Should I buy either?

[HardRocker]

Seems a good run of components. But frame? Tho I haven't cracked a frame since jumping a Predator in the 80's so that part is not such a big deal to me.. Also the price is SEXY! http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/fantom29_08.htm

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/fantom_trail08.htm

[Magic]

We have a guy on our race team that uses a Moto for racing. He seems to like it. Or you can PM Jeff Colbert (motomofo) and ask him about his.

[Cars-R-Coffins]

It looks like a good buy to me,but the thing I would do is replace the front derailleur.

[Standard]

It's interesting that they have the list price of that bike at $1300 (26" one). For under $1200 you can get a Rockhopper Pro with a Recon on the front, hydro brakes and a much better parts spec. Not to mention way better frame.

For about $680 you can get an '08 Rockhopper Disc with almost the exact same parts spec, better frame, and actual warranty support through a local bike shop. Yeah, you'll have to pay taxes.. but you won't have to deal with an internet mail-order if you have problems with the bike.

I do find it interesting that they say the bikes have a full manufacturer warranty, when any LBS quality bike I've seen has to be assembled by an authorized dealer in order to have a valid warranty.

[HardRocker]

I think it has the manny warranty since it is like 95% assembled on shipping. I kinda lean to the 29er but want to switch the lx for xt! Or I might not even notice since I'm used to SRAM.. I don't even look at the "retail" price as that we know, is a sham...

[HardRocker]

Ok, it has xt. I was thinking of the Ritchey stuff on the 26er that I would like on the 29.. I don't know, it says "black" as if it were a brand name on the seatpost, stem and bars.. HAHA!

[tmenssen]

Hi John

It is a great bike. My friend owns one!!

[Standard]

I think it has the manny warranty since it is like 95% assembled on shipping. I kinda lean to the 29er but want to switch the lx for xt! Or I might not even notice since I'm used to SRAM.. I don't even look at the "retail" price as that we know, is a sham...

All LBS bikes are 95% assembled when they ship. They still need the final assembly done at an authorized dealer to have a valid warranty.

The retail price on these bikes is definatly a sham, as there is no way that bike would retail for $1300. $595 is closer to the correct retail, with wholesale being quite a bit below that.

[b_rogo]

John, there is nothing inherently bad about Motobecane or any of the other bikesdirect brands. That being said, I'm not sure it's the best way to go for your situation. The bikes are warranteed, but if you have a problem you have to send it back at your expense for repair or replacement. That quickly adds cost to the attractive entry price. For those who are comfortable repairing their own equipment these bikes are OK because you can ignore the warranty and take care of problems that may arise on your own.

As far as 26" vs 29" goes, I've switched to 29" and have no plans on going back but I'm sure there are others have an equally strong opposite opinion. If you'd like to try a 29er, let me know and we'll set up a ride when the trails are ready.

[HardRocker]

Thx Ben, I did try one n liked it. But.. I'm so "flip-floppy" (LOL) that I'll prolly end up buying a used 26" from someone anyway..

[Mario]

i have the Motobecane Fantom Comp 26' that is about 3 years old now.

no problems, good bike and components for the money.

I've swapped out handlebars (originally Richey flat) and one rim (orignal was WTB speediscs).

they aren't super light, but not terribly heavy either.

they've handled any abuse I've put at them(mostly XC trails, no urban.)

I've been eyeing up the Motobecane 29'ers as well, post up if you end up getting it.

[ninjanick]

Have you considered ibex? They do have a 29'er...

http://www.ibexbikes.com/

The warrenty issue can be anoying, but, you get what you pay for, at least I find with ibex, there builds make more sense. And the frames, are very nice, great looking welds, and dreamy paint. I own two of them. Plus, if the snit really hit the fan with an ibex, the owner, Jack is pretty active in his subforum on mtbr. One would think if you had a legitimate gripe you could get treated fairly. How avalable are the people behind bikes direct?

[FarmerBEN]

I have a outkast 29er ss. I ended up swapping out nearly every component, some because they were crap (bar, stem seatpost) and others just because I was switching parts on other bikes (my fixie needed a different crank and I didn't want to buy a new one for that) all in all I have been pretty happy with it, although if I had to do it again I probably wouldn't go that route. I would check the Ibex 29er, I have no experience with the company, but it seems like a better bike for the money.