Sunday, August 23, 2009

18 Month Review- 534.2 Miles

Well I have been riding the Fantom 29 for 1 1/2 years now. Since the 15 month review I only had a flat front tire due to thorns on the Thun Trail. The bike continues to perform well.


I have noticed that I have not been riding the Fantom 29 as much as last year. It has been due to the rain we have been getting here. I usually mountain bike ride on Sunday mornings and road bike ride most other days. It seems there has been a lot of rain on Sunday mornings or late Saturday night to make the trails too muddy.


Below is a summary of the 1 1/2 years. It looks like I should also do the 50 ride maintenance. I should have time in September.
Repairs
March 15, 2008 Loose Bottle cage holder
March 22, 2008 31.8 miles Flat Tire
March 23, 2008 Chainstay nicks
August 02, 2008 Bent Derailleur Hanger
August 11, 2008 203.6 miles Flat Tire
October 05 2008 285 miles Flat Rear Tire
June 27, 2009 494.5 miles Flat Front Tire

Maintenance
Normal chain lube after every 2 to 3 rides
Adjusted brakes to compensate for wear a couple of times
25 ride PM on September 06, 2008


Riding Statistics
Number of Rides: 52
Mileage : 544.2
Average mileage: 10.5 miles per ride
Longest Ride: 35.2 miles Blue Marsh Lake

8 comments:

FraSiec said...

yeah, been waiting for another post. I started a blog myself. Wanted to keep it strictly on mtb but it's difficult to stay on one subject.

Unknown said...

Hi.
I read your blog before purchasing bike and then decide to buy same model and same stuff as you. Thank you for blog. It's very usefull.

My bike
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gastelllo/sets/72157622066116407/show/

I did 400 miles from june already.

Thanks!
Igor

Neil said...

Okay, time for you to buy the new titanium 29er from bikesdirect and start another review.

Mike said...

Zenbicyclist,

No, I just use my Fantom 29 for fitness. The 2010 Motobecane Fly Team 29 Titanium is $1900. Way too much money for what I need.

Mike

Anonymous said...

Hi Mike,

I too have purchased a Fantom 29 after reviewing options and reading your blog. Mine is a 15" (I'm 5'9", but standover height caused me to go down a size) in red - your build and setup information has been very useful. I won't hesitate to buy from bikesdirect.com again based on this experience.

Thanks for the blog!

Jeff

Unknown said...

Mike,

Have you noticed play in the front wheel while riding the bike? I have the same bike and I have tuned the front brake to perfection when it is on my stand but when I ride the rotor shifts and rubs a lot. I know some shift/play is normal when taking turns but this is extreme. I have checked my cones, axle and quick release for play and found none. If I pull on the tire or rim slightly in the direction of the axle the rotor will shift back and forth in the caliper. Have you had this issue with the bike or do you have any suggestions? I really like your blog and I like the bike overall since everything else seems perfect. Thanks for you time.

-Nick

Mike said...

Urbana

I have never experienced the problem you described. The only other item that I suggest you check is that the rotor screws are properly torqued. Maybe they are not tight enough and any wheel flex causes the rotor to move. Just a guess.

Mike

FraSiec said...

Mike,

I just picked up a Motobecane Outcast 29 as the 2009 models were on closeout. Just been riding it to work, but I really like it. Single speed and No shocks but it's fun. I'll take it on a smooth trail and write a full review on my blog. No shipping, no tax, closeout prices. Minor assembly. Can't beat that deal with a stick.

Frank