Submitted by
KC
a Cross Country Rider
from Alamogordo, NM Date Reviewed: September 26, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Anywhere in the Sacremento Mountains
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
bikesdirect.com
Strengths:
Great value. I shopped around for quite some time and could not find a bike that was set up as well as this bike for even close to the same price.
Weaknesses:
None yet
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
This is the first real mountain bike I have owned and I am very happy with it. It appears to be a very tough machine and everything works very smooth. I ride about three times a week on some pretty rough trails and have not had any problems yet. I have been so pleased with this bike that I bought a smaller one for my wife. She is also very happy with it. Bikesdirect.com is great. I ordered on Monday and the bike was here by Thursday. I took it to a local bike shop for assembly and tuning and was on the trail Saturday. Overall great product for a great price. I am planning on upgrading to a full suspension soon and will definitely be purchasing another Motobecane from bikesdirect.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
sickmove
a Weekend Warrior
from Rutland, VT Date Reviewed: July 28, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Pine Hill Park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
bikesdirect.com
Strengths:
Price, looks, good parts for the $$
Weaknesses:
None yet...
Similar Products Used:
Rocky Mountain Vapor
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
I'm a beginner that wanted a bike I could grow into without breaking the bank. I did a lot of research and found this to be the best deal for the money as far as components go. So far, I'm really happy with it's performance. Set p was not as easy as the webiste indicated, but it was fun and too difficult to figure out.
I have to add: I tried to go to a local bike store to give them the business, but no one cared to help me...and I couldn't justify the extra 20-30% in price for poor service.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Raoul
a Cross Country Rider
from Biscoe, Arkansas USA Date Reviewed: April 15, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Cache River Refuge
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
sprtymama ebay
Strengths:
Durability, price, Deore LX
Weaknesses:
Kenda tires
Similar Products Used:
1994 Specialized Rockhopper
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
This 2005 model has 2700 winter riding miles on it and rides as well as it did when new. One pedal broke on the Syllamore trail, and the tires have been replaced. It was about half price of similarly equipped bikes in the bike shops. It is not as nimble as my 94 Rockhopper, but is more comfortable and stable rolling over logs and cypress knees in the swamps that I ride in.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
crimecrusher
a Cross Country Rider
from Texas Date Reviewed: March 12, 2009
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Looks cool, good on paper bike and has good main componets
Weaknesses:
Other than main componets bike is built with poor parts. Needs a lot of tunning to keep it riding good. Heavy.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Rockhopper, Stumpjumper
Bike Setup:
Motobecane 600HT, Marzocchi Fork, Shimano V-brakes, upgraded seat post,
Bottom Line:
A good beginner bike for the money. However if your compairing other bikes at your local bike shop that are $100-200 more then really they are about the same price. By the time you pay to get it professionally put together, and a years worth of tuning...you'll be around the same price.
This served me well after I upgraded several parts on the bike. This bike is more about internet marketing rather than real world trail performance. The Rockhopper was twice the bike as this and on paper not as good.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Leopard 007
a Cross Country Rider
from Frisco, TX USA Date Reviewed: December 28, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Anything challenging
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$330.00
Purchased At:
Ebay (Bikes Direct)
Strengths:
Durable, great components for the money, nice looks, gets the job done, awesome starter Mt.bike.
Weaknesses:
Weight, squeakyness, needs more tuning than usual.
Similar Products Used:
Moto HT 500 07'
Bike Setup:
All stock except SRAM chain and cassette
Bottom Line:
If your entry level rider and what to test the waters of Mt. Biking, then by all means get you a Motobecane. Why spend 2k to 3k on name brand bike, when Motobecane will get the job done without the hefty price tag. I picked up the HT 600 07' on ebay (bikes direct)during their Xmas special, it has handled great. I've banged, wrecked, and rode this bike hard for at least 2hr rides on different trails. It takes a beating. I will probably upgrade to full suspension Pro TI when that comes out sometime next year. But overall if you don't mind slugging the weight around, it's a great bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Moses
a Weekend Warrior
from NYC, NY Date Reviewed: June 21, 2008
Favorite Trail:
NYC STREETS
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
BIKES DIRECT
Strengths:
THIS BIKE IS A GREAT VALUE! YOU GET EXCELLENT COMPONENTS ON A QUALITY FRAME. THE BIKE HOLDS UP GREAT ON ROUGH CITY STREETS AS WELL AS ON DIRT TRAILS. WORTH EVERY PENNY. WHY SPEND MORE FOR THE SAME QUALITY
Weaknesses:
NONE!!!!!
Bike Setup:
EASY SET UP RIGHT OUT OF THE BOX, BUT IF YOU PREFER GO TO A LBS YOU'LL STILL SAVE MONEY OVER BUYING ONE OF THOSE "NAME BRAND" BIKES
Bottom Line:
YOU GET THE SAME QUALITY BIKE WITHOUT SPENDING THE MONEY. THEY ARE WELL MADE BIKES THAT CAN TAKE PUNISHMENT BECAUSE THEY ARE BUILT WITH PREMIUM COMPONENTS. THERE IS ALOT OF VARIETY AND SIZES TO CHOSE FROM ALL WITH GREAT PRICES. DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY JUST BECAUSE OF A NAME PLATE.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason
a Weekend Warrior
from Rusk, Tx USA Date Reviewed: March 5, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$397.00
Strengths:
Package for the price is the greatest strength. The frame is my reason for choosing this brand over the same component set from either Jamis, Specialized or K2. Velociraptors are great!
