Submitted by
leam1002
a Weekend Warrior
from altoona pa
Date Reviewed: February 19, 2012
Strengths: Price,PRICE AND P_ R_ I _C _E! VERY GOOD COMPONENT SELECTION SERVICE FROM SUPPLIER I COULD GO ON BUT YOU GET THE PICTURE.
Weaknesses: NONE SO FAR MAYBE THE CHAIN BUT I HAVE SEVERAL NEW SHIMANO IN MY STASH.
Bottom Line:
I AM A BIG GUY 5"10 201 MY 17.5 FRAME FITS VERY GOOD BIKE JUST SIMPLY MOTORS! BEST VALUE IN BIKES GOING TODAY. YES YOU OR AN EXPERIANCED SHOP HAS SOME ASSEMBLY AND TUNING TO DO,BUT THE DOLLARS SAVED FAR OUTWEIGHS THE JOB.I MANAGE AN AUTO PARTS STORE SO I LOVE THE ASSEMBLY AND UPGRADEABILITY OF THINGS LIKE THIS,BUT ANY BIKESHOP THAT TURNS DOWN LESS EXPERIANCED PEOPLE WANTING ASSEMBLY OR TUNING SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF THEMSELVES THINK OF THE ADD ON SALES AND ADDED CUSTOMERS YOU GET THROUGH WORD OF MOUTH.I RODE AND PRICED SEVERAL TREK AND SPECIALIZED 29ERS JUST DIDNT SEE THE VALUE IN HAVING TO UPGRADE PARTS RIGHT IN THE SHOP.BOUGHT AND ASSEMBLED BY ME JUST FINISHED A TEN MILE PRACTICE RIDE WOW CAN CLIMB HILLS MY FUJI CYCLOCROSS BIKE FAILED AT, MUST BE GEARING PLUS SMOOTH RIDE OF THE BIG TIRES,ABOUT TIME. AS FAR AS BIKESDIRECT SUPER COMMUNICATIONS I KNEW WHERE MY SHIPMENT WAS FROM THE MOMENT OF PAYMENT TILL OOPSPS(UPS) DELIVERED MY BIKE LUCKILY NO FOOTPRINTS OR HOLES IN THE BOX. TRULY GOOD EXPERIANCE MAYBE I WAS LUCKY BUT I AM GLAD !
Similar Products Used: TRECK SPECIALIZED FUJI MOTOBECANE YA BEEN RIDING A LONG TIME
Bike Setup: THIS BIKE IS A 2012 FANTOM 29 ELITE RECON SILVER SLX XT ELIXER3 FSA
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Submitted by
Russr
a Weekend Warrior
from Nashville, TN
Date Reviewed: November 13, 2011
Strengths: For the price, nothing comes even close. Clean welds...decent components. Looks great in matte black. Quick delivery.
Weaknesses: For a weekend warrior-none! I know some reviews talk about some BB problems, but I haven't had any.
Bottom Line:
Just a great bike for the price! 6'03" 190lbs. 21" bike fits great. I'm not a racer and I use the bike on dirt roads with an occasional trip on the single track. Some components get trashed in reviews (BB, rockshox dart 3, pedals). I may replace them if they break. But for now the bike is everything I was looking for in my first 29er and first MTB in ten years. Like to use my lbs and I do for my road bike, but for a second bike when you want to enjoy a fall day off-road, this has been a fantastic ride.
Bike Setup: Stock, although I'm going to need wider bars. 27" just fit me better
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Submitted by
Keith
a Cross Country Rider
from Tooele Utah
Date Reviewed: May 26, 2011
Strengths: very well built, smooth ride, good cornering and comfortable feel, not too bad in wieght
Weaknesses: Front derailer could be better and the fork a little heavy, would be nice if website provided phone number to talk with someone directly, a little customer service would be appreciated.
Bottom Line:
I was skeptical at first when I bought this based on all the reviews I read. I orderd on a Sunday and got it the folloeing Tursday, ita came pacakaed very nice with everything in tact. I opened the box and apon examination decided to take to lbs for assembly which cost me 75.00 but was well worth it as they tuned and adjusted everything.The bike is very nice and seems well built, looks sharp and must admit I am impressed with the value from bikesdirect and would probabbly order from them again when ready for road bike.
