The Phantom is everything I wanted it to be and consistent w/ all the ride reviews I studied before buying. First and foremost, it’s a steel frame, and, as they say, “steel is real!” Solid. Smooth (think: butter). Stable.
Two things stick out:
1. A pleasant surprise is the saddle. A Fabric ( the brand, not the material). Comfortable. Has a non-skid surface that gives a very stable sensation. You find your position on a climb, and you’re locked in. Thanks to Elijah at Ritte for convincing me to give it a try. It’s standard issue on the Phantom, and I typically ride a Fizik Aliante R3, but Elijah told me I’d like the Fabric just as much. He was right.
2. The Enve fork. Gives this bike a stability rivaled only by my Colnago C64 – which is to say, that is the best front end on a bike ever. This fork, in addition to the purity of a steel frame, and a through axle system make this ride stable and secure on any descend. It’s a really a great feeling.
Like the reviews said: You won’t scamper up any hills on this bike. Then again, when is the last time I scampered up any hill? How about: never. But you don’t feel like you’re dragging the bike up a climb either. My Phantom build has a 32 cassette. A good option for a heavier bike and the hill terrain here (Middle Tennessee). I don’t feel like I was ever pedaling squares or struggling.
I’m super pleased after two rides (42 miles Saturday, 54 on Sunday, on very familiar roads).
So glad a friend introduced me to this brand, and the experience of ordering, purchasing and the customization process of the set up was 100% positive. Highly recommend – the bike, the Ritte team – all of it.