Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - What do you guys think? Leader V2 725TR VS. Motobecane Team Track

So I'm new here (as far as posting) and I've been looking around the forums to try and make a final decision but it's all kinda here and there and some love one and hate the other or the other way around so I figured I would see if anyone has rode either or has some input.

I'm trying to decide between the 2010 Motobecane Team Track with carbon fiber fork or the Leader 725TR V2 with alum. fork.

Just for reference, I have ridden a friends FTP and loved it and some people on here seem to say the Moto Team Track is similar just lower end. My budget isn't that high so these are pretty much my max as far as pricing. I already have a wheelset, bars, blah blah blah from my other bike (Kilo TT) so I'll only need the frameset.

Thanks in advance.

By the way since price is an issue (for me) here is the price rundown with shipping and all that jazz.

Motobecane Team Track Frameset: $349.99
Leader V2 725TR Frame w/ Alum. Fork: $403.13

the track team is a 2007/2008 ftp with a few changes. it's the same frameset for all intents and purposes.

the 725 is a beater made for urban assault. it's much much heavier and can take much more abuse.

this boils down to race vs. assault

i'd rather have the track team and just baby it so it won't get dented. if i wanted a street bike i'd get a steel frame, or a mountain bike.

Yeah I'm riding steel now but i'm diggin the aero frames and I would love a ftp or comp but even used around here they are out of my pricing. I've heard that leaders are pretty thin so they dent easy but maybe I'm wrong about that. I only do city riding, commuting, and I don't care about scratches and crap so I don't really baby bikes but I don't want one thats going to get all dented up and possibly fail.

then you don't want an aluminum bike, and you definitely don't want a cheap aluminum bike.

i honestly hate to say this but the leader is the better bike for you... as long as you understand you're paying a few hundred dollars more than a comparable bike for the aero style with absolutely no performance gain.

The main reason for the switch to Alum. is weight. we have vicious hills here and it starts to piss you off the heavier the bike is. Or it's doin it to me. I used to live in a place where it was mainly flat and the kilo was awesome but i'm starting to just want to cut weight down to commuting a bit better.

By the way we both use the same saddle on our kilos. Good lookin bike man.

thanks. yeah the thing is, the 725tr is designed for tricking so it's not going to be much lighter than a kilo, especially if you don't use expensive components. you'd be better off with a 721 or whatever... just because it's aluminum doesn't mean it's lighter. they have to use more aluminum to make it strong enough and cheap bikes aren't going to be light and durable.

you'd be better off putting the money into a nice wheelset, that's where a lot of weight is... and it's rotational weight so the savings is much better felt because you're not turning it. rotational inertia makes wheel weight savings way more beneficial. and if it's hills you're having a problem with, you might want to just adjust your gearing or get bigger muscles.

Yeah all I've found so far is that the moto built up minus pedals is 17.1 and the kilo tt frame only 19lbs not sure about the acuracy on the kilo that was from a forum. I'm riding velocity deep v's I tried doing a carbon wheel set (real design) but the wind was killin that setup pretty quick. Any input on a alum being a smoother or harsher ride? That's also another factor

But yeah bigger muscles would be the best route ha.

Im about the purchase a 725Tr also. Ive hear how leader has a bad rep, but it almost always boils down to a) ugly welds b) thin paint c) they're cheap

In the late 70's Mercedes Benz was having a dry spell in car sales. So, instead of lowering the price, they increased the price and ended up selling more cars.

I feel that if Leader frames sold for 500 - 600$ instead of 200 - 270$, people would say they are a top tier company.

Bottom line: the leader is going to be lighter than a kilo or the team track, and will not fall apart on you.

You know the leader frameset weight off hand?

Bottom line: the leader is going to be lighter than a kilo or the team track, and will not fall apart on you.

Team Track is a Fuji Track Comp, which is not exactly a crappy bike.

Yeah Id rather go for the team track. I like to think theres a reason for the reputation certain frames/bikes get on bikeforums, such as bikesdirect versus leader bikes. Leaders IMO look corny and have questionable welds. The team track looks like an actual serious frame on the other hand. Probably because it was ripped off haha

Will either of them really "fall apart" when riding? Or is it just kinda the bad rap alum. Frames get? I'm not doing tricks on this bike or any bike so I couldn't imagine either the leader or moto just breaking down. Or is this actually common?

Will either of them really "fall apart" when riding? Or is it just kinda the bad rap alum. Frames get? I'm not doing tricks on this bike or any bike so I couldn't imagine either the leader or moto just breaking down. Or is this actually common?

no bike is gonna break down unless you beat it to hell. I would argue both bike are of the same quality, made from the same type of aluminum, in similar factories, etc.

I think Leader has become generic now because, again, they sell for so cheap - which is only because they sell direct. If they sold to a retailer, they'd be 350 - 500$.

Either one is fine, not sure if they can barspin though. you might want to find that out. PM when you do... im lazy today

The Team Track looks nice though... can you get it in any other color than white?

