Touring - Anyone see the new 2010 Motobecane Gran Turismo?

$700 shipped.

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/images/gran_turismo_2100.jpg

The lack of front fork eyelets is strange.

In the photo I think I see a threaded hole in the fork almost 1/2 of the way up to the brakes? Wing Nut

The lack of front fork eyelets is strange.
I agree.


In the photo I think I see a threaded hole in the fork almost 1/2 of the way up to the brakes? Wing Nut
Those are braze-ons.

I clicked through to BD's website and they have a whole gallery of photos there -- I couldn't see front fork eyelets on those photos, either. Seems odd. If they're out to copy the Surly LHT they should have paid closer attention.

Also, the geometry chart says the chainstays are 440mm (17.3 inches). Seems short to me for a fully loaded touring bike.

Otherwise, nice effort, great price if the wheels are any good.

Wouldn't want to depend on that rack for any long tour... but that's just me.

Wouldn't want to depend on that rack for any long tour... but that's just me.


Good point.

Yeah, that rear rack would be replaced quick-style.

no front fender eyelets isn't just strange, it's bizarre. the windsor has 'em...

Other than the front fork snafu, that's a lot of bike for the buck. Both Axiom and Old Man Mountain make front racks that would easily work.

It's not much different from the Tourist. Replaced the STIs with bar ends and a fork with no eyelets. Same threaded headset, same chainstay length. Looks like they've added an XT RD. I'd buy the tourist, sell the STIs for bar ends, and XT and still be ahead a little.

The crankset is different than the Tourist, geared lower and a nicer Sugino.

Lugged fork is a nice touch too, and the paint color and silver decals remind me of my Miyata 1000!

If they're out to copy the Surly LHT they should have paid closer attention.

Why would you think they are copying the Surly?

Why would you think they are copying the Surly?

Everything they do is a copy of something. I just figured they were trying to copy Surly. Maybe I was wrong.

Bikesdirect confirmed that the bike shipped does not have fender eyelets. This has to be a design/oversight screw-up. The only front rack I am aware of that might fit is the overpriced Nitto front platform rack, which apparently won't hold panniers. So now BD has the Windsor, which really isn't geared low enough for touring, and the Motobecane, which has is geared lower but doesn't have fender eyelets to properly mount a front rack. They need to hire someone who can spec a bike correctly the first time. I won't hold my breath.

The crankset is different than the Tourist, geared lower and a nicer Sugino.

Those Sugino cranks are over $100 new. That's a lot of crank for a $700 bike. Seems like it's more of an all around road bike than a true touring bike. Still, it's a heck of a deal.

Bikesdirect informed me via email on 06-24-10 that "Apparently the fork was speced incorrectly and this will be changed for the next production run this winter." This might be a good time to offer suggestions as to other spec changes. For instance, I'd like to see it geared even lower. A slightly longer chain stay would be nice. An option for a non-drop bar would be ok with me with me. Cut out the seat and the pedals and either drop the price accordingly or add an upgrade in lieu thereof.

You think they'd take an offer of $400 each for the remaining bikes? At that price you could customize the bike to suit your purpose.

You think they'd take an offer of $400 each for the remaining bikes? At that price you could customize the bike to suit your purpose.

They probably would take that, but are you prepared to buy the 500 bikes they probably have remaining?

Also, the geometry chart says the chainstays are 440mm (17.3 inches). Seems short to me for a fully loaded touring bike.

So my guess that, from the photo posted on a similar thread, the chainstays looked short was correct. Be warry if you have large feet and racks that do not allow for a lot of fore-aft pannier adjustment.

$700 shipped.

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/images/gran_turismo_2100.jpg

After looking at the Moto real close the lack of front eyelets are a mistake. But, the bike looks great for us ludites who still want a do everything steel frame bike. Component choice is a little eclectic but still nice. If it was my bike all I'd change is the saddle to a Brooks and just ride it. I don't tour so the lack of eyelets only impedes adding fenders.

Looks like it would make an okay rando bike, or a good credit card touring bike, or a commuter, or a bike for fun day rides. Not a real touring bike, but it doesn't look too bad to me for other uses.

I had read on a post somewhere else in the forums that bikesdirect purchased the rights to use the name Motobecane (and the others brands they sell) but the bikes don't actually have anything to do with the real company. You may want to look into if furthere before purchasing from that site.

Looks like it would make an okay rando bike, or a good credit card touring bike, or a commuter, or a bike for fun day rides. Not a real touring bike, but it doesn't look too bad to me for other uses.

It looks like a Windsor Tourist with some upgrades. Better crank (and therefore more suitable gearing) and apparently better wheels are nice touches. I'd rather have the Windsor Tourist's STI brifters though.

