Hi all,

I'm currently researching entry-level cx bikes for use as a commuter and light cyclecross. Two bikes which I've come across seem almost identical in componentry, and I wonder if they aren't one and the same, simply rebadged for different markets:

Motobecane Fantom Cross (http://bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/fantom_cross_preorder.htm)
Fuji Cross Comp (http://fujibikes.com/2006/bikes.asp?id=137#)

The main difference is that the Motobecane frame is actually a " A-6 Quaternary Phase Aluminum" which use a material used in Fuji's topline cross (http://fujibikes.com/2006/bikes.asp?id=136). However the Moto uses an aluminum fork, not carbon.

Curious if anyone knows what the deal with these bikes is, and also - if you happen to own either - what your thoughts are. I'm particularly interested in ride quality over pavement imperfections.

Thanks in advance! :D

I wonder what "entry level" means in cyclocross bikes. Is that a 19 lb bike instead of a 17 lb bike?

And, by the way, those are entirely different bikes.

I prefer Fuji because I like the company but the Motobecane is a nice bike as well.

For anything but Elite level racing I don't see any point in worrying about minor differences in weight or the difference between one having a Sora rear derailleur and the other a 105 and that sort of thing.

CX is more about the rider and a whole lot less about the bike.

Hi all,

I'm currently researching entry-level cx bikes for use as a commuter and light cyclecross. Two bikes which I've come across seem almost identical in componentry, and I wonder if they aren't one and the same, simply rebadged for different markets:

Motobecane Fantom Cross (http://bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/fantom_cross_preorder.htm)
Fuji Cross Comp (http://fujibikes.com/2006/bikes.asp?id=137#)

The main difference is that the Motobecane frame is actually a " A-6 Quaternary Phase Aluminum" which use a material used in Fuji's topline cross (http://fujibikes.com/2006/bikes.asp?id=136). However the Moto uses an aluminum fork, not carbon.

Curious if anyone knows what the deal with these bikes is, and also - if you happen to own either - what your thoughts are. I'm particularly interested in ride quality over pavement imperfections.

Thanks in advance! :D

I have the 2005 Motobecane Fantom Cross; which in 2005 was nearly identical to the Fuji Cross Comp.

I paid $647 shipped.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=89054&highlight=Fantom+Cross