Submitted by
lostatsea
a Racer
from compton, ca, usa Date Reviewed: November 2, 2009
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1895.00
Purchased At:
bikes direct
Strengths:
Bikes direct is an online bike shop. Their prices seem too good to be true. After a lot of research I decided to try out a Motobecane Fantom Team.
The specs on the bike were so good that the components alone are worth more than the $1895 price tag. So I thiught at the worst I could use the parts if I did not like the ride.
I was very surprised - this 5" travel FS bike is the real deal. Ride compares well with any high priced high zot name bike I have ever been on - and I have ridden the all.
I do not know how bikes direct does it - but I really do not care - I just know I got a great machine at less than half what a bike shop would have charged.
Weaknesses:
I changed out seat - everything else was great
Similar Products Used:
trek, specialized, kona, GT
Bike Setup:
XTR with Sid
Bottom Line:
You can not beat the deal on this bike - it would be a good deal at twice what I paid
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ryamendoza
a Cross Country Rider
from Tallahassee, FL Date Reviewed: October 8, 2009
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1899.00
Purchased At:
BD
Strengths:
Solid frame, top components, light weight, fast.
Weaknesses:
Parts/service difficult
Similar Products Used:
Iron Horse
Bike Setup:
Stock with Bontrager tires due to local terrain (Kenda Klimax are light/fast but not good in sandy terrain)
Bottom Line:
Love my bike. Ride it at least 5 times weekly. Some rides up to 47-50 miles. Easy assembly if you have basic mechanic skills. Recommend a good set of tools for your bike. It is a piece of art in my opinion so don't aproach it with common rusty pliers. If you take good care of this bike (clean/lub basically) she will give you hundreds of miles in comfort and reliability. Would I buy this bike again through BD?. Yes, 100%. I just would like easier access by phone to BD people and to have a real technical manual for the bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MTB1816
a Weekend Warrior
from Chattanooga, TN Date Reviewed: September 19, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Raccoon Mtn
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1895.00
Purchased At:
BikesDirect.com
Strengths:
Top Notch Components - Price - Weight
Weaknesses:
Have to be willing to get support for proper set up online
Similar Products Used:
Giant Trance - Trek Fuel EX
Bike Setup:
Stock (full XTR)
Bottom Line:
I believe my experience was similar to others that posted here. Basically wanted a top end bike with top notch components but didn't want to spend the $4000 plus to get it. The Motobecane model to me seemed too good to be true, but after reading others comments I took the chance and purchased their Top of the line full suspension 2009 Fantom Team XC bike. All I can say is this is the best kept secret in the MTB industry. I love this bike so much that I just recently bought another one. I ride 3 times a week on some pretty knarly trails and this bike never disappoints. The only unique element to this bike is its frame. All the other components are the same that other bike manufacturers use on their top models. The Motobecane Frame is solid, stiff, and rugged. No complaints at all. I highly recommend this bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
gordone1
a Cross Country Rider
from sandia park, nm Date Reviewed: August 10, 2009
Favorite Trail:
faulty
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1900.00
Purchased At:
Bikes Direct
Strengths:
Execellent components and frame , good customer service, Great price
Weaknesses:
as with all internet , have to know what you want.
Similar Products Used:
Giant VT with upgrades to xt/xtr
Bike Setup:
All except tires and cassette for technical trail riding
Bottom Line:
A great price on a execellent FS with good service( dealer sent me a shock pump when mine ( Fox)would not work with new shock). Have riden the bike about 4 times and performs great. The frame is adjustable, along with the suspension to your needs. A very plush ride once the suspension get dialed in. If you know what you want in a bike BD can deliever a great deal. Would buy again from them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MTB1618
a Weekend Warrior
from Chattanooga, TN Date Reviewed: July 27, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Ocoee
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1895.00
Purchased At:
BikesDirect.com
Strengths:
Top Quality components throughout - Amazing when you consider the price.
Weaknesses:
Potentially the Rock Shock Monarch 4.2 rear shock. The Gate (lockout) does not appear to do anything. I've read that the manufacturer provides great service so I'll be testing them here soon.
Similar Products Used:
Trek Top Fuel line
Bike Setup:
16.5 frame set to 4" of rear travel.
