Its pretty much how I want it finally. Ti bars 600mm (stock bars were just too short... and not titanium), Time Atac Carbon pedals, King/Flow wheels (tubeless), Gravity Dropper 3" Multi-position post (the 4" put the seat too high...I did like the 4" drop but the 3" is almost as sweet), Specialized Toupe carbon seat.
Its pretty much how I want it finally. Ti bars 600mm (stock bars were just too short... and not titanium), Time Atac Carbon pedals, King/Flow wheels (tubeless), Gravity Dropper 3" Multi-position post (the 4" put the seat too high...I did like the 4" drop but the 3" is almost as sweet), Specialized Toupe carbon seat.
More than any other pics or commentary I've seen about taking the Moto Ti badgeless, your pic is a very strong testament to going that route! That's a beautiful pic! It looks so much better w/o badges, be they Moto, Moots, Lynskey, or whatever else. I'm considering striping it down to the Ti. Nothing to do w/ the Moto name; I wear it very proudly out on the trail!
Lol, actually, I was practicing my flatland bunny hops on it, and I guess I hopped a little too high. I will admit I have been fairly abusive to the bike over the past year (I wouldn't say abusive enough to warrant catastrophic failure) But hopefully moto's warranty will come through for me.
I always wanted a bike that wasn't like anyone elses. So here's my attempt at it:
Salsa Carbon Bar
Sals Pro Moto Stem 100mm
Shimano Deore XT Shifters
ESI Chunky Grips
Odi Plugs
Chris King Headset & Bottom Bracket
Shimano Deore XT Front Derailleur
Shimano XTR Rear Derailleur
Maxxis Ikon 29x2.2 Front
Kenda Small Block 29x2.1 Rear
Thomson Seat Post
Salsa Lip Lock
Xpedo Hurtle Curve Pedals
I always wanted a bike that wasn't like anyone elses. So here's my attempt at it:
Salsa Carbon Bar
Sals Pro Moto Stem 100mm
Shimano Deore XT Shifters
ESI Chunky Grips
Odi Plugs
Chris King Headset & Bottom Bracket
Shimano Deore XT Front Derailleur
Shimano XTR Rear Derailleur
Maxxis Ikon 29x2.2 Front
Kenda Small Block 29x2.1 Rear
Thomson Seat Post
Salsa Lip Lock
Xpedo Hurtle Curve Pedals
Nice build out. I rode a Fantom Pro29SL for 2 seasons. It was a great handling bike. I switched over to a Felt Carbon Nine last summer, but I still miss the Moto.
Whether you think you can, or think you cant, you're usually right.
Nice build out. I rode a Fantom Pro29SL for 2 seasons. It was a great handling bike. I switched over to a Felt Carbon Nine last summer, but I still miss the Moto.
Yeah, Thanks , I raced my Specialized FSR XC expert last season and felt like I could make a bigger impact with a hardtail so I hope this Moto impresses me, and so far it has the handling characteristics that I'm looking for! Very excited!
I went from an FSR Expert Disc 120 to the FantomPro29SL. I like the 29er platform much better for climbing, flat out single track, and general XC. It doesn't descend on the technical terrain as easily as the FSR, at least for me. I am not a super technical rider... merely a road rider who enjoys long days on XC single track.
Whether you think you can, or think you cant, you're usually right.
Here is my Motobecane pro29sl 13"....(I am 5'4" tall male).
The only thing i changed from stock is longer seat post from 350mm to 400mm, added crank brothers clipless. Had it for about six months. LOVE IT!
Here is my Phantom Pro 29er SL with a brand new Maxxis Ardent 2.4 up front. I thought the bike looked good before but that big front tire sends it over the top.
Here is my Motobecane pro29sl 13"....(I am 5'4" tall male).
The only thing i changed from stock is longer seat post from 350mm to 400mm, added crank brothers clipless. Had it for about six months. LOVE IT!
