Spld cyclist

Here's the Fantom CXX, which is steel. It's excellent. Unfortunately, not all sizes are in stock right now.

Save up to 60% off new Cyclocross Road Bikes - Motobecane Fantom CX Clearance

Here's my review thread: https://www.bikeforums.net/commuting/...xx-review.html

Spld cyclist

It states that you should consult the geometry chart, but I can't find a link to it. BD was very responsive to my questions before I bought, so I'm sure they would be happy to e-mail it (and maybe even add the link to the page).

Paramount1973 

Doesn't look like either bike has rack/fender eyelets on the front fork and only the Nashbar bike has a single set of eyelets on the dropout. Does either bike have rack eyelets on the seatstays?

treadtread

BD does list the geometry - e.g., https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...es/cxx_geo.gif

What I don't understand is - why bikes such as the CXX or the Nashbar steel cross, clearly targeted at commuting/utility cyclists, do not have lower, hill friendly gearing.

treadtread

BD does list the geometry - e.g., https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...es/cxx_geo.gif

What I don't understand is - why bikes such as the CXX or the Nashbar steel cross, clearly targeted at commuting/utility cyclists, do not have lower, hill friendly gearing.

Edited to add: Also take a look at this - Save Up to 60% Off Touring Bikes | Commuting | Commuter Bikes | Windsor Bikes - Tourist

bombardier

Revisiting this after a day at work... still no decisions made. Thanks for all the comments!

It looks like both have braze ons the seat stays, but you're right, they both only have one set of eyelets on the dropout - is this a problem if I want to run racks and fenders?

Spld cyclist

That's not the right geometry for the BD bike named in the OP, which was the Fantom Cross Disc.

Spld cyclist

It can be easier to make everything play together if you have two sets of eyelets, but it's not absolutely necessary. I've run multiple bikes with rack and fender on one set of eyelets, in commuting duty, and never had a problem. People generally recommend you put the rack leg inboard and the fender stay outboard. That puts less stress on the screw.

blakcloud

One set of eyelets is fine. You can put both rack and fenders on the same ones. If you have any inclination of riding in the winter do yourself a favor and buy something with disk brakes. They make a world of difference when riding in wet or wintery conditions. TSL who frequently posts on this board lives in Rochester, so he knows Upper New York State and its winters and his winter bike has disks (Trek Portland). And about the naysayers on disk brakes, ask them if they ride in the winter? I wouldn't ride a bike without disks in the winter.

If you are not going to ride in the winter, I think any bike you have talked about would be fine as long as you can fit fenders and a rack. BD bikes can be great value but if you are not mechanically inclined, I would stick to a brick and mortar shop. Good luck with your choice.

bikemig 

The Nasbhar has eyelets both on the fork and rear dropouts. No biggie running fender and rack with just one set of eyelets, just use a good strong screw (class 8.8 stainless with the right threading that you can get in a hardware store); use a p clamp for the stays, makes a nice strong connection.

tjspiel

I'll just throw this out there for what it's worth. If it were me personally, I'd get an aluminum frame over steel for winter riding anywhere they use a lot of salt on the roads. Lots of people will disagree and I'm not trying to start a steel vs aluminum war. I have and love a steel framed fixed gear.

If you do go with a steel frame, pay attention to the crevices and joints on the frame. Keep them clean and repair any deep scratches in the finish.

Paramount1973 

You can use a single set of eyelets for a rack and fenders.

bombardier

Well, after a lot of waffling back and forth... I pulled the trigger on the Nashbar CX bike. As many others have mentioned here, swapping out parts down the line is doable if I decide I'd like a different frame/wheelset with disc brakes. I don't know how much I'll be riding in the winter, anyway, I guess it depends on how much I like commuting, haha. But for now, the $650 was palatable, and the $900 wasn't. I'll be sure to write up a detailed review with pictures when it arrives! Thanks for all the responses!

RidingMatthew

i second the comments about running disks better for proposed area/ conditions. I would think the BD bike with disks would be a great bike and value.

well never mind

mstraus

Congrats - post a review after you get it and ride on it! Also curious to hear about the buying experience such as how much assembly is required, etc.

I am sure you will love commuting, but don't feel you have to be a die hard and commute in the snow, etc. If you do want to try it, consider some Kool Stop Salmon break pads - you will find many people raving about them for wet conditions.

mstraus

Thanks! I really do love this bike...on paper at least. Good think there are not any in my size. My wife would probably throw me out of the house if I ordered one right now. Maybe next year if they still make it....

Spld cyclist

Don't be fooled by the "limited quantities, buy now" marketing. They sold enough on the first go-round to warrant restocking at least once (maybe twice - I'm not sure), so my guess is that there will be more coming.

bombardier

Haha, better late than never! I agree with you that the BD Fantom Cross looked like a lot of bike for the money. But disc brakes were the only thing this bike had that made it more appealing, and to be honest, the price was a stretch. The lackluster BB5 reviews were also a downside. In our throwaway economy, I take comfort knowing that if I care for the steel frame it properly, it'll outlive me. Plus, I like the classic look! We'll see, I hope I made the right call. I'll definitely post pics, commentary and questions on the build process.

jeffpoulin

You can buy a lot of Koolstop salmon brake pads with the money you saved and still have some cash left over. Discs are fine, but they're not the be all and end all of braking. Especially if the alternative was BB5's. If you ever want to upgrade your brakes, just get some Tektro RX5s (pull-ratio compatible with your levers) and the pads mentioned above and you'll stop very well.

WestPablo

+1

Quite true!

However, the only difference is in the fact that when you order from Performance, you get to really walk into a brick & mortar bike shop, test ride the bike and make a final decision, before actually taking delivery