As far as whether it is a "real touring bike"... I used my Windsor Tourist for loaded touring on the Trans America (4200+ miles) and a couple other longish tours including a month in the Sierras and found it completely adequate.

It looks like a Windsor Tourist with some upgrades. Better crank (and therefore more suitable gearing) and apparently better wheels are nice touches. I'd rather have the Windsor Tourist's STI brifters though.

As far as whether it is a "real touring bike"... I used my Windsor Tourist for loaded touring on the Trans America (4200+ miles) and a couple other longish tours including a month in the Sierras and found it completely adequate.

Fair enough, but at least the windsor tourist has fork eyelets. Without them, you're looking at a handlebar bag and all the other weight in the back. It's doable, but not ideal. Certainly not something you'd expect from a bike designed for touring.

Fair enough, but at least the windsor tourist has fork eyelets.
I agree, the lack of eyelets is a big screw up to be sure. That said there are ways to mount a front rack without the lower eyelets if someone really likes the bike otherwise.
http://www.realcyclist.com/images/items/medium/TBS/TBS0017/ONECOL.jpg

http://www.realcyclist.com/roadbike/Tubus-QR-Axle-Adapter/TBS0017M.html

I had read on a post somewhere else in the forums that bikesdirect purchased the rights to use the name Motobecane (and the others brands they sell) but the bikes don't actually have anything to do with the real company. You may want to look into if furthere before purchasing from that site.

That's been a well known fact for a long time, as is their legendary poor customer service. Doesn't stop those that just have to save a buck though. They're the ones that'll smile and wave as their local LBS goes out of business.

They have been listed as "sold out" shortly after they popped up on the web site. My guess is that bikesdirect is having a new batch of forks made with eyelets. It certainly looks like a goof up on the fork that they are probably correcting.

I have a Windsor Tourist, and have heavily upgraded it. The funny thing is my Tourist is very similar to the Gran Turismo now. I've got the Sugino XD-600 crank, XT rapid rise rear derailleur, Dura Ace bar end shifters, and better wheels (mine are Tiagra 36H hubs with Velocity Dyad rims). I also upgraded the bottom bracket to a Shimano UN54, Shimano 105 headset with cartridge bearings, Shimano 105 brake levers, Shimano 105 front derailleur, Brooks saddle, Tektro CR720 brakes, Nitto Noodle bars, Nitto technomic stem, and a Tubus Cargo rear rack. The only thing original on my bike besides the frame is the seat post and seat clamp.

By the way, I spend a good bit on parts and service at my LBS. And no LBS in my city carries touring bikes. None. I tried to find one before I bought the Tourist.

I agree, the lack of eyelets is a big screw up to be sure. That said there are ways to mount a front rack without the lower eyelets if someone really likes the bike otherwise.
http://www.realcyclist.com/images/items/medium/TBS/TBS0017/ONECOL.jpg

http://www.realcyclist.com/roadbike/Tubus-QR-Axle-Adapter/TBS0017M.html

Pretty cool. Never seen that before.

If they fix the fork, I may save up and buy one.

That's been a well known fact for a long time, as is their legendary poor customer service. Doesn't stop those that just have to save a buck though. They're the ones that'll smile and wave as their local LBS goes out of business.

Actually, I've been pretty happy with their customer service. Not the best I've received online, and not the worst. Also not the best or worst service I've receive at local bike shops. I think whatever you're talking about must indeed be the stuff of legends.

Actually, I've been pretty happy with their customer service. Not the best I've received online, and not the worst. Also not the best or worst service I've receive at local bike shops. I think whatever you're talking about must indeed be the stuff of legends.

Agreed. I don't understand the hate here -- they're an online retailer, and they behave about as I'd expect in that context. There's more potential for mix-ups and shipping damage than buying at a local shop, but they do a decent job of addressing the issues. Working with a lbs means you can get instant service and work face-to-face; these are certainly good things, and that's what you pay for. For what it's worth, as a bike manufacturer (whatever that means anymore, since everything comes from overseas), BD actually solicits and uses advice from bikeforums.

I did recently get in touch with BD recently about the Gran Turismo eyelet issue, and they indicated new forks are expected in October or November. They offered to sell me a bike with the non-eyeleted fork if I didn't want to wait, but they didn't mention any big discount, and eyelets are a pretty big deal to me.

Agreed. I don't understand the hate here -- they're an online retailer, and they behave about as I'd expect in that context.
Actually, they behave quite different than many other online retailers, and engage in many slightly shady tactics. They have numerous name-only once-upon-a-time well-known brands; they use dozens of different ebay sellers; most of their "list" prices (which they never charge) are artificially inflated; customer service is notoriously bad; there's no phone number to reach them.

That said, they aren't completely dishonest and not everything they sell is dreck. They've sold overstock Kestrels for some time, their Windsor Tourist is just a rebadged Fuji touring bike.