Got mine today and assembled it. No rides yet...it's raining, turning to snow overnight. Not to mention I'm still waiting on presta adapters so I can fill my tires. I'm quite pleased with the quality of the components, though the seatpost/handlebars/stem have to go. ESPECIALLY the stem. That thing is atrocious and weighs a ton. I was quite impressed to find that the Recon is an air fork. I had been doing research on the components but somehow missed that fact.
This was my first bike build and the most in-depth I've ever gotten on a bike, but I was able to figure it all out in about 3 hours. It's quite solid and I'm very pleased
My Gravity Zilla doing what it's meant to do, hauling the Christmas tree to the Christmas tree graveyard. I have about 100 miles on it, mostly road but I have taken it on some easy single track and it handles well. Most of its life will be spent on pavement and fire service roads...love it!
In this last shot you can see my chain drooping; the trails weren't quite ready for us in the beginning of the season (little did we know) and I actually tore my derailleur off.
How did it get torn off?
My 700HT comes in tomorrow! I will post pics up when I get it assembled. Not concerned with putting everything together. A little concerned on the tuning/adjusting of the derailleur. The youtube video from BD makes it seem pretty easy.
Can't wait to get it and get on it! My old DB only will shift into 3 gears!
My 700HT comes in tomorrow! I will post pics up when I get it assembled. Not concerned with putting everything together. A little concerned on the tuning/adjusting of the derailleur. The youtube video from BD makes it seem pretty easy.
Can't wait to get it and get on it! My old DB only will shift into 3 gears!
Oh, and nice JK :wave:
Clay like mud built up on the frame since there's not enough clearance going around the tires for it, and then it just piled up on the derailleur and tore the hanger, which is what it's supposed to happen anyways. The derailleur itself was fine, just had to clean it all up and get a new hanger. Tuning/adjusting the derailleur is dead easy, set the limit screws and then use the barrel adjuster on the shifters to get the correct cable tension. Enjoy your new bike!
how can you contribute when you are required to post before you can start a thread. I won't hijack a thread so I had to do the obligatory 5 posts.......did I offend u?
I am in the same boat....Found a brand new fantom team frame with some nice components for $300...i cant start a thread to ask a question about it yet either never mind post a pic lol
If anyone reads this and has a 2011 or 2012 Fantom Team XTR or X0 group 26er, can you post pictures of what brakes you have? Bikes states that they have Avid CRs but i saw one with newer ones.
Fantom team frame with mismatched components. $300 CL special for me to ride like its stolen. Also came with BB5s (brand new and everything i need) and a rockshox ario 2.2, which is sadly to big for the frame.
Great photos! Getting me excited about my new bike.
I just ordered a Fantom Pro DS frame off Pinkbike and hope to be getting it in soon! I've got a Trek 3700 which I'll be taking parts from. I know they are **** components, but lightening up the whole bike bit by bit is the fun part right? I'll post some pictures once it comes in and I get everything put together.
Great photos! Getting me excited about my new bike.
I just ordered a Fantom Pro DS frame off Pinkbike and hope to be getting it in soon! I've got a Trek 3700 which I'll be taking parts from. I know they are **** components, but lightening up the whole bike bit by bit is the fun part right? I'll post some pictures once it comes in and I get everything put together.
Fun? That's arguable.
Expensive. Yes. Unless you find cheap lightly used parts.
How do you all like the Moto's and experience with BD (if that's where you got it?) I'm close to pulling the trigger on one, can't resist the price....
i love my 2010 motobecane Fantom 29sl pro with XTR/XT gears. i just bought Gravity for my son.
no problem but need to watch out for some issues like no true rims and few things. Generally pretty good with BD. Cant beat the $$.
How do you all like the Moto's and experience with BD (if that's where you got it?) I'm close to pulling the trigger on one, can't resist the price....
