Submitted by
abnjedi
a Weekend Warrior
from Clarksville, TN Date Reviewed: August 6, 2009
Favorite Trail:
So far Rotary Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
bikesdirect
Strengths:
Looks like a black beast!The tires can go through mud like a hot knife through butter. The shift indicators are cool. The shipping was fast, had the bike in 3-4 days!
Weaknesses:
Had to trim the seat post to make it fit. Had issues with shifting gears after assembling it. Took it to the local bike shop to get it working, I just didn't feel like dealing with it myself. Since then its great.
Bottom Line:
Heavy, are you crazy man. This bike will take any hill and slap it around and mock it the whole way up, off-road or street. The Rear shock is stiff but for now it will do. Great bike to start with and a great value.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
sbrick
a Cross Country Rider
from Taos, NM, USA Date Reviewed: April 5, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Don't know yet!
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$599.00
Purchased At:
BikesDirect.com
Strengths:
tires, wheels, brakes, frame, drivetrain, looks
Weaknesses:
heavy, short seat post, stiff rear shock
Similar Products Used:
MOS Schwinn mtb 21 spd hard tail
Bike Setup:
stock with neoprene shock boots and chain stay guard.
Bottom Line:
I ordered the bike on a Saturday and received it on the following Thursday via UPS. No damage found. Assembled the bike Thursday night and Friday afternoon. Added a bunch of accessories Saturday and went for my first ride Sat. evening to see if it worked. Made a few fine adjustments to the front derailleur and the brakes. Sunday I took it to the LBS and paid $10.00 for them to fine adjust the rear derailleur and the brakes. The front calliper needed some U-shims under the mounting bolts to align the pads to the rotor. Now everything seems fine. The bike came upgraded to WTB Speeddisc wheels which I was very happy to see. I do not like the WTB SpeedV saddle. It cuts off the circulation in my left inside thigh. I will put my Terry saddle from my Schwinn on it to solve this issue. The cheapest entry level full suspension bike with disc brakes at the LBS was $850 so I think I got a great deal! My bike has almost all the accessories I want for less than the price of the LBS bike and I learned a lot about my bike by assembling it at home. If you are looking for a great entry level full suspension mountain bike with disc brakes I would buy this one if I were you.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
cobrajet390
a Weekend Warrior
from Sparta, NJ USA Date Reviewed: April 3, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Kittatiny Park
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$475.00
Purchased At:
sportymamabike@aol.c
Strengths:
Excellent value !! Shifts smoothly, decent handling and takes quite a punishment. Friends with $$$$ Treks and Kleins are amazed at the price.
Weaknesses:
Like others had to trim seat post for fit. Bike is a bit on the heavy side but hey, thats more calories to burn !
Bike Setup:
Stock except trimmed seat post and Crank Bros pedals.
Bottom Line:
If you've got 2 grand, get the Trek but if your looking for a solid weekend bike to bomb around, that extra $1,500 in in your pocket sure beats the gov't stimulus.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
okiewankanobi
a Cross Country Rider
from norman,ok Date Reviewed: February 13, 2009
Favorite Trail:
lake draper free ride
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
bikesdirect
Strengths:
sturdy frame,great shifting,sharp looking bike
Weaknesses:
heavy,rear shock coil has gotta go
Similar Products Used:
giant trance 4,yukon fx
Bike Setup:
stock so far
Bottom Line:
can't beat the price.paid $50 to the LBS to have the bike completed and tweaked out. they were impressed with the deore xt grouping for the price paid on the bike. a little heavy but not much more than my Trance 4 which i paid twice the amount for.great entry level bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
skibum 517
a Weekend Warrior
from Coldwater, Mich. USA Date Reviewed: December 9, 2008
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$485.00
Purchased At:
bikesdirect, ebay
Strengths:
Bomb proof frame, good brakes, smooth shifting
Weaknesses:
rear shock is way too stiff unless you weigh 500 lbs and make 50 ft drops....
Similar Products Used:
trek, gt
Bike Setup:
mostly stock; RST gila-t6 / KS290, Shimano Deore, Tru ativ x-flow, Promax. upgrades; carbon 2 1/2 inch rise bars, odessey triple traps w/ toe clips, Veleo seat.