Weaknesses:
RockShox Dart is a basic fork, but when you make an informed decision on a purchase, its not seen as a weakness, just part of the package you knew you were getting.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized HardRock
Bike Setup:
MTBR needs to update the specs above with 08 changes. I've changed out the Tektro IO discs for BB7's. Other than the extra adjustability on the BB7's, I'm thinking I wasted my money on that. Removed large ring and installed bash guard. Slimed tubes. Rest is stock.
Bottom Line:
Its not an XC racer or DH mogul, but I'm not either. It fits my desire to ride the trails my local municipality is allowing me to build on 400 of its acres. We have steep hills and thick pine forests. Not too heavy with good traction. Stops me as fast as the ground under me will allow. I feel like it was a smart purchase and serves me well. Looking for recreational riding? This is the HT for you.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jarod Padilla
a Cross Country Rider
from Albuquerque, NM Date Reviewed: June 24, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Sandia Peak
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
bikesdirect.com
Strengths:
The frame is amazing! I am a big guy and am using this bike to get in shape, the 23" frame is amazing, i love it! The bike comes stock with some great components, Rock Shox fork (100mm), double wall rims, Deore LX rear derailer, Disc Brakes was great for the price, among others..
Weaknesses:
I have upgraded several things on it since i bought it, i am a big guy 300+ lbs so that may have some to do with "wear and tear", but the cranks are cheap, i upgraded to Deore octalink, i need a bigger handlebar, and the disc's come stock with tektro, i upgraded to Avid which are stronger and more durable, I also put wider tires on the bike (comes 2.1 stock)i put 2.3 and they work amazing!
Similar Products Used:
This is my first bike, but really compares to any bike under $1200, that i tested.
Bike Setup:
I mentioned my upgrades in the paragraphs above,
Bottom Line:
If you are a beginner, you cant beat this bike. Go to bikesdirect.com and look at their bikes, they have amazing customer service and FREE shipping! I have had to tweak this bike to fit me but you have to do that with any bike. Great value for the money, i am putting this bike through some pretty rough rides, especially given my size, i recommend this bike to everyone. Buy this bike you will love it. The matte black paint makes the bike look pricey also, Motobecane is an underrated bike maker, not well known but great quality.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Frank Drebin
a Weekend Warrior
from Atlanta Date Reviewed: August 28, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Blankets Creek
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
Bikes Direct
Strengths:
Great Welds, Strong 7005 AL Frame, Deore LX RD and Deore Fd, Disc Brakes, Price Price Price, Rapid Fire Shifters, WTB saddle, Decent Crank for the price-point, 22" frame fits me perfect, Lifetime warranty, Rock Shox Judy are a good fit for the bike.
Weaknesses:
8spd cassette (Would rather have a 9), Alivo FD would have actually been a better fit since it is an 8spd. Although the matt black frame is awesome looking, it needs a little more artwork.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Rockhopper
Bike Setup:
Stock except for suspension post.
Bottom Line:
This bike is awesome. I rode a Specialized Rockhopper until I broke the hanger off of it. This bike is 7005 AL and is much stronger than the CROMO Rockhopper. It shifts smooth as silk, takes anything I throw at it on the trail and looks good doing it. Mine is an '07 model and looks identical to the '06. I was worried about the reaction I would get at the trails but was pleasently surprized when total strangers on really nice bikes commented on it and gave me the thumbs up. Many confgess to have "considered" one but decided against it until they saw one in person. Honestly, this bike is awesome regardless of price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lerroy Lee
a Weekend Warrior
from Maryland Date Reviewed: August 24, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Schaffer Farm
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$397.00
Purchased At:
ebay mama
Strengths:
Price and components.
Weaknesses:
Thin Paint, cheap decals, on the heavy side
Similar Products Used:
Fisher Marlin
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
I just got the bike today. It's the sweetest thing I've ever owned. The Gary Fisher Marlin rides slightly better and is lighter though, but at $350 more.
