Cyclocross - down to 2 bikes..

so i narrowed it down to two bikes for me...
Redline conquest
Motobecane Fantom Cross

they are similarly speced...the conquest would be bought from my LBS and the fantom obviously online...I am sure of what size i would need. I am just kind of torn on which to get...This will be my first cross bike. so what do you think?

For what purpose? Redline would get my vote if you're racing.

whats the difference in price? I have read some negative reviews on Motobecane's, but I own two of them. Both bikes came well boxed and on time. The assembly was the same as other more expensive bikes (khs, scott, free agent, haro...) I put together when I worked at on of the LBS's.

i would like to race sometime but not now...i just want to get into the sport..if i do race it will be for fun pretty much

I would do redline as I dont think they use integrated headsets

the redline seems way better. it also seems way more race ready out of the box, judging by the specs on their site. better shifters, the cranks are geared more cross specific (46/36), the tires are fatter and more aggressive, has a 105 rear derailleur, it has a lighter aluminum fork rather than a heavier steel one, no integrated headset, i would assume the wheels are a lot lighter, as well as the bar/stem etc. plus, i think the fork mounted cable hanger is sweet. if you're a disc brake dork, you can add them later as well.

the motobecane seems more like a rough road commuter out of the box. i think it would take a few upgrades and tweaks to be more race ready... mainly changing the crank gearing and different tires perhaps. the frame does have the more traditional full top tube cable routing and a higher bb... but eh.

the redline seems way better. it also seems way more race ready out of the box, judging by the specs on their site. better shifters, the cranks are geared more cross specific (46/36), the tires are fatter and more aggressive, has a 105 rear derailleur, it has a lighter aluminum fork rather than a heavier steel one, no integrated headset, i would assume the wheels are a lot lighter, as well as the bar/stem etc. plus, i think the fork mounted cable hanger is sweet. if you're a disc brake dork, you can add them later as well.

the motobecane seems more like a rough road commuter out of the box. i think it would take a few upgrades and tweaks to be more race ready... mainly changing the crank gearing and different tires perhaps. the frame does have the more traditional full top tube cable routing and a higher bb... but eh.

I think you are looking at the fantom cx and not the $800 bike which has a carbon fork. With that said a lot of your excellent points still hold, and Redline knows how to make a cross bike.

I think you are looking at the fantom cx and not the $800 bike which has a carbon fork. With that said a lot of your excellent points still hold, and Redline knows how to make a cross bike.
oh crap, you're right. haha

i was just looking at the bikesdirect site and they have a $800 "windsor" (http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/windsor/cyclo.htm) that seems waay better than the $800 motobecane. it looks like the same frame, but with 105 shifters and ultegra derailleurs. both bikesdirect bikes have external bearing two peice cranks, rather than square taper ones on the redline, which makes them more appealing.

the other issue between these internetz bikes and a redline from your lbs, is that you'll have to setup and tune the brakes and shifters yourself. if you're not comfortable with that or confident in your abilities, perhaps your lbs is better. plus, your lbs might be willing to swap stems, saddles, etc. for free to adjust the fit.

oh crap, you're right. haha

i was just looking at the bikesdirect site and they have a $800 "windsor" (http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/windsor/cyclo.htm) that seems waay better than the $800 motobecane. it looks like the same frame, but with 105 shifters and ultegra derailleurs. both bikesdirect bikes have external bearing two peice cranks, rather than square taper ones on the redline, which makes them more appealing.

the other issue between these internetz bikes and a redline from your lbs, is that you'll have to setup and tune the brakes and shifters yourself. if you're not comfortable with that or confident in your abilities, perhaps your lbs is better. plus, your lbs might be willing to swap stems, saddles, etc. for free to adjust the fit.

I was checking out that Windsor too. Seems like a good buy for the money...almost too good. The Scattante seems good and if you get a coupon you can get it for less than $800 plus you can get %10 back

I'm just plain a Redline fan. Major bike for the bucks and I just plain know and like them. That doesn't mean a damn thing's wrong with the BD stuff. Since cranks and BBs don't have to come apart much, I don't see the advantage there.

Anyway, I do have some brand loyalty for Redline and would go that way.

Redline.

Better bike and comes with a real cross compact.

Since cranks and BBs don't have to come apart much, I don't see the advantage there.
an external two piece crank will be lighter and stiffer than a square taper interface.

+1 for Conquest. Raced it 3x this season with at least two more to go. Great bike. Can't wait to throw on some Gatorskin 28's for wintertime geared road riding.

I would do redline as I dont think they use integrated headsets

That's true. I am putting a King in mine.

check it out here...i went with the redline..thanks guys!
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?p=7727788#post7727788