Fantastic! I was a bit nervous myself but shipping was quick and free! I feel it is an excellent value for what I got, and the customer support has been quite helpful. If you get one, just make sure to go over it 100% and take your time, or take it to the LBS to tune it up for you. I was afraid to ride mine until it was inspected and tuned up. Now it runs like a champ and my friends can't keep up with me
My 700HT was delivered late last week, I got around to putting it together and adjusted Sunday night. I've been on two single track rides so far, and have a grand total of 6 miles on it... with 3! flat tires. Not sure if the velociraptors are the weak link or the chen shin tubes they come supplied with... I'm upgrading tubes tonight and going back out...
Other than that, it's been great so far. Hoping to put a 14 mile ride down this weekend, if I can get some life out of a tube.
My 700HT was delivered late last week, I got around to putting it together and adjusted Sunday night. I've been on two single track rides so far, and have a grand total of 6 miles on it... with 3! flat tires. Not sure if the velociraptors are the weak link or the chen shin tubes they come supplied with... I'm upgrading tubes tonight and going back out...
Other than that, it's been great so far. Hoping to put a 14 mile ride down this weekend, if I can get some life out of a tube.
They come in 80 and 100mm. Mine looks to have 100mm of travel, but I zip tied it to check out travel after I swapped to the fat boy spring, and it's only traveling 80mm... so yeah, 80mm on mine.
Originally Posted by lardo
Maybe you're not installing tubes and tires properly? 3 flats is a lot.
Wouldnt hurt to watch youtube videos on changing tubes as a refresher.
I've got ~30 miles on it since this debacle, I have it figured out. The rear just blew, it still have my first replacement in it. The front had a thorn that was busted flush on the outside, so I didn't see it when I swapped tubes. All good now
sorry bout the dirt,just got back from a sloppy ride home from work.bought the frame off ebay,then pillaged my 700ds all except for the talas fork,float shock,code 5's, 203mm front rotor and a deore top pull derailer
Just got my Gravity 29point5, figured I could post it here. 21", 30.2lbs. Very happy with it. No issues with BD, shipping, or assembly. Only complaint is the QR seat clamp won't stay tight on trail. I want a bolt collar anyways.
One note: the bike came with a thur-axle, not listed on the site. Def. not a problem, but if anyone was wondering the specs might not always be 100% accurate. I'm fine with an unexpected upgrade though!
I can second that. I bought a Moto Pro (advertised as X9) about a month ago and unexpectedly got a 15 mm thru axle (maxle lite is what rockshox calls it).
I was happy as I'm a bigger guy and people have recommended to stay away from the standard 9mm QR dropouts.
This is my baby. Such a nice bike that creepy bike thieves have tried to knock me off twice. Homeowners insurance would cover it but with.very little stock to replace it. Call me old fasion.but I love 26ers. This is such a pimp commuter on the pothole ridden roads in buffalo.
Last edited by kindwon; 06-15-2012 at 05:06 AM.
Reason: im dumb at postin picks
Me too. I wanted to try the FS thing. I picked up this new Fantom Team frame with shock off fleabay and moved the parts over from my hardtail: Manitou R7, XT drivetrain, ZTR Arch wheelset, Avid BB7's, blah, blah. I LOVE this bike!
Well, it took me awhile to finally get these, but here are some photos of my Fantom DS Pro. Took it out for a spin at the local trail today and rode about 14 miles. It was dry, hot, and dusty! Yesterday, I ripped the seat off the rails. my belt got caught on the tip of the seat while in a climb and the old plastic just gave out. Spent about half an hour at a bench trying to pop the rails back into place. Now it's got the gorilla tape treatment.
I built up this bike from the frame up. Got the frame and shock off pinkbike.com and took all the parts from my old Trek ht (my childhood bike which I got after I stopped growing), then upgraded parts as I felt the need. I pretty much built this bike around a fork I got for cheap off craigslist, which wasn't compatible with my Trek. Now I'm slowly upgrading the components so that I can rebuild the old Trek and use it as a loaner bike or maybe turn it into a commuter.
