Hey all,

This is one of my first posts. I've been captivated by the idea of SS cross and thought I'd jump in.

I just got this off eBay after eyeing the Motobecane Fantom Cross Uno for quite a while. Price paid was $525 shipped. Reynolds 853 with the option of going geared...I think I'll be very happy with it. It looks like a magic gear combo right now, I'd probably get another geared rear wheel and maybe a tensioner for different gear combos on the SS wheel. To my eye the ratio looks a little steep...36:14 or so? I'm a student doing research this summer in Anchorage, AK and I'll be using this to get around town/campus as well as weekend singletrack, fire road, and touring explorations.

So...if I keep the SS set-up, do you think I keep the flat bars/V-brakes or should I get some drops and cantis? I suppose it's just a matter of personal preference.

Odd thing about this bike is that I think it went for $200 on CL somewhere in Colorado in the last couple of weeks. I'm still happy.



Also, anyone have any recommendations on really smooth (slick), high volume tires? I'm not talking hybrid sorta-slick tires. I mean big, voluminous balloons.