Motobecane and BikesDirect.com?

[skibumnh]

I borrowed my friends old Trek 2000 the past few weeks and Im really enjoying it and thinking about getting serious. Whats the consensus around Motobecane and BikesDirect.com. I've heard some mixed feedback, but the deals look to good to pass up. How is the brand, anyone own their newer bikes?

[peterslovo]

Check out the bunch of models reviewed at roadbikereview
http://www.roadbikereview.com/mfr/motobecane/road-bike/MPL_9853_5668CRX.ASPX

[Alpine Dreams]

You can put Ultegra or Dura Ace on any frame, but that doesn't make a nice bike!

[cinnepa]

got one for the bride - she loves it.

[skibumnh]

You can put Ultegra or Dura Ace on any frame, but that doesn't make a nice bike!

Exactly why I am asking around... Thanks for the link petersolovo.

[Dromond]

There is tons of info at bikeforums.net


Consider the smaller details: The frames are likely not of the *highest* quality and many of those bikes skimp heavily on certain parts. The wheels especially are often pretty crappy, although this is a problem on many complete bikes.

Not to say that you can't get a bike that you will enjoy a lot from there.

[gravitylover]

Motobecane = good price on a build kit attached to a disposable frame.

[peterslovo]

Motobecane = good price on a build kit attached to a disposable frame.

^Just to add to what GL said^

Buy a good frame, you can upgrade components over time. Buy a bad frame, and you still have a bad frame with good components. That said, folks do appear to like the bikes based on reviews, and the 'quality of build' seems pretty good.

As an aside to the shop guys or others more in the know: don't Fuji, Motobecane, and many other 'name brands' actually all use Kinesis to manufacture their frames anyway?

[Lonnie]

Let me pose this question.

Given your druthers, would you rather have a
A) Good frame with bad components,
or a
B) Bad frame with good components?

Personally, I'd pick B since it's easier/cheaper to buy a good frame later (new or used) than to buy/swap out the components piecemeal. Also, I'd rather deal with a less comfortable ride than clunky ill functioning components.

But that's just me.

[Dromond]

^Just to add to what GL said^

Buy a good frame, you can upgrade components over time. Buy a bad frame, and you still have a bad frame with good components. That said, folks do appear to like the bikes based on reviews, and the 'quality of build' seems pretty good.

As an aside to the shop guys or others more in the know: don't Fuji, Motobecane, and many other 'name brands' actually all use Kinesis to manufacture their frames anyway?

I believe that the Motobecane AL cross bikes use the same frame as some of the Fuji cross bikes.

[peterslovo]

Just to add more info...

http://www.kinesis.com.tw/

I'm pretty sure Kinesis manufactures frames for Motobecane, but also for KHS, Fuji, Leader, and other 'known' brands.

[TeleHoar]

We researched a bit. My GF got the Motobecane GiGi and loves it.

From what I understand the frames are made in the same factories w/same materials as higher end frames. good component sets too.

Box came, bike was mostly assembled, I had heard it was more of a "kit". Just had a tech give it a once over and she was off.

Lots of talk at the MTBR...they have their own motobecane forum.

[Spats]

As an aside to the shop guys or others more in the know: don't Fuji, Motobecane, and many other 'name brands' actually all use Kinesis to manufacture their frames anyway?

If they're using Kinesis that's actually a step up from a lot of big brands. It's like guitars: for 90% of them the brand doesn't matter, because they're all coming out of the same few Asian factories.

I also disagree with the "buy a good frame and cheap parts". Frames are not magic, they're a bunch of metal and carbon tubes all put together by the same people in Asia. I'd rather ride a cheap frame that weighs an extra pound, with Ultegra and nice wheels, than a great frame with Sora ahd cheap wheels.

The main thing about mail order bikes is you don't get shop support, so you need to plan on doing your own tuning and maintenance out of the box. This is true for any brand, not just Motobecane (or Ibex, or any other cheap online brands people like to slag on).

Also you need to know what the right geometry is for you or you can end up with an ill-fitting bike that you can never get right. This, IMO, is the main risk of buying mail-order.

[El Chupacabra]

Mrs. C. has a Motobecane from bikesdirect. Made by Kinesis, carbon stays, carbon fork. Full Ultegra triple. For the ~$1300 (shipped) that we paid, it can't be beat.

Downsides: resale value is poor, you're riding a "generic" bike (image-conscious Colnago-riding poseurs will make fun of you), warranty service is likely to be nil (haven't had any warranty issues).

You will have to assemble it fully yourself, or pay a bike shop $100+ to do so. If you have the tools & knowledge, DIY.

I would buy it again. Mrs. C. has no complaints.

Also look at the Tommaso branded bikes sold by Randall Scott. They have some amazing deals on complete bikes, from time to time.

[angelinalove]

I believe that the Motobecane AL cross bikes use the same frame as some of the Fuji cross bikes.

I think you are right on this point and am agree with that some frames have the same look as the frame of Fuji cross bikes.