[jimmydean]

Before I moved I was tempted by a Redline Conquest Sport at a local shop for about $750. I was short, so I passed. Now I have a little to spend on something to commute with and I came across a Motobecane Fantom Cross Outlaw. Same basic setup as the Redline only with discs (the Redline had disc mounts on the frame/fork).

I have no interest in racing but I want the discs. The Outlaw is a hair under $900 shipped. Anything else I should look at for $900 or less in a CX setup? Being the cheap bastard I am, that's about my limit, less is best.

I can't seem to find a damn thing used in a 58/60 CX. I feel like I'm too hard on a bike to go full road, I destroyed the wheels on my last road bike in a month. I would love a Kona Jake.

 

[blue]

Unless you're dealing with snow or trailriding, you'll be much happier on a dedicated road bike - maybe with more relaxed touring geo. Just my experience, as I once rode a Conquest as a roadie (which I happened to snap in 4 months of messenger work) and it sucked ass.

In regards to wheels, maybe you should look into something with an aero profile rim for added strength...I've had good luck with Easton/Velomax offerings that don't cost much, and I brutalize bike components.

 

[jimmydean]

I'm far from a roadie and didn't think the Conquest was uncomfortable position wise. Not saying I will trailride, but I like it as an option. Curb hopping is also something I can't help myself with.

I might just suck it up and get a light XC and man up on the commute. I hate bike shopping.

 

[Sghost]

Geo, curb hopping, wheel reqs = CX bike with the larger tire clearance.

Ebay has firesales on the Cannondale CX bikes with the headshocks and disk brakes, as the UCI banned them, so all the am's are selling theirs off.

A red 58 went for dirt cheap a bit ago.

 

[CBJ]

You can't beat prices of used bikes on Ebay.

 

[jimmydean]

I can't find sh!t in my size, though. Seems like all the bikes there are 54's.

 

[gsweet]

haven't ridden it, have no experience with cyclocross in general (though i'd like to in the future), but this thing is damn sexy! and damn cheap! and in your size!

http://www.cambriabike.com/shopexd.asp?id=88862&page=BIANCHI+AXIS+CYCLOCROSS+BIKE+2008

 

[jimmydean]

That does look damn good, but I just can't justify $1000. Hell, I'm having a hard time justifying $800. I'm a cheap bastard.

 

[gsweet]

That does look damn good, but I just can't justify $1000. Hell, I'm having a hard time justifying $800. I'm a cheap bastard.

you and me both buddy...i'm building up my road bike with 250 bucks!

though if i were you, i'd do an extra day's work/mow lawns/whore myself out to 2 fat chicks/whatever to pick up that additional 200 bucks

oh man, you just missed a 20% off coupon by a day too...

 

[jimmydean]

I have a bead on a used one that might pan out this weekend. Thanks for the feedback, though. Input is always appreciated.

 

[ire]

I would hunt for a Lemond Propad. Nice bike and it has discs

 

[jimmydean]

After all was said and done, I got a 61cm Motobecane Fantom CX in yellow. Should be here on Monday. For $500 shipped, I couldn't pass it up.

Not the pimpest specs, but should make for a nice starting point.

 

[ire]

The color should decrease your chances of getting hit

 

[jimmydean]

While I am a fan of yellow, it was the only color they had left in the '09 61cm. I could possibly fit a 58cm, but I wanted to be safe and 60cm wasn't an option

 

[ire]

While I am a fan of yellow, it was the only color they had left in the '09 61cm. I could possibly fit a 58cm, but I wanted to be safe and 60cm wasn't an option

Where did you buy it from?

 

[jimmydean]

Where did you buy it from?

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/fantom_cross_cx2.htm

 

[jimmydean]

Crapy cell phone pic.

This thing is nice for $500. The shifting needs to break in a bit, but put about 5 miles on it tonight after puting it together. Much nicer than I was anticipating, but maybe my standards were lo to start.

 

[ire]

This thing is nice for $500. The shifting needs to break in a bit, but put about 5 miles on it tonight after puting it together. Much nicer than I was anticipating, but maybe my standards were lo to start.

Keep your expectations low and you'll rarely be disappointed! BTW, nice bike and the price was right. Ashland area has a small cyclocross series if you ever want to take it out for a race. I love my cross bikes because they can take a beating and go from pavement to gravel to trails without issue.

 

[jimmydean]

I think it's as least as nice, if not nicer than the Redline Conquest Sport that was $800. I certainly didn't find much on the used market that was in my size. I haven't ridden a roadish bike in 3 years and that was only for a few months until I hashed the wheels. It had been 20 years before that.

I'm not accustomed to going that fast on the street

 

[moff_quigley]

Looks like a nice buy. Bikesdirect has a sweet looking Kestrel for $1700...which the same money I was thinking about spending building up a carbon ebay frame with rival and neuvation wheels. I should get the Kestrel instead.

 

[jimmydean]

I figured for $500, if I ride it half as much as I want to, it's worth it. With any luck, I will commute on it a couple days a week. It's a hell of a lot easier to commute on than my 42lbs VP Free was.