Bottom Line:
If you can find a entry level bike for this price BUY IT!!!! this bike is a little on the heavy side but that is probably all the extra money left in your wallet, i regularly make riders of bikes costing two to three times as much envious, take the money saved and toss the 850 lbs rear shock and have fun...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Agentbassboy
a Racer
from Charlotte, NC, US Date Reviewed: December 7, 2008
Favorite Trail:
white water center
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$560.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
Unbeatable frame. sturdy construction. Precise handling. Great bang for the buck
Weaknesses:
rear shock. Im 5'10 and 150, came with a 850lb spring. I changed it to a 400lb spring and it still feels rough. the left crank arm kept coming loose. heavy, but then again, I race.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized, Giant
Bike Setup:
Easton Carbon Monkey-lite bar, LX crank and derailleur, Crank Brothers eggbeaters. Specialized Alias saddle.
Bottom Line:
Great bike for getting into the sport or even venturing into the competitive side. With a little bit of money this bike can really be fast. I've even beaten some guys racing their $2000 carbon XC bikes. If you plan on wanting the best, this is not the bike for you, however if you want a bike that can serve your needs now and eventually be race worthy, this is the bike for you
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ryano2005
a Cross Country Rider
from Rowlett, Texas, USA Date Reviewed: August 5, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Rowlett Creek Reserve
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$480.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
For the price, you cant get any better. My firends are completely surprised that this bike performs as well as it does...and just a touch jealous that they spent $1000 - $2000 on their bikes. Smooth shifting, excellent riding!!
Weaknesses:
The front shocks are a little above entry level, but perform well with my 190 lb body.
Similar Products Used:
XR Comp, Paramount
Bike Setup:
Stock with XT components! Avid Brake upgrade.
Bottom Line:
Do not over look this bike. I had to trim the seat post back a little, but that was it. This thing was ready for the trails. So far it is standing up to any abuse i send its way. Some people complain about the rear shock being to stiff, but that depends on your riding style. This thing climbs like a goat!! I plan to upgrade the shocks in the near future. Bottom line...i'm very happy with my purchase.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
nlane
a Downhiller
from Lompoc California USA Date Reviewed: July 2, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
bikesdirect.com
Strengths:
frame, handlebars, forks
Weaknesses:
pedals(will slice you if you dont have protection)recommend flat pedals and rear shock could have a little more suspension but it works well for dh/dj combinded
Similar Products Used:
Speacialized trickster
Bike Setup:
downhill/dirtjump
Bottom Line:
Worth it, This bike kills the downhill and has handled dirt jumps really well. The components on this bike are above average products and shouldnt be overlooked.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ummer
a Weekend Warrior
from Halifax, NS, Canada Date Reviewed: June 27, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Wentworth
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$595.00
Purchased At:
Bikesdirect
Strengths:
Solid frame construction, great components
Weaknesses:
Heavy
Bike Setup:
100% stock - Deore/XT, Dart 2, KS, Tektro
Bottom Line:
An untouchable deal. Very solid bike. Kind of heavy and not top-of-the-line, but can't think of any reason to go bigger and better unless you're a competitive racer.
Seat post is way too long. Unless you're 6'4" or taller, you'll either need to cut it, buy a shorter one or knock out the rivet in the stay.
Set up was easy and took about an hour but took to LBS because I wasn't familiar with disc brakes. The guys at the LBS were blown away by the price paid.
A real head-turner everywhere I go.
Ordering from Canada with Bikesdirect was a bit of a pain. Had it delivered to a friend in the US which was no problem. However, we had to use his US-issued credit card.
CANADIANS BEFORE YOU ORDER -- be aware that shipping bikes across the border is very expensive. Quotes I received were $300-$500. I ended up waiting a month or so before bringing it home as oversized luggage after a visit.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle, WA, USA Date Reviewed: June 3, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Colonnade, WA
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
Bikes Direct
Strengths:
Extremely well made frame and frame geometry Very quality components (especially for the money) all over Just a GREAT bike
Weaknesses:
Front suspensions are not as responsive as some would like, but for the regular medi-hardcore rider, it's fine
Submitted by
Mike Dufort
a Weekend Warrior
from Fort Lauderdale, FL USA Date Reviewed: April 3, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Everglades
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
This bike is remarkably solid - I don't know what to improve. No squeeks, rattles. No brake rubbing, derailer problems. I'm highly impressed at both how "sexy" it looks and how rock solid it feels.
Weaknesses:
The nice black gloss paint scratches easy, so just take care of it!