Bottom Line:
I think I demoed about most of the major XC bikes and the more expensive ones I really liked riding, but the prices were high. The cheaper ones (sub $2,000) felt very compromised on the components. When I came across the Motobecane Fantam Team I was very familiar with all the top grade components from other more expensive bikes that cost $1,000s more. For me the only risk was the frame, so I read the threads from other owners that gave me the confidence to buy it. My experience with BikesDirect is similar to the others here. They delivered the bike in two days - everything went well with the set up. I do like the bike though it is still new and I will know more about it as I log more miles. I am pleased I went this route with BD.com and recommend them for anyone who has basic mechanical skills as you'll be maintaining your bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mtmanshan
a Cross Country Rider
from Suwanee, GA Date Reviewed: April 15, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Bull Mt.
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1899.00
Purchased At:
Bikes Direct
Strengths:
Quality components and workmanship of frame at a great price.
Weaknesses:
Not the latest in frame design and very basic graphics. (It is not flashy like a new Trek, GF or Specilized bike)
Bike Setup:
Stock (all good stuff, medium frame with my cheap pedals weighs 25.8lbs)
Bottom Line:
This is my second Motobacane from BD. 2 years ago I got back into Mt. Biking by purchasing a Fantom Comp HT and everything went exactly as promised. This bike allowed me to become very active in mounting biking which has lead to the desire for a new FS bike. Once again the purchase from BD went exactly as promised. The bike come within a few days, the packaging was proper and the bike was 95% assembled. I attached the front tire, handle bar, front brake and seat. I adjusted the brake pad per the instructions and pumped the rear shock to the recommended level to set the SAG. The hole process took about 45 minutes. By accepting that BD's buisness model is to function with limited marketing and customer service I was able to get a non-brand name bike with capabilities I would not otherwise be able to afford. I have taken a chance twice and both times I have been satisfied. Of course the bike has not yet been riden and I will follow up with a performance review later.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
elliottwy
a Cross Country Rider
from SLC, UT Date Reviewed: March 27, 2009
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1899.00
Purchased At:
Bikesdirect
Strengths:
Great price, Performs as intended, Solid design
Weaknesses:
Nothing major
Similar Products Used:
Giant XO
Bike Setup:
All Stock but I added an XTR Crank, XTR cassette, Python Tires
Bottom Line:
I put together a detailed blog about my experience with the Fantom Team. I have been impressed with the bike thus far but check out my blog for a more details. averagejoebiker(dot)blogspot(dot)com.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Moelstrom
a Cross Country Rider
from Beijing, China Date Reviewed: October 25, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Cox Hill/Jumping Pound
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1845.00
Purchased At:
Bikesdirect.com
Strengths:
Price. . . my goodness, you cannot beat it legally. Not even rooting around the Chinese factories themselves. I've tried.
Weaknesses:
Company's hand-holding could be better. $1800+ ought to buy you a little warm and fuzzy, don't you think?
Similar Products Used:
Specialized FSR
Bike Setup:
Stock, with the RS Reba Team, the Monarch 4.2, Juicy Carbon (AARGH. DAYS LATER, THEY UPGRADE TO ELIXIR ON THIS. I HAVEN'T HAD MY TOP-OF-LINE BIKE ONE DAY AND IT'S OBSOLETE), XTR, etc.
Bottom Line:
I got my Fantom Team back to China on Tuesday, and took it to my LBS for a once-over and a bit of attention to the balky front disc. They move a lot of high-end CF, Ti and Aluminum out of there and the staff was still impressed by the Fantom Team. Their jaws clanked off the floor when I told them the price; they said that even with an employee discount, they couldn't get within $800 of that price on a similar rig. These guys have been harassing me about my 12 year-old Giant hardtail for so long, the price was almost worth it just for bikemonkey respect.
Today I had the chance to break it in on the Olympic Mountain Bike Course at Laoshan, in Beijing. Trial by fire! Obstacles galore, steep ups, steep downs, drops, etc. Performed like a champ. The only changes I'll be making are to put on real tires (got to assume the skinnies are on there to help make weight) and get some longer bars.
