Is this a good Mountain Bike
09-04-13, 04:36 AM
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Is this a good Mountain Bike
Use: Light Trails, road, gravel. Nothing heavy or downhill.
https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/fantom29_sport_xiii.htm
What components would you upgrade given the use?
Thanks!
https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/fantom29_sport_xiii.htm
What components would you upgrade given the use?
Thanks!
09-04-13, 05:41 AM
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For the purposes you have listed, yes, as long as you are OK in setting up a mail order bike.
If you are looking at upgrades before you have purchased, it's the wrong bike, as upgrades on a new bike are almost always more expensive than buying a better bike, and at the level you are looking at, any meaningful upgrades would cost more than the bike (wheels, fork, brakes, groupset, frame in that order), and so not be cost effective.
If you are looking at upgrades before you have purchased, it's the wrong bike, as upgrades on a new bike are almost always more expensive than buying a better bike, and at the level you are looking at, any meaningful upgrades would cost more than the bike (wheels, fork, brakes, groupset, frame in that order), and so not be cost effective.
09-04-13, 05:54 AM
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For the purposes you have listed, yes, as long as you are OK in setting up a mail order bike.
If you are looking at upgrades before you have purchased, it's the wrong bike, as upgrades on a new bike are almost always more expensive than buying a better bike, and at the level you are looking at, any meaningful upgrades would cost more than the bike (wheels, fork, brakes, groupset, frame in that order), and so not be cost effective.
If you are looking at upgrades before you have purchased, it's the wrong bike, as upgrades on a new bike are almost always more expensive than buying a better bike, and at the level you are looking at, any meaningful upgrades would cost more than the bike (wheels, fork, brakes, groupset, frame in that order), and so not be cost effective.
I already have the bike so I was wondering if I made a good purchase. I mostly bought it for a backup to my road bike and something to do the rails to trails in my area. I don't mind spending a little on an upgrade for it. Thanks for your feedback!
09-04-13, 07:57 AM
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I will never understand these sort of threads. The time for feedback on a bike is before you purchase it so that alternatives can be considered.
A meaningful upgrade would be a Manitou Tower Expert fork but even on sale it costs more than half what the whole bike originally did. If you don't think you need a better fork, or if you do, you're probably right.
A meaningful upgrade would be a Manitou Tower Expert fork but even on sale it costs more than half what the whole bike originally did. If you don't think you need a better fork, or if you do, you're probably right.
09-04-13, 09:08 AM
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That is a perfect rails to trails bike.
Upgrading is fun, but as Colin points out, after market purchases are costly compared to buying what you wanted in the first place in a package deal. I have never ridden a rail/trail that needed much of a fork. Wheelsets would be more of what I would look at, rolling resistance. But those cost some bucks as well.
Rhyno Lite wheelset with Deore hubs will run @$175. They will stay true and roll over about anything.
Upgrading is fun, but as Colin points out, after market purchases are costly compared to buying what you wanted in the first place in a package deal. I have never ridden a rail/trail that needed much of a fork. Wheelsets would be more of what I would look at, rolling resistance. But those cost some bucks as well.
Rhyno Lite wheelset with Deore hubs will run @$175. They will stay true and roll over about anything.
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Last edited by Daspydyr; 09-04-13 at 09:12 AM.
09-04-13, 09:12 AM
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09-04-13, 07:43 PM
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OP, I wouldn't upgrade that bike unless you do the labor yourself and buy the parts used at really good prices. Not knocking your bike, it's an entry level 29er that's suitable for light trails, maybe even some harder stuff. I'd stay off of any serious jumps with it.
An entry level Motobecane is way way better than a Wally World or Big Zero bike.
An entry level Motobecane is way way better than a Wally World or Big Zero bike.
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09-05-13, 12:13 AM
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Suntour has an upgrade program for their forks. Look in the beginner I believe forum over on mtbr.com for info about it. I wouldn't be in too big of a hurry to do it though.
09-05-13, 05:24 AM
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Last I saw, 3 forks were available ranging from $150-220. Even the most expensive one is a "meh" quality fork. I would save my money for a better fork.
