Great Lakes - Getting itchy to get a new bike

This darn computer is costing me money. If I did not have access to the internet then I would have no desire to get a new bike. My Flyte SR2 has good components, fits great and rides nice. However, I somehow found the link to BD website and they now have Ti bikes. I missed the holiday group buy at really low prices but the current price of a ti bike with decent components at the low price of 1699 is hard to keep turning down. This bike is calling my name. The 53CM will be a great fit, comes with a compact crank and it is a compact design. I have no problems buying from BD.
Another option is to go steel but I like the weight of this bike and the price with group is hard to beat.
One possible option is the Kona Kapu lugged steel but it is not a compact and I really like the fit of a compact frame.
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/lechamp_ti_09.htm
http://www.konaworld.com/08_kapu_w.htm

Any thoughts on these bikes? Not looking to start yet another BD debate so lets try to keep it about the bikes please.
Thanks
Kenal0

Get it! Get the Ti bike!

I had Ti on the brain last week, too, and was checking out the BD Ti roadie and checking out Habanero's site (http://www.habcycles.com), as well.

I have looked a the Hab as well, it is just the geometry that messes me up. I really like the compact.
I have been at the checkout 3 times with the BD but just never closed the deal. I can swap the cane creek brakes with the ultegra on my SR2 an a few other parts and have a sweet ride. I am waiting for Psimet to chime in here as well.
+1 for the ti.

Kenal0

You may need to be patient. Psimet's out of town this weekend.

Hey, when we going to see you out on a ride, anyway? You missed the perfect weather last weekend at the Udder Century for a 60, 75 or 100 miler.

I read every one of the ride reports. We sold our family business in January so I now have a boss.
It has been crazy at work. Report after report followed by numerous conference calls to make a decision that I used to be able to make on my own in about 10 minutes. Corporate America, gotta love it.
I got my 11 year old son one of the Trek KDR 1000's for his birthday so I have been going on some shorter 10-15 mile rides with him. He thinks he rides in the front for safety. He has no clue I am just looking for a wheel. I will make it out to some rides coming up here, maybe on a new Ti bike soon.
That back to back looked awesome!
Kenal0

I've been on my Habanero since January and love it. The BD Ti Motos looked good but I wanted a non integrated head set. Habaneros service was outstanding and once my wife will let me I will get a custom cross frame from them. Here is my current ride not pictured with current red Conti GP 4000s, and a slightly lowered stem angle.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2419/2224601712_59b1115cb8.jpg

How do you like the ride of the Titanium? What were you previously riding?


Kenal0

This darn computer is costing me money. If I did not have access to the internet then I would have no desire to get a new bike. My Flyte SR2 has good components, fits great and rides nice. However, I somehow found the link to BD website and they now have Ti bikes. I missed the holiday group buy at really low prices but the current price of a ti bike with decent components at the low price of 1699 is hard to keep turning down. This bike is calling my name. The 53CM will be a great fit, comes with a compact crank and it is a compact design. I have no problems buying from BD.
Another option is to go steel but I like the weight of this bike and the price with group is hard to beat.
One possible option is the Kona Kapu lugged steel but it is not a compact and I really like the fit of a compact frame.
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/lechamp_ti_09.htm
http://www.konaworld.com/08_kapu_w.htm

Any thoughts on these bikes? Not looking to start yet another BD debate so lets try to keep it about the bikes please.
Thanks
Kenal0

I have looked at that BD bike myself! I think it would be awesome. I, too, like the compact design. I bet you'd love it!

If you like it, you should get it!

Hope to see you soon at a ride!! Crystal

How do you like the ride of the Titanium? What were you previously riding?

Kenal0

I was riding an aluminum frame before this and the ride is much smoother. I was running 25c tires at 90-95psi and am now on 23s at 110-120psi and the ride is still better. The frame is stiffer in the bottom bracket area the chain no longer hits the derailleur when hammering in the big ring, same crank and bottom bracket. The main reason I went with Ti was a fear of carbon being to easily damaged. I went to look at a Specialized Roubaix Expert and when I saw the damage a jumped chain had done near the bottom bracket I knew I would not be comfortable owning a carbon frame.

If you want to see a Habanero in person I live near the HHH start, I'm not riding but should be around. Yellow Jersey in Madison stocks them but I went direct from Habanero.

