The Fantom 29 performed well on my ride today. The 29er easily rolls over obstacles. On the Indian Run Trail, the park service has placed a series of pressure treated 2x4's with a rubber lip sticking out the top to hold up any trail erosion. They are no match for the 29er.
On the hills and asphalt roads, I put on the lockout and can climb well. There is a about a 300' elevation change from the north end of the park to the south end so there are some pretty good, long hills.
I think my height and reach adjustment on the handlebars are good but I will give it a few more rides to make sure.
One problem I did feel was on my wrists. I had the handlebars rotated back so my wrists were actually bent. When you are in the riding position and holding the brake lever your wrist should follow the line of your arm so they are not bent. I adjusted this after the ride as I am riding without a seat bag with tools. I may need to rethink not having a seat bag. I have not installed a seat bag yet because my rides have been too muddy.
One other minor problem developed on the bike. The upper bolt on my vertical bottle cage holder came loose and dropped out on the trail. I replaced it but before doing so I wrapped the threads of the bolts for both bottle cages with Teflon tape to get a good tight fit. I could have used Locktite but I did not have any. (Mileage 31.8)
So far I am completely satisfied with the Fantom 29!.
I noticed on the chain stay on the chain side there are a bunch of nicks where the chain is hitting. There is a glossy thick paint on the chain stay as a form of protection but it does not seem to be working too well. I know on my Raleigh road bike there is a solid strip of material on the chain stay for protection.
I remember reading on the Internet somewhere an idea to wrap an old piece of tire tube on the chain stay for protection. I now have an old tube so...