I took the bike out for a ride yesterday 05/25/11 , went 37 miles and it preformed beautifully without andy problems, brakes work great, rides nice and smooth and the big wheels roll over everything i definatley noticed a diiference in speed. i really like the lockout fork option it is nice when on the road though a little heavy. Overall I am very pleased with my experience though I wish that bikesdirect would provide a phone number and a little more customer service that would comeplete the experience
Similar Products Used: first 29er, althought I do have a Raleigh Mojave 8.0
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Submitted by
bersh
a Weekend Warrior
from Chassell, MI
Date Reviewed: May 14, 2011
Strengths: Lots of bang for the buck, decent components, frame seems to be well made with really nice welds
Weaknesses: Dart 3 forks are heavy and flexy, stem and handlebar are suspect (though never had a problem), headset was very cheap, seatpost is too short
Bottom Line:
I went back and forth on ordering a bike from bikesdirect for a couple months, and I test rode every 29er that my local LBSs doing my best to try and buy local. Truth of the matter was that I couldn't touch a bike locally that was equipped as nice as the BD Motobecane Fantom 29er for less than $1,300, and even at that price range I was giving up a few things vs. the BD bike. I finally ordered the bike and about a week later I was riding. Overall I have been very impressed with the bike. Took a little screwing around to get it dialed in, but initial assembly was easy and I haven't had any major issues yet after a year.
Even though I've got a few things listed about under the weaknesses - I'm nitpicking a bit. I knew going into the deal what I was getting into, and those were all things I was planning on replacing anyway.
This was my first 29er, and I didn't want to break the bank to try it out. I'm glad I went the route I did as I now have a bike that rivals other brands for less than half the price. As far as riding, the 29er takes some getting used to, but overall I really enjoy it. It might not be as snappy as a 26, but it sure rolls over stuff nice and feels very stable.
Bike Setup: swapped out the headset for a Cane Creek S-1, swapped out forks for Tora Race SL soloair, swapped out seatpost, swapped out BB5 brakes with Elixir R
I'm 5'11" with a 31" inseam and I think the 17" frame fits me about perfect.
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Submitted by
intotheblue
a Weekend Warrior
from Houston, TX
Date Reviewed: September 9, 2010
Strengths: component mix, geometry, price
Weaknesses: slightly heavy, just over 30 lbs. I have had a tough time getting the BB5's dialed in, but find a good LBS and you should be fine. The alignment on the cheap Truvativ BB/crankset isn't great - it rubs on the front derailleur in some gears.
Bottom Line:
I was wary of buying a bike without having ridden it, but after much research and a budget limit of around $600, I went ahead with the Fantom29. For the money this has been an awesome bike for me. I don't have any bike assembly experience, so, while I was able to put the thing together, I still had to take it to a local shop to have the derailleurs adjusted and the brakes aligned.
The stock stem is huge/goofy-looking with a pretty steep rise, so I paid $20 and switched it out for a Race Face stem of the same length (100mm) with a 6 degree rise, and I feel this improved the bike's looks (a lot) and handling (more aggressive, which is good for me).
The stock pedals are small and don't grip well, so $40 got me a pair of big platforms with studs, which I really like.
The first time I took this bike out on a root/rock-ridden trail, I was really surprised how well the wheels rolled over everything, and at the performance of the Dart 3, which has given me no troubles (it seems like Rock Shox has addressed some early issues with this fork.) I use the bike as transportation to/from school as well as on the trail, and being able to lock out the fork is a huge plus on the road. Also, mine came with WTB Nanoraptors, who's tread pattern is actually pretty good for riding on the road, not too knobby.
While this bike isn't a featherweight, it is by no means heavy, and responds well when I really want to move.
Overall I have been extremely happy with this bike. The 29-inch wheels are awesome - they roll over everything and are really fast. I don't work for bikesdirect or anything, I'm just someone who wanted to get back into riding and have been really happy with this choice. If you want a great value on a 29er hardtail, this is it.
Bike Setup: stock, except for a Race Face Deus XC stem and Tioga MX comp platforms. Came with WTB NanoRaptors, which I really like.
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Submitted by
ccearth
a Weekend Warrior
from sierraville, ca, usa
Date Reviewed: May 17, 2010
Strengths: good quality - looks cool
Bottom Line:
got this off bikesdirect for $595 and it is great. i'm 6'6" and read this forum alot to try to figure out whether to get the bike. then when i did it was too small and i nearly freaked out. instead i bought a longer seatpost (see link below) and now the bike fits great. a pretty rad bike for $600. get some.
