Submitted by
GoalSetter40s
a Weekend Warrior
from Spartanburg, SC Date Reviewed: October 28, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Camp Croft
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$625.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Excellent price for the high end components that come with it. Bike is very light and frame is very strong. Geometry is perfect for bike path, trails and riding around the neighborhood. The downward sloping top tube makes it easier for shorter riders to keep their balance when stopping. Seat tube is very adjustable for tall people.
Weaknesses:
None that I have found
Similar Products Used:
Giant Rincon, Specialized Hardrock Pro.
Bike Setup:
Stock, except water bottle cage.
Bottom Line:
You can't beat this bike for value; I've shopped around for many, many hours. Its rock-solid, light, ultra smooth shifting and the Avid Juicy 3 Hydraulic Disc breaks in both front and rear give you excellent stopping power and control. The folks at Motobecane deserve two thumbs up for offering a bike such as this that competes with similar bikes costing about $500.00 more.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MTB Man 14
a Racer
from Taylor Mill KY Date Reviewed: September 3, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Idlewild
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$795.00
Purchased At:
Bikes Direct
Strengths:
The Rock Shox Tora 302 U-turn Fork, Juicy 3 brakes, Deore XT rear derailleur, Deore LX front derailleur, WTB grips and saddle, forget it. EVERYTHING
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Rockhopper Disc.
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
The bike is stellar so far. The fork is the best part. by just turning a knob the travel cahnges. The poplock actually works and so does the rebound unlike the poplock and rebound on the dart 3. comming from the dart 3, this fork is amazing. The derailleurs are crisp and fast. Every change is smooth except from 3-4 which is a little rough but i havent even tuned it yet. I've probably only ridden it 6 miles but ive done 5ft drops and the bike holds up great. All I did was put air in the tires, attach the front brake caliper to the fork, put the front wheel on and put the handle bars into the stem. No adjusting or anything was needed for me. I would definatly buy this bike. No regrets at all and I am hard to please.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
crabclaw
a Weekend Warrior
from cleveland ohio Date Reviewed: June 12, 2009
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$795.00
Purchased At:
bikesdirect.com
Strengths:
i bought this after searching aroundonline and at LBSs
i was nervice about the whole "mailorder" thing.I can not be happier with this bike.it was ez to assemble and lets face it you can just check reviews of the individual componants to know you're getting your moneys worth.
PLEASE NOTE THE PRICE DIFFERANCES IN SOME OF THE REVIEWS ABOVE some are for the "fantom trail"=$595 and the "Fantom Comp"=$795 both are free shipping and tax free! DAMN!
customer service;let me explain that i'm basicly a total dick when it comes to people who do a bad customer service job =i'm hard to please. bikesdirect.com did an excellent job i had a small problem with a fork seal,they sent it out in about 3 days(fork seal is more rockshox fault then bikesdirect IMO)but after that the bike has been perfect.
also i'm about 230lbs so a bike needs to be sturdy...this one is.
p.s. the frames are gerranteed for life and are quite light
Weaknesses:
i,along with others switched the pedals because they are set up for clips.if you don't like them just sell em on ebay they come in there own box.
Similar Products Used:
trek850 diamondcrap(back)
Bike Setup:
stock except pedals
Bottom Line:
I liked this bike and company so much i bought my wife the "fantom trail" a week later,she also loves hers
i think either model would make you very happy.i bought the "comp" mostley for the beefier tora shock and its longer travel.i think i would be completely happy on the "trail" model whilke saving the $200 differance between the two models.