I like the moto. geo and price look good. Stick with the Ti. That kona is nice, but ....try ti.

Keep in mind that Shimano and Campy are coming out with a lot of changeups this year/next year and people will be looking to dump some of this year's DA and possibly non-SL Ultegra. That can greatly help you piece part out any upgrades you might want.

DA calipers were going to $140 +10% off the other day at PBK.

Thanks guys, trigger is being pulled.
Kenal0

so, which one? did you fully pull the trigger yet?

I have to admit that is a tough choice, is there an option of buying both? ;)

The BD Ti had too much in my favor. I read that the Kona steel was pretty heavy and as much as I want to improve the ride, I did not want to give up too much weight. It would be a blow to my ego to go from my blistering average of 17mph and drop down in the 16's.
Ti had good sizing for me, compact crank, good price, and of course the material so the 4th time of having it in the cart and the full go ahead from my wife, I hit the "buy" button.

Kenal0

Sweet. My size too....I assume you'll let me perform a test ride sometime?:D

It shows as scheduled deliver 6/12/2008. That would be Thursday. Psimet, what time will you be at my house for your test tide?

Kenal0

New bike should be here tomorrow. Picked up some Speedplay pedals to through on and I should be good.
I might switch the handlebars over the weekend and I can switch the Cane Creek brakes for my Ultegra if I
find the need. Motobecane decals should come off with a heat gun so I have read.

Kenal0

It shows as scheduled deliver 6/12/2008. That would be Thursday. Psimet, what time will you be at my house for your test tide?

Kenal0

Little do you know that I actually had it rerouted to my office. I'll let you know what I think. If you don't hear anything you can assume I like it.

Give me your address and I will send you the new Speedplay zeros I have waiting here at the house.
I am aware that you are a big Speedplay fan.


Kenal0

Definitely.

UPS screwed up and delivered the bike to my house Psimet. Sorry. I will just finished assembling and I am out for a shakedown ride. If you do not here back then assume I like it.
Kenal0

Be sure to post a BIG photo. 800 x 600 pixels at least! :D

Nice, congrats, and yeah don't forget the pic please ;)

Here are a few photos. I forgot if lead pedal goes up or down. Garage door needs painting. I did remove saddle bag and disco wheel (Psimet hates them). I originally thought I would change the handlebars and brakes from my Flyte but after riding, I like it the way it is and I think the brakes while a little soft will benefit from some Kool Stop Salmon pads.
My Flyte was my first real bike so this is a major step up in ride. I thought when I first took out the new bike that the air was low in the tires. After verifying this was not the case, I then realized it was the ride that just feels nicer. Of course the Brooks saddle and carbon seatpost add the plushness normally only found in a Cadillac.
I have been lusting over ti bikes for a while. The Carbon just does not have the same appeal to me. I was close to the Habanero but just could not get around to doing it. This was too good a deal to pass up.
I could not justify at this time in my life the 3-4K name brand ti bikes, but this fit the bill nicely.



73727
Traditional Garage door shot

73728
Another garage door shot just a little more artistic with the angle

73729
Drivetrain, nice, clean and quiet.

73730

And of course the badge. Motobecane is steeped in tradition. I believe this was the exact Titanium bike that won the 1924 Tour De France. Hand Crafted in some 90 year old mans garage in France. As a matter of fact it was the same guy that built the bike in 1924 and my bike.

Kenal0

And of course the badge. Motobecane is steeped in tradition. I believe this was the exact Titanium bike that won the 1924 Tour De France. Hand Crafted in some 90 year old mans garage in France. As a matter of fact it was the same guy that built the bike in 1924 and my bike.

:lol:


Thanks for pics!

Have fun at the HHH. I wish I were more on top of this forum in the winter. I would have tried to get in.
Weather should be nice.
Kenal0

Nice Bike!!! Hip is looking to get a new bike. Now I want a new bike, wait, never mind. Kenal0 with that compact the Dairyland Dare should be no problem this year.

NIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIICE. Must respect the Ti.....;)

Nice, congrats, :thumb: I love the badge also

Gosh, I want one NOW :cry: :cry:

Nice Bike!!! Hip is looking to get a new bike. Now I want a new bike, wait, never mind. Kenal0 with that compact the Dairyland Dare should be no problem this year.

Good point. I can feel my legs burning just thinking about that ride.
Kenal0