Road Cycling - Motobecane Immortal Force

The Black frames are not completely nude! They are painted black around all joints and fade to carbon and then back to painted black. Looks allot like Fuji's Carbon frames from last year. I ordered a white one last week, the white has a cool purl coat over the paint and looks very nice.

I also ordered the white...I literally went back and forth for days but trusted Shawnj73 since he saw them up close and also saw bayareawheeler's pix of his..shawnj73 have you recieved yours yet? Where do they ship from? Are you aware if the Ritchey Protocols are 06 models or 05 reconditioned recalls?

That noise you hear is the gnashing of teeth, somewhere in Houston... :p


yeah I'm sure Alan is steaming...He actually tried to disuade us, but in the end his political rants brought more notice to this incredible deal...I noticed

Well yes, I did order my digital camera over the net sight unseen. It says Pentax on the box and camera and says "made in China". I used amex membership miles points. Does that make me a shill for amex? I have taken some low res pix and am trying to post them. If you want more detail or a specific shot email me and i'll see what i can do. Cheers,

more pix

Looks great. Have had a chance to ride it?

Well yes, I did order my digital camera over the net sight unseen. It says Pentax on the box and camera and says "made in China". I used amex membership miles points. Does that make me a shill for amex? I have taken some low res pix and am trying to post them. If you want more detail or a specific shot email me and i'll see what i can do. Cheers,
Rubin,

I have a question about frame size. When I look at these pictures and I see the difference from saddle height to handlebar level, I would say that frame is too small unless you needed a really short top tube. Can you tell me how it fits, and what size frame it is? The black to nude to black sure looks nice and despite fmw's affection for the Pedal Force I actually like the looks of this frame better since it looks like it has traditional geometry and no sloping top tube. A picture directly from the side would be nice.

Where do they ship from? Are you aware if the Ritchey Protocols are 06 models or 05 reconditioned recalls?

I am a very Tall guy, so I had to get a 62cm frame, Bikedirect and Cycle Spectrum have warehouses in certain locations. I know that there are warehouses in Phoenix, and in Florida, and in other locations. Needless to say, the Phoenix warehouse did not have my size in white, so they ordered it from the Florida warehouse. I had to put a few hun down to get the bike here. Now the bike is setting in the bikedirect store in Phoenix, but I am waiting for Uncle Sam to return some money that he took form me last year. :mad: I should pick it up sometime this week. :D

I asked the guy at the shop today if the wheels were 05 or 06, and he was going to check on it for me? The catalog that they had for the bike said 06, but that does not mean much.

it's 56 and truth be told i probably should have gone up a size. but i am 52 and shrinking and concerned about standover height. i will try and tak a pic from the side view sunday and send it. perhaps i will sell it and go up a size.

it's 56 and truth be told i probably should have gone up a size. but i am 52 and shrinking and concerned about standover height. i will try and tak a pic from the side view sunday and send it. perhaps i will sell it and go up a size.

Thanks Rubin, despite what my wife says, I don't think you can own too many bikes. My collection is small, a Diamondback Ascent, Klein Quantum Dura-Ace, A new TST Titanium Ultegra, and a Cannondale RT-1000 Tandem. I never ride the Diamondback, I just don't like riding offroad, or getting dirty. The Klein was my first real love affair with a bike, built while Gary Klein was still touching his bikes and he was in Washington state. The TST was built solely for comfort and centuries. The tandem is a tandem, what more can you say. An Immortal Force would be a good addition for those fast club rides.

My 59cm Force is on the UPS truck and left Dallas at 4:27 am this morning on it's way here to sunny San Jose, CA....It was 75 and gourgeous here today....I swam 3400 and rode 40 with the tri-team, but all I could think about was next weekend...My Klien Quantum II is a 62 and way to big (picked it up a few years back for cheap as a training bike) ....Rubin2, after seeing your pix of the black, I'm having a bit of buyers remorse on the white one, but I'm sure when it shows up that will melt away...Bike scheduled to arrive on 2/16....I'm chomping at the bit!!! I'll make sure to update with photos when it arrives!!!