trust me ,if you need a quality bike that will last you
just buy one of these!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Greg
a Cross Country Rider
from Canada Date Reviewed: June 10, 2009
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
bikesdirect
Strengths:
components, fork, weight, for the price it's unbeatable
Weaknesses:
Loose the pedals, and chain that come with the bike they're garbage, chain broke 3'rd time I rode the bike, pedals are small and slippery, unless you want to use the clipons
bike is very light and responsive, great for climbing, the shock is very adjustable and has great travel as well as a lockout function (yet to be used ;-), the components are excellent, it's worth taking it to a bike shop to get it tuned, tires have a very aggressive tread pattern great for mud, the hydraulic brakes are simply amazing great modulation, very good for the technical stuff, get it you will not be disappointed,
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alex
a Weekend Warrior
from Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: October 28, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Short Hills
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
Bikes Direct
Strengths:
Great solid frame, great components for price. No bike for this price has an XT drivetrain and Avid hydraulic brakes
Weaknesses:
Must be tuned up before riding. Broke derailleur hanger in 3 rides
Similar Products Used:
Raleigh, norco charger
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
No bike compares to this price with these components. When I received my bike I found 2 major scratches on the fork. I emailed Bikesdirect and they instantly refunded $50.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Henry_8A
a Weekend Warrior
from Los Lunas NM USA Date Reviewed: October 26, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Otero canyon Sedro peak or any trail that has a good challenge
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$595.00
Purchased At:
www.bikesdirect.com
Strengths:
the 2008 fantom trail is a solid light frame out the box was 28.5 lbs you got good components for the price. its lighter the other expensive bikes that are around 1000 to 2000.
i put my bike to work the day i recieved it the installation was easy and the braked work good. its a true mountain bike for a very good price i would recomend it to
anyone that wants a bang for your buck.ive put 150 miles and
had the bike for almost 2 months and had no problems.
Weaknesses:
the pedals are not bad but no my style of pedals, the seat post sweaks a lot and the richie rizer bar is to heavy and make me feel like im floating the front end so o got a straight handle bars that are lighter,the rockshox dart 3 leaks oil but bikesdirect are sending me a new fork to replace the problem
Similar Products Used:
i tested treks ironhorse gt
Bottom Line:
the weekness that i found don't make it a bad bike its really user prefrence.
every bike you ride will have something you don't like because we always want better but overall its a good bike
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kirkv95
a Cross Country Rider
from Omaha, NE U.S.A. Date Reviewed: October 21, 2008
This bike is fast going up hill and down. The price is unbelievable. I checked out all the bike shops in town and could not find anything comparable to it for the price. ordered it from bikesdirect and was riding it five days later. I could not be any happier with it. I totally love it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
appgap
a Weekend Warrior
from Green Mtn State Date Reviewed: June 16, 2008
Favorite Trail:
my woods
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$547.00
Purchased At:
EBAY
Strengths:
Great value. Solid frame, nice ride and well equipped for the price.
Weaknesses:
Little heavy at 29 lb and change. Otherwise nohing to report.
Bike Setup:
Stock + Selle Flite saddle, Monkeyite HB and Sette carbon seatpost.
Bottom Line:
Hard to beat at this price. Couldn't touch it at my local shops. Touch 45 min to assemble.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
d c
a Cross Country Rider
from boise, Idaho, USA Date Reviewed: May 17, 2008
Favorite Trail:
what I'm on
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
www.bikesdirect.com
Strengths:
price is ridiculous, everything comparable is double the cost. very light, rides super smooth. i love everything about this bike. my only complaint is that i didn't have more money to buy the motobecane fly.
Weaknesses:
still looking...
Similar Products Used:
Stumpjumper comp, Tassajara disc
Bike Setup:
mostly stock, xt front derailleur, sette bar ends
Bottom Line:
you won't find a bike even close to the value of this one near it's price tag. if you can get passed not having a "name brand" frame, then you'll love this bike. if you're even considering this bike, BUY IT!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott Hollister
a Weekend Warrior
from Syracuse, New York Date Reviewed: March 14, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Splitrock; Camillus, NY
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$795.00
Purchased At:
BikesDirect
Strengths:
Low price, quality components, Light weight (28 lbs for my 18"), Stops on a dime.
Weaknesses:
Pedals (Have Zuzu Sun Ringles on the way). Seat post clamp - upgrading to quick release.
Did a lot of research on MTN bikes before going with this bike. I couldn't find a similar bike at bike shops for any less than a grand. Was hesitant about mail ordering, but it arrived in great condition and setup was easy (took me about 1 hour- I work on motorcycles and Xerox copiers). If your not mechanically inclined you may want to have a LBS set it up. The money you save on not paying sales tax by mail ordering will cover a bike shop fee. This bike is light years ahead of the crap that I have been riding. Can't wait to see how much time this bike will cut in the summer races I compete in. Positive experience dealing with Bikes Direct - they responded quickly to my e-mail questions.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kenny Davis
a Weekend Warrior
from Moore, OK Date Reviewed: November 24, 2007
Favorite Trail:
NuDraper
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$595.00
Purchased At:
BikesDirect.com
Strengths:
Strong Frame, Light, Nice component set for price.
