Submitted by
johnr
a Cross Country Rider
from Newburyport, MA, USA Date Reviewed: February 18, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Mountain Trail, Pawtuckaway
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At:
bikesdirect
Strengths:
great price and components, light weight, great handling
Weaknesses:
The seat is a throw-away, the stock bars were too narrow for me, replaced the cassette with a SRAM 990 32 because original Ultegra 27 was too tough on my old joints
Similar Products Used:
Stumpjumper Comp
Bike Setup:
replaced seat with a Specialized seat, replaced bars with wider Monkeylite SL, added VP pedals (light, cheap, cool color and so far indistructable) Sram 990 cassettes
Bottom Line:
I love this bike. I have an extra set of Vuelta Team wheels that I keep different tires on. In summer a set of Tom Slicks and in winter a set of Schwalbe Ice Spikers. I also love the stock Kenda Klimax Lite tires. Yeah, they're skinny and a little squirrelly on some downhill runs but the weight can't be beat when climbing and they find the bottom quickly in the mud and overall they're extremely fast. They flat a lot but that's the trade-off and I personally don't mind. I've ridden this bike in every conceivable condition and can't stop smiling. Is it perfect, no, what is? But it's a great ride at a great price. Someday I'll probably by another for the parts.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kai
a Weekend Warrior
from Stuck in E NC for now. Home Laguna Beach CA Date Reviewed: September 25, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Laguna Beach hills trails
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At:
Bikes Direct
Strengths:
Everything. Some don't but I like the seat, etc., though I wear Nema shorts -- well padded.
Weaknesses:
Nothing
Similar Products Used:
Cannondales
Bike Setup:
Standard 9357
Bottom Line:
I got tired of Cannondales and even though I was told my last one was lightweight, it didn't seem so to me.
The Moto is light, fast and well made. I agonized for moths about buying it. I did not want to buy a no name brand, but couldn't pass up the weight and components.
I even called the Kinesis factory in Taiwan to ask about the frame and also did a lot of research.
I absolutely love the bike and have been riding for 25 years. It's the best I've had, though my first Cannondale was also good (and the best Cannondale I've owned).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
serepka
a Weekend Warrior
from St. Louis, MO, USA Date Reviewed: July 8, 2008
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At:
bikes direct
Strengths:
superlight, great braking power
Weaknesses:
eery creaking sounds with weight transfers. I have tightened everything and don't know if it just frame flex or what.
Had a pinch flat in a parking lot the second time I rode the bike last year. KMC chain broke on a a packed gravel flat trail last week. I have never had a chain break on me before. Replaced it with a SRAM chain which rubs awfully on the large gear on the front.
It is indeed light and fast but does not seem very durable even with the limited riding it has seen by me. I have little time to ride and maybe get out once or twice a month.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
pianoplt
a Cross Country Rider
from certereach ny us Date Reviewed: June 14, 2008
Favorite Trail:
glacier ridge
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Purchased At:
bikes direct
Strengths:
speed, components, price
Weaknesses:
tires and seat need to be changed before first ride
Similar Products Used:
giant, haro
Bike Setup:
xtr-rd xt-fd and shifters sid front shock
Bottom Line:
At 240 lbs I was skeptical to go with a hardtail. Possibly the best move ever, this bike is fast, the geometry is astounding. Never felt this competant or powerful before must be cautious with this new found speed and agility. Only time will tell if the frame will endure. I have split two bike frames in half in the past.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lance Smith
a Cross Country Rider
from Olney, MD United States Date Reviewed: March 19, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Seneca Greenway
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1295.00
Purchased At:
Bikesdirect.com
Strengths:
Lightweight. Unelievable components for the price. Looks awesome.
Weaknesses:
The only thing so far is the head tube badge is already starting to fall off. This is not a big deal.
Bike Setup:
XT shifters and front derailleur. XTR rear derailleur. Rock Shox SID race fork. Vuelta XRP disc team wheels.
