Motobecane Fantom CX

[hikerjer]

I have the opportunity to purchase a Motobecane Fantom CX for $450.00.  It looks to be a 2014-15 model and is like brand new. Hardly ever been ridden. Aluminum frame,  Sora front derailleur, Tiagra rear derailleur, Sora brakes, Sora triple front chain ring, Ritchey stem, Alexrims for wheels (never heard of them) Vero FSA crank.

I know you can, or used to be able, to get one online for about $700.00 more but shipping will add considerable extra to the cost.

My plan is to put fenders, a rear rack and commuting panniers on it and use it as a commuter bike with occasional sojourns as a gravel bike which I believe what it is marketed as.

One other thing. My road bike is a 58 cm frame and fits me perfectly.  This is a 56 cm frame. Will the slightly smaller size be significant enough difference be a deal killer?

Good deal? Reasonable deal?  Lousy deal?  What say you?

Thank you.

[dkoloko]

Motobecane was a respectable French company; the name was sold years ago. The current manufacturer has nothing to do with the original Motobecane. CX means cyclo-cross, which probably means a shorter wheelbase and less clearances to mount wide tires than a gravel bike. Current price new old stock is $469.95 at Bikes Direct. Bikes Direct has mixed reviews. 2 cm is approx 3/4 in., not much difference, easily compensated by other parts (stem, etc) and adjustments, unless you are very finicky. 

[driftlessregion]

For that price it comes with pretty cheap wheels which may be just fine for commuting.

[UncaBuddha]

I thought all the Bikesdirect bikes shipped free. At least  my Ti mtb did years ago.

[hikerjer]

Thanks for the replys. I've decide not to purchase the Motobecane. Just doesn't seem like a  good investment. You've probably saved me from making a mistake.