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)
Would you like to Comment? Join RoadbikeReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.
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
Would you like to Comment? Join RoadbikeReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.
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.
Would you like to Comment? Join RoadbikeReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.
Favorite Ride: My Morning Commute (Maryland to Washington DC)
Bike Setup: Factory set up except for the following:
23c Continental Gatorskin tires
Planet Bike Cascadia 35mm fenders
Planet Bike Blinky tail light
2 spacers removed from handlebar stem, and flip stem to horizontal.
Summary: I had a lot of misgivings before purchasing this particular bike and purchasing it sight unseen over the web, but nearly all of them have come to naught. The bike is very, VERY GOOD and delivers on all that the seller promised.
I chose this bike because I needed a sturdy yet light all-weather commuter to replace my beloved old steel bike that will now become a fixie. I wanted my new bike to be reasonably light and responsive, but also capable of enduring 4000 mi/yr of sun, rain and slush as well as pot-holes. That meant I needed a cross bike as it would be able to take full fenders and because the cantilever brakes work well in the wet. And because I intended to beat up the bike commuting, I didn't want to shell out maximum $$ for something that would make me regret the first rock ding or coating of grit.
The bike scores high in most respects. The frame is stiff (but almost too stiff) and its geometry is well suited to a cross / commuter bike. Its long wheelbase relative to the top tube length gives a stable ride. The Ultegra 10-speed group is rock solid and an insanely good bargain on a bike less than $1000. The Ritchey DS Pro wheels have held up in the 1000 or so miles I have put on thus far. They will need some truing soon, but all new wheels need a little adjustment after getting some miles in them. Even the stock seat, which seems like a cheapie, isn't too bad. The rest of the components are of uniformly high grade, mostly Ritchey, and work as they should. I haven't weighed the bike, but it feels about as light as it should, meaning that it is no featherweight, but no pig either.
The bike arrived in good condition and the required assembly was very easy for anyone who has worked on his or her own bike in the past. I caution that the factory build was good, but not great. A few things needed adjustment and the front derailleur was clamped too high on the tube. These are small things, though. Also, the factory lube was insufficient, as I learned after my first ride in the rain. So lube up before your first ride.
Overall, I would recommend this bike and am very happy with it so far. It does what I have asked of it and it could be thrown into competition if needed. As for price, I could not find anything nearly comparable at my LBS below $1400, and that was with '105' components.
Strengths: Price -- you will have a hard time beating the price. (Bikesdirect knocked $20 off the price and threw in a nice Park Multi-tool because the bike was slated to arrive 2 weeks later than promised. This responsiveness was appreciated.)
Ultegra 10-speed. Frankly I don't need 20 speeds for my commute, but it's a very nice setup.
A good match of componentry -- everything looks good and works well together.
Flexibility -- the Fantom Cross platform lends itself well to everything from commuting to Sunday club rides to cross racing.
I had not anticipated liking the interrupter brakes. I thought they would clutter the cockpit, but for commuting, they are a nice plus. I'll keep them on the bike for now.
Bikesdirect -- they dealt fairly and honestly with me, kept me informed of the order status, etc.
Weaknesses: The frame is STIFF. Even in the 58cm size, the frame has all of Aluminum's legendary stiffness. If I was 10 years younger this would be great, but I confess to liking the feel of steel better. Still, I am partly to blame because I swapped out the 38c cross tires for 23c road tires, which are a lot less forgiving. Also, the carbon fork helps. I think that I'll put on larger tires once I wear out the Conti's.
The factory lube lasted all of 1 ride. I had some sad noises from my rear wheel after the first rainy ride and found water among the bearings. I will keep an eye on this. Also check for lube around cable entries and exits.
Bikesdirect -- though they kept me informed and were honest, they definitely did not have the knowledge of an LBS. Most questions they answer with something along the lines of,"The bike will come as described in the spec sheet. No substitutions allowed." Thus, know what you want before you order.
Similar Products Used: This is my first cross bike. My last commuter was a 1985 Colnago road bike adapted for the purpose.
Would you like to Comment? Join RoadbikeReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.
Bike Setup: Added much better seat..MiniNewt Led light with lithium battery..SKS road fenders...frog led blinker rear and front.. Cannondale mini seat pouch..
Summary: I have too many bikes, but I wanted to continue the drop bar position for winter/spring commute and exercise, having used a BontragerCx steel up till
December, and not wanting additional rust problem. My wife's Trek hybrid had sufficed, but I missed the road position, and after searching ebay for used, decided based on these reviews to chance the Motobecane...quite a deal for 2008 with 7005 Aluminum, carbon fork..decent shifting and wheels..smooth and not a tank by any means. It seems like a better deal every time I ride it, and using lean road fenders and lightweight Mini Newt light, it becomes a winter sport in itself.
4 of 5
5 of 5
5 of 5