Weaknesses:
Chain, Pedals, Dart 3 fork is too stiff in cold weather.
Similar Products Used:
First bike better than department store mtbs.
Bike Setup:
Stock W/ new chain and mountable pedals.
Bottom Line:
I love this bike. I have the "08 fantom trail" model. I have not ridden any other name brand bikes so I'm not sure how to compare it. However I also have a schwinn MTB that I didn't realized was such junk until I bought this bike. I can't get enough riding in with my new bike. I love the disk brakes. Very good control. I feel like I can be much tougher with this bike, and it won't break. It is very fast. I bought some slicks for riding on the road. Takes a few minutes to change the tires. You would'nt believe the difference. You can fly on this bike on the road or put the knobbies back on and climb the steepest of dirt trails. I have become very brave with this bike because it handles really well. Anyway if you are thinking about buying this bike you can't go wrong, unless you're a hardcore jumper or freerider then you need full suspension. Other than that you are getting super bang for your buck. If I were in need of another bike for any reason, my first choice would be a Motobecane. Awesome bike, Awesome price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick
a
from MA Date Reviewed: September 20, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$596.00
Purchased At:
www.bikesdirect.com
Strengths:
Extremely responsive and easy to ride. Tried a couple of 'tricks' as soon as I got it and it handles as if I've been riding it for years. Feels very natural.
Weaknesses:
None so far.
Similar Products Used:
Tunturi racing bike.
Bike Setup:
The exact model of mine is 'Fantom Trail'! The way it came. I haven't changed anything yet.
Bottom Line:
I did some research before I bought this one. If you need to be really convinced before ordering it just go to your nearest store and see what you get for the same money. You'll be scared. I'm not kiddin'. I ordered mine as soon as I came home:) It arrived in about a week and though UPS have obviously not been quite gentle with it there was absolutely nothing wrong with the bike. Not a scratch. Assembly was a breeze. Never needed the manuals or the videos (available online). It took me an hour, but most of the time I was actually enjoying my new bike and just taking my time to perfect it. This is definitely a great bike. Keep up the good work Motobecane/Bikesdirect! I'll be soon buying one for my wife.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob Ochsen
a Cross Country Rider
from Dingmans Ferry, PA Date Reviewed: September 5, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Stuart game lands, Newburgh, NY
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
Bikes Direct
Strengths:
Awesome bike! Nothing compares to this bike in it's pricerange. Quality components & frame. Excellent climbing,braking and handling.
Weaknesses:
Pedals. More of a preference than a weakness.I prefer platform pedals.
Similar Products Used:
K2 Zed hardtail.
Bike Setup:
I upgraded the crank to a Shimano XT and added a pair of Wellgo platform pedals.
Bottom Line:
Buy one and you will love it! I ride mine at least twice a week. I'm so pleased with this brand that I'm thinking of buying one of the racing hardtails also.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Garrett Polk
a Cross Country Rider
from Benton, AR Date Reviewed: August 4, 2007
Favorite Trail:
CARP camp robinson
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
www.bikesdirect.com
Strengths:
Price, quality, responsiveness
Weaknesses:
None for me. Some may consider that Motobecane isn't a well known name in the biking community so riding a Moto. won't be flashy to other riders and scream, “Check out my ride,” like an Ellsworth, or S-Works frame might. But, mountain biking is just that – BIKING in the mountains. Mountain biking is not a fashon show. Name dropping a high end bike for a crappy rider still makes that crappy rider suck and a good rider with a good bike but not the top name is still a good rider. You earn your respect by what you can do with your bike, not by pulling an expensive bike off the rack and standing at the trail head.
Similar Products Used:
S-Works stumpjumper, stumpjumper, rockhopper, Gary Fisher hardtail(dont know which), a few other high end hardtails and dual suspensions.
Bike Setup:
Stock for now, I will get a thudbuster seatpost some time.
Bottom Line:
I got into mountain biking and needed a bike. I broke three $300 full suspension Mongoose bikes from Wal-Mart, the best department store bike I could find, within 4 weeks total time. I scoured the net and figured I would try a Moto because of initial price which was a big concern since I am still in college. I ride constantly and absolutely LOVE my Fantom. The welds are second to none and the frame material is also top of the line aluminum made by a top of the line company. Kinesis makes the frames for Moto. as well as for several high end names like Specialized. I have come to like the feel of this frame more than my friends S-Works stumpjumper that cost thousands more...go figure. He also likes my frame more and wishes he didn't drop mega coins on his stumpy. In the past year I have been invited to race for two teams because I was keeping up with the local racers on the single tracks. This bike kicks ass any way you look at it. I am saving up to buy another Motobecane now because I am so impressed by their bikes. I will be getting a Fly next but don't know if i want the Team or 9357. Get this bike and you won't be sorry.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt Molnar
a Weekend Warrior
from Broad Brook, CT 06016 Date Reviewed: June 24, 2007
Favorite Trail:
the one I'm on
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$595.00
Purchased At:
bikesdirect.com
Strengths:
low price big value
Weaknesses:
Smaller than I expected. My C-dale is an 18" so I ordered an 18", wish I got a 20". Cheap pedals.
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale M200SE
Bike Setup:
stock with Crank Bros. Smartys
Bottom Line:
I love it. Buy one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michel Poirier
a Cross Country Rider
from Tremblant Qc Canada Date Reviewed: April 30, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Tremblant
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$895.00
Purchased At:
Bikes Direct
Strengths:
Great bike for the money. almost impossible to beat! Great components, light enough frame. Fantastic value.
Weaknesses:
Not a jumping frame, light construction. Poor fork but good enough considering what you pay for.
Similar Products Used:
Ordered a Kinley that was never delivered. Rocky Mountain Blizzard and Kona
Bike Setup:
As delivered but upgraded the front derailleur to a XT for $30 at performance bike.com and slicks for when I switch to riding on pavement. A quick release for the seat post is a must and inexpensive.
Bottom Line:
I ride XC trails around where I live and weigh 180lbs, we have a few bikes and this one offers buyers a great value for the money. We have a huge network or paved trails around where we live for which this bike is perfect, it's low weight makes it great for our environnement. Both my wife and I have taken turns riding this extra bike and it handles great. I ordered it online from Bikesdirect.com, it's my 3rd bike from them and it's now selling for less then what I paid for it but it is a great bike for the money. I would upgrade the fork to one with a lockout.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John McCall
a Cross Country Rider
from Los Alamos, NM. 87544 Date Reviewed: February 26, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Wherever
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$595.00
Purchased At:
bikesdirect.com
Strengths:
Frame construction, finish (seems anodized), and drivetrain combination.
Weaknesses:
Saddles was a vinyl reproduction resembling something someone could ride on for no more than a couple of miles. Bike was advertised as having DB stainless spokes. I emailed bikesdirect.com and was hoping for some kind of response. I guess the sale was the highlight of this event. I would have liked an apology for this misleading advert. Black straight gauge spokes of unknown quality leads me wondering. The wheels work, it just leaves me wondering.
Similar Products Used:
I am a roadie, and use my MTB as my commuting transport in the inclimate seasons. I converted an older Peogeout for commuting but found component replacements harder as time goes by.
Bottom Line:
It is a nice bike, shifts nicely, and brakes even better than I hoped for. It is at the bottom of my size, but thanks for the longer posts on MTBs. I am hoping that it is anodized, it might save the finish from flying stones. I am happy with the bike on the whole, but wish the wheel setup would have been as advertised. The list on this bike $1200, surely bikes at this range have stainless DB, don't they?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Yoshi Mason
a Cross Country Rider
from Wixom, MI Date Reviewed: January 12, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Hickory Glen Park - Commerce, MI
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$595.00
Purchased At:
bikesdirect.com
Strengths:
Great ride all in all. Good matching of components for the price.
Weaknesses:
Pedals & chain. I would also suggest investing on good tires. I put WTB Wierwolf-front; WTB Velociraptor-rear.
Similar Products Used:
Trek 6700 almost has identical components but MTBecane is half the price online.