Similar Products Used:
GT models, Giant
Bottom Line:
How can you go wrong? For this cost, it's a steal. It easily compares to anything out there at any cost. I DID pay $40 to get it all set up, and it was well worth it. Absolutely no problems.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eugene L
a Weekend Warrior
from Apollo Beach, Florida Date Reviewed: March 20, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Alafya River State Park (Bridges trl)
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$550.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Durability has been the bikes strenght so far. The first time I rode on a trail the bike flew off my bike rack at 70 mph and cartwheeled down the road. The fall tore my seat, bent the handlebars, and scuffed the derailer and pedal. Otherwise, I believe the bike has withstood 2 adventure races and several trips to Alafya River State Park mountain bike trails.
Weaknesses:
The only weakness has been the derailer. I am having problems shifting in both sprockets. however, I believe this is just routine maintenance that I can do at home. Keep in mind I am a between a beginner and a intermediate rider and florida is not much for mountains.
Similar Products Used:
Older Merin bike
Bottom Line:
I would recommend this bike on ebay for the price and the quality. Don't complain about routine maintenance as a company defect. I haven't found any bikes on the market for the prices of motobecane on ebay. Those who should buy this bike are those working on a budget that see themselves upgrading the components as they see fit and can afford to. Those who shouldn't buy the bike are those who have money to buy top of the line bikes and expect perfection.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Starkonian
a Weekend Warrior
from San mateo, CA Date Reviewed: March 10, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Skeggs Point
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Sportymama (ebay)
Strengths:
See bottom line. Biggest bang for the buck out there. I searched all over the internet and found bikes for twice the price with lower garde components.
Weaknesses:
You'll have to swap out the rear spring for a realistic spring rate between 450 to 600lbs. Virtually no product support. Assemble it yourself or pay $75 for the LBS to do it. Stupid seat post tube rivet. Lord only knows if Motobecane will actually be there if a warranty situation arises. You basically trade the hand holding you may or may not get form the LBS for 50% in price, give or take. Packaging was suspect and frame had a scratch but a little black paint took care of that.
Similar Products Used:
First non-department store bike I've bought.
Bike Setup:
Deare/XT gears. Rockshoxs up front and Kind Shock in the back. Velociraptor tires
Bottom Line:
This bike has a rock solid frame. From photos I've seen of other Moto's, none compare to this one's contruction. Note the 2008 has upgraded components. Tektro Aquika brakes are phenominal. Once I adjusted them in, they lock up with ease on dry pavement. Never a squeal or grind and I've ridden in flat out slop. I contaminated the rear pads with oil by mistake and I swapped in the new pads ($13) in 5 minutes. I've done nose bleed 3 mile 1800' elevation decents on rocky single tracks and they never fade. I suspect those who complain about them don't know how to set them up. Frankly, after using these, I would never bother with the expense of hydraulics. The front fork is now a Rock Shox Dart II with rebound, damping AND lockout controls. It's sweet! The rear schock is made by Kind Shock and I think they may be out of business but do/did make a full line of high end shocks. This shock is a coil over with rebound damping and lockout controls. It comes with an 850lb spring and even at my 230lbs it was way too stiff. What the hell were they thinking? The good news is I went onto e-bay and found a replacement 600lb spring for $12! It's perfect now. If you are smaller you may want to look for a spring in the 450lb to 550lb range. A minor anoyance but easily rectified. The gears are deore up front and XT in the back and it shifts spot on every time, 2/3 gears at a time if I so choose. Once again I have to wonder how much is gained by going XTR when this setup works flawlessly every time. I have about 14 rides in so far and it's the rainy season so the trails have been ok to slop and degredation in shifting thus far. LIke other posters the seat post tube has a rivet preventing full insertion. I made the mistake of cutting the seat post before I looked at removing the rivet. As it turns out, I simply pounded on the rivet from the inside of the tube with a heavy duty screwdriver and hammer, alternating from the top, then the bottom, till it loosen up, then I was able to remove it with no damage to the bike. Don't cut the post like I did as I got it wrong and now have to buy a new post. I also bought a stem raiser since I am 6'5" and now the geomtry is much better. The bike weighs in in the low thirties, an acceptable trade off for bomb proof constrution as far as I'm concerned. If you're a beggining single track rider up to a semi agressive weekend warrior looking for a set up that will save you $500 over a comparable bike shop alternative, take a hard look at the DS. It flat our works in real life conditions. If you're an expert who wants super light weight, can live with a more fragile setup and rides at warp 9 on down hills with big air then crack your wallet open signicantly wider and get something else. This bike is not designed for huge drops since the suspension doesn't have enough play for that even the frame could easily take it. I give it a 9 out 10 for bang for the buck rating.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joey Martin
a Racer
from Richmond, VA, USA Date Reviewed: July 20, 2007
Favorite Trail:
any of them
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
The components are good and so are the brakes as well as front shocks.
