Crest 34 Fork noise? 2021 Giant Fathom 29 2

I have had this bike about a week and I'm not sure what to think. I love the way it feels in the saddle, but I'm surprised by these issues. This is my first bike over the $500 mark. I wasn't sure what to expect, but was hoping for more out of $1300 bike. I will update what happens with it here in the description.

Update: I was still within the 14 day return period, so D and D Bicycles in East Lansing MI let me exchange it for a different bike. (They only had green in my size, but it's a great looking bike too) Mark and Patrick have been very helpful. This bike seemed to have cables that were just a tiny bit longer. I consider the length satisfactory.
The Fork - so far it seems way more quiet, but it still makes a slight clicking noise. I plan on just riding it and ignoring the noise. Unless something breaks, I won't be going back to a giant store.

Update: Giant sent this possible fix to the bike shop I'm working with.
"We have located the cause of the click. Another retailer sent the image below. The small disc was floating around inside the lockout cap when it should have been installed between the adjustment knob and lockout cap.
Please remove the lockout cap to take a look. If the plastic piece is not there then a thin piece of packing foam can be used to quiet the click. This will be placed between the knob and lockout cap"

[kurtmaxwell]

I took it to another Giant retailer today to get their opinion too. They weren't a ton of help, but they did say it seemed a little weird for a brand new fork to be making that noise. As far as I know you can't get service parts for it yet either. I hope that changes soon. The shop I bought it from is just gonna let me bring it back and exchange it for another bike. They checked the fork on that one, and it has no clicking noise. Unfortunately they only have a trekking green one, but I am just happy to have a new bike during the pandemic.

[link]

I'm sorry to hear that... I bought green one with suntour fork, and I recently heard the problem with crest. Cheer up!

[David-jdxz]

I bought a stance with this fork November 2020. Had a knock develop in about a couple of weeks. Took it to the giant store in Vaughan Ontario where it was purchased. They had it for a month and replaced the fork with a new one. Been fine since then.

[rfudala]

I had this same dork and it never developed those issues. I liked it a lot, but after smashing in to a tree It has been replaced for rockshock recon. Bike feel still this same. I can’t notice any difference in terms of performance, but I have a feeling like crest has been easier to set up precisely for your needs.

[leejohnh]

To anyone have a similar problem, make sure to check the headsets first. 90% of the time, one of the headsets are loose. Easy fix, just need to verify by taking off the stem and fork, and putting it back together.

[viejondonchuy]

My bike had the same problem, so I took it back to the shop....after 2 months, they replaced the for with a Rockshok Judy. My bike has been problem free since.

[hnavalta]

I have fathom 2 2021, I’ve put 20 miles on it. And crashed it twice on my first DH(mtb newbie). Mine doesn’t have the same issue, just the dropper having a little of side to side movement. I hope you get your issue resolved

[Rad_MTB_Rage]

My front axle wasn't tightened down ...now the noise went away after I tightened it, also my head clamp wasn't tightened down . I loosened the three bolts tightened it nice and tight everything is nice and quiet now ... Hope yours was a simple fix like mine... The bike rips down the hills pretty good and climbs awesome !!!

[TrekCompsport]

I wish my bike made a cool taping noise like that

[greiner]

Oh man, I just saw this video and bought the same bike at D&D in Waterford, MI today. I didn't take the bike home because the weather was bad and they are setting up the tubeless tires. I'll have to check it out when I pick it up in a couple days. Thanks for posting this.

[rochakpaudyal]

Hey Kurt! I think I saw your review on Giant website as well. Where you said you drove 2 hrs. Anyways, I was thinking of getting 29ers green, but sounds like I need to wait until company does something about it. Thanks for putting this video.

[davidbarrett]

I have the same bike, but no noise from the fork. None.

[vetracerx]

I have the 27.5 version and it made a quieter tapping noise that has now turned into a knocking noise. Fork works fine and I like it, just have to get it warranted out and I would rather not have a suntor fork. Have you had any issues with the cassette and chain? When I’m in the two largest gears it just wants to jump off. So I have that issue going on as well.

[em]

That bike is definitely worth the upgrade to a better fork. Even though still entry level, the RS 35 performs very well with the Fathom. Replace the grey decals though. They suck.

[SMathai]

I've had my Giant Fathom 1 2021 for three weeks and have put in some 30 miles so far. No clicking in the fork and no chain drop - but that might be because the Fathom 1 has the SRAM system. I did read about people having chain drops on the Fathom 2 with the Deore. There is a small click in the dropper seat post, a tiny rotational movement (1/8 inch or less) of the saddle which I don't register in any way while riding.

[ryanbuendia]

Did you resolve it? I have the fathom 1 no issues on the fork works great on the trail.

[CanadaRealPros]

​ @Kurt Maxwell Hey Kurt.... I just bought the exam same bike which makes the same noise. Any updates on what the fix is? Cheers ~ Keith

[gabriellevine]

I've got about 150 miles on my Fathom 2 27.5 now.... some decent trail riding on Mt. Tam and around some other trails in Marin County (where I live). Got it in late December. Same clicking noise there from the beginning. Super annoying, especially on the bumpy/rocky trails. Everything seems to work/perform well, but I can't stand the noise. Sounds like I'm riding a cheap ol' Schwinn. Gonna' take it into the shop where I bought it - which says they haven't had the issue previously and has sold a lot of em. Sucks nobody has heard heard anything from Giant.

[im_an_introvert]

mine has that annoying noise too but not that much.. its kinda frustrating I bought the bike in singapore and I live in the Philippines. so sad

[sickmak]

Mine makes a slight clicking sound while going over the trail but it’s silent if I try to force it to make noise or I hit bigger bumps.