Giant Fathom 2

I'd go with the Giant Fathom 2. Honestly 12-speed Deore is better than the SX/NX drivetrain on the Fathom 1 even if it costs more and you'll get the bike in a reasonable time. Would probably upgrade the brakes right out of the box (bike shop will do that for you and might even give you a fair discount) but that shouldn't cost you any more over all than the Fathom 1. It's a good bike and you'll get it within a reasonable amount of time.

I’ve had the Giant Fathom 2 29” (2021) and liked it. The 1x10 drivetrain is geared more towards trail riding and frees up the bars of the front deraulier switch.

Giant Fathom 1/2 29er \~**$1050** (I'm aware of the fork clicking but it seems that this bike has decent fork. Can I ignore it... or should I ignore it?). Norco Fluid HT2 \~ **$1000**. [Specialized Fuse Comp **\~1150** (not sure if this was heavily customised, can't really find a bike fitted with these components.

The new Giant fork is shit. So far i have looked in to BMC, Trek Stache, Canyon and Merida.

I work for a Giant dealer and own a Fathom 2 with a bunch of the same parts. Like everyone else said, you don’t need to upgrade anything on it if you can’t find anything you want to change.

Also Giant is a bigger brand so it is easier to maintain. The fathom 2 has thru axles front and rear, a really good frame, hydro brakes, an air fork, and a dropper post. a good value for $1380 usd.

Iirc the comparable Giant bike is the Fathom 2 but it's a 29er and more $. Dunno what the forks are like (probably better) compared to Roscoe, but don't like the flimsy looking brakes on Fathom.