Weaknesses:
It is very heavy, about 30 pounds. There is quite a bit of resistance while coasting. Where the seat post fits onto the frame is a pip or stop so the seat post won't go past that point. Good so you don't put it too low, but bad if you aren't a giant, im 6'6"! I had to have a few inches taken off of the post to work. The rear shock is extremely stiff, period.
Similar Products Used:
K2 EVO 100 full suspension. Marin Bolonas ridge hardtail.
Bike Setup:
dual
Bottom Line:
If you've never had a full suspension this would be a good bet, its got nice components and great brakes. try to shave 10 pounds off it it somewhere and replace the rear shock.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Narciso Narvais
a Cross Country Rider
from Wichita, KS, USA Date Reviewed: July 14, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Single Track
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$525.00
Purchased At:
Online - Bikes Direct
Strengths:
Very Durable - I am 5'08" and 225lbs, no squeaks, wobbles, or loose bolts. Disc Brakes provide great stopping power. Seat is very comfortable.
Weaknesses:
The Tektro Aquila brakes, very hard to dial in. Have to periodically check them or they will start to rub. The fork and rear shock are both operating at the maximum of their weight limits.
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Tassajara and Raleigh M400.
Bike Setup:
Front for has been changed to a Marzzochi, Time clipless pedals, Sigma wireless cyclocomputer, and Sette seat bag
Bottom Line:
This is a very good bike for the price, outstanding for someone wanting to get into full suspension or disc breaks.
Support from BikesDirect was out standing.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adam
a Weekend Warrior
from Ellington, CT Date Reviewed: July 3, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Soapstone Mountain
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
EBAY
Strengths:
I think I have the 2004 model. It is a very good starter bike. It has its flaws but I am satisfied for the price.
Weaknesses:
The left crank has been getting loose. I have to stop riding every half hour to give the bolt a good tightening. I am 6'2" and I still needed to chop 8" off of the seat post. The bike is also pretty heavy
Similar Products Used:
DiscoMonkey
Bike Setup:
All original except for Shimano clipless pedals
Bottom Line:
A good started bike. If you are interested in starting to mountain bike, I recommend it. The bike is very durable and I have had no other problems besides the crank. My skill level is starting to outgrow this bike and I'm looking to upgrade once I hit the lottery. Idoubt anybody who is dedicated to riding is reading this review b/c they are looking at bikes no less than $1500.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Connor Devine
a Weekend Warrior
from Albany, NY Date Reviewed: May 3, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
ebay/sprtymama
Strengths:
Powerful disk brakes, great front and rear shocks, gears are the greatest.
Weaknesses:
Front shock will not work in cold weather if you ride in cold weather I would not recommend it. Thats all I can think of that is bad about it.
Similar Products Used:
Trek 820
Bike Setup:
Nothing else added.
Bottom Line:
This is my first full suspension bike and man am I lovin it. I bought the 2008 version when she had it for a limited time. I'm 5ft 7 and I bought the large size and it worked out pretty good for me except I had to hack some of the seat post off with a sawza because it was way to high for a 13 year old like me. No biggy though. This is the perfect bike for starters to intermediete riders. Don't go any farther than this bike if you are looking for a great dependable bike that you might have for the rest of your life. I know I'll have it for the rest of my life. If you have any questions on this great bike, contact me at condawg8724@aol.com
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim
a Cross Country Rider
from Roseville Date Reviewed: April 19, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Foresthill loop
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$495.00
Purchased At:
sprtymama
Strengths:
Price, Strong frame, ok componants.
Weaknesses:
Rear shock isn't the best. No lockouts, low end forks. No customer support, and not many local shops carry this brand.
I am a fat rider, 245lbs at 5'11". I bought this bike to see if trail riding was for me. Well, it is! And now I'm upgrading the componants for performance purposes.
I have bashed this bike every way possible, and have have looked for a reason to buy another bike from a "Name Brand." I have not been able to break this bike.
The stock brakes are terrable, the handlebars are too narrow, and the LX derailer and shifter pods leave much to be desired. The low end forks and rear shock lack lockouts, but what do you expect for under $500.
I can take chances and crash without the worry of breaking a name brand, high dollar, bike.
