I'm looking for a new hardtail, and have pretty much decided on a Motobecane. My riding will consist of mostly mild trails, two track, and the occasional more technical trail. I ultimately plan on doing some endurance rides, but for the most part will stick to the less technical trails. My question is, which bike to buy? The Fantom comp is cheap, has decent components, and the money saved could be used to upgrade a couple of small parts and buy a spare wheel set. My biggest concern is the fork. The Elite is spec'd better, and is probably racable at the beginner level as is. The Fly is obviously lighter and more suited to cross country races, but possibly less durable. With disc brakes added to the Fly, the cost of the Fly and Elite are pretty much the same. I'm aproximately 190 lbs. and won't be doing any big jumps or drops. My racing plans include races such as Leadville and Shenandoah, as well as some shorter local races. This won't be my only bike, so I have options if I want to ride other types of terrain. What do you think?

I'm looking for a new hardtail, and have pretty much decided on a Motobecane. My riding will consist of mostly mild trails, two track, and the occasional more technical trail. I ultimately plan on doing some endurance rides, but for the most part will stick to the less technical trails. My question is, which bike to buy? The Fantom comp is cheap, has decent components, and the money saved could be used to upgrade a couple of small parts and buy a spare wheel set. My biggest concern is the fork. The Elite is spec'd better, and is probably racable at the beginner level as is. The Fly is obviously lighter and more suited to cross country races, but possibly less durable. With disc brakes added to the Fly, the cost of the Fly and Elite are pretty much the same. I'm aproximately 190 lbs. and won't be doing any big jumps or drops. My racing plans include races such as Leadville and Shenandoah, as well as some shorter local races. This won't be my only bike, so I have options if I want to ride other types of terrain. What do you think?

it's really a toss up between the elite and the fly pro...one has discs, but the other doesn't, and is lighter...i honestly wouldn't worry about durability of the fly vs. the fantom...they're both going to give you years of riding without question...just dont jump and do big drops and you'll be fine....the revalation fork on the elite has larger stanctions which means it'll flex less in the corners, than the sid will.....both cranksets are comparable, the wheels on the fly are prob going to be lighter, but i give strength to the elite, b/c it uses a proven three cross pattern, and prob 14ga spokes...PERSONALLY if i were you i'd go with the fly pro, b/c it's a steal at 895.....discs come cheap...although you're gonna need new wheels to go with discs on the fly....it's a toss up man...the fly with discs added will be more expensive than the fantom elite....the elite has what i think is a better fork, and stronger wheels, which can always be lightened later with a new pair....well when you put it that way the elite seems like a better buy.....it's really up to you man...they're both crazy bikes...

it's really a toss up between the elite and the fly pro...one has discs, but the other doesn't, and is lighter...i honestly wouldn't worry about durability of the fly vs. the fantom...they're both going to give you years of riding without question...just dont jump and do big drops and you'll be fine....the revalation fork on the elite has larger stanctions which means it'll flex less in the corners, than the sid will.....both cranksets are comparable, the wheels on the fly are prob going to be lighter, but i give strength to the elite, b/c it uses a proven three cross pattern, and prob 14ga spokes...PERSONALLY if i were you i'd go with the fly pro, b/c it's a steal at 895.....discs come cheap...although you're gonna need new wheels to go with discs on the fly....it's a toss up man...the fly with discs added will be more expensive than the fantom elite....the elite has what i think is a better fork, and stronger wheels, which can always be lightened later with a new pair...it's really up to you man...they're both crazy bikes...

Bikes Direct shows Avid Juicy 5 brakes available as an upgrade to the Fly, and that the hubs as XRP pro discs. That would put the Fly with discs at $1020 and the Fantom Elite at $995. Virtually the same. Looks like they don't currently have my size in the Elite though.

I'm sure the frames of all 3 bikes are great, but I heard that SID forks flex, especially if you're 190 lbs?

Well as far as durability goes I think the fly series frames are as strong if not stronger then the fantoms because they use a higher-grade aluminum. The wheel set might be lighter but are as strong as well. Because as snobrder5 was saying it’s in the way they are assembled…And by hand. As far as the forks go, the Sid is XC all the way. The one the fantom elite is an AM one but I normally keep at 100mm travel. I don’t think you could go wrong anyway you do it.

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m222/extruderboy/FatigueLife.gif

I have the 18in frame and my bike is 27lbs I think the fly’s around 22lbs. I love my fantom elite so it’s a hard one. However, if Bikesdirect.com does not have a fantom in your size then maybe is fate talking. Go with the fly… Gooooo with the fly.