The BUT. . . my customer service experience was a bit rough. Ultimately, I ordered and got my bike on time (though not w. the deraillieur upgrade or the Juicy Elixirs they now (less then two weeks later) offer for the same price, and not with Reba U-Turn shock) but it was a bit of a scary ride. You have to go through Paypal only, which is a PITA for those of us overseas. My efforts to solve this problem straight with BD were unsuccessful, so I ended up working it out with Paypal another way. I suppose they're saving me $$ by opting out of serious back-end support for the transaction, for which I should be grateful. I paid my money, I got my bike when they said they'd deliver it, and it was pretty much exactly what they said it'd be. A perfectly decent Taiwanese "partshanger" frame with amazing components that weighs next to nothing. Satisfied customer except for the disappointment of not getting the Elixirs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bikelad2
a Weekend Warrior
from San Francisco, CA Date Reviewed: October 23, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Any at Waterdog
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1899.00
Purchased At:
BikesDirect.com
Strengths:
Great Parts, Amazing Customer Service
Bottom Line:
Wow, literally 30 minutes after I faxed BikesDirect, a gentleman named Joe called me and explained to me that Rockshox no longer made the Reba Team with UTURN. He also explained that the fork I have is an upgrade since it has the Blackbox motion control system.
He was not sure about the decals on the wheel but told me how to check to see if I had the Team or the Pro. It does appear that I have a Team.
Also, he took the time to point out that I got a free upgrade to Carbon Elixir brakes (up from the Juicy Carbon) and the newest XTR derailer with the carbon cage.
I'm going to give 5 chilis for now, even though I have not even put the bike together yet. I'm VERY impressed with the service at BikesDirect and would definitely buy from them again.
I'll post one more time once I get a few rides in on the bike and let everyone know how the bike rides.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bikelad
a Weekend Warrior
from San Francisco, CA Date Reviewed: October 23, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Any at Waterdog
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1899.00
Purchased At:
BikesDirect
Strengths:
Advertised with nice parts
Weaknesses:
Doesn't come with the nice parts as advertised
Bike Setup:
Advertised with a Reba Team Fork with U-Turn, came without U-Turn, Advertised with Vuelta Team Wheelset, came with Pro's?
Bottom Line:
Just received my bike two days ago. Everything looked good until I took a closer look at the fork - its a Reba Team fork WITHOUT the U-turn option. I printed out the spec sheet the day I ordered the bike (10/10/08) and it clearly states that the bike is supposed to come with a Reba Team with U-turn (the website has since changed but luckily I still have the date-stamped printout). I've emailed BikesDirect but have not received a reply yet. I will update this review with BikeDirect's response. I don't want to build the bike up and ride it yet until this issue is resolved. I'll give my full review once BikeDirect resolves this issue.
Also, the advertised wheelset is the Vuelta Team but the front wheel I received has a Vuelta Pro sticker on the rim. (along with a Team sticker!) I'll need to measure the rim to make they sent the right one. Not very good quality control so far.
But the jury is still out - not every bike will be perfect - the true test will be to see how BikesDirect remedies this situation. (according the forums here they are also the manufacturer). I'll edit this review as soon as I get a response. For now I'll still give a 3 and 3 rating since the bike still is good without the U-Turn
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
IMHO
a Weekend Warrior
from Fuquay Varina Date Reviewed: September 20, 2008
Favorite Trail:
still luv'em all
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1899.00
Purchased At:
bikesdirect
Strengths:
Quality components, nice styling and color, great value
Weaknesses:
some of the components are too light and are better off switched for others (seat, grips, eventually tires)
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale F400
Bike Setup:
All XTR drivetrain, Rock Shox Reba, Juicy Carbon hydraulic brakes, FSA carbon cranks, nice Vuelta rims, Michelin XC Mud tires...
Bottom Line:
This is a second review to follow my 'one month' review I completed in late march. I still love this bike. I have changed out the stock tubes and tires for the Michelins and this has improved my steep climbs. The stock Kendas fold so I pack one on rides in case of a tear. My seat has a tendency to slip back at times, usually when I am riding hard. Not enough 'bite' on the post? I might switch this out too. Still, the bike has been fantastic. I am an intermediate rider who rides beginner trails with my wife or advanced with the guys. I have wrecked a number of times (who hasn't), and did bend a rotor which was able to be bent back with just the slightest rub (still works great). Being new to the hydraulic brakes, these have assisted in dumping me off the bike due to braking too hard on slow decents and lifting the rear tire up (live and learn). I love the suspension and still keep it at 200lbs though I weigh approx. 175. I usually pump up the front every so often, though I do find that I must pump of the rear maybe every other ride...not a problem as long as the pressure is holding up the duration of the ride, and it is. I have not had any issues with the small bar of the rear (Monarch) shock getting caught under the rocker arm (as I had heard about on the forum page, though I can see how it can happen). I was skeptical when I bought this bike but figured I did not have much to loose; now a buddy of mine is looking into buying one for the same reason. I continue to be very impressed. If I have any major issues with the bike I will come back and post it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James
a Weekend Warrior
from Southern Wake County, NC Date Reviewed: March 29, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Luv'em all
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1899.00
Purchased At:
bikesdirect.com
Strengths:
High end components, Very light weight (26.3 with pedals, bottle cage and better seat), nice Chrome color for 2008 and the low price.
