radial1999

I finally was able to get out on my new Moto Fantom Cross Pro ti today, and the bike rides like a dream. I don't know how else to describe it.

The bike arrived from bikesdirect with absolutely no imperfections at all. It was in absolute perfect shape. I was a mechanic for 5-6 years at a shop so I was able to get the bike put together quickly and easily. The wheels aren't *perfect* but they are absolutely in great shape and I didn't need to touch them before taking the bike out for a ride.

A huge bonus was the fact that the bike was pictured with black Shimano 105 pedals but the description specified that the bike came with no pedals. After I had it assembled I opened the box that typically has a boxed bike's manual, reflectors, etc. and there were the 105 pedals. This is an enormous pleasant surprise to me.

I went with my gut regarding the size after doing a lot of research and having a lot of people tell me to get at least a 54cm and to be most comfortable a 56cm, but having short legs for my height, I went with the 52 and it fits me perfectly.

In addition, unlike my last bike (a 54) where I constantly had to play with the saddle to try to feel comfortable, on this bike I simply adjusted the seat angle a bit and it felt perfect.

If anyone knows what bike size they need and can throw it together (or is willing to pay a shop $50 or so to build it) I highly recommend this particular bike. The ride is truly amazing, and I haven't even had the chance to try it off pavement. Just the cracked roads in my neighborhood so far. I'm blown away.

I should add that during my time shopping around, I never went more than 24 hours without a reply from the sales rep at bikes direct. He responded to every email and would give me an update if in 2 days he had not been able to find a good answer to my question.

It's also worth mentioning that some people don't like the logos on these bikes, and the stickers are not under any clearcoat so they could be easily pealed off. I personally would rather have the warranty and deal with a lot of logos all over the bike, but for those that like a more plain-looking bike with less stickers everywhere, they can all be easily removed.

I have only found 2 reviews of this specific bike online (most are a similar-named mountain bike, or a different version of this cyclocross bike with an aluminum frame) so I felt I should give it a thorough review. Hope this helps someone.

sjt78

This is the model that can run disc brakes right? Sounds like a great fit for you and a good deal. I'd buy a BD bike, but I wrench on my bikes so I know I can set it up correctly. BD is not for everyone, but if you know what you are doing it can be a cheap way to get a nice bike.

martialman.45

I have the same bike but with SRAM and in 56cm. Mine came with some scuffed up parts and frayed cables but its for commuting so not a big deal. I've only put about 500 miles on it but so far I like it.

radial1999

Mine has Rival. I forgot to mention that I liked the concept of the double tap lever even though I'd never been on a bike with that type of shifter. After riding it, I definitely like it better, and the shifter itself feels much more comfortable on my hand.
I'm definitely pleased with everything about the bike.

Campag4life

Pic? I have the Moto Ti Fly 29er and it is a great bike. I purchased the frameset and built it with the parts I wanted...Mavic, Thomson, Ritchie, Sram and Shimano, Easton carbon riser etc.
Hard to beat Moto Ti probably in any model if the geometry works for you.
Would like to see a picture of your bike.
I prefer a 29er with suspension fork for less than smooth roads...I ride both on an off road...and a dedicated road bike for the smooth stuff. No doubt the cross bike would be a good compromise...Ti has a fabulous ride...even better with larger volume tires and Reba Race shock you can lock out.

martialman.45

I just put a Pro Race 3 in 25mm up front. Feels like a pillow

Stickney

+1 -- ordered this bike last Fall with Rival. Great bike. Right now it is my late night gravel hill training bike. I love it. Just wish it would warm up. Also, I have had very good customer service from Bikesdirect. If you know your size and know how to do basic to middling mechanical work, they are a great option.

radial1999

My digital camera is terrible but I do have a vidoe camera that takes still pictures so I'll get one posted. The bike looks more reflective in the one picture on their website. It has a slightly darker look in person that I like a lot more (it just looks better with the black parts in my opinion).

hhnngg1

I'm not a big BD fan, but I'm glad someone can at least try and post a review without being flamed off the 1st page.

radial1999

As promised: (keep in mind I've been working a ton, so I haven't even put bottle cages on, or decided if I want to keep the 105 pedals that came with the bike that weren't supposed to be included, or if I will sell them, and pick up some Shimano pedals similar to my M515's so I can have 1 pair of shoes for both my mountain bike and this bike). So please don't flame me for the toe clips, they're temporary.

MillCreek

For the OP, noting that you bought the 52 cm. cyclocross frame, what size do you ride in a road bike frame? I am thinking of one of these, and I ride a 56 cm. road frame and 18 inch MTB frame.

radial1999

My first road bike was a 54 and it felt a little big, so I went down to a 52 on this bike. Some recommended I buy a 56 because of my height, but because of my short inseam (abour 29.5) I decided on the 52 and it fits perfectly.

jwill87ta

That's a badass looking bike. I love the Ti look for a cross bike, it's very minimalistic. Enjoy. Do report back with an update after you've really put it through the paces, I know durability is always a concern with the Motos.

Pain

Do they leave the fork uncut? I would like to be able to have the handlebar at the same level as the saddle.

radial1999

The fork has not been cut. How tall are you? If you also are unsure, I got excellent customer service and very quick replies from bikesdirect every time I had a question.

ZippyThePinhead

I have one of the titanium Le Champions. I got it last August, and I've put about 1800 miles on it to-date. It's a great bike. Mine has the FSA Energy crankset, and that's really my only regret, that I didn't get full Ultegra. But then again, I scored the bike off eBay, brand new, shipping included, for $1325.

I posted in a different thread about the one problem I've had: after about 600-800 miles, I started to hear a clicking noise from the bottom bracket. To make a long story short, the bearing cups were put on the bike without any anti-seize or Ti-Prep on the threads when it was assembled in Taiwan or where ever they assemble them. They used a miniscule amount of some kind of grease instead. So I paid my mechanic to reinstall the bottom bracket, and we greased the threads very well with Ti-Prep before assembly. Now my drivetrain is quiet once again. Too, had we not reinstalled the bottom bracket now, it almost certainly would have been very difficult in a year or two, once the aluminum bb cups had cold-welded to the titanium frame. They were not easy to remove after just 1800 miles.

BTW I am riding a 53 cm Motobecane, but my other road bike has a 57 cm frame.

rushbikes

What are your impressions of the build quality and the ride?

mrnotwo

fork on my le champ was cut but still had lots of extra space. My friend's windsor's fork was cut pretty close, only 1" spacer could fit.

ZippyThePinhead

The frames on these bikes are well-made. Take a look at the welds:

radial1999

The bike itself is excellent. I put it together but I have every bike tool imaginable except for things like a cup press, dishing tool, and truing stand. The wheels were true though so I didn't even need to adjust them.
The bike rides amazing. For the price you would probably wonder if the ti frame/carbon fork really are good quality and I think they are excellent. This bike is amazing for the cost, and is the smoothest ride I've ever experienced. Huge difference compared to an aluminum frame/carbon fork.