This is byfar the best bike I've ever had. Love it!
I've replaced the parts I don't like except the wheelset, but Theres one on the slow boat from England right now.
Handlebars, seatpost and stem are raceface ride, fairly cheap.
Odi locking rogue grips, vp-69 platform pedals, a charge spoon saddle(same as my road bike) and I've go some hope hoops pro 2 evo sp wheels on the way.
Big and little. Funny how huge the Moto looks. The other bike is my old old GF HiFi Deluxe (both are size large) that I sold to my best bud (and riding partner) a few years back. As big as the bike looks, it sure doesn't feel that big. This was before I took the stickers off the wheels and fork.
]
An old post I know, but what are your thoughts on going from a FS 26 to a hardtail 29er?
JC - How are you liking the big apples? What pressure do you run them at?
I really like them, smooth, fast and grippy even with a lot of lay-over angle on the street. Running them at ~35-40#. I should probably have gone a little narrower on the rear though, these are 2.35 front and rear. Still have the original WTB wheelset with the 2.1 Prowler SLs for dirt use; it's nice to able to quick-change the complete wheelset and tires.
Got a new wheelset the other day. I taco'd my front wheel... So now it's time for some more photos! I've done quite a lot to the bike, slowly but surely.
-WTB Frequency i23 TCS rims laced up to Shimano XT hubs - I know they arn't as smooth rolling or as light as the Vuelta XRPs that came stock, but I never had any of the stock parts since I built it up from a used frame.
-IRC Trail Bear front tire - found it in a friend's garage
-Avid BB7 disk brakes 180 front and 160 rear - so much better than my old Shimano Acera disc brakes
-Eleven81 platform pedals w/ removable pins
-Truvativ Stylo 75mm x 5d stem - I wanted to try a shorter stem for better descending and hopping
-Shimano Deore 9spd shifters
-Shimano XT 9spd cassette w/ Shimano 9spd chain
-Avid SD-5 brake levers
-WTB SST saddle - my old Velo saddle finally gave out, I tried to fix it using tape, glue, and zip ties, but nothing was permanent
-Marzocchi Z1 rebound knob - the fork was missing it when I got it (craigslist special!)
-Marzocchi Bomber decals
I'm looking at getting a seatpost that is more laid back to give some more room in the cockpit.
Well my real bike will be here Monday or Tuesday and can't wait to get started, it is all I can afford but much better than a Walmart bike and I hoping to ride it for a couple of years until I can get my dream bike provided, I'm still alive then lol - here is a preview, real "my" bike pics as soon as I get it all juiced up. I have not seen many of these here so hope that's not a bad sign
Surly Krampus
All City MMD
Kona Unit
Surly Cross-Check
Got a new wheelset the other day. I taco'd my front wheel... So now it's time for some more photos! I've done quite a lot to the bike, slowly but surely.
-WTB Frequency i23 TCS rims laced up to Shimano XT hubs - I know they arn't as smooth rolling or as light as the Vuelta XRPs that came stock, but I never had any of the stock parts since I built it up from a used frame.
-IRC Trail Bear front tire - found it in a friend's garage
-Avid BB7 disk brakes 180 front and 160 rear - so much better than my old Shimano Acera disc brakes
-Eleven81 platform pedals w/ removable pins
-Truvativ Stylo 75mm x 5d stem - I wanted to try a shorter stem for better descending and hopping
-Shimano Deore 9spd shifters
-Shimano XT 9spd cassette w/ Shimano 9spd chain
-Avid SD-5 brake levers
-WTB SST saddle - my old Velo saddle finally gave out, I tried to fix it using tape, glue, and zip ties, but nothing was permanent
-Marzocchi Z1 rebound knob - the fork was missing it when I got it (craigslist special!)
-Marzocchi Bomber decals
I'm looking at getting a seatpost that is more laid back to give some more room in the cockpit.
