opie

Ok.. I wasn't sure where to put this. I didn't want to intrude on another thread but pictures etc were asked for so here goes.

I put the post here b/c while it's a cyclocross bike I'm going to swap the tires to road tires as a "do it all" bike for me. Some commuting, road riding, maybe CX in the fall

I purchased a Motobecane Fantom Cross CX from bikesdirect.com. This is not about what's good or bad about them. I bought the bike b/c I thought it was a good price and I thought it would be fun to put it together to do some learning

First things first .. Instructions. I didn't find them to be that great (or even good). Seems like some stuff was left out of the instructions.

The front brake bracket that connects to the stem had no instructions about it. I had to take the bars back off after I put them on because of that but we're talking 10 minutes. I don't have a repair stand so that made it a little tougher. Just needed more than 2 hands.

I haven't tightened everything down yet and haven't adjust the derailleurs mainly b/c I don't know how. I've got a bicycle mechanic buddy who's going to show me how tomorrow. I've watched videos etc and been trying to adjust on my mtn bike but haven't gotten it right yet

Anyways.. Here she is all boxed up from UPS



and out of the box with all the stuff still wrapped up



box of goodies



Not a lot of putting together pics.. there's really not a lot to it

All together



Chainring



Rear Cassette and Derailleur



Bracket thingy I was talking about is at the top of this picture

J B Bell

That's usually called the brake cable hanger. I'm impressed you got the noodle (the bent bit of plastic) in there, with its plastic sleeve. I found it impossible to work with when I put together a BD Motobecane. In my experience, people rarely bother with it--usually it's much easier to just use a little more housing and run it straight into the hanger.

Enjoy the new ride!

opie

It took some finagling but I got it through the noodle. I did that first and then slid the noodle+ cable through the hangar. The front brakes are MUCH better now. Bike it getting "tuned" this afternoon and I can't wait to take it for a spin

mijome07

Don't forget to remove all stickers, reflectors and that 'dork disc'.

CNY James

more info on this "dork disk" please.

mijome07

Sits behind the cassette.

CNY James

I had a feeling that you were referring to that... I have it on one of my bikes (happened to come with it) and the other (that I built) doesn't have it... guess I never paid much attention.

dscheidt

Because people seeing you is so uncool!

mijome07

I was suggesting it because it makes the bike have a cleaner look without that useless stuff. Kinda like ripping the tags off of new mattresses.

RonH

Be sure to remove this too.

mijome07

Nice.

opie

She's all tuned up now and first 25 mile ride yesterday. Come to think of it.. first 25 mile ride for me also. lol Took about 30 min for a professional mechanic (my buddy Jeff) and he went over everything on it. Said I did good getting it together and just adjusted a few things. He did re-route the rear derailleur and brake lines to make them "swoop" better up at the handle bars but that only took a few minutes. She shifts smoother than my Trek FX now and brakes better. Maybe I need him to tune that one also.. lol

Are you talking debadge it? or just the sizing stickers?

It's gone

mijome07

Only stickers (i.e. size, made in xxxxx, warning, etc.)

mijome07

I had the 2009 model (which I sold) that I converted to 1x9. I did replace the saddle (not pictured) before I decided to sell the bike.

Bianchigirll 

IMHO there is no reason for a Novice rider to remove reflectors and the 'dork' disc wspecially on a bike that wiull be used for commuting and general transportation.

Opie great looking bike nice assembly job. I love my Fantom Uno. reflectors included



and just what is so bad about a dorkette disc anyway? again for a commuter bike they are a good idea since it is very likely that the bike may experience harsh use and may even fall on the RD.

mijome07

Reflectors are useless. Lights are more effective. As long as the rear derailleur is setup properly, the chances of the chain 'popping off' are slim. OP can do it or not. I was just suggesting.