No one kvetches about Competitive Cyclist in the same way; nor would any standard online store survive if they used the same marketing, sales and customer service methods as BD. BD mostly skates because they are super-cheap.

customer service is notoriously bad

That's untrue based on my experience of 4 bikes in the last several years - quite the opposite and much better than several LBSs I've visited. You're obviously a pro LBS sycophant/shill.

That's untrue based on my experience of 4 bikes in the last several years - quite the opposite and much better than several LBSs I've visited. You're obviously a pro LBS sycophant/shill.


"customer service is notoriously bad" = they haven't answered the 3 emails I sent them to ask about rack mounts for this bike. I was seriously interested in it for my son. I also "friended" their Facebook page and left a question there, and never got a reply to that either.

BD = you get what you pay for. A bike at a good price that you have to assemble yourself; no local support; sketchy customer service (many anecdotes about *great* service, many anecdotes about poor service = sketchy IMHO).

That's untrue based on my experience of 4 bikes in the last several years - quite the opposite and much better than several LBSs I've visited. You're obviously a pro LBS sycophant/shill.

Please tell us about your customer service experiences. For example, how responsive to your inquiries have they been. Have you been able to speak to someone in the flesh? By phone? Do they respond quickly?

Customer service is more than taking your money and shipping you a bike that you happen to like.

Please tell us about your customer service experiences. For example, how responsive to your inquiries have they been. Have you been able to speak to someone in the flesh? By phone? Do they respond quickly?

Customer service is more than taking your money and shipping you a bike that you happen to like.

They were fine with me, but I don't expect much "service". I expect the correct bike to be delivered and in good shape. If that should fail I expect prompt resolution.

Of the four bikes I ordered from them in four separate orders (one windsor tourist for me, one windsor tourist for my daughter, one windsor tourist for our other companion on the TA, and one road bike for me) 3 came through without a hitch and one came in in the wrong color. The one that was the wrong color was resolved in a satisfactory manner including special arrangements to get it to us in time for our TA. They were very helpful. All that was handled by email (the only way to contact them).

I don't sweat taking business away from my LBS since I spend plenty there any way.

I don't sweat not having a local dealer to go back to for service since I have never taken a bike to a dealer for service any whether bought there or not. That said my LBS is more than happy to provide service regardless of where a bike was purchased, as are most LBS's.

Oh no not another BD bashing thread! Didn't we just have one this week? :lol:

I'm pretty certain I'm going to pick up one of those Windsor Tourists. That is a sweet deal.

I'm pretty certain I'm going to pick up one of those Windsor Tourists. That is a sweet deal.

Say it itsn't so, another BD shill :) Hopefully you know I'm jivin you. I have a Windsor tourist too and I like it does that make me a shill for BD

That's been a well known fact for a long time, as is their legendary poor customer service. Doesn't stop those that just have to save a buck though. They're the ones that'll smile and wave as their local LBS goes out of business.

A 100% good point. I've run into a couple of people who bought these bikes and had to immediately find an LBS to get something fixed. When you buy a bike at an LBS, they help with minor issues without charge and they are usually great on warranty things.

Plus BD isn't likely to be much help if you lose your bottom bracket on Saturday night and want to ride on Sunday.

A 100% good point. I've run into a couple of people who bought these bikes and had to immediately find an LBS to get something fixed. When you buy a bike at an LBS, they help with minor issues without charge and they are usually great on warranty things.

Plus BD isn't likely to be much help if you lose your bottom bracket on Saturday night and want to ride on Sunday.

I didn't run to my LBS with my Windsor I rode it in after I had about 50 miles or so to have them give it a once over. I've never lost a bottom bracket on a Saturday night in fact I haven't had a bottom bracket go south ever. I keep em greased and well cared for. What bike did you get from BD?, these two people you ran into had problems from the get go? A couple out of the thousands of bikes sold by BD MMMM sounds like a better average than Toyota these days.:) I would love for all the people that bought from BD on this forum how many really had issues so bad that rendered the bike inoperable or so bad the bike had to be thrown away to give us your story.

A friend of mine bought one of the Motobecane Cyclocross models this summer and he really likes it. He has a few hundred miles on it and no issues so far. It looked like a decent bike for the price.

Last year I picked up a Fuji Touring on clearance (had problems and ended up returning it) for less than a Windsor Tourist, but was looking at the Windsor before I found the Fuji.

A friend just bought a Windsor last month. I went with him to the LBS where another friend works as the manager. I watched him do a "tuneup" to get the derailleurs and brakes adjusted properly, headset, BB, and hub bearings adjusted properly. Since then the bike's worked really well. I don't like it as much as my LHT, but my friend is new to cycling and can't tell the difference. It was a great way for him to get into a bike for $600 plus $60 for the tuneup. And the shop was HAPPY to make the $60 for a half-hour time, plus they got all the accessory sales. That's where the money is anyway. Margins are much better.