Bottom Line:
This is an awesome bike. I was more than satisfied with it, this bike is worth way more than I paid for it. I bought this bike to use as a hybrid, I put road cranks and slick tires on ( my mountain bike is a Jamis Dakota Elite, with a frame also built by Kinensis like the Motobecane). The bike truly is light, most bikes are a little heavier than advertised, but this bike was lighter. With my lights and pump on the bike it weighed in at 21.8 lbs. There are however some shortcomings to this bike if you plan to use it as a cross country bike since it really is set up more for light weight/racing than regular cross country use. First it has an Ultegra casstte, these gears are all wrong for mountain biking, at least if you have to climb steep hills. The tires, while light, are paper thin with minimal tread and the inner tubes are so thin they feel like sandwhich bags. I feel like you would get a lot of flats. The foam grips are uncomfortable and soak up sweat. The seat is comfortable, but has little padding and begins to hurt after a few hours of riding. I understand that all the above parts are there for light weight, but it makes for a rather impractical bike. I have replaced the grips, tires and tubes and seat. Since the bike is so cheap you can replace all these parts and still get a great deal. The Ultegra cassette works great for me since I am using the bike as a hybrid. How does it ride? It hauls ass. I can easily smoke unsuspecting road bikes unless we are on a straight downhill. I love to see the looks on peoples faces when they see a mountain bike blow by them on their road bikes. For my purposes (as a hybrid)I give it 5 chillis. As a XC Mountain Bike I give it 4 chillis, only because its set up more for light weight than daily use which can easily be fixed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robert
a Cross Country Rider
from Richmond, VA Date Reviewed: March 4, 2008
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1295.00
Purchased At:
Bikes Direct
Strengths:
Price, weight, flickability, *versatility, speed.
Weaknesses:
Tires are 1.9's, a little skinny for my taste and not enough tread. They are light though. Saddle not comfortable. A little skeptical about strength of wheels, but no problems yet.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
I added fire XC pro 2.1's, monkey lite hi-riser, race face grips, fizik gobi saddle, eggs
Bottom Line:
I wanted an XC hardtail to get back into biking and found that the Fly 9357 was the best bang for the buck compared to other deals online. I was a little skeptical about Motobecane and ordering online and setting up, but I am glad I did because it turned out great. Set the bike up no problem and had a no hassle experience with bikes direct.
Bike is very light, flickable and very stiff. I consider it a VERY harsh ride on trails near me with lots of rocks and roots, but tis the nature of a hard tail with a race fork. I quickly had to learn how to loosen my body to absorb the millions of roots when flying down trails.
This bike is designed to be an XC race bike, but I have beaten this bike up hard and taken it to the limit doing things it wasn't designed for. Why? Beacause I bought a bike to have fun and ride whatever terrain I wanted to.
When I first got it I was so excited to hit the streets again, all I did was jump up and down sets of stairs, bang curbs, spent an hour plus everyday trying wheelies, searching for dirt jumps, dropping off ledges, manuals across pads, riding down huge sets of stairs, and endos. All of that in addition to hitting the local trails hard. This is why I say it is versatile.
A couple things. Flat bar was too low for me causing hand pain. Put a hi riser on there and problem solved. The carbon bar introduced a 'little' more flex and forgiveness.
Saddle was light, but not comfortable, and the longer I ride, the more I realize how important comfort is. I actually broke the saddle plastic frame trying to manual across a pad when the rear wheel struck so hard on the lip of the curb and my rear end impacted the seat. I was so suprised I didn't bend a wheel or break something else. That was the point that I was no longer skeptical about the wheel strength.
Drivetrain has been good. Learn how to work on your bike if you are ordering online. I have had some chain suck issues here and there, but I beleive that is due to my lack of tuning knowledge.
Fork is a... well race fork. It is not very comfy, but I probably don't even have it set up right. I have tried various combos of pressures, but at the end of the day I am still shaken up. The fork has performed well, but, don't expect the plushness of an AM fork.
Brakes are nice and have tons of power. Sure there may be better options out there, but come on V-brakes stop a bike fine, and hydro disc brakes stop a bike very fine too! Make sure to check tightness the lever pivot set screws.
Overall bike is a very good buy. I'll admit that I have read things online about frame breakage and has made me paranoid, but it would have broken a long time ago if that was the case. It seems that when people talk about bikes they always point out that there are "better" products and components, and it always seems like if something isn't the best then it is a "weakness". So my response to that is.. this is what I got for 1300.00 and it has performed very well. I recommend this bike especially for newer bikers looking for a good buy who are willing to DIY and maintain it. And about the Motobecane name and frame quality.. it's the same damn thing as any other bike made in China.
