Bobd20011

Bianchi Volpe 2009 vs. Motobecane Fantom Cross Pro

I have a good friend that used to work in a bike shop and he is recommending that I buy the Fantom because he thinks that it is a good deal, and he is willing to put it together. However, I just went to a LBS to try on different sizes of bikes to make sure that I had the right fit, and I really like the Bianchi Volpe. On a side note, the blue Volpe is a much prettier bike, which my wife will like.

I know that I am looking at the difference between aluminum and steel, and I think that I would prefer steel. That being said, it also appears that that component set for the Fantom is significantly better than that which is included with the Volpe. However, I am a rookie in the area of road bikes and I don’t know how much difference there is between the components.

I want to use the bike for a daily commute 30 miles round trip, and some miscellaneous long rides with friends. My current ride, an electra townie, just isn’t fitting the bill any more.

Please help!

P.S. My wife and I love our townies, but they don't do well over long distances.

tjspiel

You're getting into two areas of significant religious differences: Steel vs. Aluminum and BikesDirect vs. LBS.

Both bikes have their devoted fans. The advantage of getting the Volpe is that you can be sure it fits ahead of time. If you're not planning on racing, and even if you were, I'm not sure you'd notice much difference in the components.

It's a long story but I've had Sora, 105, and Ultegra shifters on my bike. In fact right now I have one 105 shifter and one Ultegra. Anyway, Sora is the low end and Ultegra is the high. Tiagra (which I think Volpe has) is between Sora and 105 but operates the same way 105 and Ultegra do.

Anyway they all work fine. Sora is sort of a different beast but I honestly can't tell the difference between 105 and Ultegra. I'm sure Tiagra is about the same.

The Fantom has better components and is a lighter bike. It probably has a more aggressive geometry too so if you want to go fast that may be the one to get. If speed is a secondary concern and you like the Volpe, that's what I would get.

Andy_K 

The components on the Motobecane are much better. I upgraded my Tiagra equipped Kona Jake to Ultegra this winter, and I can tell you the difference is very noticeable. Not that the Tiagra components weren't good, but the Ultegra components are just very, very smooth.

It sounds like you've got sizing and assembly covered, so you're over two of the three big hurdles of buying from Bikes Direct. The only other thing buying from an LBS would get you is ongoing support and relationship. Well, that and knowing how the bike feels before you buy, which is not to be underestimated.

Andy_K 

Oh, the other thing to consider is gearing. The Fantom Pro is geared for cyclocross racing. That works pretty well for most commutes for fit riders, but if you have major hills to contend with, the lower, more MTB-like, gearing on the Volpe might be a point in its favor.

Bobd20011

Thanks for your comments so far. It is a good point with respect to the difference in gearing, but I don't have huge hills in my future. I guess I am more concerned about the frame. Does anyone have any thoughts about the Motobecane frame? More particularly, thoughts on the frame compared with the Volpe frame. I am just wondering if I am being a component snob and ending up with a crappy frame in the process. (admittedly I am still a little weary of buying from BD) This is my first road bike, so maybe, I won't notice any of the differences.

The way I presently view the decision:

An ugly aluminum cross bike with great components and an average frame vs. an extra $100 for a pretty steel frame that a lot of people are happy with, but lesser (maybe noticeable, maybe not) components.

I know that I am over thinking this, but any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Andy_K 

I think that's right. I've heard some good things about Motobecane frames, but apparently they're hit and miss. In particular in this case the BD site says that they might give you either of two types of tubing.

If you're new to road bikes, I can't imagine you'd have any complaints about the Tiagra stuff.

BigDaddyPete

I absolutely love my Motobecane Fantom CX which is a lower spec than the Fantom Pro. That being said, I bought it because it was the best I could do in my price range. The biggest benefit to BD is price. Going with an LBS bike gets you service and fit that you won't get at BD. If the money weren't an issue, I would have bought a bike from my LBS. And the Volpe is a nice ride from all that I've heard.

tjspiel

Go back to your bike shop and ride something with Ultegra components on it to get an idea of what you'd be missing by not getting the Fantom.

Though they are both supposedly cross bikes I tend to think of the Volpe as being more like the Crosscheck. The Volpe is a nice bike but not your all out cross racing bike. That's not a criticism, just an observation. The Fantom looks to me like more of a racing bike. So I'd think about the kind of riding you want to do and make your decision based on that.

But you're not me and I sense you really want the Volpe. You're just looking for some reassurance that it's the right decision

ch9862

It sounds like you're relatively new to cycling, is that right? I'd say go with a bike that fits you. If you're not sure about Volpe, compare it with something else you can test ride locally - not with a mail order bike.

Bikesdirect bikes are great if you want to stretch your dollar as far as possible, but you need to know what you want and figure out sizing in advance. Or use it as source of parts and ditch the frame.

I would not lose any sleep over components on these two bikes. Tires (esp. air pressure, but also thread) will make the biggest difference in how they ride. If the bike feels very sluggish, investigate higher pressure slicks; it the ride is harsh, try lower pressure ones. Other than that get what fits you, and enjoy.

Others may know more though.

PS. I have San Jose, which apparently uses the same frame as Volpe (only with different dropouts). Very nice frame, but I would not get it if it didn't fit .

Bobd20011

Ok, so I went in an entirely different direction. I am going to buy used. I picked up this bike for $300 https://reno.craigslist.org/bik/1284943631.html

I plan on putting new tires on it and a rear rack. I am going to see how much I like commuting to work on drops before I drop up to $1,200 on a new bike. Thanks for your input everyone. You have made me realize how much I don't know yet about bikes.

I am really looking forward to fixing up this bike!

ch9862

Starting off with used bike is a great idea - and the bike looks very nice! I hope it fits you . Be aware that high pressure tires on alu frame might feel rough - but don't take my word for it, ride the bike first .

If you want to try the bike with a different tires, look for ones with lower pressure - size is secondary. Obviously the tires have to fit in the frame/fork/brakes - but what I'm saying is that 700x25 @ 75 psi would be more cushy then 700x28 @ 90 psi.

Good luck!

Bobd20011

The bike fits great. I just need to get it cleaned up and to put new tires on it. Thank you for your suggestions. I figure that I can use this for a year or two and then I will know better how I feel about drop bars and aluminum. Then I can sell it on craigs list if I get the urge for a new bike.

nahh

looks like you decided on a great bike!

provided you don't trash it, that should also have some good re-sell value in the future.

ride it like you stole it!

Sawtooth

Nice purchase. You got a heck of a deal on that bike!

Bobd20011

Thanks! I could not believe the price I got. The sellers were just thrilled that I was going to use it regularly. I guess that they inherited it from a deceased relative. It looks like the chain and gears had never been cleaned, but other than that, it is really pretty. Does anyone have any suggestions for a rear rack? I plan on putting the Nashbar garment bag on it and I am worried about heel strike.