Manufacturer, Retailer, Survey and Consumer Feedback - The Joys of Bicycle Marketing

This is my first post on BikeForums and I send greetings to my fellow cycling enthusiasts.

Back in 1975, I took my IRS refund and bought a Motobecane Grand Record at my LBS. The price was $422.75 and at the time, it was the best bike in that particular store. I knew nothing about bikes other than I wanted a good one that I could brag about a little on the side.

I rode that bike for 20 years (1995) then got out of biking until 2000. Naturally when I decided to get back into it, I went looking for a new Motobecane and was told by the bike shop people that Motobecane had fallen off the pedestal and was no longer sold in the USA. That the Japanese had surpassed the quality of European manufacturers. Not knowing any different, I ended up buying a Cannondale T800 which I still own and ride.

Now I'm looking for a road bike and on a whim decided to Google "Motobecane". One thing led to another and I soon found myself looking in awe at all the Motobecane bikes at BikesDirect. For a few fleeting days I was able to believe that my beloved Motobecane company had made a comeback! Now I've joined this site only to learn that Motobecane only exists as a sticker on a frame (as do many others).

Wonderful world it is that we live in.

I suppose I can put that aside and consider that even though it really isn't a Motobecane, I could still be getting high end components on a decent frame. I mean, in the end it's the bicycle you're riding...not the name...and if the components are quality then you have what you really want if you're looking for quality. I also suppose this would all work out just fine so long as nothing goes wrong with the original purchase. Some of the threads on this site are a little scary. I may end up going to my LBS and getting a Specialized. Until today I had my heart set on a Motobecane Immortal Spirit or Le Champion TI.

Bummer

Well after spending the day browsing threads here and on other cycle forums, I think I feel a little better about my learning experience. I'm still a little depressed that the Motobecane company I knew is long gone but I guess that's just nostalgia kicking in.

I think what drives a lot the the debates and discussions about bikes and bike parts is that we all would like to get the very best in the long run and there are lots of opinions on how to do that. For me, getting a good set of components for a reasonable price is the most important. It's a good starting point if nothing else. Most of the bike reviews I've read about the Motobecane Immortal Spirit are very positive for the bike and Bikes Direct.

Another thing that's important is that not everyone comments here about their experiences, especially if they are positive. It's more likely you will hear about the bad, so I temper what I read with the notion that there are a lot more positives than meets the eye.

Why don't you just ask yourself if the bike in question is what you want, regardless of the stickers on the frame?

Like most of the advertisers on this site (well, actual bike-related ones :rolleyes: ) Mike will make sure that you are satisfied with your purchase. If after-purchase care is more important, than you should look to your LBS, even though you will probably pay more for the same quality frame and components.

Thanks Brian. I think what has happened for me is having a bad experience. I used to own a real Motobecane made by the company back in the 70's. I did not know the company went bankrupt and the brand name was bought and is now just a decal.

I had already seen the ads for the Immortal Spirit and was excited at the prospect of getting a new, modern Motobecane. Then I came to this forum and learned the real story. I feel deceived as I bet a lot of other people have. Sure you can make the argument that this is going on with all the brands but does that make it a good thing? When something rubs you the wrong way at a gut level it's usually for a reason.

This all started when I went to the Motobecane USA website and filled in their dealer locator applet. I received an email telling me there was no dealer within 100 miles of my zip code and to go to Bikes Direct or SportyMama. The email implies there are dealers beyond 100 miles of my zip code. The truth is there are no Motobecane dealers anywhere. It's a bait and switch ploy. Totally dishonest.

Mike could probably arrange to sell through actual stores. Of course, the bikes would end up costing more, due to shipping and another dealer's markup...

I agree, there seems to be some shady marketing ploys. The inflated MSRP is my personal favorite. That being said I have bought 2 bikes from BD. The first was a hybrid for my wife to ride after she was recovering from the birth of our oldest, even at $400 the quality was suspect and I sold it on craigslist for $200 once she was done with it. The second was an Ultegra equiped road bike which I used to upgrade my wifes Tiagra group on her Trek. I took the shifters, crank, deraileurs, chain, bottom bracket and sold the rest on ebay. After all was said and done I ended up saving over $300.

IMO DO buy from BD if you;
- are not in a hurry for the bike
- can do your own wrench work
- are on a super tight budget and only have x amount of money to spend
- hate bike shops

IMO DONT buy from BD if you;
- need lots of support (ie; fitting, tune ups, adjustments, ect)
- need a bike that you can ride today
- are worried about the name on the bike or what your riding buddies are going to say

Again, just my opinions and experiences, your's will vary.