Mountain Bike Reviews Forum banner
Cancel
Create thread New Forums

Motobecane Hal Boost Team 27.5 Plus

Jump to Latest
21 - 40 of 140 Posts
#21 ·
^Keep in mind this is still a low cost FS trail bike. I don't think Motobecane had huge jumps and downhill racing in mind when they put the package together. They put some really expensive components on here but some things are going to be low end, there is just no way they could stay at this price point if the whole package was top of the line.

I think you'd be fine but I couldn't really say where the breaking point is.

For what it's worth, my 2014 Motobecane 550ht has survived quite well. Nothing ridiculous but I do a lot of jumps and drops when I ride (I also do some crashing here and there). It was in the realm of $400-$500 when I bought it. I don't know how "good" the wheels are but I can't imagine they're any better than these... I remember the headline for my bike boasting the POS 100mm travel fork as a selling point. Take it for what it is.
 
#22 ·
Yea, I totally get it. And that's why I'm just letting it slide. I may go with a 6 anyway. I like em both. The If I get the boost I'm going all in with the team 12. Otherwise it's the 6 pro. I won't have the money till sometime next week so that's my virtual coin toss. If the boos in small is still available I'll jump down that rabbit hole.

SubieSteve said:
^Keep in mind this is still a low cost FS trail bike. I don't think Motobecane had huge jumps and downhill racing in mind when they put the package together. They put some really expensive components on here but some things are going to be low end, there is just no way they could stay at this price point if the whole package was top of the line.

I think you'd be fine but I couldn't really say where the breaking point is.

For what it's worth, my 2014 Motobecane 550ht has survived quite well. Nothing ridiculous but I do a lot of jumps and drops when I ride (I also do some crashing here and there). It was in the realm of $400-$500 when I bought it. I don't know how "good" the wheels are but I can't imagine they're any better than these... I remember the headline for my bike boasting the POS 100mm travel fork as a selling point. Take it for what it is.
Click to expand...
 
#23 ·
Just ordered the Hal Boost Pro in Matte Black -- small size. I will post pics, a brief review and answer questions once I get it. I ordered this morning and had a tracking number by the afternoon. Arriving on Saturday. So if I get it then, that's only 3 days from ordering to my door in Massachusetts!

This will be my third BD bike. My first two were sacrificial frames that I sold or gave away and moved the components to a new frame. The frames were very nicely made and there was no issue, but one was a hardtail and I moved the components to a full squish Salsa frame. The road bike had odd geometry that didn't work out for me (I'm short) so I switched to a BMC frame. I have 6-7 years on both of those bikes and still ride them regularly. I plan on keeping this frame, however -- as long as it fits!
 
#24 ·
dalehanover said:
The bike arrived yesterday. Took it in to get the tire tubeless and to eun the factory dropper post.
Got it back today and did a short fun ride. So far so good. Gonna be this weekend before * can hit a 15 to 29 mile ride and really start to open her up.
I'll post some photos when * take them
Click to expand...
Did you get out and ride this week? If so, how was the bike?
 
#25 ·
Hi all, I don't want to hijack the thread, my new HAL5 elite is coming in today. I have searched around online and can't seem to find any torque specs. Any suggestions on pivot bolt or any other important torque specs on this bike?
 
Discussion starter · #26 ·
1 Week Summary

Quick Summary!

I've had the bike for a week now and have logged almost 90 miles. It's been fun!

The bike is awesome! Love the 2.8 tires (still trying to dial in the pressure that I like). The frame is sick.

I did add a Fox dropper post and made the tire tubeless. and some composite pedals.

The seat is very comfortable and the XO Eagle drive train is flawless. I was a bit worried that I would have a hard time adjusting to a 1x, especially on the hills, but so far so good!

The bike handles great and climbs like a champ (wish I could climb as good as the bike). Downhill I haven't really pushed it hard yet so still waiting to see. Overall very nice.

A couple things:
1) The bike doesn't come with a remote OneLoc for the forks like the description said. I emailed Bikes Direct and they refunded $50 so great customer service there.
2) The bottom bracket is much lower than I'm used to so I am learning to negotiate tight spots with my pedals horizontal.
3) I wish the handlebars were wider. They have a 700mm stock on their. So my next upgrade will probably be a wider set of bars.

Overall, I'm stoked and I'm already looking forward to my 2 rides this weekend! Great bike so a sweet price!
 
#29 ·
Andysan said:
Hi all, I don't want to hijack the thread, my new HAL5 elite is coming in today. I have searched around online and can't seem to find any torque specs. Any suggestions on pivot bolt or any other important torque specs on this bike?
Click to expand...
Buy a good bikes maintain book. Most torques, in fact all are based on fastener size. So pretty much universal. Any good bike manual will cover that. But any similar style suspension bike will have torques you can safely apply to your bike.
 
#32 ·
mountainbikemax said:
Agreed, most people wont know it's a motobecane which makes the mike soooo much nicer imo

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
:(

"Hello

As it turns out, we don't have any consumer level decals.
They use a special process at the factory and the current decals on the bikes are clear coated.

