texasdiver

Anyone seen one in person or have one?

I was just wondering if the Motobecane decals are on the surface of the paint finish and are removable, or if they are under the clearcoat finish and on the bike permanently.

Because having once owned a real Motobecane, I'm not sure I could really own a fake one. But it might be a decent cheap bike if I could de-chrome it by stripping off all the decals.

Kirkdig

They are under a clearcoat. I had my frame media blasted and then powdercoated.

justinb

Are you needing the whole bike, or could you purchase a frame/fork? There are "unbranded" Moto frames for sale on the bikeisland website. Having ridden the red one around for 18 months (including some racing) before it got stolen, it is a really good bike for the price, and I didn't really think "Oh no, I'm on a BD bike!" while trying to chase down an attack in a cross race, or while grinding up a long fireroad.

There are many things I liked about it more than the Reynolds 853 Voodoo that replaced it.

bluenote157

I like the newer ones.. they route all the cables on the top tube.. i think??

texasdiver

Yeah...the whole bike. If I was just frame shopping I'd probably choose something different.

I'd be inclined to strip the decals off no matter what I buy...but especially a fake brand like Motobecane. Not sure I'd go through the trouble to refinish the thing though.

Big M

It's under one hell of a clearcoat. Even pros get agitated with the amount of work involved in stripping the decals/paint.

cs1

I think about that everytime I go to the Chevy dealer and look at those fake Chevy's made in Korea. Boy the nerve of them.

scattered73

I had the red Fantom Cross and it was a great bike would still have it today if it had not been stolen. Ironicly mine name is justin also. Texasdiver you can go to Cycle Spectrum and see and test ride one in person, I know the houston area has one and I think the dallas area has one also.

roymia

just got the fantom cross...phenomenal bike for the price..shipping was first class...couldn't come even close at the LBS....found a dude on craigslist to assemble, tweak it and make sure was all good to go...well worth the savings...