Cube Kathmandu Hybrid One 500 or Giant Fathom E+ 2?

[Sanad]

Hi guys,

I have a cycle to work voucher which I’m going to use on one of these bikes. Mainly to get commuting on a bike and maybe some trail riding once I get comfortable. One of the stores has a cube Kathmandu hybrid one 500 2021 for sale and the giant store here in sheffield has a fathom e+ 2 2022 model in stock. The only issue I had with the giant was inability to fix a rear carrier rack. The cube is the older model but has all the bells and whistles. What would you recommend? I have to make a decision by Friday next week!

 

[AndyBike]

Cant help you decide, but would lean towards the Cube.
I've just bought a Thule tour rack that straps onto the rear triangle and ive fitted it to a Scott full suss.
So if it fits a suss, i should think it would easily fit an HT.

Topeak also make a strap on rack. and theres this

Old Man Mountain Sherpa Front/Rear Rack - bikepacking/gravel/touring/mtb | eBay

Old man mountain Sherpa rack with kit for quick release and thru axle. Made for clearance on MTB, gravel bikes etc with big tyres. These can clear up to 29x 3". Racks got few scratches but only from a few weeks use.

www.ebay.co.uk

You should find a you tube vid showing exactly its set up for a better idea of how the concept works. This one is probably the better system, only I didnt spot it till after id bought the Thule

 

[The Silverfox]

Based on your requirement of commuting and some trail riding I would go with the Kathmandu.

 

[stevenatleven]

I have a Cube Hybrid and find it a great bike, powerful CX motor, very practical lights/mudguards/carrier. perfect for a commute in Sheffield with all the hills if that is where your commuting area is ?
My Cube is okay for trail riding too.
The Giant looks more mountain bike and would need a few changes to make it a good commuter.

 

[Sanad]

So I went to see a few bikes to make my decision easier and now there’s another contender available for £3900: Riese and Muller Charger 3 with enviolo hub, 500wh battery and Kiox display. I quite like the idea of the carbon belt drive and automatic gearing. For that price, it sounds like a great commuter. What do you guys think?

 

[sjpt]

So I went to see a few bikes to make my decision easier and now there’s another contender available for £3900: Riese and Muller Charger 3 with enviolo hub, 500wh battery and Kiox display. I quite like the idea of the carbon belt drive and automatic gearing. For that price, it sounds like a great commuter. What do you guys think?

You may be interested in the thread https://forum.cyclinguk.org/viewtopic.php?f=55&t=147103

 

[GLJoe]

So I went to see a few bikes to make my decision easier and now there’s another contender available...
What do you guys think?

Well ... I think that unless the bike shortage situation has drastically improved, whichever one you go for, I would be making my mind up PDQ and putting that deposit down before they get sold!!

PS - you might want to define what exactly you're thinking about when you say 'trail riding'.
Because if its going to be muddy off road trails, I personally would want to be getting a proper hardtail mountain bike so it has a bit more suspension and can easily take wide, more knobbly tires. A trekking bike like the Cube kathmandu can do ok with things like grassy paths along canals etc, but I'd be wanting a reaction hybrid type for proper trail riding. That's me though. YMMV.