My impression of the bike is this: The brakes are just awsome. The first disk brakes I've ever owned and they stop on a dime. I can't say I can complain about them they seem like they're good quality and I can't see the rotors warping unless I ride the brakes for an hour. The bike isn't so light, but it's about the same weight as the Trek 4900 which isn't that bad. I think it's 29lbs. The frame definately has something to do with the added weight, but you can't get an ultra light frame for less than $700 anyways. The components are absutely the bomb on this bike. It comes with the latest Shimano Deor LX Rear derailleur the M580 (i think). The rear cassette is Sun and are the vented variety. I'm not sure the chain but I believe it's Shimano. Also the M-Wing bars and hub are fine for the bike I can't complain about them. The look great . The Mwing logo looks pretty fancy as well. They're of good quality, I would compare them to the Forte line from Performance Bikes maybe a little better. The only gripe I have is the paint and the decaling of the frame. The paint is Matte Black, and only about a layer, not like the Cannondale frames which lather the paint in multiple layers then top it off with thick rubbery clear coat. And the decals seemed to rub off. Some of the lettering was smeared and looked bleeded. I can't say I was impressed. Also the front emblem on the bike was stick on. Kinda cheap looking. Other than that the bike looked all right, I didn't buy it for the frame or the brand name. I think later I might buy a cheap full suspesion and put the parts on that. We'll see. Overall I give the bike a 9 out of 10, with a point being deducted for the poor decals. Heck, for $397 who cares about decals right?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason Kohler
a Weekend Warrior
from slc Date Reviewed: June 16, 2006
Favorite Trail:
slickrock
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
built it myself bought it online
Strengths:
super light wow is it even there? nice and stiff great angles, and the flat black is super stealthy cool.
Weaknesses:
made in tiawan
Similar Products Used:
mt. tek specialized stump jumper
Bike Setup:
20" with shimano, easton, avid, truvativ, fox, chris king, ritchey, and specialized.
Bottom Line:
these frames are light tough and gauranteed FOREVER
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeremy
a Cross Country Rider
from Loma Linda, CA USA Date Reviewed: November 2, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Affordable. Well equipped for the price. Nice looking bike. I get comments on the flat black frame.
Weaknesses:
Weight. Cheap brakes and Hubs. Judy TT fork.
Similar Products Used:
Several older Mongoose Mtn bikes. Motobecane 400HT.
Bike Setup:
Ritchey WCS bars, stem and seat post. Specialized grips. FSA headset. Manitou Black Super Air 80 mm Fork. Avid Mechanical 7 brakes front and rear. Mavic rims with XT hubs. Fizik Plateau saddle. XT crankset and shimano BB. Shimano SPD pedals. Stock LX rear derailleur, deore front derailleur, shifters, brake levers and cassette.
Bottom Line:
I did some light cross country riding several years back and wanted to ease back into it. Plus I moved with in riding distance to work. So my goal was to find something affordable for commuting/trail riding. I was shopping around, both in bike shops and online and found the Motobecanes. You get a lot of bike for your money. I enjoy it very much. Stock, it is on the heavy side, but it can be brought down to a more reasonable weight with some upgrades.
Speaking of upgrades I've done a lot. But not out of necessity. It started with the stem, there is way too much of a rise on it and I didn't like the riser bar either. I didn't find the seat to be very comfortable, so I upgraded and while I was at it I put a new seat post on it. Then came the problem with the rear hub, I got it fixed but didn't trust it. So I upgraded the wheel set. The Judy TT fork is a heavy pogo stick and I didn't like it. So I upgraded that and the headset while I was at it. The bottom bracket started creaking and getting on my nerves. With a 10 mile commute a constant creak becomes annoying.
A necessary upgrade was the disc brakes, which are fine....until you do some real mountain biking. Then they just don't do enough to stop you, they're noisy, and the pads wear quickly. The Avid brakes were worth the money.
The Deore LX and Deore derailleurs don't give me any trouble. I have brushed the rear derailleur against a rock and lightly crashed a couple of times and it works fine. Just needs some adjustment every now and then. The shifters do their job and so do the brake levers. I'll upgrade eventually, but not untill some thing wears out.
I really don't have any major complaints about this bike and as I said the upgrades were mostly out of personal preference. I tried to ease back into mountain biking, but I dove in head first with all the upgrades.
5 Chilis for value all the way and even 5 for overall. Because I really like the bike despite some of the cheap components.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Craig Calandrelli
a Weekend Warrior
from Kenosha, WI Date Reviewed: August 15, 2005
Favorite Trail:
PETs, WI
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
It's a lot of bike for the money. Fairly tough.
Weaknesses:
Disc brakes are not very good and the discs where bent when it arrived. I have replaced the damaged discs but I am thinking about switching to a good set of v-brakes.
Similar Products Used:
Trek 4300
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
I like the bike overall and it was a good buy for the $400 bucks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin, TX Date Reviewed: January 12, 2005
Favorite Trail:
middle of the Chihuahuan Desert
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
SPRTYMAMA BIKE SHOP, ebay
Strengths:
Looks really cool
Weaknesses:
Low-end components
Bike Setup:
Stock until I get my B5N in today, Shimano 535s...so far.
Bottom Line:
I just got this last night, and haven't even taken it out yet. But I thought I'd go ahead and do a preliminary on it...ratings will refect this.
The matte black finish really looks sharp. For the weight-weenies, it's heavy; for the techno-geeks, it's got low-end components. It'll make a good bike for cutting across the desert, though. It has potential, once the crap's replaced (cheap brake levers, pedals, and headset spacers; high-rise stem, don't know about the Judy TT fork (seems awful soft), blah blah blah.
Basically a good beater/entry level/first mtb.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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