Motobecane Fantom Cross

Price Paid:  $545.00 at Bikes Direct

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Bosque Del Apache NM

Bike Setup:
Stock 27 speed with only pedals and tires replaced. Tioga pedals and Michelin Pilot City tires

Summary:
This one is for the senior group. I decided to get into riding after 25 years out. I chose the Motobecane just because it looked to be a good do all bike. I ride only 12 miles a day on the commute but its on everything from dirt to pavement with a stretch of nasty concrete that would kill a Humvee. It is still mostly stock but I replaced the pedals with Tioga w/cleats for easier mounting and dismounting but still holds your foot gear and added a tail rack for the cary pack. Tires are Michelen Pilot City to take the beating and puncture resistance need here in the thorn state of NM. I am no bike expert at all but this bike seems to go very easy. It tracks very well on all the surfaces and even with the skinny seat set to the right hight its not bad and lets you ride when needed with your weight on the pedals with good control on the frame. At 6' 240lbs it handles my mass with no problem at all.

Strengths:
Strong basic bike you can build into whatever you want at a great price. Handles rider weight well and keeps its track on all surfaces.

Weaknesses:
Frame is a bit stiff on shock absorption and fatigues your hands if you ride heavy on them.

Similar Products Used:
30 year old steel Schwinn Le Tour doesn't count as similar

Price Paid:  $750.00 at Ebay

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
fantom cross rocks

Bike Setup:
Carbon fiber crank (FSA)52/38, 10 sp shimano ultegra, Specialized sattle, Rear rack, reflective tape, custom paint job to impress the ladies and make it visible incase one of the loacals thinks they are going to take off on it.

Summary:
My phantom cross is the best bike ever! Tough as nails comfortable, sweet looking awsome parts and fast like the wind. I happily put 4000 on it this year between joy rides and commuting to work. On the road, dirt roads, single tracks. BAM Baby! thing takes it all.

Strengths:
Strong frame, awsome Vaulta wheel set, very comfortable, bonus of the braze ons on the CARBON FIBER fork.

Weaknesses:
None found

Similar Products Used:
Specialized Sequoia, Motobecane grand touring, shwinn world, None compare to the comfort and agile feeling of the Fantom Cross

Price Paid:  $540.00 at eBay

Model Year:
2007

Bike Setup:
It's the standard Fantom setup that sprtymama sells on eBay. I don't know that much about bikes, so I don't know how these components rank in the big scheme of things.

Summary:
Great value - and very light! I'm very happy with this for my commute. I'm surprised at the good quality level given the price that I paid. I had to assemble more of the bike than I expected to: front and rear brake lines (I had never done this before), handle bar/stem, pedals (that was fine). I have a 30" inseam, and the 49cm is one the border of hitting my crotch...

Strengths:
Great price. Light weight! Brakes on the drop down and main part of the handle bars.

Weaknesses:
The instruction manual/assembly instructions are horrible and useless. The Tektro Oryx brakes look a little dicey - it's just a wire that pulls up on the brake pads. Is this normal?

Similar Products Used:
Novara city bike (2002)

Price Paid:  $799.00 at BIkesDirect

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
To Work

Bike Setup:
New Seat

Summary:
Bike came quickly from BikesDirect in about 8 days. Everything was there, and was simple to put together. Wheels needed truing ($44). The seat was terrible ($50). After that, everything has been great. Bike shifts smoothly and the brakes work well enough. I can't say that I am too keen on the tires though. They are super slow on pavement, but make up for it on crushed gravel. Thus far, I have been happy with the bike, and the price. My friends that have bought $1200 Treks are actually jealous, cause they think this bike rides just at well and looks cooler.

Strengths:
Price!!!

Weaknesses:
Some crap components (Seat!!)

Similar Products Used:
1981 Steel Touring Bike

Price Paid:  $500.00 at SportyMama Ebay

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Fantom CX

Bike Setup:
Caged pedals, Replaced seat.

Summary:
I know I have the Fantom CX and it's not the bike listed above but they are similar, and since the bike listed above is nearly the same but with better components, you're looking at a VERY good bike.

Strengths:
Strengths include value and durability. I really like that I can keep up with my buddies on their road bikes and not feel bad about riding on crushed stone or through grass or on surfaces other than paved clean roads.

Weaknesses:
The saddle seems just okay, so I replaced it with a softer one. My bike didn't come with pedals, and I really like cages so they were a nice and cheap alternative. I would have to say the brake setup is a little dicey but it can be done right, make sure you adjust though.

Similar Products Used:
My other bike is a Trek 2300 with Rolf Vectors, got it new about 5 or 6 years ago. I like my new CX better because I'm not worried about trashing it or the wheels.