Thanks and have a great weekend!
Karla"
 
Discussion starter · #33 ·
I don't think it's terribly low. I love the handling and it corners awesome. I am just not used to having a pedal hit so it that tight stuff I'm learning to stay horizontal and back pedal. I needed to work on my track stand and balance anyways. :)
 
#34 ·
Thanks. I'm at a similar point of progression. It's good to hear that the bike is a smile maker. Who says money can't buy happiness hahahaha. Can't wait for this check to get cut. One of the local coaches is holding a custom full carbon xc for my kid and I'm dying to get this hal boost 12 speed. We only have one real bike for 3 riders right now and it blows.

dalehanover said:
I don't think it's terribly low. I love the handling and it corners awesome. I am just not used to having a pedal hit so it that tight stuff I'm learning to stay horizontal and back pedal. I needed to work on my track stand and balance anyways. :)
Click to expand...
 
#35 ·
Hi all, thought I give my input since I benefited a lot from this forum in making my decision. I'm 42 an this is my first mountain bike, I have been riding road for about 7 years but decided to change it up a little, tired of being buzzed by cars on the road and also wanted a change of pace from the road.

I did a lot of research and decided to go with a 27.5+, initially I was going hardtail as I was a beginner and most people recommended a HT to start. But since I live in Massachusetts and the trails around me are very rocky/rooty I decided to go FS.

My budget was limited so I started looking at BD. I though in the end the HAL BOOST met my requirements, it was a big risk for me since I have never bought a bike other than the local LBS. Also the unknown brand to me (Motobecane) was a consideration, also I'm not great at servicing or bike assembly, especially not a mountain bike.

Ordered the bike Sunday and Thursday morning it was in my driveway so buying process and shipping was flawless. The built was easy until it was time to insert the back wheel, I had a little of a hard time there and when completed the gears were completely out of tune, that was disappointing, the bike was unrideable. There is not instruction or assembly manual at all, it comes with a very simple and not relevant manual to this bike. I took it to my LBS who tuned it up and tightened everything up. I would say that unless you are very experienced with bike maintenance/setup you will need to take it to LBS after initial build.

The bike:
HAL BOOST PRO size XL Matte Black (I'm 6'4'', inseam 35").

My experience so far:

I really like the looks, everything is black on it and the logo is matte and not as visible for those who care about that. The bike feels good, plush (again this is my first mtn bike so can't compare). It fits very good. I took it on it's first real ride 8 miles on beginner/intermediate trail and it felt very good. The bike is HEAVY (have not weighted it yet). The traction with the plus tires is amazing. I did have a lot of pedals strikes but this could be attributed to me being a beginner mtn biker. I'm using flat pedals with 175mm cranks. I'm also very glad I went FS and not HT after riding the trails for the first time.

I have a lot to learn but overall I would say it has met my expectations so far and I'm looking forward to many miles on it.

Let me know if you guys have any questions will be glad to answer anything that I can.
 
#36 ·
Hal Boost Arrived - Short Review

Guys,

Got my bike yesterday and took it out for it's maiden voyage. First, the bike arrived nicely packed and I had it built up in less than an hour. Everything was dialed in out of the box and I didn't have to do anything other than set the sag on the shocks and go ride. Nice surprise there.

The bike weighs 31.45 lbs as shipped with no pedals, so in the ballpark for other non-carbon, FS trail bikes. Going tubeless and a lighter saddle should get it under 30lbs pretty easily. Adding a dropper will put a pound back on.

The frame itself is beautiful. Welds are perfect, finish is perfect and I would put it up against ANY alloy frame on the market. Not surprising since it comes from the same factory as practically all of them. Note to small frame buyers with short legs. You may be limited to a 350mm/100mm travel dropper if you go that route. The frames bends sharply under the seat post which limits insertion length to 5 3/4". Not uncommon for small frames.

The bike rides beautifully. Way more plush than my 29er Salsa Big Mama build (which is really more of an XC bike), but still plenty easy to pedal hard and fast. It rolls nicely. I was stunned how well set up it was out of the box. It was plug and play. The instructions are useless and have nothing to do with the actual bike, but if you have built a bike before, it is a piece of cake.

The clutched derailleur was a revelation for me. My previous bike is 7 years old and pre-dated that technology. To be able to ride through the woods on rocks and roots with a silent drivetrain and no chain slap is just amazing. I am sure most of you are already there, but wow. The SRAM 1X12 is awesome, but Jesus, that big ring is like a frisbee!! The freewheel is on the noisy side.

Finally, there has been some discussion about the Maxxis Rekon+ actual widths. On these i29 rims, the actual width at 20lbs pressure is 2.6", not 2.8". Fine by me since I was a little worried about the fat tires and compared to the 2.1 on my XC bike, they feel like fatties!

Anyway, happy to answer any questions, but I would rate this one yet another great experience from BikesDirect.
 
21 - 40 of 140 Posts
About this Discussion
139 Replies
51 Participants
Last post:
Mk3Rider
Mountain Bike Reviews Forum
posts
16M
members
535K
Since
1990
A forum community dedicated to Mountain Bike owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about bike parts, components, deals, performance, modifications, classifieds, trails, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
General Discussion Downhill - Freeride California - Norcal Shocks and Suspension Passion