5 chilis for value, 4 for overall cause there is always better.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
C. Shaffer
a Weekend Warrior
from Jacksonville, FL, USA Date Reviewed: January 31, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Smokey Mountains
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At:
bikesdirect
Strengths:
Overall Top Line Parts & Gear. Lightweight. Smooth ride.
Weaknesses:
Snapped the frame at the top tube weld, causing it to break into two peices on a mild trail. I'm sure it was a freak incident, and it I'm certianly hoping for a replacement.
Similar Products Used:
Trek 950, 930; Gary Fisher Montare
Bike Setup:
Stock.
Bottom Line:
I'd recommend the bike, except for the fact that I could have been killed if my wreck happened anywhere other than a mild lakeside trail; in which case this would be an obituary.
I believe it's important to mention this incident in the case it reoccurs elsewhere.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
greg
a Cross Country Rider
from glendale, az, usa Date Reviewed: December 31, 2007
Favorite Trail:
white tanks competitive track
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At:
bikesdirect.com
Strengths:
bang for the buck, light weight, great components
Weaknesses:
It wasn't free
Similar Products Used:
Ibex alpine 550 (not very similar)
Bike Setup:
stock, except for wtb mutanoraptor up front, kenda nevegal in rear, titec pork rind grips
Bottom Line:
Excellent bike for the money. If you have more cash to spend, go ahead and get a Felt or ?, but for $1300 shipped?? not possible to get more bang for your dollar. I've heard complaints about the sid race being flexy, and the juicy carbons not being very good, and also the vuelta xrp wheels supposedly exploding or something. I can't find fault with any of those products. (my vueltas are 28 spoke and have shown that they are just fine for xc).
Please note: I am 165lbs with gear and ride xc=no major drops, but with rocky climbs and descents. Your mileage may vary.
I would reccomend the fly 9357 to riders who want bang for the buck (want light weight, great components, and don't want to spend more than $1500), not reccomended for Clydesdales or those who are scared of minor assembly).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rich
a Cross Country Rider
from Oviedo, FL, USA Date Reviewed: December 10, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
The bike is light, agile and fast. The Avid brakes will stop you almost immediately (I'm having a hard time riding my other rig with V-brakes). The handling it spot on and climbing is a breeze. The SID fork does its job until things get rough.
Weaknesses:
The tires had to go. Too light and not enough grip.
Great bike for the money. I could have spent a bit more but took a chance on the brand since the frame is manufactured by the same company that manufactures frames for so many other bike companies (Kinesis). Couldn't be more satisfied.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Greenwood
a Cross Country Rider
from austin Date Reviewed: March 9, 2007
Favorite Trail:
dirt
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
bikesdirect
Strengths:
Price,Price,Price
Weaknesses:
Wheelset?, Grips, saddle
Similar Products Used:
older hardtails, back in the day
Bike Setup:
Swaped a few leftover parts from other bikes. Deus stem, answer hyperlite carbon flat bar, WTB, eggbeaters,etc.
Bottom Line:
This bike rocks for the price, I am no wrench, but the bike was simple to setup. A few adjustments were needed on the front disc, but took less than an hour to get completely set up. If you can't get this bike put together, you have to consider yourself mechanically compromised. This bike is bar none the best value for any bike on the market. I sold my roadbike to have a bike I could ride on the road and race that was less than my 28lb turner. I actually made a profit. I think the wheelset is probably the weak link, but I have thrashed these so far without a problem. I just figured to thrash and trash, but so far so good. Had trouble getting them to stans and am still running tubes. The tires suck, but their stupid light and race worthy on your typical smooth xc course. I would recommend this bike to anyone. Newbies or grannies on a budget wanting to race sport or higher.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave Leibert
a Cross Country Rider
from Bethlehem PA USA Date Reviewed: November 20, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Sals
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
bikesdirect.com
Strengths:
Lightweight, looks cool, fun vibe
Weaknesses:
Mine was the first year(2002) so it came with some mediocre components
Similar Products Used:
only hardtail I ever owned
Bike Setup:
I run mine as a fun lightweight general purpose bike for any kind of trail. Bigger tires for sure WTB nano and motoraptor, carbon bars, rock shock suspension seatpost
Bottom Line:
I'm posting this to tell of my warranty claim with bikesdirect.com, who sells this bike. My original frame cracked at the dropout after 3 years of tough ,rocky trail riding here in the Northeast.