Bike Setup:
Tires per above; changed chain to Shimano XTR; crankbros candy smarty pedals; Tora Rockshox 302 with lockout & u-turn
Bottom Line:
Can't be beat for the price. You will enjoy this ride for a long time.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Harley Aldrich
a Weekend Warrior
from Jacksonville FL Date Reviewed: December 19, 2006
Favorite Trail:
orange park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$595.00
Purchased At:
bikes direct (online)
Strengths:
2007 motobecane fantom comp is 10 times better than what i was on "wal mart special" i beat the crap out of this bike xc tracks, dirt jumps, street riding, road riding this thing has been great in all areas.
rock shock tora works wonderfully xt setup is virtually flawless ritchey and wtb components as well great
Weaknesses:
weak seat rail- bent it comming down on a dirt ramp crappy pedals- annoying without clips always catching clip side
Similar Products Used:
fuji panic comp
Bike Setup:
i bought new crankbros 50/50 works great had to get a new seat wtb speed v comp kenda road tires on road trips
Bottom Line:
great bike for the money you cant beat it
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Aaron
a Weekend Warrior
from West Palm Beach, Florida Date Reviewed: December 13, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$589.00
Purchased At:
Bikes direct
Strengths:
Being a novice, I used to ride a cheap rigid frame bike years ago, this thing rides great. I don't know the difference in components, so I have no complaints. Well 1 read below.
Weaknesses:
Pedals, I don't use those lock in death traps.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Raised the seat
Bottom Line:
For the money, I am more than happy, anything in the price range was less bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Leo Matus
a Weekend Warrior
from Los Angeles Date Reviewed: October 15, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$697.00
Purchased At:
Bikes Direct
Strengths:
Light and well made. I went for a ride today and this thing is so much fun, super light so its easy to climb and fast downhill! Good mix of parts for the money. The frame is made by the same company that makes them for Diamondback, Felt, GT, Haro, Ironhorse, Jamis, Raleigh, Trek, and Santa Cruz.
Weaknesses:
Cheap pedals , weak crank / Could use a better fork with a lock out
Similar Products Used:
Demo'd a bunch of bikes that were similar in weight at the the bike shops.
Bike Setup:
BB7's, Mavic Crossrides and a Race Face Evolve XC and XT front derailleur.
Bottom Line:
Can't beat the price and weight. XT mix with Ritchey comp stuff. I would spring for the Comp Elite since you get a much better fork and crank for 100 more!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Clifton Goldsby
a Cross Country Rider
from Greenville, NH USA Date Reviewed: August 25, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Souhegan Drop
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
Bikesdirect
Strengths:
Good value for the dollar. Solid frame but light. This is a good bike for those who like hardtails and fast XC rides.
Weaknesses:
Seatpost kept slipping until I degreased the post and frame. The chain, it is cheap.
Similar Products Used:
1989 Rockhopper comp, 1995 Jamis Dakota, Various GT's.
Bike Setup:
I made some changes right away. Longer stem for better fit. Replaced the rear Panaracer with a Velociraptor and changed to a good set of rim strips instead of the rubber ones. Real pedals. Shimano chain. Raceface chainrings. Late 90's Sugino crank with the right length for me and lighter. My favorite Onza bar ends.
Bottom Line:
I really bought the bike for the group to build up a winter/nightride bike using a 2005 Jamis Dakota frame. The folks I work for were sold and fear of spending the money to complete the Jamis took over. I deceided to try the Moto and with the changes I made using used, bartered, begged, but almost new parts (chainrings and chain were new) made for an awesome bike for the money. I have ridden it over 400 off road miles this summer with only one complaint. The Rockshox Pilot XC took a long time to get setup right. Now that it is set just right the noise that it makes is distracting (kind of a squeaky wet fart sound that changes with temp and rebound setting) but talking to some others with this shock it seems common and won't stop me from riding. I will recomend this bike to anyone and there were absolutly no problems dealing with Bikesdirect.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Craig Crider
a Cross Country Rider
from Tucson, AZ Date Reviewed: October 20, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Fantasy Island
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$640.00
Purchased At:
Ebay (SprtyMama)
Strengths:
Light, solid handling, GREAT CLIMBING ABILITY! Very nice component set.
Weaknesses:
Seat post has slipped a few times after being set up correctly.
Similar Products Used:
Haven't had a bike in this price range/class before. Previous bike is my beloved 12 year old Trek 850 Mt. Track (still have it for back up)
Bike Setup:
Swapped out pedals for full SPD's, Cateye Wireless computer, carbon bar ends. Considering changing the SPD's for Eggbeaters...