How do you like that SST saddle? Looking to replace the Speed V that came on my Fantom29er with something a little lighter. Great build BTW!
Swapped riser for a wider flat bar
Ergon grips
Shorter stem to keep reach the same
Bottle cages from my old (1993) bike
Crank Bros Candy pedals
Bontrager xxx carbon seatpost
Etrex 20 Computer/GPS
I had posted the BD picture but here is my real bike, since I'm so excited she's posted everywhere LOL ! I guess it doesn't matter how old you are a new toy is a new toy!
Surly Krampus
All City MMD
Kona Unit
Surly Cross-Check
This is my new Motobecane Fantom 29er COMP. I had my reservations about buying online, but had a good friend and experienced rider recommend BikesDirect.com. I was on a budget and was willing to admit that he knew more about bikes than me. Ended up with the most bike for the bucks spent for sure. I'm riding it pretty much stock at the moment but have a few minor tweaks in mind to shave a couple lbs. Really happy with the bike thus far.
Nice rig Rain - here is mine after her first really dirty ride - had a blast ! She was so nice and clean but kinda like it a little dirty the pic is not that great but she's a bit muddy!
Surly Krampus
All City MMD
Kona Unit
Surly Cross-Check
Wow. Some great bikes here. Mine isn't top of the line, but it's good enough. The 2013 Moto Elite Trail.
EDIT: Knew someone would comment on my QR skewers. But 29ers have MASSIVE clearance. Plus, as you can tell, this is more of a commuter. I'll only be taking this on flat trails. It's easier to release qrs when there is no fork or frame obstructing my plump fingers. Thanks though...
Last edited by sauprankul; 09-28-2012 at 07:42 PM.
Your bike looks great, sauprankel! Hope you have fun with it
One thing you might want to do is to swivel your quick-release levers up about 180 degrees from where they are now - this will help keep them from catching and "quick-releasing" when they encounter an obstacle
Not sure if I can post this question here or if I should start my own thread but I figured why not start here, I have been looking in to 29er specifically motos and was trying to decide between the Outcast 29er and the Phantom 29er comp, my goal is to have a 1x10 bike, something light and strong. Not sure what you guys would recommend as I am still a noob to all this mountain biking stuff, I was also going to just build one from the ground up, but it was going to cost more than I want to spend right off the bat, I want to ride, get a fee for the parts and how the react to what I want to do, then upgrade. Any suggestions is very much appreciated, thanks in advance.
Put my triple crankset on for the first time (had ben running it SS before the 1x9 in pic) and it's amazing how much more top end and efficient the bike is for me now! I'm going to switch the 2.2's over to my650 fs and put some lighter tires on this thing. It will be a rocket.
Dirt mode. My Hadley/Flow/Comp build I just finished up.
Street mode. (Finally replaced those awful Crest stickers with the Hope Hoops ones. MUCH better.)
Trees,
Your setup is looking sweet, especially with the upgrade wheelset. Any longer-term updates? How're you liking the beast?
For my part, am digging my Point 4. It's got about 400-odd commuting miles and maybe 20-odd dirt miles on it, but an annoying cyclical click has developed - think it's the crank arm-to-spindle connection, but I've been too lazy to really check it out as yet. Click occurs when RH crank arm is about 15 degrees above natural on the downstroke.
Your setup is looking sweet, especially with the upgrade wheelset. Any longer-term updates? How're you liking the beast?
For my part, am digging my Point 4. It's got about 400-odd commuting miles and maybe 20-odd dirt miles on it, but an annoying cyclical click has developed - think it's the crank arm-to-spindle connection, but I've been too lazy to really check it out as yet. Click occurs when RH crank arm is about 15 degrees above natural on the downstroke.
Long term updates.... hmmmm...
I nailed a post head on at 12-14 MPH, I'm fine, the pole is fine, my lower headtube.... was not. It was barely seeable, but the force of the impact ovaled the lower part of the headtube and I was getting a noise when I braked or hopped hard. Time to get a new frame. It would have cost just as much for a direct replacement so I bit the bullet and bought a CC 110 headset and a Razzo frame.
