[skinn076]

So between indefinitely borrowing one of my buddies' bikes, having brake issues, and currently having the cash to support it, I'm in the market for a new bike.
I've been looking at a Motobecane Fantom Trail,
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/fantom_trail08.htm

I'd mostly be commuting to and from school, but I need the MTB for the Minnesota Winter (and all the fun stuff like shortcuts, trying to get more into more serious mountain biking) so roadies are out. I'm about 5'10" and 160lbs (maybe 170-180 with my bag, Anyone have any particular feel for it on an 20" vs. 18" frame?)

Comparatively to other bikes in the price range, I see it as a killer deal given the components alone! However, I've been hearing some really mixed reviews on the suspension: the Rock Shox Dart 3 (leaking oil, lock-out not working, amazing value, best suspension I've had, etc.)

This is where you guys come in:
What have your experiences with the bike and the shocks been? Any helpful tips/ideas? If I were to sell the shocks, could I get something decent in a comparable price range?

Thanks!
-Eric

 

[Supple1]

I would go with a 17 or 18" frame. I would look around a bit more, that is a descent deal but there are better ones out there IMO. This one has better specs . . .
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=24943&subcategory_ID=3050

The forge from target is also a good deal. Search around!

 

[skottt160]

Id look at stewarts in duluth on superior st. they might be looking to get rid of a few of last years bikes...

 

[skinn076]

I feel kinda dumb for not thinking about that first--especially since it's hardly a block away from my house up here.

Then again, I guess I do sorta have a preconceived notion that I could find a better deal online. Maybe if I'm logical enough, I'll stop in at Ski-Hut too.

 

[bigjp]

Comparatively to other bikes in the price range, I see it as a killer deal given the components alone! However, I've been hearing some really mixed reviews on the suspension: the Rock Shox Dart 3 (leaking oil, lock-out not working, amazing value, best suspension I've had, etc.)

I had a Rockshox J3 which is identical to the current dart 3. I had it spit the spring into my chest one day while bunny hopping. The spring is held in via a plastic cap which failed. It hit me so hard that broke the skin in the impact area through a t shirt and thick cotton hoodie type sweatshirt. You should have seen the size of the bruise! I read on the reviews for this fork that some one else had the exact same thing happen to them.

 

[jdr6031]

i currently own the motobecane fantom trail from bikesdirect.com. i love the bike and have had zero trouble from the dart 3. i am 200lbs. at the moment.
i am rite under 6 feet and opted for the 20inch. think it would have been little more comfy on the 18, but have no troubles now.

been riding it hard for few months now and wouldn trade it for anything else in the same price range! was a great deal and was ready to ride out of the box after putting on the bars and front wheel

 

[skinn076]

That's good to hear jdr6031--I haven't really heard anything but good things about it right outta the box, but I was starting to get a little more hesitant about the longer term.

I'm not sure what it is, but I feel comfortable on my 20" right now (and I stand at 5'10"). I can't hardly remember what anything smaller feels like, maybe I'll try on some smaller frames around some of the LBS' and see how they feel.

I'm starting to get really anxious to pull the trigger on ordering; I'm about due for a new bike.

 

[skinn076]

Just got the bike today, and everything looks great, there's a minor derailer detail that's easily fixable. Other than that, the bike looks great, everything seems to be in working order, and the sizing is just right!

Thanks for the help everyone!

 

[skottt160]

enjoy