Good luck! :)
Fred.

Thanks for the input. I'm leaning towards the Fantom Elite. As I said though, they don't currently have my size. I think the 18" would be right for me. I'm 6' tall, 32.5" inseam. I have an older 20" Giant that is pretty comfortable, but with it's non (or minimal) top tube slope, standover is only an inch or 2. I'm guessing I'd be at 2-2.5" on the 20" Moto, based on the geometry from their web site. Am I guessing right? does 18 sound like the right size? Thanks again!

Thanks for the input. I'm leaning towards the Fantom Elite. As I said though, they don't currently have my size. I think the 18" would be right for me. I'm 6' tall, 32.5" inseam. I have an older 20" Giant that is pretty comfortable, but with it's non (or minimal) top tube slope, standover is only an inch or 2. I'm guessing I'd be at 2-2.5" on the 20" Moto, based on the geometry from their web site. Am I guessing right? does 18 sound like the right size? Thanks again!


I have the 18" frame. I am about 5'10". Standing over the bike my crotch will be where that red vertical line is. With shoes on, I barely get any clearance. I measured at that point and it is 32".

http://wiwlum.com/uploads/pics/moto.jpg

I have the 18" frame. I am about 5'10". Standing over the bike my crotch will be where that red vertical line is. With shoes on, I barely get any clearance. I measured at that point and it is 32".

http://wiwlum.com/uploads/pics/moto.jpg

Hey, when did you get it? :)

Hey, when did you get it? :)

I think a couple days ago. I wanted to give you a call, but I got caught up a few days after and just kinda forgot about it. But yea, I cant wait to ride it. I have new pedals to order and cables to adjust.

Looks like the 18" would be the way to go. I'll have to wait and see if they add those to the site. A couple of days ago all they had listed were 16" and 22". Yesterday the 20" had been added, so maybe there or more on the way. Thanks again.

I think a couple days ago. I wanted to give you a call, but I got caught up a few days after and just kinda forgot about it. But yea, I cant wait to ride it. I have new pedals to order and cables to adjust.

That's cool man, also I wanted to say your bike looks awesome... :thumbsup:

Fred.

I just got a 18" Fantom Comp last week, and find it to be a little small. I'm 6' and 185. It seems a little short. When I get up over the front wheel, it feels like I'm way too far forward. I also need to have the seat up past the minimum protrusion line in order to get my leg as straight as possible when pedaling. If I were to get another I'd get a 20". I still love it though. The pedals aren't my favorite.

I just got a 18" Fantom Comp last week, and find it to be a little small. I'm 6' and 185. It seems a little short. When I get up over the front wheel, it feels like I'm way too far forward. I also need to have the seat up past the minimum protrusion line in order to get my leg as straight as possible when pedaling. If I were to get another I'd get a 20". I still love it though. The pedals aren't my favorite.

Thanks, that is good info. I'm pretty comfortable on my 20" giant. Geometry is a little different, but the measured standover height and top tub length are pretty close to those listed on the Motobecane site. May I ask your inseam measurement? Mine measures 32.5". I typically buy 32" inseam levis.

Thats an awfully personal question.






























I generally go with a 34".

LOL Thanks. I'm concerned about standover height if I go with the 20" frame. I'll have to see if I can catch someone local riding one and see if they will let me try it for fit.

I just got my Fly Pro Friday. My lame Bell pump broke whilst trying to pump up the tires (remedied with a new CB alloy pump from REI, yesterday). Unfortunately because of work and family I have only rode around the block once, late at night. But Holy F@ck is it light. I mean really light. A few things-
I'm 5' 7"
135 lbs.
I previously rode a 18", 14 yr old mongoose. It fits, but I've always wanted a smaller bike for XC.

Yes I have not had a chance to really ride it, having said that, it's everything it's advertised to be. It came just as was spec'd and it prefect shape, despite a few holes in the box it came it ( I made the UPS guy stick around until I was satisfied). I purchased a 16" frame, it looks small but fits well when actually riding it ( well it did for the 10 minutes or so that I have).

Things I'm probably going to change are-
handle bars - I like the old Scott AT-2's
it didn't come with peddles - ordered some CB eggbeaters
tires - will run them till they die, probably within a week it looks like.
brakes - eventually I would like to get some hydro disks. I wish I could have got the 9357, but it was sold out anyway.