I've now got a spare VP-A42E headset and a der hanger for a 29pointX. If you or anyone else for that matter needs either shoot me a PM. I'm not going to bother with an ad for those.
I enjoyed my gravity, but I was planning on trying the Razzo next year anyway. So far, I like it! It built up well.
I nailed a post head on at 12-14 MPH, I'm fine, the pole is fine, my lower headtube.... was not. It was barely seeable, but the force of the impact ovaled the lower part of the headtube and I was getting a noise when I braked or hopped hard. Time to get a new frame. It would have cost just as much for a direct replacement so I bit the bullet and bought a CC 110 headset and a Razzo frame.
I've now got a spare VP-A42E headset and a der hanger for a 29pointX. If you or anyone else for that matter needs either shoot me a PM. I'm not going to bother with an ad for those.
I enjoyed my gravity, but I was planning on trying the Razzo next year anyway. So far, I like it! It built up well.
Nothing wrong with owning a Motobecane and the Razzo!
How do you like that SST saddle? Looking to replace the Speed V that came on my Fantom29er with something a little lighter. Great build BTW!
Thanks man! Been awhile since I've been on MTBR. I love the SST, it's very comfortable and doesn't catch my shorts. Best saddle I've ever ridden. If you want something lighter, the WTB frequency is not a good choice. It's a bit on the heavy side, but to me weight is not that important to me, the features of the rim are awesome. Next are a new crankset w/ bottom bracket and a dropper post.
Hey guys. Just wanted to update. My bike looks neglected in the first pic, so here's before:
and after
The Motobecane Elite Trail, Matte black, with some minor upgrades.
Took it for a spin around the local park, good thing it was laundry day. o.0
It's pronounced "so pro and cool."
It was an impulse decision.
How is the rear suspension working for you? Any peddle bob or unwanted bounce when going over obstacles?
Yeah +1 on that. Curious as to how BD executes the Full suspension. Pretty sure my next bike will be from BD, would like FS, but dunno how good they are.
It's pronounced "so pro and cool."
It was an impulse decision.
Here's my 2012 Fantom Cross Pro. Only thing I've changed was the saddle so far. I plan on adding lots of carbon goodies next year. After I purchase a new MTB.
With some odd pedals from my commuter (did not have clipless with me)
Current build kit (many original components reused, or sold, or gone)
2008 Fly titanium frame
Magura Durin SL fork (stock SID on wife's bike). Nice fork I should say.
some Cane Creek headset
stock Ritchey WCS seatpost and stem
Easton carbon bar, 620mm
Formula RX brakes (original Avid Ultimates had been the suckiest part on the bike. Sold) Front rotor - Hope.
Hope Hoops Pro 3 XC6 with Stan's 355 rims. (Vueltas going strong on wife's bike) Rear with 10mm RWS bolt-on. Front with Halo bolt-on skewer.
Schwalbe Racing Ralph 2.25 Gatestar, tubeless with Caffelatex.
E.13 XC crank with Salsa 32t ring. Wish list to replace with SRAM XX1 (but keep 10sp rear).
11-36 HG81 cassette
XT derailler, tomorrow to be replaced with freeride Zee shadow+
Paul chain keeper, probably can remove it with clutched derailler.
horrible Crank Brothers foam lock grips.
XT rear shifter and alligator housing. Need to dremel out stops for full length normal housing.
Fantom Pro X7 21inch... have only put two miles on it after assembly and tuning the derailluers, but I have a feeling I'm gonna love this new hobby. I'd like to get some road tires and pedals before spring time, only thing I've added is a mount for my Etrex 30 and Ergon grips waiting to go on it.
Here is mine, its a Fantom 29 FS XTR. I have had it for two weeks. I immediately changed the seat, grips, seatpost clamp and replaced the upper bushing on the rear shock with a RWC needle bearing kit. I may still swap the bars as I am not a huge fan of straight bars but I am loving the bike so far.
