giant Fathom 1 or 2 (in both 27.5 or 29), Giant Stance, or a Giant Stance 29 2. My Budget is around $2,000. I initially plan to ride easier trails and some jumps until I get back into "shape" and become acquainted with whichever bike I am able to get in the current climate.

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks everyone.

Good day, wss born 1980's too.. rode bmx till college and had sa 26" hardtail mtb till 2015.. rode a CAD1000 29er GT avalanche for a couple of years.. chose 29er because of speed and roll over capablility… This year got a CAD2800 MarinRiftZone 29er wife had the 27.5 version.. Low budget 29er full sus will be heavy.. 27.5 budget full sus lighter and nimble.. 29er low budget hardtail will be lightest and fastest.. Just bought the full sus to try it.. and is more comfy than a hardtail.. progressive geometry is a big plus in the Marin vs the XCish geo on the GT avalanche.. still have to try a progressive hardtail though.. Rode a Fathom and did not like it.. will chose a trail/enduro geo over XC/Trail just because it gives you more stbility with speed and downhills…

 

Totally agree, on a low budget full suspension are very heavy and a hardtail will be a better bike. The doubt for me is at what price point is it better to go full suspension.

In my mind, below 3000 usd, better go hardtail.

 

My 2 cents:

$2000 gets you into a pretty nice hardtail where you get a good fork, components (Deore, SLX, GX), and decent wheels. $3,000 gets you into the same level of bike for full suspension.

 

IMHO you can make an argument either way. I think how you feel plays a part in it. I'm 41, I bought my first real bike (since the 90s) at 37. My back hurts at times, I went for an entry level full suspension and was happy. Do my trails warrant it? no. Does my body feel better with it? yes. I just replaced it with another full suspension at a slightly higher price point.

I've heard the Stance has outdated Geo. There is a Trance that has more modern geo. Having said that the Fathom looks like a nice bike too.

Pinkbike did a recent set of articles/videos on "budget" hardtails and full suspension bikes in their 2021 Fieldtrip.

 

IMHO you can make an argument either way. I think how you feel plays a part in it. I'm 41, I bought my first real bike (since the 90s) at 37. My back hurts at times, I went for an entry level full suspension and was happy. Do my trails warrant it? no. Does my body feel better with it? yes. I just replaced it with another full suspension at a slightly higher price point.

I've heard the Stance has outdated Geo. There is a Trance that has more modern geo. Having said that the Fathom looks like a nice bike too.

Pinkbike did a recent set of articles/videos on "budget" hardtails and full suspension bikes in their 2021 Fieldtrip.

Thank you for that perspective and the info about pinkbike. I have tried to keep an open mind between HT or FS but due to the shortage it has been challenging finding anything either way in my price range and in my size. I am 5'6, if I go with a 27.5 I can get by with a medium, if I go 29, I have to get a small. My LBS has a bunch of bikes in the $4.5k and up range in my size

 

New Bike Day Thank you everyone for all of the input. The current market for bikes is truly a tough one. I feel fortunate to have found a bike in general. I had hoped to get a FS, but someone bought the last one in my size before I got to the shop

I ended up going with a Fathom 1, 29. After picking it up, I had a little fun at the park with my 8 year old son, felt like I was a kid again bunny hopping sometimes unsuccessfully up and down curbs...which seemed to really impress my son

I'm looking forward to getting some trail time in soon. With any luck, maybe next year I can get my hands on a FS.

 

Congrats, that is a great bike!
Let us know your first impressions after a few rides

 

Thank you 😁 definitely will do.

 

Well setup bike for enjoying a hardtail.
Watch YT channel Hardtail Party to get a true feel for hts.
Fs isn't always a step forward.

 

Well setup bike for enjoying a hardtail.
Watch YT channel Hardtail Party to get a true feel for hts.
Fs isn't always a step forward.

I came across Hardtail Party...he's got some great content, Thank you for the recomendation 🤙

 

IME you won't miss a FS until it breaks and you're left with only your HT.

BOTH have a place IMO however If I could only have one it would be a FS.

 

I had hoped to get a FS..it just didn't work out that way in the current market. Fingers crossed for getting one next year 🤞

 

Congrats on a nice bike. I sold my last FS bike 3+ years ago and haven't missed it at all. Enjoy!

 

Good fs that are light and fun are kinda expensive, imo. Like a Transition Spur or Spec Epic Evo. And both could use wider wheels.

 

I was noticing for a good/decent FS I would be looking around $4K