Submitted by
Tom Dafforn
a Recreational Rider
from
Date Reviewed: September 25, 2011
Strengths: great drive train components group, and decent wheels. in comparison to brands at the LBS's, I saved $900.
Weaknesses: I have discovered that cantilever brakes need frequent adjustment. Out of necessity, I am learning how to adjustment them. I have begun looking into a V brake replacemtn for the Avid 4's
Bottom Line:
This was my first drop bar bike, and coming from a bike with an upright ride, initially there were some aches in pains, but slowing the transition helped my adapt. Now it is the only bike I want to ride. I bought the bike in late January and have put nearly 4,000 miles on it. My LBS suggested I get a cross bike since more than half my riding had been in town, and I often will hop curbs. I had mixed emotions about the internet purchase, but received no flack from the shop. They will continue to get my business. Dealing with Bikesdirect was easy. Since their warehouse is close, the bike arrived the next day in perfect condition.
Strengths: dependable, good value, smooth quiet ride
Weaknesses: name/design, brakes
Bottom Line:
I've ridden this bike about 3000 miles now. I've done only one cyclocross race, and I have since switched out the original tires to some road tires, and I'm now riding the bike as my commuter bike. I live 11 miles from where I work/shop and this bike can hold up just fine even with 45 lb of groceries and gear on a rear wheel rack. There's some flex in the frame when I get up out of the saddle on hill climbs. Wheels haven't needed truing yet.
The original brakes were crap I switched them out for some shimano 105 brakes.
I originally ordered a different bike from bd for 800 but that bike arrived broken. Bd was out of stock of the 800 dollar bike to replace the broken bike with so they sent me this bike before I had even sent them back the broken bike, and they paid for all shipping costs. Great customer service, but a little slow to respond sometimes.
Strengths: -component set up
-price vs value
-good resale on secondary markets on parts
-purchase process and delivery
Weaknesses: None so far. Received the bike today 7/26/2010, set up. Taking it in for fine tuning and lube tomorrow.
Bottom Line:
This is a review for a 2011 Motobecane Fantom Cross Pro. First all I a was hesitant at first like many of the reviewers on this site, and experience tends to be subjective, but my delivery was overall good. Processing was quick and box was undamaged minus a small tear at the bottom. Everything is strapped in pretty tight and no loose parts. Here's what I know about BikesDirect
1. yes the company that makes the frames (Kinesis) also makes them Treks, Felps, etc. Motobecane is an off brand and uses the same frames coming form Kinesis. Most people who purchase the bikes, strip the components for their own frames. Many of the high-end components used fun for at least the price of the bike. I did purchase Shimano dual-platform pedals for my type of use, and having the brakes switched out for SRAM Rival Calipers, again since this bike will be used as commuting and training. The seat will also be replaced. Set up on this bike was fairly easy for someone whose never done this. This involved removing the top bolt on the head stem, removing a cardboard liner, placing the head set on, and tightening some bolts. The video references they give you via youtube, were surprisingly easy for this task.
Weaknesses: CUSTOMER SERVICE will do/say anything to not take resposibliity for their mistakes, lies.
Bottom Line:
Overall value is good but the customer service is seriously the worst, EVER. The box was damaged, before shipping, and they would not repair the derailuer. I also have an email chain in which one question is never answered. What was the weight supposed to be? On their website it says it is 18.5 lbs but when I took the 49cm frame straight from the box, no pedals, it weighed in at 20.1 lbs. That is over a pound and a half. Where have you ever seen that kind of blatent misrepresentation.
Motobecane USA says it is because of 'parts tolerances'. Bull hockey. Just weigh a bike and post that as your estimate. Geez.
These guys don't want to take responsiblity for shady advertising. Too bad, the bike is pretty good but the horrible service has more than out shadowed it.
Strengths: Strong bike, i'm 250+ and it takes all Tough, my pedal mashing and rough Oklahoma roads just fine. Full Ultegra components roll smooth and fast. Lightest bike i've ever owned. Weighed in about 22.4 pounds with eggbeater pedals.
Weaknesses: stock tires and seat are junk. Burned through the tires in less than 300 miles. I'm sure this seat is used at interrogation facilities around the world.
Bottom Line:
Actually a 2009. This is my first roadbike since I was a teenager and my first new bike in a decade. I love this bike. I can't stay off of it on my days off and sneak in short rides whenever I can. Its light, fast and stable.
Similar Products Used: nothing i've ever had compares
Bike Setup: Added egg beater pedals and a specialized seat. The rest is stock. You can't buy these components and put them on any comperable frame for less.
Just wanted to post a quick review of the Motobecane Fantom Cross Pro Titanium since reviews on this bike are few.
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Motobecane Fantom Cross PRO
Titanium Cyclocross Bikes
Should be here in few days. Couldn't find anything close to it, we have about 7 LBS where I live, either too tall or not a Read More »
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