Team Track is a Fuji Track Comp, which is not exactly a crappy bike.

agreed, I just checked it out. Im impressed

no bike is gonna break down unless you beat it to hell. I would argue both bike are of the same quality, made from the same type of aluminum, in similar factories, etc.

I think Leader has become generic now because, again, they sell for so cheap - which is only because they sell direct. If they sold to a retailer, they'd be 350 - 500$.

Either one is fine, not sure if they can barspin though. you might want to find that out. PM when you do... im lazy today

The Team Track looks nice though... can you get it in any other color than white?


You can get in orange if you buy a complete but I want the white. Even if I go with leader I'm goin white.

I'll look at the barspin possibilities but I ride drops anyway so I'm not too worried about it.

see this is the problem. it never fails- ask a question on the internet and fanbois and idiots alike will give you complete BULL**** information. the track team won't fall apart on you any faster than a fuji track comp will. i've seen both in person and the 725 looks quality, but it's heavy. compare the frame weights, not built up, and you're not looking at much of a difference between a steel frame like a kilo and the 725. certainly not a pound or anything near that. sure it's more thrashable than a team track, but the team track is probably close to a pound lighter or more.

I don't think the 725 is made for "tricking" but rather just a bit tougher for city riding. They have a separate steel model for tricktrack. I think 725 makes more sense than the Motobecane (or Cinelli / Bianchi) if it's something you're going to lock up on the street.

Thanks guys. The team does look like it will supply the most weight loss and it's actually a cheaper option. I doubt either is more or less likely to get jacked but I try to stay pretty smart about where I lock up at. But I totally understand your point on it.

being that your budget conscience & not riding track or anything, you might try looking @

http://cgi.ebay.com/fixed-gear-track-Frame-set-700CX47-49-51-53-55-57-59CM-/270574417586?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3eff7df6b2#ht_1611wt_949

i rode one of these frames for a few months last summer, the welds weren't super pretty but it really was a solid frame. I weigh close to 200lbs. & i never felt insecure about the sturdiness of my ride.

edit: i got the frame 4 days from ordering it for $190 shipped now up to $210.

Well I'll jump in with some input. I have a 721tr. Speaking on Leader as a company yea the welds look bad and paint is thin but my bike has no dents and comes in around 17 lbs I think. If you want an aero aluminum frame the Leader will probably treat you better since you are on the street not the track. If you really want to solve the hill problem I would suggest a new wheelset over a frame as they can cause a noticeable difference when climbing. I ride road, fixed, and tri. And my lightest wheels climb better than my aero wheels. If you really want a solution to that then go with wheels. But if you are just needing an excuse for a new frame just buy it cause you like it and want one. No shame in that. I bought my Leader cause I wanted a cheap aluminum frame. It got the job done.

Thanks guys. The team does look like it will supply the most weight loss and it's actually a cheaper option. I doubt either is more or less likely to get jacked but I try to stay pretty smart about where I lock up at. But I totally understand your point on it.

Maybe use a top tube pad? They're "out of style" but I have one on my aluminum GT because I've dented it locking up. It's reasonably light for aluminum, probably similar to the 725 but I'd imagine the Team Track to be more fragile.

Yeah I've seen that visp on eBay but I would rather keep my kilo than the visp as the kilo isn't a bad bike. As far as the top tube pad I have actually been looking into getting one (dented the kilo locking it up)
and yeah I could go with a new wheel set instead of the current deep vs, any suggestions? I road on a zipp 303 knockoff and it caught a ton of wind and I ended ip selling them. I may just change my cog for the hills or just deal with it.
I want to upgrade my bike cause I commute on it daily and just want a nicer smoother setup.

Oh I also ment jacked as in getting stolen

I have a team track and love the **** out of it... It still needs a new wheel set and a couple other things (why i havent posted photos yet). It has pretty damn good clearance for larger tires like 28c marathons so maybe 30c... I run about 250lb and feel its solid under me. I got mine mostly for track but also ride it on the street (love the 28c tires for that). I wrap the tt and dt of all my bikes with bike tube to help with lockig damage and the team track is no different. so far so good, though, without the motobecane name showing people are always mistaking it for a leader frame...

I know someone with a leader (i forget which model) and he uses it as a polo bike too... So that says something. Like others said though, trim weight in other places. That kilo can be made pretty light. I also stopped carrying my giant messenger bag as often too, bag was heavy and i ended up carrying more because i could.

see this is the problem. it never fails- ask a question on the internet and fanbois and idiots alike will give you complete BULL**** information. the track team won't fall apart on you any faster than a fuji track comp will. i've seen both in person and the 725 looks quality, but it's heavy. compare the frame weights, not built up, and you're not looking at much of a difference between a steel frame like a kilo and the 725. certainly not a pound or anything near that. sure it's more thrashable than a team track, but the team track is probably close to a pound lighter or more.

the leader is 1.5 lbs lighter than the kilo (@ 54)

I don't think the 725 is made for "tricking" but rather just a bit tougher for city riding. They have a separate steel model for tricktrack. I think 725 makes more sense than the Motobecane (or Cinelli / Bianchi) if it's something you're going to lock up on the street.

agreed.