I contacted bikesdirect and they asked for copies of my original emails with the invoice. After this was provided they wanted me to ship the entire bike to their location in Florida, which I did.After about 2 months they actually built the bike back up with a new frame and my old parts. I'm happy to have it back, although I ride more all mountian/FS now
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tony curtis
a Weekend Warrior
from southern Pines, NC, US Date Reviewed: July 24, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$715.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Light, mid-top line componentry, durable
Weaknesses:
Tires, but this is the least of my worries
Similar Products Used:
A wide assortment
Bike Setup:
Tested one, and now have one on order from ebay. Coming as a stock bike with a seat upgrade but dont know what kind.
Bottom Line:
I couldnt resist this bike. I was on the Fuji website and for 2G you get a slightly better looking bike that weighs 5 lbs more, with the same cranks and fork. Cannondale has a 20% name brand price premium, etc, etc, etc. I bought this bike for the value and based on internet research nothing comes close to the 9357 (comparing components, weight, and of course price). Im excited to beat mine up and possibly get one for my wife.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Sacramento, ca Date Reviewed: March 8, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Tahoe
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
bkies direct
Strengths:
Weight, design, quality parts.
Weaknesses:
Wheel set. To be honest, I have not riden the wheels. Of all the reviews I have read before I purchased the bike. I was not suprised when I saw the flimsy wheelset. Tires were weak as well. Paint rubs off quickly.
Similar Products Used:
Everything
Bike Setup:
Standard, except I had a set of spinergy cyclones I used for wheels, panaracer tires.
Bottom Line:
Okay, I shopped every light hard tail in the market. This one wins hands down. For me I had a great wheelset to switch out the stock one ( expected crap), so after the switch, the bike is SICK! If you are looking into buying this bike, it is because you are on a budget and don't have 3K to throw down on a mainstream bike, Yeah, the wheels would be nice, but is that really worth the extra 2K? If you are on a budget, hit up ebay or craigslist and find a strong wheelset out there. Maybe cost you 200-300 bucks. People might bash the bike, but they are the ones forking out way too much for too little, or are riding a 30lb hard tail gasping " wait for me".
The frame rips, and I am blowing away my friends on the climbs, and placing better in events. Weight really does matter!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt Schill
a Cross Country Rider
from Alpharetta GA USA Date Reviewed: February 19, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Weight, Price, Components, Crankset, Seat
Weaknesses:
Motobecan namebrand isn't respected.
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Procaliber 96. Nukeproof/Mavic 231 wheelset, stx-rx componenets, avid brakes, Old school Judy SL, OCLV bar and barends.
Bike Setup:
Standard 2005 set-up
Bottom Line:
This bike is super lightweight and has great components. (Question if it is sub 22 lbs though) I bought it used with approximately 300 miles on it off ebay. I love the crank, feels solid and looks good. The seat and fork are also impressive. Have not really been able to really form an opinion on the wheelset yet. They did need minor truing after a few rides but I believe the spokes were slightly loose to begin with. The m-wing componenets look ok and are functional but cannot find any specs on them as far as weight or reviews. For my needs they are fine. I am used to barends but the standard m-wings bars are too narrow to add barends. Not a highly recognized or respected namebrand(Motobecan) but seems to be high quality.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michal
a Weekend Warrior
from san francisco Date Reviewed: January 21, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Marin headlands
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1099.00
Purchased At:
Bikesdirect.com
Strengths:
best bike for the buck, the weight is probably "the" strengh of this bike, it's like a rocket especially with the kenda tires that do well for someone who rides streets/offroad. The tradeoff for speed is less grip offroad. The XTR shifter is great but you have to get used to the opposite shift direction on the 06' model. Sometimes you can even smoke some roadbike!
Weaknesses:
the rims - don't know how long they will do their job. paint chips off easily. Motobecane seatpost sucks as it's difficult to adjust.
Similar Products Used:
Klein attitude, Trek 990,
Bike Setup:
XTR front/rear, Avid SL brakes (saves weight), otherwise like from bikesdirect
Bottom Line:
The price is unbeatable. If you get it from the internet you need to dedicate some time to have it the way you want. Basic bike tools will do the job.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom Ruark
a Racer
from Jacksonville Date Reviewed: January 19, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Santos Ant Hill
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
Cycle Spectrum
Strengths:
LIGHT WEIGHT!! Super nice component group. Very nice looking paint scheme (Fire-Fade Orange). Did I mention light weight?! You can throw this bike around corners like a big BMX bike. The Avid rim brakes stop like mad. That's a good thing as it accelerates like a rocket. For the money, it cannot be beat. I've beat the bike to death on every formation of limestone with no ill effect. It has lost some paint (very little) but that's it. I bought my wife one too!