L8

To those of you who have been waiting for a decent review of the Immortal Force, Bay Area Wheeler finally got out for a 75 miler and posted a full review....I can no longer handle the wait....My other two bikes just don't look the same anymore...Thursday could not be here fast enough

My 59cm Force is on the UPS truck and left Dallas at 4:27 am this morning on it's way here to sunny San Jose, CA....It was 75 and gourgeous here today....I swam 3400 and rode 40 with the tri-team, but all I could think about was next weekend...My Klien Quantum II is a 62 and way to big (picked it up a few years back for cheap as a training bike) ....Rubin2, after seeing your pix of the black, I'm having a bit of buyers remorse on the white one, but I'm sure when it shows up that will melt away...Bike scheduled to arrive on 2/16....I'm chomping at the bit!!! I'll make sure to update with photos when it arrives!!!

L8

Well, It finally arrived yesterday...My wife called and said UPS had delivered it, so I rushed home from work...God was I flying! I opened the box to take a peek, and to my horror, they had shipped the wrong color...The label said white, but whoever shipped it did not pay attention to the box which clearly said Black 59....After much venting I emailed Bikes Direct 3 times and faxed them to tell them to call me ASAP....Nothing yesterday, but this morning at 6:15 they called twice....I was in the pool, so I emailed them when I got home and they called back in 10 minutes....He said he would ship me out a white one when they got conformation that UPS had picked up the black one, or I could keep the black one and he would credit me $100....As I thought for a moment I realized that The Black was very sexy and without the red wheels and grip tape, it would be very sleek....I could also ride this weekend instead of waiting another 10 days.....So I told him I would keep it if He sent me a Double wireless Cateye and credited me 100...He said he'd send a micro wireless and credit 80...I said the double and 50...We settled on the double and 25$ credit....The computer is sweet and retails for 165 so I was happy and besides if you read my last post I was having buyers remorse on the white one afterall...I promptly then loaded the box in the car and took it to my LBS to build and fit for me......They are going to charge $125, because they say it is a major tune up....Even if it is pre-assembled 90% they figure they will check everything and true the wheels and all....I said OK, because they would have it back to me by tommorow, but as I left I felt a bit ripped off....I'd do it myself, but I do not have the tools, time, or experience....Does this sound like a rip-off? I am going to get 15% off because of who referred me, but still over 100 to put the handle bars, seat and tweak some minor things seems high......Tommorow I get fitted and pick it up so I'll follow up then with pictures......

Depending on the shop and your status as a customer, you may have been overcharged bit, but everything is relative. You're getting it turned around in one day which has value, and if they truly recheck the whole build and the wheels need adjusting, you probably did just fine. At this point, don't let it bug you, just get out, ride and enjoy, after which you need to tell us all about the first ride.

My shop charges about the same for a major tune up. You might make sure for that price they do everything - right down to pull the cranks and bottom bracket - to make sure its all assembled properly.

Does this sound like a rip-off? I am going to get 15% off because of who referred me, but still over 100 to put the handle bars, seat and tweak some minor things seems high......Tommorow I get fitted and pick it up so I'll follow up then with pictures......

$100 is high if that is all they are doing. If they're including a pro fitting (adjusting cleats, saddle position, stem height/length), then it isn't too bad. I suspect that your shop doesn't really like working on mail order bikes. Maybe they don't trust the factory and have added time for fixing factory mistakes.

just as a point of reference my LBS charged me $35 to put together my MB SL from bikesdirect last year.. they trued the wheels, but did not pull the cranks or the headset. So for a "major tune up" cost they better be pulling all the parts they normally would for that service.

edit: in fact that was the cost that 3 or 4 LBS's quoted me for what they all called a "pro build",, or where the bike is mostly assembled upon arrival.

Thanks for the input...In fact shortly after I posted i called the shop and spoke to the guy who owns it...My Triathlon coach and him are bros, so he told me the price included a complete dissasembly, wheel truing, fitting, etc....so I feel a ton better....I'll pick it up tommorow, but I'm not sure I'll get out....It's pouring hear in the Bay Area of SF and the foothills have snow....Not the conditions I want for my first ride on this beauty...Stay tuned, I will post pics

...Stay tuned, I will post pics

Standing by...