What are you and your wife's inseem? Could you measure the standover height? If you could stadle the bike and have your butt against the seat and measure the standover height at that position. I am finding specs are alwaya accurate or they don't measure from the same place.
What are you and your wife's inseem? Could you measure the standover height? If you could stadle the bike and have your butt against the seat and measure the standover height at that position. I am finding specs are alwaya accurate or they don't measure from the same place.
Thanks,
Mike
29.5" inseams. The standover (a few inches off the seat post) where a normal rider would stand is 29".
Here is my Motobecane pro29sl 13"....(I am 5'4" tall male).
The only thing i changed from stock is longer seat post from 350mm to 400mm, added crank brothers clipless. Had it for about six months. LOVE IT!
Looks nice. What is your inseam? Any idea how much higher the real standover is with the new frame (not just specs)?
Here is my race machine. 2011 FantomPro 29. Changed a lot of components and converted drivetrain to 1x10. Full Easton cockpit.
currently 25.5lb without pedals.
Hey Rallymaniac, Nice FantomPro29. What size is that and how tall are you? Those are some nice wheels! How do you like the ride of the bike? I'd like to get something like this to play around on. I'm a mtb rookie but what's the advantage of the single ring in the front? I wonder how you power up the hills. Thanks!
Hey Rallymaniac, Nice FantomPro29. What size is that and how tall are you? Those are some nice wheels! How do you like the ride of the bike? I'd like to get something like this to play around on. I'm a mtb rookie but what's the advantage of the single ring in the front? I wonder how you power up the hills. Thanks!
Hey. Thanks.
I'm 6'00" and the bike is 19". The size is perfect and I have a good riding position on it but with a changed, shorter stem.
I changed the entire cockpit, seat post and seat to dial it in and to put lighter components on it.
The single ring up front is for the simplicity and weight advantage. I found that I wasn't using the granny gear at all and used primarily the middle 32t ring. I still wanted to be sure that I don't spin out on a faster sections so when I converted to 1x10 I actually put a bigger 36t ring up front.
I'm not running out of climbing power anywhere here in the MidWest. If anything I can always go back to the 32t when needed.
I guess i must have somewhat strong legs.
I'm in too. Bought this to commute and explore mild trails, parks etc. Kudo's to Bikes Direct for changing the shipping address at the last minute when my plans changed and I wouldn't be home to sign for it.
I'm in too. Bought this to commute and explore mild trails, parks etc. Kudo's to Bikes Direct for changing the shipping address at the last minute when my plans changed and I wouldn't be home to sign for it.
I picked that same model up with the intention of using the components on a carbon frame later on. I changed the saddle and put some road tires on it and put almost 1,500 miles on it last year, my first year riding a roadie. It sparked something inside and now I'm building a full carbon roadie with SRAM Red group and turning the Moto into my commuter.
I went the other way. I have a carbon road bike already and don't think it is sturdy enough for my commute as there are 5 miles of gravel along the way so I got this. Got about a mile on it and just finished with some adjustments. I'm hoping to take it out before work tomorrow but I adopted a stray puppy and she is kind of high maintenance so we'll see.
ok yeah. thats exactly what i was thinking. i have/had several bikes direct bikes and do not have anything bad to say about any of them. I am ordering a 19" 29er pro sl when they get new stock. if you have any more pics to post please do. i cant find any pics of the orange ones out there. Thanks,
Well, I'll show mine again. Now is has Conti Race Kings!! I just ordered some shimano clipless pedals for b-day gift to myself. I think my next purchase may be a shorter stem~70 or 80mm. I have been riding enough now that I want to try clipped-in riding. I think I may enjoy the climbs a little more
Just received my Fantom Elite DS on Thursday. Nice bike. The only things I've changed immediately was a lighter handlebar, lock on grips, and quick release seat post clamp. Only if it had a tapered head tube, then I would put my Fox fork on it. I guess I'll keep that on my Cannondale F4. I will say it is more stout than my 2000 Trek 4500. I think my Cannondale now takes 3rd place in my line up. Solely because I laced the wheels on the Trek myself (8 speed) and the nostalgic sense of what I accomplished in building that bike up keeps it around and close. Sadly I should replace its frame as it is beat and the chainstay on the Trek is quite worn. Thinking of a Sette frame to replace it as I'll be able keep the wheels in use for more years.