If the LBS had a big touring bike presence I wouldn't have let my friend do that, but they have nothing but road and comfort bikes, so they understood completely.

...I don't sweat taking business away from my LBS since I spend plenty there any way....

I agree. I surely spend a lot at my LBS on parts, service, tools, accessories, and purchased a new hybrid bike there for my daughter. In addition, my LBS doesn't stock touring bikes at all. It is kind of surprising since my favorite shop is on the Erie canal on a section of the Northern Tier route, and I've seen a lot of loaded touring bikes stopping there.

By the way, I posted on the other BD-hate thread that bikesdirect.com now has an A+ rating with the better business bureau. That wasn't always the case. A few years ago, the owner of BD refused to respond to complaints at the better business bureau (and tried to justify it in posts here). I guess he changed his mind. I wouldn't hesitate to buy from them again.

The Gran Turismo looks like a good deal once they have the correct forks. My upgraded Windsor tourist is actually now very similar to the Gran Turismo (Sugino XD-600 crankset, Dura-Ace bar end shifters, XT rear derailleur), but I have better wheels.

Actually, they behave quite different than many other online retailers, and engage in many slightly shady tactics. They have numerous name-only once-upon-a-time well-known brands; they use dozens of different ebay sellers; most of their "list" prices (which they never charge) are artificially inflated; customer service is notoriously bad; there's no phone number to reach them.

That said, they aren't completely dishonest and not everything they sell is dreck. They've sold overstock Kestrels for some time, their Windsor Tourist is just a rebadged Fuji touring bike.

No one kvetches about Competitive Cyclist in the same way; nor would any standard online store survive if they used the same marketing, sales and customer service methods as BD. BD mostly skates because they are super-cheap.

The geometry does not match with longer stays being used on the Fuji.

Please tell us about your customer service experiences.

I already have in several posts - do a search. Both times it was e-mail and phone follow-up. Once they sold me a shorter stem at cost when I could not make up my mind on the length. Another time they sent a replacement fork with a prepaid return shipping label for the old fork.

I wonder if you've ever asked the sycophants to detail their "notoriously bad" experience?

A friend just bought a Windsor last month. I went with him to the LBS where another friend works as the manager. I watched him do a "tuneup" to get the derailleurs and brakes adjusted properly, headset, BB, and hub bearings adjusted properly. Since then the bike's worked really well. I don't like it as much as my LHT, but my friend is new to cycling and can't tell the difference. It was a great way for him to get into a bike for $600 plus $60 for the tuneup. And the shop was HAPPY to make the $60 for a half-hour time, plus they got all the accessory sales. That's where the money is anyway. Margins are much better.

If the LBS had a big touring bike presence I wouldn't have let my friend do that, but they have nothing but road and comfort bikes, so they understood completely.

I was dying for a LHT but this year the budget wouldn't take it so I got the Windsor. Not the LHT but after a few changes its a great bike. There is a LHT or even something a little more high end in my future but for now I'm happy with my purchase. I can't see this bike leaving the stable even after a higher end purchase. I love the ride and if fits me really well

If detailing bad BD customer service experiences makes one sound like an LBS shill, then claiming one gets great customer service from BD and accusing those who detail their bad BD experiences of being LBS schills certainly makes one sound like a BD shill.

In any event, I still don't understand how they could accidentally (they have admitted this) spec a touring bike without front fork eyelets. I also find it interesting that there is no phone number listed on their web site. I never consider not being able to speak to someone live if I want to good customer service. But in this day and age of a service economy built on poor service, the expectations of most people have been lowered substantially.

If detailing bad BD customer service experiences makes one sound like an LBS shill, then claiming one gets great customer service from BD and accusing those who detail their bad BD experiences of being LBS schills certainly makes one sound like a BD shill.

In any event, I still don't understand how they could accidentally (they have admitted this) spec a touring bike without front fork eyelets. I also find it interesting that there is no phone number listed on their web site. I never consider not being able to speak to someone live if I want to good customer service. But in this day and age of a service economy built on poor service, the expectations of most people have been lowered substantially.

How would you like to be an airline waiting for you brand new 787 and find out its been delayed again till feb 2011? I mean if Boeing, a company that has been building airliners for what seems like eons can screw the pooch like this the missing the spec on front eyelets doesn't seem so out of the realm of possibilty. I haven't had to deal with BD's customer service but if I did you can bet I would eventually get satisfaction or send the bike back. I must have gotten lucky with my Windsor but I will be wary as with all internet purchases if I go back to them for another bike. I wonder why BD isn't carrying the LHT this year.