I just started a new job and have been busy with all that goes with it. I did a great ride on the Fantom Team in Moab a few weeks ago and got some sweet pictures. I will get that stuff posted shortly.
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FINISHED BIKE WEIGHT 26.8 LG TOTAL COST $2353.99
A Blog Devoted to the Testing and Analizing of Cycling Products
WHAT AVERAGE JOE BIKER IS ALL ABOUT
If we can pay less and get just as much I think anyone will do it. But sadly in most cases you get what you pay for. Then there is the Motobecane Fantom Team. With cross country bikes reaching $8800 (Specialized S Works Epic), $5700 (Santa Cruz Blur XC), $7,100 (Trek EX 9.9), and $6,999 (Cannondale Scalpel Team) these days I was intrigued by Motobecane's Fantom Team from BikesDirect.com. I wanted to see if this almost full XTR full suspension mountain bike costing $1899 with a claimed weight of 24.4 pounds (medium) can hold up to its designs. Can I ride and race this bike for at least a year and be happy that I spent $4000 + less? That is what I intend to find out all while documenting my experiences. I put forth the cash and bought the bike full price, pulled the bike out of the box, and put it together just like many of you will. After a short break in period I will take the bike completely apart and rebuild it like and new bike should. Thanks for joining my adventure!!
FINISHED BIKE WEIGHT 26.8 LG TOTAL COST $2353.99
6 comments:
I have been mountain biking on and off for the last ten years. I have started to get back into b/c I have some friends that are ridding once a week and having a lot of fun. They all have full suspension bikes, and I'm still ridding my old hard tail Trek. So, after searching the net and reading you blog, I have decided to order the Fanton Team. I can't wit until the bike arrives. the only bummer is, they are pre-order bikes right now. I have to wait a month. I was wondering what pedals you are using and if you have any other setup comments?
Hi. I got my Fantom Team and put it all together but am having trouble with the brakes rubbing. The calipers look centered and the rotor is staight but whenever I squeeze the levers a few times for them to self-adjust, they end up too close to the pads. I had tried widening the gap by pushing the pads to retract the caliper pistons then using cards in between the rotor and pads which works until I use the brakes with the cards removed...it starts rubbing again. Could the pad springs be bad right out of the box? This rubbing occurs on front and back.
Thanks,
Jason
Now that you've had nearly a full season with the Fantom, can you tell us how you would rate the bike compared to other bikes you've ridden? Sounds like you've gotten super-busy, but if you have time, I think this will help bookend your first season with the bike.
Specific Question: Based on your experiences, would you rather have a new Fantom Team or Trek Fuel EX 8? To make this question most helpful, please pretend that it will be your only mountain bike and you can't sell it for 3 seasons.
Thanks!
HI Average Joe
I bought a Fantom Team and shipped it to the Middle East where I am currently working. Do you have any issues with the Rear Monarch? Mine doesn't seem to lock out and sending it back is a big problem. The rest of the bike is good (had to change the tyres to Fat Freddie which were all I could get locally).
Regards
David
Sorry to hear about the shock. Now keep in mind the shock has an adjustable lockout. Read the directions and know everything about that shock. You may just need to make some adjustments to it. If it is broken it is Rock Shoxs fault but bike bargain direct will take care of you.
I have XTR pedals. Simple, light, and reliable.
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