On the upside of a cold, I was finally able to ride about 7 miles of single track today with the new Fantom Elite DS. So far, absolutely no complaints in my purchase!
I used the uploader. It's weird. The pictures I originally had in my post will not re-upload, but two newer pictures uploaded and posted no problem. It's weird. What ever, I now have some pictures in my post again.
I am a Clydesdale 6'2" 250lbs and this frame has been rock solid. Plus, I weighed it on my luggage scale at ~28lbs. Have been very happy and am having a lot of fun with the buildup.
I posted pics of my complete redo of my new Fantom pro that came with X9 "parts" changing out for Shimano XTR/XT/SLX on this thread along with a complete write up of what I did and why.
I just build this Fanthom for my wife, I got the frame from a friend for free (He purchase the whole bike to transplant the components to another frame) the rest of the parts I have already, well not the fork but I found a reba in need of help for pretty cheap.
My 2014 model 550HT (19.5 frame)...Picked it up from BikesDirect before they even had them in stock for $349.99 shipped pre ordered...A work in progress.
So far mods consist of the following:
Ritchey Pro 4 axis stem
Ritchey Comp bars
Ti bolts for the stem and bars
WTB Trail clamp on grips
Vader saddle
Lightweight Skewers
Anodized Schrader valve caps
Elite Sior bottle cage and cheap water bolttle
Cheap bike computer
Schwinn mini bike pump.
Mods coming up in time:
Ritchey Pro seat post
Omni Lightweight seat clamp
WTB speed disc wheels
Ashima Ai2 rotors (180F/160R)
Upgraded brake pads
Ti rotor bolts
Sram PG850 cassette
KMC x8.99 chian
Suntour Epicon X2 fork
Sram X7 everything.
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My Motobecane Fantom Comp DS Modified,how do I,find out what year it was made? it has a sticker under the badge on front says made in taiwan.
Not sure about the year but the made in Taiwan sticker is because the frame is made in the Kinesis Plant in Taiwan (very high end quality)...the heavier (lower end) frames are made in china...You have a lightweight Kinesis Alloy frame.
Have had this about 6 months now, been riding it for 3 or so once it warmed up. Added the red grips, suspension seatpost, and spd pedals. Left the rim stickers on because they are red and go with the red theme i've got happening. Love it! Have ridden both mtn and road for years and got away from it for several years after having a kid. Now hubby and I are back to riding and just pre-ordered our Moto Road bikes for end of July. I'll post those once we get them too.
Hello all,
Love the pics you share, I am submitting mine. It is nothing used hardcore, just a cruiser at times. I did all the detail work myself. so sorry for the upside down pic, from my phone and I have no clue.
Last edited by cberry; 02-07-2015 at 04:10 PM.
Reason: upside down
Here is a better picture of my bike. I used aircraft aluminum paint remover to strip the frame, the picture does not do justice, it turns heads and gets questions. I'm contemplating polishing it but the raw look is nice.
Okay, since seeing all these awesome bikes and getting some motivation I have been updating my bike. I know single pivot rear is not optimal but neither is life, kudos to those that can buy the best, I ride the crap out of mine and love it. BTW, I weigh 230lbs and this bike is intuitive to my moves, I believe it comes down to tuning basically
Just got this Moto hardtail. Loving it so far. Put some XT Trail clipless on it and started grinding. I looked and looked, but couldn't touch BD for the money.