Cyclocross - BD Motobecane Fantom CX? Any good?

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

Ive beem looking at this bike to get into CX, but was unsure if I should go with something else since it comes with shimanos cheaper brand of shifters and whatnot. BD has the upgraded version for 800, but its a bit more pricey and I dont like the red color.

Should I just go with this one for a good beginner CX bike or is there something else out there?

Forget the color. It will be covered in mud, if you're riding it properly. Pay a few extra bucks and get the better components. That way you'll be happier and not thinking about upgrading it in a few weeks, months, or years.

just my 2 cents.

joel

The problem is its 250 dollars more.......I do like the upgraded shifters much better though (not too fond of having to move my hand from drop to shift sometimes).

How much would it cost if I were to upgrade the CX later with similar or identical parts on the upgraded version?

The problem is its 250 dollars more.......I do like the upgraded shifters much better though (not too fond of having to move my hand from drop to shift sometimes).

How much would it cost if I were to upgrade the CX later with similar or identical parts on the upgraded version?
it would definitely cost way more than 250 dollars to upgrade it comparably, even scouring ebay for used stuff. especially considering the lighter wheels, external bearing two piece crank and carbon fork. the upgraded version is well worth it. if you don't like the color, give it the krylon touch.

however, i know a few people, including my wife, with the cx and everyone loves them, epecially for the price. at my race on sunday, i saw three cx's and a handful of more upgraded versions. the cx is rather heavy for racing though, imho.

you will need a new seat, new tires, pedals of your choosing. that is about it. run it

How light is the CX versus the fantom? My bike is an old roadie right now basically setup for cross, but Im guessing it weights AT LEAST 30 lbs......so I dont know if I really need the carbon fork. Im mainly concenerned with the cheaper drivetrain and shifter components.....

Should I be considering any other bikes? I know a few friends at LBS's, I might be able to get discounts too.

How light is the CX?

Around 24 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/9320902@N04/2512641018/) lbs.

Not too bad...so the normal fantom would be a few less then?

Would I be better off waiting until the CX season is coming to and end and getting a used bike? I dont want something TOO beatup though....

My 54cm CX was 23.2 on a shop scale. The TI team was ~21 lbs in another thread so the normal Fantom should be somewhere in between.