Bottom Line:
This is, in my opinion, a great bike and an even better value. I priced the Motobecanes at my LBS and they were asking $795. I got this on Ebay for $597 +$40 shipping. Three days later I had the bike. They may have skimped a bit on the front fork but considering what I have been used to this is more that sufficient for my needs. I have done two good rides on this bike so far, the first on an unfamiliar trail and the second on my home single track with which I am very familiar.
I must say that the first ride had me pining for my old bike as this one is MUCH more responsive in its handling. Being on an unfamiliar trail with gnarly, slippery downhills is one thing when you are on a bike that you are totally comfortable with but another with something new. It felt very twitchy for the first five miles or so and I had a few really scary moments but I did notice that it climbed MUCH better that my old bike and I could choose/change my lines at will. Once I got used to the speed it was not as disconcerting. Unfortunatly a flat on the way back spoiled part of the ride.
I was just dying to ride on something familiar to get a good feel for how much better (if at all) this was over my old bike and thankfully I did just that. WOW! What a difference, this bike is solid, precise, light and smooth. The shifting is way better (XT rear der.) and the brakes are very very nice. I was railing through stuff that I never had taken as fast before and the bike just carved it up as though it was out for a leisurely ride. I have not even come close to what this bike is capable of. I get the feeling that it will be years before I ever get to that point, if ever.
The only complaints I have are in relation to its condition after shipping. The rear der hanger was bent and I had to take it to the shop to get it adjusted ($10) and they did some adjusting on the brakes as well. Considering I saved over $215 over buying locally I can't complain. Just be ready to correct some things once you get it together.
I haven't played with the Pilot fork yet but I will probably put some more air into it and see how that goes.
I give this bike the best rating for value and overall. I couldn't be happier. If you can't get to see one in person at your LBS then take my word for it, they are well built, well equiped and priced better that ANY name brand out there. I am not the best rider out there but I feel this bike would be more than acceptable for anyone over a beginner (overkill) and under a semi-pro racer. Check out the Fly Pro if you need more in a hard tail.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin Witherstine
a Weekend Warrior
from Prosper, TX, USA Date Reviewed: September 24, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Erwin Park - McKinney
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$795.00
Purchased At:
Cycle Spectrum
Strengths:
Very light bike. Great components for the price. When I shop, I'm looking for a killer deal on everything I buy. After about 2 months of research this was the best deal in town. Did I say how light it was?!
Weaknesses:
I'm not crazy about the tires or pedals that came with the bike. Chassis seems to sit to close to the ground. I always feel like I'm about to high center when navigating over obstacles.
Similar Products Used:
Univega 700 and Fuji Mt.Fuji-SX
Bike Setup:
Put eggbeater pedals on it. I'm going to replace the tires for some of this fast Texas track and add a suspension seatpost. Everything else is stock.
Bottom Line:
The Fantom is a good looking well performing machine. I can't believe that people pay $500 more for the "name" brand equiv. With the few additions above, this thing will be perfect for my riding style. I seem to find a tree or boulder on every ride, and considering the punishment, this Fantom has held up really well. After getting used to the feel of the ride, I actually had a hard time going back to my Univega. When climbing, this thing is so light that the front end comes up when cranking away. Still trying to find that sweet spot where the front stays down and the rear tire doesn't spin out.
If you can live with being seen on something other than one of the "big name" brands, you may want to give this bike a try.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Martin
a Cross Country Rider
from Beavercreek, Ohio, USA Date Reviewed: September 5, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
Quality of component groups for price Quality feel of bike (doesn't feel "thrown together")
Weaknesses:
For a 20" frameset, actually feels a bit small
Bike Setup:
Out of the box, except Wellgo clipless pedals instead of the combo clipless/platforms the bike came with.
Bottom Line:
For the price, I can't believe I got this much bike. The components are outstanding (Ritchey, Deore XT, WTB). The frame geometry is good for XC riding (steep enough head tube). I love the Pilot XC fork, and the WTB wheelset is outstanding. Great for a trail rider or even a novice XC racer. Not for people who are willing to pay $50 to save 5g off their bike, but those folks are gonna be looking in a different price bracket anyway.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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