Submitted by
bakerade
a Weekend Warrior
from Palm Bay, FL, USA
Date Reviewed: February 18, 2010
Strengths: PRICE$$$$$$$, nice components, more impressive paint job than expected. Motobecane is shifting from obscurity to a legit name, so there's some more confidence in riding one these days. I'm obsessed with working on bikes so it coming needing assembly was a plus for me.
Weaknesses: nice bike, but i feel like im going to have to baby it because of no frame warranty (covers only DEFECTS, not cracks or bends from actual riding... at least thats how i interpreted the language). But, the frames are made by the same people that make the Trek, Fuji, ect frames (Kinesis), so it'll probably hold up to anything i can do to it in a state as flat as florida.
Bottom Line:
It's a 29er. It's made out of good parts, even the frame. It's quite affordable. It looks nice. It handles nice. I'm a 6'4", 175lbs, 19y/o and I always looked and felt cramped and too big on a 26" bike, so this move is really a breath of fresh air for me.
I havent't gotten this bike respectably dirty yet, I've just managed to get it set up just how i want it, so I'll report back with the trail performance after at least a month of solid riding. But i can already tell from riding around the neighborhood, through lawns, over garbage, across drainage culverts, up curbs, over children, through road work notorious for destroying car suspension, shattering windows, making stationwagons catch sweet air, this bike is going to be good.
Similar Products Used: First 29er, but Giant Rincon, Specialized Hardrock Comp, Trek 4300 Special Edition
Bike Setup: 21" frame, matte black (could have gone with the 19", but thats my tendency for things a size too small), NanoRaptors, 60mm stem and handlebar salvaged off of my 90mph minivan struck Rincon (i dont really dig the loooong riser stems that always come on bikes my size, the shorter the better control, and the old handlebar somehow survived unscratched too so i put it on for a more home-like feel), swapped out glossy black headset spacers for matte black spacer, busted off the fleckers, matte black cateye 3-led light, 2 pocket black specialized saddle bag, Bell super-blinky tail light for not getting clipped by cars while riding my totally blacked-out bike with no reflectors at night.
otherwise, its stock.
id recommend changing the stem if its too long for your liking. and the cheapo pedals are the next part to hit the garage floor as soon as i order some decent platforms. Slime tubes (extra thick in 29ers if they exist...) on order soon too. the grass has thorns
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Submitted by
Dominic Libby
a Cross Country Rider
from Milton
Date Reviewed: November 8, 2009
Strengths: Price! Great frame. Ride quality. Spot on geometry. Disc only. Fits 80mm or 100mm travel forks without any real handling changes. Durable. Allows plenty of space for suspension fork to fit under down tube(knobs won't hit). Color, cable guides(3 disc for line on top tube), accepts traditional components. Made by one of the largest frame manufacturers(Kinesis) in the world.
Weaknesses: Weight
Bottom Line:
*Please note this was a custom build from a stock frame.
This was my first 29er I built 2-3 years ago from a frame I bought brand new out of the box on eBay. With shipping it was $125. You can't beat that. What I thought would be a semi cheaply made bike frame was just the opposite. A fine frame made in a famous bike frame factory. Excellent alignment, welds and finish. Very durable and nice looking matte black finish. The build was perfect with all threads and facings done within specs. By the time I was finished I had a sub 27 pound 29er hardtail that carves New England single track like it was born there. Amazing climbing ability that totally surprized me no matter if I had a 80mm or 100mm travel fork. Since this build I've ventured to build and ride and test multiple makes of hardtail and full suspension 29ers. They all put my butt back on my Motobecane Fantom 29er. It's like climbing into your own bed and that's a comfort zone I can't give up. This bike rocks!
Similar Products Used: Niner, Salsa, Access, Zion, GT
Bike Setup: 19" Fantom 29er frame, WTB Laserdisc Trail 29er Wheelset with Michelin XC AT Tires(summer) or Maddux Explorer 29er wheelset with Nokian Gazza Extreme 294 29er studded tires(winter), Shimano XT M770 cassettes, XT M770 Dual control disc shifters/levers mated to XT M770 calipers(185mm front,160mm rear) with Hope Gothic rotors, XT M770 rear derailleur, XT M770 front derailleur, Shimano LX M580 crankset/bottom bracket, Time Titan Carbon Atac XS pedals, Rock Shox Reba Race suspension fork switched from 80mm to 100mm travel via all travel spacers, FSA Orbit XL II headset, Titec Pluto 25.4 stem, Race Face Evolve XC 25.4 low rise handlebar, Sette lockon grips(like ODI Ruffians), Titec Pluto Carbon seatpost, Salsa Flip Off seatpost clamp, Specialized Phenom Gel 143 hollow CroMo railed saddle. Weight for large framed 29er bike 26.75 lbs.
