Pics will come soon, but for now I just wanted to say how happy I am with this purchase. After shopping around all my LBS's, the deal on the Fantom Cross Pro could not be touched. $995.00 for a cross bike with aluminum frame, carbon fork, and Ultegra 10 speed components. For this price locally I was looking at tiagra\sora components. I was hesitant to order from bikesdirect being it's online and all, but for my bad weather bike I figured I'd take the chance. I got the bike in less than a week from the time I ordered it. The bike came just as described and looks beautiful. I had a problem with the chain on the bike, apparently it was too small. This was according to my LBS. I tried getting it all set up myself, but due to the chain being to small I couldn't get it too shift properly. My LBS installed a new chain and it shifted like a champ. I contacted bikesdirect this morning, and they are going to send me a new chain. I'm out the money I had to pay at the LBS, but I'll have a new chain shortly that I can use when I need to replace the existing one. I was very happy to see how quickly they responded to my email as I was concerned when I ordered the bike how any problems that may arise would be handled.



I also have a 2007 Specialized Roubaix Pro. The Fantom Cross is going to be my foul weather bike. After riding it last night, I think I'll be riding this bike more often than I anticipated.



For those that are weary of buying from BikesDirect, I for one would definately buy from them again. Then again, most of the LBS in my area have really lousy customer service so I don't feel bad giving my business to someone online. I understand some people want to be loyal to their LBS, and I would feel differently if mine had better customer service.



The shop I took the bike into to get setup was very impressed with the bike. They could not believe what I paid for the bike. And they were more than happy to work on the bike and did not make me feel awkward at all taking the bike in to get setup after ordering online. I've read on these forums in the past that some people are really against this.



I'll post pics soon, but for now, just wanted to express my satisfaction with my latest purchase...

If I could ask you a question: does it have eyelets sufficient to mount a rear rack and front and rear fenders?

If I could ask you a question: does it have eyelets sufficient to mount a rear rack and front and rear fenders?

I think so. I've never mounted a rack or fenders on a bike before, so I'm not exactly sure what I'm looking for. I'll try and get some upclose pictures for you tonight and post them in this thread...

Here is a pic...

http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/1306/motofullbikekb8.jpg

If I could ask you a question: does it have eyelets sufficient to mount a rear rack and front and rear fenders?

MillCreek, hopefully these pics will show you what you need to see. If not let me know and I can try and get some more.

http://img78.imageshack.us/img78/124/motofrontle8.jpg

http://img78.imageshack.us/img78/5693/motorearpd0.jpg

http://img78.imageshack.us/img78/8923/motorear2vz6.jpg

Thank you very, very much for your help.

website description says rear rack mounts

Could try to resize the pics. They are incredibley blury. It is a nice bike though.

Tim

I'm thinking about buying one right now, how tall are you and what is your inseam?

I'm 5'7" with a 31.5" inseam, and I don't know if I should go for a 49cm or a 52.

Not sure what my cycling inseam is, but for jeans I wear 30 or 32's. I'm also 5ft 7, and was in between the two bikes. I went with the 49. All in all I think it fits pretty well....

what is the weight of your fantom cross pro?

A local guy just got one of these about a month ago from the ebay store seller (sprtymamma I think it was) for $650. It was the version with the carbon fork, etc. He absolutely loves it.

His smaller size came complete at 23 pounds. He swapped out the wheels and a few very small parts and it is down to 20 pounds.

I got a Fantom Cross Pro just before Christmas. I bought my wife a kayak and myself this bike (I always wanted a kayak...).

I've put Planet bike fenders on it and will soon get a rear rack. The fenders went on easy enough. Only hitch is there is not a crossbar just behind the BB between the CS for the rear fender to clip onto. I got a longer bolt for the front derailour cable pulley and attached the fender there. Worked out perfectly. The frame has rear eyes for the rack. The lower mounts for the rack will have to share the same hole that the fender stays use so I'll probably have to get a longer bolt for those too, no big deal. Really happy with the bike.

Oh, and it weighed in at 22.6 lbs without the add-ons (seat bag, fenders, lights) but with pedals (Candy's).

Brad

lightisright, 52cm?

lightsright, when you attached your fender using the FD cable pulley, was it hard to get the cable pulley back on after removing it. I put fenders on mine also and have the bottom zip tied on right now. I thought about doing the same as you, but wasn't sure if if would be hard to get the pulley back on and then the FD would need re-adjusted.

You'll be riding month of mud?

lightisright, 52cm?

Sorry, haven't checked this thread in a while. I have a 54cm.

lightsright, when you attached your fender using the FD cable pulley, was it hard to get the cable pulley back on after removing it. I put fenders on mine also and have the bottom zip tied on right now. I thought about doing the same as you, but wasn't sure if if would be hard to get the pulley back on and then the FD would need re-adjusted.

I just had to give the cable a little slack by loosening the cable adjuster up on the lever. I also bought a little bit longer bolt from Home Depot to use since the fender and washers added a little thickness. I just recently took the fenders back off since I'll be riding in Texas for the next couple of weeks.

I have heard mixed reports on how hard it is to put a BD bike together. Do you recall what you went threw? Do you have to be an expert to get it or can a general knowledge 'parts changer' type guy do it with a standard a tool set?

It's easy, especially if you can tune dérailleurs. It's not always needed, though it's a skill a cyclist should learn. I've done three in the last year. Truing a wheel also helps, but for me they've come within shop specs of 1mm or less.

Is the top tube ovalized/flattened underneath for ease of shouldering?

It's easy, especially if you can tune dérailleurs. It's not always needed, though it's a skill a cyclist should learn. I've done three in the last year. Truing a wheel also helps, but for me they've come within shop specs of 1mm or less.
Thanks. I put together my Montague Paratrooper a couple months ago and it was easy. The longest part was fine tuning all the little things. Wheels where and still are straight but I would take that to a LBS if it needed done.

Is the top tube ovalized/flattened underneath for ease of shouldering?


No, but it's a large enough gauge of tubing and a light enough bike that I didn't notice any problems
last season.

I almost got that exact bike, but I wanted to get sized correctly.
So my LBS sized me up and I got the Jake. Only has Tiagra and no carbon anything. Still I am darn happy, because it turns out that in spite of my 6ft, a 54 fit me far better than a 58 and 56... (At least on the Kona's)

Can anyone comment about the ride quality of this aluminum frame (the Fantom Cyclocross Pro)?
I might want to use one for some commuting or touring, but I'm wary of the harsh ride of aluminum.

Thanks,
Rich

I have the fantom cross and have been pleasantly surprised. My only other alu bikes were older mtbs and they felt dead, this frame feels pretty decent.

Awesome bike.

I can't speak for the Pro model, but I have the PhantomCross and I love it. It handles the rather rough ride to school easily and the larger tires are very beneficial for my large self.