Yeah the Kilo isn't a bad bike by any means, but I want to upgrade just to have a nicer ride. The kilo seems to have some flex to it which is why I want a stiffer bike. Also the Kilo was my first bike and the size was recommended by a buddy (58cm) and I'm 5'11. I ended up using the fitting thing on WrenchScience and it ended up saying I should be on a 56cm. Pretty dope little measurement thing they got on there by the way. So I would be getting the Moto in 56cm for a more comfortable/stiff ride.

what about this option? 650$

152753

Its fair to say that the team pro will be an upgrade from the kilo performance-wise, while Ive ridden leaders and honestly prefer how my kilo handles. Its weird that you describe it as 'flexy', if have never noticed this, are you riding it with stock parts?

Yeah the Kilo isn't a bad bike by any means, but I want to upgrade just to have a nicer ride. The kilo seems to have some flex to it which is why I want a stiffer bike. Also the Kilo was my first bike and the size was recommended by a buddy (58cm) and I'm 5'11. I ended up using the fitting thing on WrenchScience and it ended up saying I should be on a 56cm. Pretty dope little measurement thing they got on there by the way. So I would be getting the Moto in 56cm for a more comfortable/stiff ride.

make sure when you're looking at a 56cm that you need a 56cm c-c or c-t... I ride a 56cm c-c but the team tracks 56cm is c-t so mine was a tad short. Also for me at least, i have learned that as far as track bikes go i like mine a little larger than what i ride road due to the way my body is built. see if anyone has a team track or 725 in your area you can take for a spin, or hit up a fuji dealer.

does anyone like the masi coltello option?

make sure when you're looking at a 56cm that you need a 56cm c-c or c-t... I ride a 56cm c-c but the team tracks 56cm is c-t so mine was a tad short. Also for me at least, i have learned that as far as track bikes go i like mine a little larger than what i ride road due to the way my body is built. see if anyone has a team track or 725 in your area you can take for a spin, or hit up a fuji dealer.

I road my friends 56cm Fuji Track Pro and it was a pretty good fit.

Its fair to say that the team pro will be an upgrade from the kilo performance-wise, while Ive ridden leaders and honestly prefer how my kilo handles. Its weird that you describe it as 'flexy', if have never noticed this, are you riding it with stock parts?

No I've changed out everything except the cranks and chain ring. It feels like it flexes during climbs mostly. It handles good, just has that flex. Or mine does at least.

To WMGREEN About the MASI: It's a dope bike but out of my price range (MAX $400) I have been looking for a used one around here but no luck, and ebay is still too high for me right now.

I'd go for the Moto TT too, no question. I don't know if it's fair to just automatically assume that, since it's a little bit lighter than the Leader 725, that it's going to be so much more fragile or less durable. Plus I much prefer the geo. I haven't heard any reports yet about cracked welds or even dents, has anyone else?

No I've changed out everything except the cranks and chain ring. It feels like it flexes during climbs mostly. It handles good, just has that flex. Or mine does at least.

Yeah change out those cranks if anything. Touros are so flexy in my experience. You can actually see them bend when you apply decent force on te pedals. Take off the chainring and feel how flimsy it feels.


I'd go for the Moto TT too, no question. I don't know if it's fair to just automatically assume that, since it's a little bit lighter than the Leader 725, that it's going to be so much more fragile or less durable. Plus I much prefer the geo. I haven't heard any reports yet about cracked welds or even dents, has anyone else?

+1

Touros? Maybe I just never noticed the model but I have truevative's on mine. I have the first series of kilos that came out before they went threadless or are they the same cranks?

The set of Truvativ Touro's that came on my Kilo are now on my Madison. They're over a year old and I have no issues with them. In fact, I like them.

Scrodzilla, do you get any flex from them?

It's funny...when I had my Kilo, I assumed the flex I was feeling was from the crank. Turns out it was the frame. Since putting them on my Madison, I barely feel any flex at all. I had figured on upgrading them at some point but until I have some sort of problem with them, I really don't feel it's necessary.

Yeah it has always felt like actual frame flex to me. The cranks are pretty beefy and I couldn't imagine they would flex but I think the frame is kinda thin (maybe) since it was dented from a lock up at one point.

go with the team track. I love mine, it gets ridden on the street, but its my baby, I hate locking it up out of my sight. :love:

I think I'll make the final decision tonight an make the order.

Getting back on subject, I'd prefer the Team Track over the Leader too based on what I've seen of the Fuji track Comp.

Honnestly my main choice would be a FTP but since budget doesn't permit me to buy one I think I should probably just go with the comp rebrand. Plus I've ridden the actual fuji track pro so i know what this moto will feel like pretty much.

I do appriciate the help everyone!

where are you buying your motobecane from? what online store?