If name brands don't impress you and you don't care about what other people think, get this bike to learn the sport, make your mistakes, then upgrade the broken parts. The frame will take anything you throw at it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Hugh G.
a Weekend Warrior
from SanAnton, TX Date Reviewed: March 14, 2007
Favorite Trail:
still looking
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$447.00
Purchased At:
sprtymama (ebay)
Strengths:
Value. Solid bike with good components. Great service from sprtymama.
Weaknesses:
Bike is a bit heavy.
Similar Products Used:
Zero-suspension Rock Hopper from way back when.
Bike Setup:
Stock, but shimano clipless (424?).
Bottom Line:
Just getting back into mtb'ing...haven't done much biking at all since early 90s (former competitive bmx). Wanted a full-susp bike on the cheap. Got the cheap part, but also got some unexpected quality. The frame is quite stout--my limbs will break/bend before it does. I am quite pleased with the componentry--gears/derailleurs work well and I love the suspension (albeit low-end). The front shocks are now Rock Shox Dart 2. Only thing w/ the suspension is I find myself getting lazy with my lines and letting the bike absorb the bumps Biggest drawback I see is the brakes--they work quite well, but are a pain to dial-in. I tweaked the original front rotor as much as I could before having to cry uncle. Thanks to sprtymama for sending me a new set free. Still, to keep the pads from rubbing, I have the levers backed out so far that I don't get much braking until about halfway into the pull. In the end-I highly recommend this bike to the weekend warrior. Much more than weekend riding, I'd consider upgrading to a lighter bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason Carpenter
a Cross Country Rider
from Ann Arbor Mi USA Date Reviewed: February 19, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Potowatimi Trail
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
sprtymama.com
Strengths:
price, durable frame,wheels, descent brakes
Weaknesses:
A little on the heavy side,but they all are unless you spend $1000ss more.
I've worked in bike shops as a bike mechanic, and have seen and ridden a lot of bikes, and for a single pivot rear suspension bike, there isn't many that can touch it for the price, I bought this bike for my wife and she loves it. As far as some people complaining about the brakes dragging, it sounds like the brakes were changed from the promax disks to the tektro disks ( which is on her bike) the pro max brakes aren't as good as the tektro's in sher stopping power ( thats why I upgraded mine to avid bb7's (killer brakes by the way) you also have to have them adjusted properly. Plus with the cheaper fork you get a lot of flex when cornering hard causing the brakes to drag. Her bike also has a j2 fork, not the RST. Over all I would recommend to anyone not looking to get big air, but loves crosscountry riding!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Erik
a Weekend Warrior
from Anaheim, CA. USA Date Reviewed: March 26, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Fullerton loop, Shabarum Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$539.00
Purchased At:
sprtymama.com
Strengths:
Frame is strong and well built. Good disc brakes. Shimano Deore components.
Weaknesses:
Judy J2 shock does not support even moderate (2' to 3') drops. Rear shock is not plush enough. The seat can not be lowered past the rivet in the seatpost holder. I might take out the rivet (just make sure the seatpost doesn't fall into the rear shock).
Bike Setup:
Stock except for Marzocchi 130mm Dropoff.
Bottom Line:
This is the perfect bike for anyone getting into mountain biking. You will not find a better deal anywhere, guaranteed! The components on this bike put it in the $800 range for similiar bikes. I am 6'1" and 230 lbs. If this bike can handle me it can handle anyone.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
The Bat Dude Dude
a Weekend Warrior
from Carrollton, TX USA Date Reviewed: February 20, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Any DORBA trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$640.00
Purchased At:
Cycle Spectrum
Strengths:
Nice rims and tires. Frame seems ok. Overall nice bike
Weaknesses:
The pedals and it's a bit on the heavy side. Had some problems with the front disc breaks.
Similar Products Used:
Raleigh
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
I like the bike but would like to lower the seat but it is as low as it gets. I have had problems on the front disc rubbing way to much. The seat is too high also. It's a medium and is a little high for my 5'11" self. The pedals suck BAD and am looking to get something like eggbeaters.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Woodstock, GA USA Date Reviewed: January 2, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Blankets Creek, Berry College
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$540.00
Purchased At:
Sprtymama on Ebay
Strengths:
Price and components for the price! Disc brakes have saved my life more than once. Great tires, strong rims and great saddle. Warranty is lifetime. Don't think I will ever need to use it, the frame seems rock solid.