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Submitted by
cconorm
a Cross Country Rider
from Bham, WA
Date Reviewed: September 17, 2009
Strengths: i own the 29er pro model. the tora 318 air fork is solid a, avid juicy 3 brakes work great, i dont know why i have read bad reviews of them. i love the 29er geometry. climbing is great, XT rear derailer gets the job done. for 800 bucks this bike is much more than i expected. bikesdirect is great, i have friends that have also purchased bikes through them and are all pleased aswell.
Weaknesses: pedals, but most stock pedals suck anyway
Bottom Line:
after making the switch to a 29er after reading so many good things about them, i dont know if a can ever go back to 26. i am a lanky guy, and this bike fits me great. im 6,3 on the 21inch frame size. i feel as though the 29er has a faster topspeed (have not tested this, i just think so) and a little slower accleration than a 26inch bike. they climb better and romp though sketchy terrain. i mostly do xc style stuff and occassionally try technical trails, ill even take 2 foot drops just fine with the tora fork (this bike is not really meant for jumping a just cant resist little bumps)
i actually bought this as a mountain bike and a commuter as i can only afford one bike and this baby fit the bill just right. it is by no means as fast as a roadie but comfortable and efficient for a mountain bike. i have become a much better rider and more confident with this bike. you cannot find a better deal in this price range, and i dont care what anyone says motobecane bikes are super legit i will never shell out $$$$ for a bigname brand when there are great deals like this one the web.
Bike Setup: stock fantom 29er pro, with extended seatpost and new pedals.
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Submitted by
jebus
a Cross Country Rider
from Chicago, IL
Date Reviewed: September 6, 2009
Strengths: CHEAP! Can't imagine another HT 29er frame could be much better (at least not enough to justify spending 3 or 4 times the cash). Geometry feels good, quick handling, relatively light and stiff. Drivetrain and brakes have worked flawlessly after 300 mi.
Weaknesses: Dart 3 fork is an absolute piece of s#!*, flexes more than it cycles, weighs 7 lbs, doesn't inspire any confidence. Ended up dropping $400 for a decent fork - well worth it. Junk stem, bars and post, headset blew up - cost me another $250 to get the bike to be what I want. Lesson - fork over the extra $400 up front for the Pro SL offering and get a Reba (which you probably can't find for less than $450), juicy 7s, nice wheelset, xtr, ritchey bars, stem and post, basically better everything. You will have a great ride and no need to upgrade anything, too bad they started selling it 3 months after I bought mine. Still bothers me to this day, this is why I am writing a review.
Bottom Line:
If you plan on leaving the pavement don't be cheap, go with the Pro SL spec. If you get hard up for cash you could tear down the bike and sell the parts on Ebay for more than you paid.
Similar Products Used: Havn't had the pleasure of riding anybody else's 29er so this isn't a very objective review.
Bike Setup: Stock w/ Manitou Minute, upgraded stem, post and bars, S8 headset (another $650)
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Submitted by
CKdevil
a Weekend Warrior
from Murfreesboro, TN USA
Date Reviewed: August 30, 2009
Strengths: Was good while it lasted.
Weaknesses: Busted frame.
Bottom Line:
Had to get this out. Was out at Hamilton Creek rolling along, started hearing some creeks, looked down and shocked to find my frame cracked in two places (top tube and bottom tube as they enter head tube). I am but a buck 85, and had the frame buckle with what I consider typical usage. The Baracuda had seen 3yr of similar usage. Will contact Bikesdirect and Motocobane, a headache in the making.
Similar Products Used: Rode a Baracuda for 3yrs before upgrading to this.
Bike Setup: Stock with Shimano clipless
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Submitted by
cg61doc
a Weekend Warrior
from Annapolis, MD, US
Date Reviewed: July 17, 2009
Strengths: Frame, Geometry, PRICE!!
Weaknesses: No free LBS tune ups. Not crazy about the Shimano XT long cage 9 spd. Seems to be slow and searching on up shifts. Handlebars very lightweight, saddle weak.