For me it came down to the fact that I really wanted a nice light bike and for the money this is it.

I'll let you guys know how it is after a couple of rides.
This bike was incredeably easy to set up.

I just got my Fly Pro Friday. My lame Bell pump broke whilst trying to pump up the tires (remedied with a new CB alloy pump from REI, yesterday). Unfortunately because of work and family I have only rode around the block once, late at night. But Holy F@ck is it light. I mean really light. A few things-
I'm 5' 7"
135 lbs.
I previously rode a 18", 14 yr old mongoose. It fits, but I've always wanted a smaller bike for XC.

Yes I have not had a chance to really ride it, having said that, it's everything it's advertised to be. It came just as was spec'd and it prefect shape, despite a few holes in the box it came it ( I made the UPS guy stick around until I was satisfied). I purchased a 16" frame, it looks small but fits well when actually riding it ( well it did for the 10 minutes or so that I have).

Things I'm probably going to change are-
handle bars - I like the old Scott AT-2's
it didn't come with peddles - ordered some CB eggbeaters
tires - will run them till they die, probably within a week it looks like.
brakes - eventually I would like to get some hydro disks. I wish I could have got the 9357, but it was sold out anyway.

For me it came down to the fact that I really wanted a nice light bike and for the money this is it.

I'll let you guys know how it is after a couple of rides.
This bike was incredeably easy to set up.

Congrats on your new bike… When you get some time could post a photo.

Fred. :thumbsup:

Well, this seems to be the "new Moto" picture thread, so here's my Fantom Comp which I just got last week too:

Out of the box (packed very nicely, BTW, you have to torque on the front rotor and brake caliper, I didn't know I needed a torque wrench):
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y103/sisenor/SP_A0005.jpg

First ride:
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y103/sisenor/SP_A0006.jpg

After putting on some Maxxis Holy Rollers (which were a total b1tch to get to seat right) :
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y103/sisenor/SP_A0008.jpg

I have some pedals coming in the mail and I need to clean the chain already but that should be it for a while. Have fun......

Congrats! Looks just like mine.

What pedals did you get?

Congrats! Looks just like mine.

What pedals did you get?


I know! Hehe :D

Sorry, um...I just got some platforms and I'm going to try out the Power Grips.

Hi everyone. I'm new here and looking for an XC racer that would mostly be used for getting me around town (ride from my house to town is a 10 mile singletrack). I'm looking at the Fly Team as I usually like to go high end with whatever I get, but all they have left on BikesDirect is the 16". For the record, I'm 5'9, with short legs and a long torso. My inseam is about 28.5" and I usually ride medium frame bikes. Is this bike going to feel small to me? Should I hold out for the 08s and get an 18"?

Hi everyone. I'm new here and looking for an XC racer that would mostly be used for getting me around town (ride from my house to town is a 10 mile singletrack). I'm looking at the Fly Team as I usually like to go high end with whatever I get, but all they have left on BikesDirect is the 16". For the record, I'm 5'9, with short legs and a long torso. My inseam is about 28.5" and I usually ride medium frame bikes. Is this bike going to feel small to me? Should I hold out for the 08s and get an 18"?

Your privates will be resting on the top tube when you stand over it. I have a slightly longer inseam and my 18" frame is getting close to my groin. My other bike is a small framed Hardrock, which is 15", it fit me just fine.

If you need any measurements, give me a holler. I know it is hard buying a bike you cant test ride.



I know! Hehe :D

Sorry, um...I just got some platforms and I'm going to try out the Power Grips.

:thumbsup:
.
I am still looking for a set of platforms.

Mind sharing your height/inseam?

Mind sharing your height/inseam?

5'10 and 30"

I know! Hehe :D

Sorry, um...I just got some platforms and I'm going to try out the Power Grips.

Congrats! The tires are a nice touch. :thumbsup:

you said you needed to put on the front rotor and caliper......did you need a TORX wrench, or a TORQUE wrench? i didn't know the torque values were that critical on the caliper and rotor mounts....just wondering

you said you needed to put on the front rotor and caliper......did you need a TORX wrench, or a TORQUE wrench? i didn't know the torque values were that critical on the caliper and rotor mounts....just wondering
The manual suggests torque values for the bolts. I didnt have one, so I just made them tight :p

right on, i've never used a torque wrench for mounting calipers or rotors..tight is always good for me.....plus, they're always in inch lbs, and i dont trust my ft lb toque wrench below 50 ft lbs....