Thanks for the input...In fact shortly after I posted i called the shop and spoke to the guy who owns it...My Triathlon coach and him are bros, so he told me the price included a complete dissasembly, wheel truing, fitting, etc....so I feel a ton better....I'll pick it up tommorow, but I'm not sure I'll get out....It's pouring hear in the Bay Area of SF and the foothills have snow....Not the conditions I want for my first ride on this beauty...Stay tuned, I will post pics
Yea if they are in fact tearing in down then that price is fair. Can't wait to see some photos.

Ok...While watching the little one as Mom went to Yoga, I finally got the call that the Moto was ready...I charged down there when Mom raced home and got fit....Awesome service...These guys spent an hour fitting me just right! For a full rebuild and pro-fit , the $106 was well worth it! OK, so now as I leave...It begins to rain...so I must postpone the test ride....When I get home there is a break, so I take it out for a 10 minute spin......Wow!!! She is fast and light!(16.83 lbs to be exact...with carbon speed play pedals...we weighed in the shop) Great response, seems to be stiff and sturdy....I am 6'2" and weigh 200....After a litle warm up and checking all the components, I put her through a series of sprints and she didn't hesitate in the least....In fact she wanted more, but I had to get home as wifey was going grocery shopping and it was cold and beggining to rain again....The sun came out later as the baby slept, so I took some pix, but couldn't get back out(Although if it was kosher to ride while carrying a 6 mo old in a baby bjorn, I might have tried.....I can't wait to get her on the road again...Might try for 30-50 tommorow depending on what I can negotiate with the better half and the weather.....I am very pleased with this bike so far....The guys at The LBS loved it and were hiding it from their customers....They said after tearing her apart and rebuilding her, that 1895 was an awesome deal.....

Until tommorow

Great to hear that you feel you received a good value from your LBS and it sure sounds like you did so, especially with an hour long fitting. Is it possible for you to post a larger picture(s)? Maybe you could do so when you post your ride report!

it only lets me upload up to 100k, so if anyone has a little guidance, the pix will improve

it only lets me upload up to 100k, so if anyone has a little guidance, the pix will improve

What you need to do is sign up for a free image hosting service, PBase, Photobucket, etc. This will allow you to post a bigger image. Then you add the image link to the messsage and specify the site and image file as a url. this will imbed the bigger picture in the message instead of a 100K attachment. I use Photobucket, it will generate the code to do a clickable thumbnail so the image is small in the message but when you click on it it will display a high resolution image, like the picture below. Although the image appears small, you can click on it and it will open the bigger image located on PhotoBucket:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v647/bhmmrtn/Bicycles/Henrietta/th_DSCN2358.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v647/bhmmrtn/Bicycles/Henrietta/DSCN2358.jpg)

....I am very pleased with this bike so far....
you should be - that's a great looking bike, and a terrific deal imo...

that velo titanium saddle is the same that came with my le champ team... so far the best fitting saddle i've had.... if either you or rubin2u decide to swap it out let me know and i'll make you an offer....

Bobsthedog, I finally road mine today. I was so excited to finally get to ride it. I only put about 35 miles on it, do not know exact miles, because I have not transferred the bike computer yet. Very nice ride just what I was looking for. plush, stiff, and fast. This is my first carbon bike, and man I did not know that a road bike could be so smooth. It climbs very nice; even with my legs pushing. I really enjoyed the bike today, and look forward to a little longer ride tomorrow. I will post pictures in the next couple of days.

Shawn....Sorry I missed you while you were in town, Had the force ready to roll, but got tied up at work....Man that must have been fun working the Cali Tour...I road 50 today and I know what you mean...I had to keep checking my tires because they felt flat...This is also my first carbon bike and the difference is astounding...Normally my hands would be buzzing after this ride, but the Immortal Force felt like Butter....Stiff on the climbs and lightning fast on the descents....I'm stoked...Everyone on my ride made comments about how nice she looked....I hope to post a full ride report soon with better pix, but I don't have time today and want to do it right...Like bayareawheeler did....One gripe though...The seat must be in the wrong position, because 18-20 in I lost complete feeling in the wedding tackle...I hate that...Didn't want to get dropped, so I pushed through it, but man it sucks when your feeling good and something goes numb....it's a major distraction...I've always had this problem though and have spent thousands on different seats....It about finding the lesser evil....Anyone got a good seat suggestion...I'm almost ready to take the gel seat off my wifes mtn bike and try it....