Weaknesses:
Must partially assemble this product yourself. Minimal mechanical skill required, only takes 30 min. (+/-). Kendra 1.95 tires are light but 2.1's better for most trail riding (IMHO).
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale F400 (a very solid hardtail).
Bike Setup:
All XTR drivetrain, Rock Shox Reba, Juicy Carbon hydraulic brakes, FSA carbon cranks, the list goes on.
Bottom Line:
I have only had this bike for just over a week and so far I am very pleased. I have taken it on three good rides and worked it very hard. I have done drop-offs, jumps, fallen off skinnys, hit hard roots, cranked over logs etc. and so far, so good. The response from everyone who has seen it has been very positive (people can't believe the price). The bike is very light and very fast. I have much more confidence on advanced trails/skills than before (placebo effect maybe?) and am now a thorough fan of dual suspension. I had no problems getting the bike together (I did have my bike shop go over it and they adjusted the brakes which were rubbing against the front rotor). A bit of moaning from the rear hydraulic brake about an 45 min. into my first ride, but another owner told me that was normal with these stock pads (performance was not affected). Though I weigh 175lbs I pumped the rear Monarch 4.2 up to 200 lbs and that seems to work well for me and my riding style. I plan on returning here every so often for the first year or so to give updates so if anything does go wrong, perspective buyers will hear about it, but again, I am so far very impressed. If you are in the market for a new bike, want to save some cash, do not feel the need to have a major name brand, and have a bit of mechanical skill, then this bike or the Comp or the Elite (same frame, different components, cheaper price) would be a great bike. Again, I have owned this for just over a week, but I will give updates to keep this review honest.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Monty Maughan
a Cross Country Rider
from Oklahoma City Date Reviewed: October 13, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Bluff Hill - Oklahoma City
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1750.00
Purchased At:
http://www.bikesdirect.com/
Strengths:
Great specification, top of the line compontents, light weight, superb workmanship and finish. Great value for money and excellent customer support.
Weaknesses:
None evident todate. I will probably upgrade the wheel set later.
Similar Products Used:
All $3000 plus, top four, brand-name, aluminum frame, full suspension cross-country bikes compared favourably to the 2008 Motobecane Fantom Team bike.
Bike Setup:
Shimano XTR double-action pod shifters, F&R XTR derailleurs, Avid Juicy Carbon Hydraulic brakes, bar-mounted F&R lockout controls for the Reba Team (Adjustable Travel) fork and the Rockshox (Motion Control) rear shock. I changed the factory supplied saddle, grips, tires and bar & stem to suite my set up preferences.
Bottom Line:
The retail bicycle market is steadily changing and the sky won't fall if you buy this bike online. Moutain bikes are like helicopters they are a collection of highly technical compontents all working in unison and traveling in close formation. That's why some folks buy a frame set and build their own bike. Some local bikes shops "get it" and some don't. I was quoted $40 by my favorite bike shop to check the assembly of my factory supplied Motobecane Fantom Team bikebut I went on to spend $400 with them to reconfigure it to my liking. I have since spent a further $400 on better shoes, lights etc from other outlets. That's how it's going to be in the future. The brand name suppliers and retail outlets will no doubt find innovative ways to deal with these changes.
Buy this bike if you are a realist and understand that:"The U.S. bicycle market is dominated by imported bicycles. In 2006, it is estimated that 99.3% of all bicycles sold in the U.S. were imported. China, Taiwan and Hong Kong and accounted for 99.55% of the total annual bicycle imports.” (Reference 2006 Industry Overview in the U.S. National Bicycle Dealers Association report “Imports and Domestic” at http://nbda.com/page.cfm?PageID=34).
Don't buy it if you need a "high profile brand name" bike at all costs (that's important to some folks) or if you are willing to pay nearly twice as much for the a bike with the same specification but comes with the more "visible, touch and feel" local dealer support offered by the brand name suppliers.
I dealt with Mike Spratt at http://www.bikesdirect.com/ and he “under promised and over performed”. The company also responded promptly to my all my quiries sent a spare rear derailier hangar promply. When it comes time to replace my Cannondale 6-13 Road Bike I will be inclined to buy it online and I certainly won’t overlook a Motobecane.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom Ackerson
a
from Wells, Maine Date Reviewed: January 17, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Mt. Aggementicus
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1495.00
Purchased At:
bikesdirect.com
Strengths:
Lightweight, stiff, XTR in the right spots and just right suspension for myself (160 lbs). Avid brakes are v-brakes for lightweight, but the levers are compatible with their BB Disc brake.
Weaknesses:
House brand wheels and goodies (stem, seatpost, handlebar, pedals) Sid Team fork might be too light/flexy/weak for heavier riders. Cable housing was setup far too long! Suspension lockouts were not setup correctly. Only room for one water bottle cage. Stem has rear pinch bolts and I've bounced my knee off of it twice (ouch).
Similar Products Used:
This is my first full suspension ride. Previous mountain bikes are: 2001 Gary Fisher Kai Tai, 1996 Rocky Mountain Hammer Race.
Bike Setup:
16" Alumninm frame. Adjustable rear suspension @ 3", 4" & 5". I swapped the ultegra road cassette to some sram gearing that'll work better in Maine. I also swapped the tires from the racing tires to IRC mythos. Those have been the only customizations. Rear Rock Shox Ario is a low pressure unit so setup requires less PSI than other shocks. FSA carbon cranks (durability to be scene).
Bottom Line:
I bought mine at a special two month sale rate in the fall. It was $300 less than the normal price. The normal retail is $1795. (http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/10dayfantom_team07.htm)
Functional suspension, lightweight, Shimano, Rock Shox, Avid and FSA carbon cranks, what more do you want for $1500?
With the long travel setup this bike is far easier to descend drop offs and log crossings than a hardtail!
Everyone already knows the climbing benefits being lightweight and fully suspended.
I wish the wheels were slightly better made, but there isn't very much about this bike I don't like. The CNC work around the bottom bracket is nice and tight. Plenty of mud clearance in the stays and according to the dirtrag review the pivots will take a beating.
BTW, the blue paint job is very pleasing to the eye.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross Country Rider
from Castle Rock, CO Date Reviewed: August 10, 2006
None found, but I've only had the thing for 3 weeks. Can hopefully take a good beatin' over time.
Similar Products Used:
Fisher Big Sur. GT Pantera.
Bike Setup:
Full XTR. Rock Shox Sid Team fork. Rock Shox Ario in back. FSA carbon cranks. Avid single digit brakes. Bar mount PopLoc front/rear. Alex XT 16 rims.
Bottom Line:
Researched a ton of other bikes online, then rolled the dice on the Motobecane. Nothing else could touch this deal. A little risky as there are no dealers in the Denver area, hence no test ride or support, but I enjoy working on bikes anyway. The Fantom Team's specs were so far and away above anything else, I just couldn't turn down the deal. No regrets! I've already taken the bike on a number of rides in varying conditions, on technical climbs, and really rough downhills. Tight handling, especially when the suspension is set correctly. Doubts about thin Kenda tires and traction quickly evaporated. Traction is fine. Made me regret all these years of holding out/doubting the value of full suspension. Bonus; this thing's six pounds lighter than my old Big Sur. Hopefully withstands the test of time.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
brian dines
a Weekend Warrior
from Ramstein, Germany Date Reviewed: October 30, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Boar hill
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
bought used frame on ebay
Strengths:
The frame's very little and the rear shocks is quite smooth and solid
Weaknesses:
The more upright head tube angle makes this bike a little more squirrely than the Kona frame (Cinder Cone) from which the components were harvested
Similar Products Used:
Scott Fx3, Kona bikes
Bike Setup:
Transferred parts from my Kona Cinder Cone - XT deore derailers, marzochi front shock.
Bottom Line:
Wanted to move to a full-suspension frame to take the strain off my lower back. Bought the Fantom Team frame on ebay (20 inch) for about $300, the move the parts over from my Kona Cinder Cone (which I loved) to the new frame without much difficulty.
Climbing I found slightly more difficult with the new frame (2 or 3 percent), though not due to bobbing in the frame. But when descending and riding fast over rougher terrain, I found I had much more confidence in my ability to control the bike. The descents that had put a lump in my throat were less scary and more fun.
It's a great frame ... I wasn't sure I'd like this change, but I'm glad I did.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ben Altop
a Cross Country Rider
from Tucson, AZ Date Reviewed: May 14, 2005
I have had the bike for 9 months now and had two major crashes due to mechanical failure. First time the rear shock collapsed for no reason. I played with the damper and it popped back out and worked. It still occasionally collapses for no apparent reason. The second time the Dura Ace chain broke while I was standing in full acceleration. I have switched over to the SRAM Power link chain. We will see how this goes. The rear wheel goes out of true at the drop of a hat. When the chain broke it took three spokes with it. All this is covered under warranty but none of the mechanics at Cycle Spectrum know enough to fix a wheel properly. I spent 20 bucks at performance and the whole wheel came back tighter and truer than it has ever been. Shortly after getting the bike the rear sealed hub loosened up and I got a new wheel out of the deal, but it took 8 weeks for them to do it. That would have been 2 months with no riding for me. The Shop said it would try to hook me up with a temporary replacement but that never happened. Luckily one of the guys at the shop loaned me one of his personal wheels. If you buy this bike, spend the extra cash and get the rear wheel relaced with some quality spokes and nipples. It will cost you about 100 bucks but in the end you will be much more pleased with the performance and durability. The XTR rear derailer has been anything but crisp. Just by getting the new chain it seems to have cleaned up the shifting. Buy it if you’re on a budget yet you still want a super light well equipped bike. This is for you. If you plan on racing this it is going to take some extra cash to get it there.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve Salins
a Weekend Warrior
from Denver, CO, USA Date Reviewed: September 10, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Green Mtn
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Purchased At:
www.BikesDirect.com
Strengths:
Super light weight bike for the price with top of the line components.
Weaknesses:
No service support if there is something wrong when it is shipped to you. If anything is wrong with the bike, you are pretty much on your own. I would suggest having it put together by someone top notch. I had the bottom braket installed incorrectly on mine.
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike for the price. It is my first dual suspension bike and I will never go back to a hardtail again. If you buy this bike you must bring it to a bike shop unless you know what you are doing in as far as the assembly.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
WishIRodeBetR
a Cross Country Rider
from Tucson, AZ Date Reviewed: June 7, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Molino Basin/Fantasy Island
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
Cycle Spectrum
Strengths:
For The money you can't but a better bike. I looked at EVERY brand before I bought this, and nothing came close. The rest of the market was $750-$2000 more for an equivilant set-up! The bike is extreemly well made and put together.
Weaknesses:
You can only buy them in person in AZ, TX, and FL which is where Motobecane's distributor (Cycle Spectrum) has shops, otherwise you have to buy it online (i.e. you have to finish and tune it your self)
Similar Products Used:
Cake, Epic (wish the brain were on other brands), KHS Rage, Oryx Gemsbok, Giant NRS.
Bike Setup:
Full XTR '03 except for shifters and brake levers (STI doesn't feel comfortable), Kore Elite stem, post, and bar. Mike Garcia's wheels: King hubs w/dt 4.1 rims.
Bottom Line:
This bike is probably the best FS value out there. I purchased the frame option as I wanted to build the bike with different parts. The full bike came with some nice stuff like FSA carbon cranks, Avid 7 V-brakes, but I wanted to do a full XTR bike so I got just the frame (which comes with SID Race fork, SID rear shock, post, collar, stem, and FSA head set all for $799).
It's such a good deal you could probably buy the full bike($1695 at Cycle Spectrum), sell all the parts you don't want, and buy the new parts, and have money left over.
The warranty on this thing is crazy! Everything on it is warrantied for life. I thought I heard the sales person wrong when I heard that, but it's true. I can't even think of another company that comes close. And if you get it through CS, you get free labor for life, no matter what it needs (tune up, parts replaced, wheel trued)
The bike works and rides extremely well. The frame is stiff. A lot stiffer than you would expect for it's weight. It's way more comfortable than a Cake, and is much lighter too. 23.25 lbs for the full bike. I wish it came with an anti-bob rear shock, as the SID rear is a little bouncy, but for the price you could eaisly afford to buy a different one if it bothers you too much.
Even if the price was more, I would have still bought this bike. Warranty, Service, and feel of then bike is out standing! Five all the way...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
What's New
»
BEST OF MTBR - Check out the highest rated bikes, parts, & gear!
»
LED BIKE LIGHT SHOOTOUT 3 - We test all the newest products and latest light and battery technology in this comprehensive guide»
$ 1995.00
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