Bottom Line:
Have owned for less than a month. Approx 400 miles of equal amounts of paved, fire roads and singletrack. No real hard hits and only a few minor crashes. Much faster than my 26 inch bikes. Downhills, flats and gradual uphills are a breeze. Steep uphills a little more difficult as the bike weighs a bit more and the gearing with the 29 inch wheels is a little higher. Very sure footed and agile. Nice stiff frame. Wheels suprisingly stiff. Rolls over stuff that I would normally have had to hop on the 26's. I did bend the handlbars, need a longer seat post (I'm 6'6" and 240lbs), broke seat. Overall a fantastic bike for the price. Guys that were faster than me and now struggling to keep me in sight. I'm the one stopping on the trails to let everyone catch up. Time will tell if the frame will hold up. Will probably switch the rear derailer to a SRAM x-7 or x-9 long cage 8 spd unless I can get the Shimano LX long cage 9 spd dialed in. Will give it another month to see if it's just cable stretch issues
Similar Products Used: 1st 29er. Have ridden 26 inch hardtails for 15 years.
Bike Setup: Stock except kona cowan handlebars, jamis stem, wellgo rodeo spds, bontrager select extra long seat post, bontrager inform r saddle
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Submitted by
burruss
a Cross Country Rider
from Palmyra, WI usa
Date Reviewed: July 5, 2009
Strengths: Bought the frame on ebay, built it up from the "parts bin", Nice geometry and ride, rides nice in single track not like some 29ers. a balanced ride
Weaknesses: I am sure there will be some, one of the better 29er rides I have had. Seatpost slips now and then, replace the quick release collar that comes with it. Weight as built up it is 29 LBS
Bottom Line:
A nice ride, If you can build up a bike it is a cheap way to try the 29er thing. Like any and all bikes if you ride them hard they will break, you can pay $ 500 to 1000 more for a frame that might save you 2 pounds and have a pretty paintjob. The motobecane is a value oriented frame/bike.
Similar Products Used: VooDoo Azain (good), Soma Juice (good), Surly Karate Monkey (sucks), Salsa Dos Niner (very good)
Bike Setup: Ritchey Sealed headset, XT derailures and shifters (8sp), Moxey seatpost, Bomber MX fork, 32 hole Xt hubs/mavic T521 rims, Avid bb7 breaks, Ritchey stem and bars, Origin8 crank (hey I said it was made form the parts bin)
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Submitted by
dhw
a Weekend Warrior
from slo Ca USofA
Date Reviewed: May 31, 2009
Strengths: well I got this bike because the Ti one was sold out and I think it is a smokin deal! Really like the fork lockout remote, bike climbs good I think it is about $700 to $1000 less than comp equiped Specialized or Raleigh
Weaknesses: Junk bars and stem ( never made it home with them ) Could be lighter
avid juicy 3 have never been my favorite
Bottom Line:
I am a big fan of the 29er thing I didn't dig the bike direct bait and switch ( I wanted the Ti bike but the were sold out with it nd the next model down so I settled for this. I am a dude on a budget and this will fit me nicely with a few changes it will work out fine
Bike Setup: stock except changed to truvative stem and titec bars will change seat and seat post
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Submitted by
FrenchFit
a Cross Country Rider
from The Left Coast
Date Reviewed: May 9, 2009
Strengths: Love the geometry and climbing on this bike. With a lot of tweaking got the components to function flawlessly, with the exception of the lame fork. So one year in, have torn it down twice, rebuilt the fork once, run two different wheel sets. All and all, it is more bike than I can believe for $.6K.
Weaknesses: Could be lighter stock. Dart 3 fork: There are worse no doubt, but this is a pure recreational fork, and it is not maintenance free. If I was riding this bike more I'd dump the fork for sure. Component are simply OK.
Bottom Line:
For banging around on the dirt and hills, I pick this bike every time. Since this is my only 29er experience I'm not sure if I'm loving this bike or just the 29er geometry - but it simply works. So, I maybe missing the joy of a $3K 29er, but for $.6K I'd say this thing is a steal.
Similar Products Used: This is the only 29er I have, usually ride 26" hardtails or 700 Cross in AT / mixed.
Bike Setup: Changed out the stem, bar for Easton carbon, made a few minor mods to lighten it a little. Also, came with WTB Motos which are too heavy in anything but gunk. Took me about a month to get it figured out with what components, tires, and set-up make it really get up and go.