Look fwd to your pix....

... flip it

Here is a link to the Bicycling magazine review

The Immortal Spirit tested and raved about by Bicycling magazine editors who have ridden more bikes than most any of us will ever see.

http://www.motobecane.com/carbonreview.jpg

We answer all emails- only thing is that people's spam filter often makes it seem like we don't.
If you don't get an answer to your email - it could be because:

1) your spam filter caught it
2) you emailed us on the weekend
3) our spam filter caught it
4) we accidentally deleted it as we are only human (you know you have done the same)

at any rate- if you email us and we don't respond in 24 hours, send us another email with your phone number and a time to call and we'll call you and gladly answer your questions and hopefully take your order

keep the rubber side down
:)
Joe
Bikesdirect customer service rep

The Immortal Spirit tested and raved about by Bicycling magazine editors who have ridden more bikes than most any of us will ever see.


We answer all emails- only thing is that people's spam filter often makes it seem like we don't.
If you don't get an answer to your email - it could be because:

And Bicycling magazine has raved about every bike they have ever ridden. I'm a former bikesdirect.com customer and I can say unequivocably that you don't answer all emails even when emailed repeatedly by someone that doesn't use a spam filter. That, coupled with your reluctance to provide a phone number is what made me a former customer instead of a continuing one. Sorry, people should hear both sides.

yeah and that article is from 2004 and this dude has posted on several other old bikesdirect threads. give us a break. later.

Hey Joe-

If I don't tell everyone about the sale on the BLACK ONE (http://www.bikesdirect.com/march10daysale/) for $1595 until March 10th, can you keep it open for me until later this year when I'm ready to buy?? ;) :p

shawnj73,

I just jumped on the deal posted by bike lover. So now I too have an Immortal Force coming my way. Not that I needed another bike. It was just too tempting.

...I can say unequivocably that you don't answer all emails even when emailed repeatedly by someone that doesn't use a spam filter. That, coupled with your reluctance to provide a phone number is what made me a former customer instead of a continuing one. Sorry, people should hear both sides.
+1 (except the part about not being a 'continuing' customer :rolleyes: )

+1 (except the part about not being a 'continuing' customer :rolleyes: )

hmmmmm, foreshadowing I think?....

hmmmmm, foreshadowing I think?....
more like 'after-the-fact'... :o

$1595 !!!!!!!!!! wow, maybe it doesnt matter that they dont answer emails?? later.

So now I too have an Immortal Force coming my way. Not that I needed another bike. It was just too tempting.

Uh... um... You're welcome?!?!?! I'm also so tempted but right now my Sig Other and I wouldn't ever have babies if I ordered one... :eek:

Ostuni, Are you going to get one? I thought you just picked up a new frame? ;)

Ravenmore, would be jumping on this deal, but he has a sponsor now, and has ride sponsors bikes! darn it! :)

As tempted as I am, I have to leave it alone. Not enough $$$ to go around. Still waiting on my orbea opal:

http://www.orbea-usa.com/smallpic/mag_Opal_orange.jpg

congrats on finally giving into your inner demons Ostuni. :) I'm sure they'll be quite happy now. :) ;)

(can you detect the jealousy in my voice...?)

Ostuni, Are you going to get one? I thought you just picked up a new frame? ;)...
yeah, will be delivered friday....

i don't know what i'm doing or why....

listening to those demons ravenmore knows so well....

that sale price deal was just too good....

and wanted to see how going down a frame size would work.....

addicted to the building/wrenching experience.....

fool with money? (correction: fool with credit)

the pf frame is great and want to keep it, but probably will have to ebay it to fund this recent bout of madness...

congrats on finally giving into your inner demons Ostuni. :) I'm sure they'll be quite happy now. :) ;)...
that's the problem: they don't stay happy for long..... :rolleyes: