Mountain Biking - The 2009 Motobecane Fly Team Titanium ... has arrived!

Got home and my wife told me that a large box is waiting for me in the garage. Woo hoo!

http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/2726/fly1g.jpg
The box. Man. How did they fit a bike in there?

http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/4031/fly2tsh.jpg
Ahh ... so that is how it's done! Hmm ... is everything here?

http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/9872/fly3f.jpg
Yep, it is a MTB all right. But is it the Fly Team?

http://img125.imageshack.us/img125/6877/fly4.jpg
Oh yeah! Hmm ... is it the frame titanium?

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/6708/fly6.jpg
Yep, it sure is!

http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/2861/fly5.jpg
I got a long night ahead of me!

http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/1223/fly7h.jpg
After several hours, a dinner break, and putting my girls to sleep, my bike is 99.9% complete! Swapped the cassette for a pair of XTR 11/34, changed the tires to WTB Velociraptors, got a longer DA/XTR 9sp chain, and added bottle cages and a frame pump.

http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/1915/fly8.jpg
I like it so far!

http://img119.imageshack.us/img119/484/fly9.jpg
One more pic!

I wish I can give a ride report, but I don't have any pedals (being delivered tomorrow ... a set of new Egg Beater SL) and it is really late outside. Once I get the pedals in, I'll share my thoughts. So far, the bike is a beauty and really light in comparison to the 2007 Trek Fuel EX7 I used to own.

Holy crap. You don't skimp on the bike purchases huh? Congratulations on a cool looking bike (for a pretty killer price).

Holy crap. You don't skimp on the bike purchases huh? Congratulations on a cool looking bike (for a pretty killer price).

:thumb:

You only live once pal!

I got a long night ahead of me!

After several hours, a dinner break, and putting my girls to sleep, my bike is 99.9% complete! Swapped the cassette for a pair of XTR 11/34, changed the tires to WTB Velociraptors, got a longer DA/XTR 9sp chain,


:roflmao2::lol::cry::lol::roflmao2:


Nice ride neo...every time I see one, I get a little hungry...my hand hurts...and I pee myself a smidge. ;)

Oh yeah...it needs to go in the 3.0 thread too:thumb:

And how bout a ride report soon!

Nice ride !!!

Yes ride report, in particular I want to know how well it climbs. I've been wanting one of the motobecane ti hardtails for a while now, this doesn't help :)

Can you confirm if the grips are foam or rubber? Also, I know you changed tires and cassette so its to late to do an actual weight comparison compared to what the web claims but could you weigh the bike at some point?

Once the pedals get here today, I'll try to get a ride report as well as the weight in this weekend.

looks good, buddy has the same one and is very pleased with his. And a team mate just got the 29er version on monday.

hey!

congratulations. I was thinking 'bout getting a ride off bikesdirect. I assume that's where this came from? Let me know if everything works okay during your ride.

I'm just skeptical about buying things off the net. If you don't have any problems, perhaps that'll help convince me, eh?

hey!

congratulations. I was thinking 'bout getting a ride off bikesdirect. I assume that's where this came from? Let me know if everything works okay during your ride.

I'm just skeptical about buying things off the net. If you don't have any problems, perhaps that'll help convince me, eh?

I may come off as a shill here, but I have not had any issues with BikesDirect (which is where I got this bike from, yes). Free shipping and no sales tax (as long as you don't live in TX)! The fork alone retails for well over $500, the FSA K-Force Light crank retails for well over $600, and the MTB titanium frame usually retails about $1500 ... and I haven't even mentioned about the cost of the Shimano XTR groupset! The deal was too good to pass up and so far, it's quality! I have to get a ride report in once my Egg Beaters get here and then I can give you guys a fair review.

Going by those prices...my bike should be worth like $4000.:eek:

WTB Velociraptors my favorite set of tires! but you did not get Ti pedals? boo

The Egg Beater SL is only 30 grams heaver per pair than the TI version and only half the cost. I purchased a set from eBay for about $70 and the lowest end TI versions are selling on eBay for $150+.

Nice ride neo, don't bring it to Kansas, Ed will run over it. ........Unless you can outrun him? ( This is where you should challlenge him to a race)?

Very nice. So is the difference between the FLY Ti and the FLY TEAM in the tubing, and that the FLY Ti has straight gauge tubes whereas the FLY TEAM has double butted?

Nice ride neo, don't bring it to Kansas, Ed will run over it. ........Unless you can outrun him? ( This is where you should challlenge him to a race)?

Ed will run me over in circles with the way I am riding that bike now.


Very nice. So is the difference between the FLY Ti and the FLY TEAM in the tubing, and that the FLY Ti has straight gauge tubes whereas the FLY TEAM has double butted?

Thanks. The Fly Ti tubing is Titanium and the Fly Team is Aluminum. Two very different metals. Also the Fly Ti has the FSA K-Force Light crankset and Avid Ultimate disc brakes. The Fly Team has the FSA Carbon Team Issue crankset and Avid Elixer CR disc brakes.

INITIAL RIDE REPORT!

After work and while my girls were in dance class, I took the Fly Ti out for her maiden voyage after mounting the Egg Beaters. I can tell you this, the bike handling is much more nimble and lot less "lethargic" than the old Fuel EX7. I went over tree roots, rocky and sandy roads, grassy hills, off curbs, etc. Shock absorption worked really well though I did go over a big tree root while seated. There I miss having the full suspension of the EX7. That said though, I climbed a small, but steep grassy hill in a park next to my home. I can tell you that the Fly Ti climbed like a goat! It was almost effortless to a point where I felt like I was cheating (then again, I heard HT climb better than FS anyway). Another thing I did notice is the loud "CLANK" of the rear drivetrain as I land from flying off of curbs. I guess this is normal on hardtails because I didn't remember the Fuel EX7 doing that.

Shifting performance was very good. Although not as smooth and buttery as my road bikes, but each shift was confident and reliable. My goal is to stay in the middle ring as often as possible.

Whatever the case, I had a blast with the bike and will be hitting an actual trail possibly this weekend. I still have to weigh it too so stay tuned!

Nice bike. :thumb:

Will this bike be used for freeride or trails or XC or AM?

Confirmed weight = 23.25 lbs.

I purchased the Alpine Digital Scale at Performance today and weighed the Fly Ti. Now this weight includes the new XTR 11/34 cassette, pair of Velociraptor tires, pair of Tacx Tao bottle cages, a Topeak Master Blaster Micro Rocket Carbon pump, and the Egg Beater SL pedals. The size of the bike frame is an 18".

http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/3231/scale1y.jpg

http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/1737/scale2.jpg

looks great...

is there clear-coat over the decals?

-rob

looks great...

is there clear-coat over the decals?

-rob

Thanks. While I did peel off the helmet warning label off the top tube near the stem/head tube, I can't peel off the Motobecane decals on it. I don't know if it is clear-coat, but something is protecting it where I can't just peel it off with my fingernails.

Wow nice bike, enjoy it! :D

I noticed you purchased a Motobecane FLY Team earlier this summer. I am giving serious consideration to buying either the fly or their new 29er coming out in Nov. I am here in the OC and I wonder if you and I might be able to chat about your bike as I want to pull the trigger pretty quickly. It's Sunday night and if you are interested we can exchange numbers. I would be very interested in getting your current thoughts on the bike now that you have had it a few months, and also how your dealings with BD went (they seem like a decent group but I always like to talk with someone to get their lowdown). Also if you have tried a 29er I would like to get your feedback on that too........I just demoed today in Big Bear the Trek/Gary Fishcer 29er ex1009 (sp?) and loved it,

thanks much
garbear:)

I have the Fantom Pro Ti and have put it through the wringer these past two weeks. I am TOTALLY impressed with it. I've taken that sucker everywhere at this point and have beaten the crap out of it. When you get on a long steep climb and fast singletracks, you will feel the difference in geometry and weight. My bike is only a pound heavier than yours (I also have an 18").

The difference is the XTR components, but I'm looking at shaving some weight via some new tires come winter because I just don't trust those wide 2.35 small block 8's to do well in the mud and I think with some 2.1's it will quicken up the steering some.

This is my 3rd Motobecane (the other two is the Outcast 29er and Messenger Fixed Gear) and I have yet to have a real complaint.

So far I have Eggbeater Ti pedals, Truvativ Stylo bars (had them sitting in my garage from another build), red bar ends, Salsa Skewers, and I have a red Omni Racer Ultralight seat post clamp coming to me soon.

Get your fork dialed in. I'm still messing with mine day to day.

http://hphotos-snc1.fbcdn.net/hs165.snc1/6168_1149546471964_1626676832_376855_6803588_n.jpg

http://hphotos-snc1.fbcdn.net/hs185.snc1/6168_1149546391962_1626676832_376853_8015139_n.jpg

http://hphotos-snc1.fbcdn.net/hs185.snc1/6168_1149546351961_1626676832_376852_2591841_n.jpg

I noticed you purchased a Motobecane FLY Team earlier this summer. I am giving serious consideration to buying either the fly or their new 29er coming out in Nov. I am here in the OC and I wonder if you and I might be able to chat about your bike as I want to pull the trigger pretty quickly. It's Sunday night and if you are interested we can exchange numbers. I would be very interested in getting your current thoughts on the bike now that you have had it a few months, and also how your dealings with BD went (they seem like a decent group but I always like to talk with someone to get their lowdown). Also if you have tried a 29er I would like to get your feedback on that too........I just demoed today in Big Bear the Trek/Gary Fishcer 29er ex1009 (sp?) and loved it,

thanks much
garbear:)

I may come off sounding like a shill here, but my dealings with BD has been very positive. They shipped the bike to me in a timely manner and so far, what I ordered online is exactly what I received at my front door.

I recently took the bike out to Mount Wilson near LA. It was a treacherous climb! However, the bike climbed like a goat. It handled the rocky trails with ease going up, but I think my WTB Velociraptor tires contributed to that. Descending is also formidable. Although not as plush as any FS can provide, I stood up behind the saddle most of the way down on the rocky portions of the ride so I wasn't as beaten up vs if I descended sitting down. My hands did fall numb so I replaced the bars with the Easton MonkeyLite XC high rise bars. My next ride will determine if going to a carbon bar will make any difference.

As previously mentioned, I'd chuck the tires. The Kenda's it came with seems rubbery and flimsy, but that is what contributed to the low weight. The Fly easily gained a pound or two just by swapping the tires. I don't think these Kendas would have survived Mount Wilson with its sharp rocky trail. I would also chuck the Ultegra road cassette that it comes with. If you are doing steep climbs like I did, the 32T or 34T in the rear would come in handy. I was in super granny gears throughout the climb to Mt. Wilson!

I am in the process of selling my RS2 to get the Moto Le Champion Ti with DA 7900. The deal seems too good and if the quality of the Ti frame on the Le Champ is anything like the Fly, I am going to jump on it.

If you haven't decided to jump the gun on the Fly or buying from BD. I can vouch for them. I'll PM my contact info.

BTW, check out my Garmin Connect activity on Mt. Wilson:
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/11673069

Really though, did they give you anything as a reward for the good words?

Really though, did they give you anything as a reward for the good words?

They should with all the great reviews I am giving their bikes. You know what they say in business though: "Good news travel fast, but bad news travels faster". If the Fly was not all that was cracked up to be, trust me ... you will be hearing a different tune right about now. Mount Wilson was a torture test for the bike and it handled it beautifully, albeit with some minor upgrades! :thumb:

They should with all the great reviews I am giving their bikes. You know what they say in business though: "Good news travel fast, but bad news travels faster". If the Fly was not all that was cracked up to be, trust me ... you will be hearing a different tune right about now. Mount Wilson was a torture test for the bike and it handled it beautifully, albeit with some minor upgrades! :thumb:

I have the granny on my bike and it helps a LOT.

Bought a Fly Team last year, it rode awesome...until I ran into this 18-pound XC slingshot:

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/Dilberto88/Light%20Bikes/DSCN0362.jpg

Bump.

I love my Fly Ti (got it in May of 2008). Needs new knobby tires. I initially replaced the skinny tires it came with and installed Conti Explorer 2.1's. The bike really does rock. Perfect for the shorter singletrack rides I use it for. I've had it out in the woods for one or two 3 hour rides, and by hour 3, you want a full suspension. But that's rare. For an hour at a time, it's perfect. Mine weighs under 23 lbs with the pedals and cages and heavier tires I installed. XTR shifts like butter, love the light Rock Shox fork. Frame has a GREAT feel, lively, nimble, soft rear, perfect for a MTB hard tail.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y117/patentcad/FlyTiupgrdrear.jpg

Gorgeous Bike Dude, Have a VERY MERRY Christmas!

What's the head tube length of these Motobecane Ti frames? Bikes Direct does not list HT length on their site.

Am thinking of buying one but I want to use my current fork, I'm concerned my fork's steerer tube may be too short because the Motobecane Ti frame's head tube seems longer than that of my current frame.

My current HT length is about 110mm plus another 10mm or so for the internal headset.

I just upgraded to the Moto Fly Ti 29er and I love it! Climbed Mt. Wilson last Saturday and it handled like a champ. The larger wheels really do make quite a difference in terms of rolling over rocks and ruts. I ran the Nevegal 29er tires at a lower 35psi without issues. The traction was notably better during the climb with less rear spinouts. I was going to try ghetto tubeless but the larger volume of air that 29er wheels needs allows for lower pressure.

I got an 18in Moto Fly Ti frame, SID Race fork, and headset for sale if anyone is interested. PM me.

I'm considering a Fly Ti, do you still love it?
I'm just not sure what size to order without seeing it live.

Congrats, please comment on your feel once you try it. I wonder how smooth the ride in a titanium frame is versus the ride in an aluminum or a carbon hardtail. I have a carbon road bike and used to have a GT LTS-3 FS bike (gone, but remembered) and am considering the Fantom TI for $1500, what do you think of that one?

Thanks. While I did peel off the helmet warning label off the top tube near the stem/head tube, I can't peel off the Motobecane decals on it. I don't know if it is clear-coat, but something is protecting it where I can't just peel it off with my fingernails.
do you want to peel it??

BTW, check out my Garmin Connect activity on Mt. Wilson:
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/11673069

dude thats so awesome! i just watched that. it keeps up with your speed, time, distance and all that! thats so sick. How do you get that?

Hey Neo, just recieved Fantom Pro titanium just 3 days ago. Like your's but with XT components. Funny you mention the hole in the carton. I had the same thing on my carton. No damage. Took me about 2 hours to set up the bike. The problem I have is the Avid Exliar CR brake (front) is rubbing very slightly. Have no experience with hydraulic disk, so I brought to Performance and the mechanic said I should have the brakes bled to fix the problem. Overall, I think the bike is beautiful and with just the little riding that I have done so far, it appears to be an awsome bike. I cannot do a serious review of this bike since my expertise is in road bikes. I will be moving to Morocco in June (job) and I plan to alot of riding out there. I would like to remove the decals from the frame to tone down the looks so I do not draw attention when I am overseas. I would like to hear your review when you get your bike going.

Hi nickbubblehead, congrats!! Can you post pictures of yours?

Just a quick update on my Fantom Pro. Overall, a great bike. The frame is super tight. The welds are nicely done. I spend almost a week trying to fine tune the Elixer CR brakes. Picked a Avid bleed kit from Ebay and a quart of 5.1 brake fluid at a motorcycle shop. Read all the instructions and online manuals, youtube etc and still could not get mushyness out of the brakes. Finally after about 12 bleeds I decided to do it my way. I pumped the levers over and over untill all the bubbles disappeared. This is cotrary to every procedure that I read. Now the brakes are tight and now a big fan of Elixer CR brakes. They have great modulation, lots of stopping power and fully adjustable as your'e riding. Motobecane really nailed this one. Nice frame, killer brakeset, hand made Vuelta wheel set, and Rock Shock 100mm shocks! The bike weighed 24.2 pounds with pedals. I have since put narrower slicks for road riding in Wash D.C. I have since removed the decals and plane to finetune the finish with 600 grit sand paper this weekend. Bleeding the breaks are now a cinch after learning about pumping the breaks. My only complaints is the seat is a bit hard, but then again, never found a bike that came with a good seat! I think riser bars will have made the bike more comfortable position, but I am ok with the straights. I will post picture when I can get the pics reduced for posting here. Please don't be too critical of my evaluation ot this bike as I've always had road bikes! Now I feel like I am rediscovering the joys of cycling all over again!

Nice ride

Awesome bike! Light, too!

Hey Neospazzy, I am thinking about getting one of those myself, however I ride an old FS right now how much am I going to notice the difference between the two, my FS weighs around 24.5 now too and I will be getting the same size fram you have but without the waterbottle holders and frame pump and i also run light race tires tubless so I'm figureing on mine weighing around 22+ so what do you think I"ll notice the most???

Neo (or anyone please).

When you "Swapped the cassette for a pair of XTR 11/34", did you keep the original chain on the bike or have to get another?

When you "changed the tires to WTB Velociraptors" what size tires did you use?

Sorry I haven't been on the forums as of late. To answer some of the questions:

1. Riding a Ti isn't going to make your bike feel as plush as a FS. I like climbing so a lightweight HT, to me, is better suited for the job. Descending, on the other hand, is a different story.

2. Changing the cassettes to the 11/34 needs a new chain because the 2009 model came with road cassettes.

3. The folding Velociraptors are front/rear specific. I think they are to be ordered as a pair and come in one size. Since I moved up to the 29er, I have been using the Kenda Nevegals. Pretty good tires.

Hope this helps!

2. Changing the cassettes to the 11/34 needs a new chain because the 2009 model came with road cassettes.


Hope this helps!

Yes it does help..thank you. Do you remember what length chain is required?