Weaknesses:
Weight, although not bad after switching the front fork and rear shock out. Rock Shox Judy TT did not suit this mini clydesdale. RST rear not butttery enough for my liking, although my son but it on his bike and loves it.
Similar Products Used:
Giant and Gary Fischer hardtails.
Bike Setup:
Stock from Motobecane except installed Shimano 540 pedals, Cane Creek AD-10 rear air shock, Manitou Super Skareb 130 mm front shock, Shamino 540 clips.
Bottom Line:
For my first FS bike, I am happily suprised. The frame and components are worth well more than I paid for the bike. I had problems with the low end Rock Shox Judy TT fork as it never wanted to take the bike the direction it was pointed. I also found the RST rear shock strong, but not a buttery ride. The new Manitou front and Cane Creek rear have completely changed this ride. The Shamino gears have held up well. I have put over 200 miles of tough trails on this bike and besides regular maintenance, it is perfect. No squeaks or strange vibrations. The rims and tires have performed beyond my wildest dreams and many a time I thought I would have certainly blown a tire and/or trashed a rim on some of the roots and rock gardens in those miles.
My friends all tired to talk me into spending $1000's more on a big name bike, but this one keeps up just fine. I would love to find a shop with some of the Motobecane high end lightweight FS bikes. The value is unbeatable.
A must buy for anyone looking at a first time FS bike or for your wife or older child, or someone just cheap like me.
I am 6'0" and 205 and the large has held up very well. Keep the gears and rear derailler clean and oiled and it rides very smooth!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
J Bergford
a Weekend Warrior
from Phoenix, AZ Date Reviewed: May 6, 2005
Favorite Trail:
The Last One
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
cycle spectrum
Strengths:
Fork(RockShox Judy TT), Deore components
Weaknesses:
Somewhat Heavy
Similar Products Used:
Specialized, Trek, Giant
Bike Setup:
Stock (for now)
Bottom Line:
This is a great entry level FS ride. Beginners will not outgrow it's capabilities too quickly and Weekend Warriors can ride it forever. You can find better FS bikes out there, but for price (under $1000US) you can't go wrong with this one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Miami Date Reviewed: April 6, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$540.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
I was sceptible at first buying this bike online, but in the end was glad i did. Walking through the local bike shop i could not find a single full suspension bike with equal components anywhere close to what I paid (under $600)Big nobby velociraptor tires and decent travel on both ends are allowing me to tackle some terrain i wouldn't have bothered with on my old hard tail. Under thirty pounds.
Weaknesses:
I have had some problems getting good stopping power out of the promax disc brakes but thats probably my error or lack of breaking in time.
Similar Products Used:
Kona Nunu
Bike Setup:
Deore derailers, Judy TT fork, RST rear spring with repound adjustment, Lots of WTB components.
Bottom Line:
I'm sure i could have found a better bike out there but it would have cost me twice as much. This bike will take anything the weekend warrior is going to throw at it. If your intersted check Ebay.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Benjamin A
a Weekend Warrior
from Castro Valley, CA, USA Date Reviewed: September 8, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
i've never had a full suspension bike before, and i consider my self a weekend warrior, but i do put my bike int a lot of hard work, fast downhills, and those brakes have a lot of stopping power, the pads have lasted (there still the stock) the saddle is confortable since day one, front shocks are good,not pro. has not given me any problem at all.
Weaknesses:
the rear suspension is the old type, but you only have to adjust it until you find the right balance.
Similar Products Used:
specialized hardrock pro, giant (forgot the name)
Bottom Line:
i could bought a great front suspension bike or a not so bad full suspension bike for the same price, i'm glad i bought this one for my first full suspension bike. and yes my next bike would be a good full suspension, non starter bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott Alldridge
a Weekend Warrior
from Fairfield, Ca. USA Date Reviewed: June 27, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Single track
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
On Ebay
Strengths:
Great workmanship, durable and rugged. This bike is a pleasure to ride and I put it through some serious riding trails like down hill boulder and root covered single track trails and it begs for more! The ergonomics are great and it absorbs the trashing, the disc breaks stop on a dime. What could one expect from a company thats been building bikes for over one century.
Weaknesses:
None, other then the typical maintanence any hard core mountain biker should perform on their bike.
Similar Products Used:
Trek MTB
Bike Setup:
Stock with the exception of after market handle bars and toe clips. Yes I did say toe clips, I can't bring myself around to trying the new age pedals and sissy La La shoes!
Bottom Line:
A quality well made bike that can take me there and back with the rest of the competion out there.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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