Weaknesses:
The stock wheel set has needed truing several times. I finally bought a set of Rhyno-Lites (XT) and the problem is solved (the Rhyno's were a great deal, but but some Park metal tire levers!) Cycle Spectrum changed the tires out at purchase, as they know the Kenda's stink. For a few bucks more I got Michelin X-lites. So I guess you just need to be aware?
Similar Products Used:
Fantom Comp DS another Motobecane that I love and too many other bikes to count...
Bike Setup:
Stock as advertised on Bikes Direct except for the tires and a Monkey-Light carbon low-rise bar.
Bottom Line:
You cannot beat it for the money especially if you buy from any of the Cycle Spectrum shops as they match prices with Bikes Direct and service the bike for free for life! One reviewer ststed that the bikes need to be tweaked my your LBS, and that is probably true. I avoided that by buying at Cycle Spectrum as they set up the bikes.
The bike is faster than you are. Some people complain about the SID Race as a weak link, but it has given me no problems in the past year, and I ride hard (converted roadie used to longggg rides). I would consider buying a smaller frame than you might think you need. I am 5'9" tall and bought the 16" frame. It makes the bike totally flickable and reduces the already rediculously low weight.
Do not buy this if your main goal is to become a free ride star. This is pure X-country stuff, and it works.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ben
a Racer
from Tuscaloosa, Ala Date Reviewed: October 26, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1095.00
Purchased At:
bikesdirect.com
Strengths:
Very light - yet strong - frame. Components are high quality, even the house-brand M-Wings stuff seems well made. You can look a long time and not find a bike at this price with the same spec's. It's also a great looking machine. People are always commenting on it.
Weaknesses:
The wheels are still a question mark. Not sure how they will hold up over a few more months of rough riding. Paint seems to come off easy. Get no respect from other riders with a Motobecane - at least not until you smoke them.
Similar Products Used:
First mountain bike purchased (previous road rider).
Bike Setup:
Everything just as it came.
Bottom Line:
A great bike at a great price. Not a bike that will impress the snobs, but who cares? The ride quality and handling of the Fly 9357 compares favorably to bikes costing twice as much.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris H
a Cross Country Rider
from Greer, SC, USA Date Reviewed: July 7, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1350.00
Purchased At:
bikesdirect
Strengths:
you cant beat the value of this bike.
Weaknesses:
you have to make sure you check everything on the bike when you get it to make sure it was installed correctly. I worked at a bike shop, so this wasnt a problem for me.
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher, Cannondale, Trek
Bike Setup:
Stock with thudbuster, different tires
Bottom Line:
I looked around for a long time and I could not find any bike that was anywhere close to the value of this bike.
I should also note that I purchased the first fly9357 several years ago when they first came out. It had the same setup except for the front shock. Even with a giant dent in the top tube (downhill race crash...) it lasted and took tons of abuse for over two years untill it finally died by getting run over by a car. The only thing I ever replaced was the tires.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Don Campbell
a Weekend Warrior
from Dexter Date Reviewed: March 16, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Potawatamie
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1105.00
Purchased At:
Bikesdirect
Strengths:
Weight, Components. Seems to handle better than my other bikes.
Weaknesses:
None so far. From other reviews, the seat is ok, the wheels have held up (no big jumps yet)
Similar Products Used:
Proflex 757, 957. Fuji Diamond Light II.
Bike Setup:
As is - I changed the handlebars (a little wider for more stability) and that is it.
Bottom Line:
In looking at the reveiws before I bought the bike, I thought that I would have to change more items. The tires handled real well on wet leaves and rocks at Pontiac Lake and Highland, so I decided to leave them on. Raced at the Iceman and it climbed and handled real well. Also because of the weight, I have noticed on longer rides when others seem to tire, I get stronger. Could it be the weight? :) I might add the thudbuster to the seat, but otherwise I plan to ride and race as is.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
trailbuster
a Racer
from san diego, ca USA Date Reviewed: March 10, 2005
Favorite Trail:
cuyamaca rancho
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$940.00
Purchased At:
discovery bike
Strengths:
weight, or lack of it, he he...I was shocked when I first test drove this bike...Incredibly light, nothing in this price range even comes close to what you get for this motobecane. I also really like the basic, simple, classic geometry on this hardtail...
Weaknesses:
the brake pads did move, as I had read about this issue... I stuck with the Kenda tires (even through the mud we've had in Southern Cal this winter) by I agree they don't offer very good traction. They feel great when riding on asfalt though.
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
I'm absolutely in love with this bike. It fits really well and it rides so comfortably I haven't ridden my road bike for 3 months. It's light, fast, and a lot of fun; yet this bike is race ready for those thinking about venturing into the competition level.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Travers
a Cross Country Rider
from Cape Town, South Africa Date Reviewed: September 15, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Tokai
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1150.00
Purchased At:
BikesDirect.com
Strengths:
Good components for price, extremely light weight.
Weaknesses:
Saddle, tires, general assembly.
Bike Setup:
Stock, except for: Michelin Comp S Lite tires, WTB Rocket V Stealth saddle, SRAM Rocket Shorty shifters, Ultegra 11-27 cassette.
Bottom Line:
When considering this bike, factor in a new saddle and a pair of tires into the price.
The stock saddle is a Velo with a channel down the middle. It is very unsupportive and uncomfortable in my opinion. I've replaced it with a WTB Rocket V Stealth, which I'm very happy with.
The stock tires are Kenda Klimax Lite. Light they are (345g each), but they're narrow and offer very little grip. I've put on Michelin Wildgripper Comp S Lite tires, which seem like they offer good grip without ruining the low overall weight of the bike.
Even with the heavier tires, my bike still weighs less than 10kg. As one would expect, the bike is quick on the climbs.
BikesDirect listed the chain for my bike as a KMC Z9000, but it arrived with a Shimano Dura Ace one. No complaints about that.
The price is so low (considering the components) that there must be a catch - and it is this: The bike is not assembled very well. You need to be willing to spend some time (or be willing to pay your LBS to spend the some time) on:
1. Tensioning/truing/dishing the wheels. Mine weren't well built. I suspect that they won't stay true unless you adjust them. My brother's Motebecane Fantom (with almost identical wheels - only the hubs are slightly different) came back from it's first ride with quite badly buckled rims. There was also noticeable spoke "wind-up" in my wheels before I spend a couple of hours sorting them out.
2. Trim the cable housing down to a sensible length. My bike had long loops of unnecessary cable housing that get in the way, look bad and add weight.
3. Fit frame protection stickers. The cables rub through the paint pretty quickly without them. The chain stay protector that comes with the bike is not very effective, so get a "slap sock" to put around the chain stay.
4. Check all screws and bolts for tightness. The brake pads on the Avid brakes come loose pretty easily, as my brother discovered on his first ride on his Motebecane Fantom. The chainring bolts on my crank set seemed a bit loose too.
This bike is a fantastic deal, but be prepared to spend a bit more than what you paid for the bike to get it running smoothly.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew
a Cross Country Rider
from Michigan Date Reviewed: August 23, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Yankee Springs
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1105.00
Purchased At:
bikesdirect.com
Strengths:
This bike is super light, at a little undr 21 pounds. The bike also comes which a great list of components, including a XTR rd, and a SID race front shock.
Weaknesses:
The bike is stocked with very light tires that lack in all traction. The paint job on the bike also scraches very easily.
Bike Setup:
Every thing stock, but my new tires are continental vertical pros.
Bottom Line:
Very sweet bike. rides nice, very light, i would suggest this bike to anyone.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
sulman
a Cross Country Rider
from Alaska Date Reviewed: August 3, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
bikesdirect.com
Strengths:
Light as a feather, fast and comfortable. Good components. Bikesdirect.com is great...I've bought three bikes from them...so far.
Weaknesses:
No complaints. Stock tire not up to severe conditions but are PERFECT for groomed trails.
Bike Setup:
Bone stock with barends, cyclometer and SPD pedals.
Bottom Line:
A great, lightweight hardtail that is up to MOST riders and conditions. I have had absolutely no wheelset problems (knock wood). I weigh 185 and ride in moderate conditions.
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»
$ 1395.00
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