They say you should also do that when you change your tires on your car. Especially if you have aluminum rims. I have yet to do it in my life. Tight is good enough, the bolts have locktite on them… That’s the blue stuff on the threads.

Fred. :)

I just got a 18" Fantom Comp last week, and find it to be a little small. I'm 6' and 185. It seems a little short. When I get up over the front wheel, it feels like I'm way too far forward. I also need to have the seat up past the minimum protrusion line in order to get my leg as straight as possible when pedaling. If I were to get another I'd get a 20". I still love it though. The pedals aren't my favorite.

I recieved the Med (18") Comp DS a couple of weeks ago, and I love it. I am 5'10", 64years old, 220lbs and the standover for me is virtually none. The bike is great, and I have lots of confidence while on it. Can't go wrong I think...

you said you needed to put on the front rotor and caliper......did you need a TORX wrench, or a TORQUE wrench? i didn't know the torque values were that critical on the caliper and rotor mounts....just wondering

Just like williamkwong said, the manual gives specs to torque them to...I went to the lbs and they didn't have a torque wrench available, so I ended up using a torx actually. I think it's just the nature of the rotor (several bolts spread apart) that makes a torque wrench the best way to get an even distribution of tightness, if that makes sense.

I just got a 18" Fantom Comp last week, and find it to be a little small. I'm 6' and 185. It seems a little short. When I get up over the front wheel, it feels like I'm way too far forward. I also need to have the seat up past the minimum protrusion line in order to get my leg as straight as possible when pedaling. If I were to get another I'd get a 20". I still love it though. The pedals aren't my favorite.


Agree ...the top tube length on the fly seems small. I am 6" have a 20" fly pro( older model) , but an 18" ibex asta and they fell about the same. i think they need to lengthen that TT a bit.

Well, this seems to be the "new Moto" picture thread, so here's my Fantom Comp which I just got last week too:

Out of the box (packed very nicely, BTW, you have to torque on the front rotor and brake caliper, I didn't know I needed a torque wrench):
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y103/sisenor/SP_A0005.jpg

First ride:
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y103/sisenor/SP_A0006.jpg

After putting on some Maxxis Holy Rollers (which were a total b1tch to get to seat right) :
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y103/sisenor/SP_A0008.jpg

I have some pedals coming in the mail and I need to clean the chain already but that should be it for a while. Have fun......

I put my bike (Comp DS) together in about 11/2 hours,,, but I am a 64 year old guy, and had a great time doing it. The brakes work super good, and I just make sure I tightened them in oposite sequence. The adjustment was really simple also. Now after a few weeks rideing I am going to dial in the stuff again. I got a great deal on a bike repair stand (Can't bend over very easy any more, and it has really helped) of ebay for $17.00 plus shipping of $24.00. If you see the same item don't be afrade to get one it works great. Good luck with a super looking bike..... Fred

Well, I ended up ordering a Fantom elite frame, and will build it up. Here's what I have so far (Or at least have on the way):

Fantom Elite Frame
Manitou Black Elite 100-120mm fork
Bontrager Race Lite Disc Wheelset
Bontrager Jones Tubeless Tires
Avid BB5 brakes
XT Shifter/Break levers (I know a lot of you don't like the integrated units, but it is what I am used to using)
Easton EA50 stem (I'm sure I'll end up changing to get the right fit)
XT Front & Rear Deraileur
Truvative flat bar
SRAM PC991 chain
Shimano 520 pedals
Cane Creek Headset

Still deciding on:
Crank
Seatpost
Cassette
Grips
Saddle (will probably use one from another bike for now)

I'm guessing I'll come in right around the 24-24.5 lb. mark with careful selection of the last few componenets. The heavy fork (around 4 1/4 lbs) makes it tough to get much below that & keep cost reasonable. Some of the parts I had laying around, and I figure I'll spend about $900 total to finish it up, including the frame. Should be an awesome cross country ride! I'll post some pics of the bike going together.

Frame is here! Wheels shipped yesterday. The frame is off to the LBS for headset/fork install and chasing and facing the BB shell. May have them install a crank depending on what they have in stock.

How exciting :D

Sorry to revive this old tread, and this is my first post here, go easy on me.

I have been eyeing some HT bikes and found this exact bike new for $695, is it a good deal?

Thanks!
AlexGT

(Pic borrowed from member williamkwong)
http://wiwlum.com/uploads/pics/moto.jpg

i like mine...but I broke the chain yesterday, during my 4th ride.