Touring - motobecane gran turismo

I really like the looks of this guy (http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/gran_turismo.htm).

Components wise, how does it compare to others? I was also looking at the Novara Randonee, Bianchi Volpe, and a LHT/Crosscheck... would be for loaded touring but also light touring and urban commuting

The bars end shifters would disqualify it for me since I really like brifters, but if you like them it looks pretty good. I have done a good bit of touring on one of their Windsor Tourists and am pretty happy with it. It has served me well on a Trans America and a couple other longish tours.

Should be a good bike for you..

OK, assuming that I like style of both bikes equally, and that the price is the same, I wonder if someone could comment about the quality/durability of the components between the gran turismo (http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/gran_turismo.htm) and the randonee (http://www.rei.com/product/744804). Seems like the randonee is nicer but I'm not very familiar with the components.

it's in the ball park, how it compares would require a test ride . The other bikes you mention aren't discounted so what exactly is it that you're comparing?

oops, sorry didn't notice your prior post. My $.02 is that you accept the parts that come with the package and that's determined by price . I don't think picking a bike by it's components is the best way to go when bike maintenance and user knowledge make more of a difference. If you are at all concerned about warranty issues I'd go with an REI bike.

I was under the impression that the Novara Randonee was discontinued for 2011, some one can correct me if I am wrong. On REI's site it only shows the Safari in their touring bike selection. Unless you can find a 2010 randonne or a used one, that one may have to be crossed off your list. The Safari looks like a pretty good bike for the price, if you like the bar/cockpit setup and 26" tires.

I've narrowed my choice down to these two based on price (volpe and crosscheck are just out of my range). Now, between the randonee and the gran turismo, I want to compare the quality of the components because I know nothing about them and have no basis for comparison. Which components will be more durable?

I do prefer the bar end shifters (for durability and ease of repair) and would consider putting them on the randonee, but I have no clue about the other stuff.

Zoltani, not sure about the 2011's, but I have what seems to be the last 2010 in the country on hold :)

The components are not that different in my opinion, between the Grand Tour and the Rondonee. I would easily choose the Randonee though because of the warranty and ability to test ride. The Grand Tour looks like a nice bike but a test ride is the BEST way to tell if you are going to be happy with a bike and comfortable on it. Plus, if you have ANY problems with your Randonee REI will take care of you 100% which you will not be able to say about BikesDirect.

Virtually everyone who owns a touring bike changes something out right away such as the saddle, seat, handlebars, pedals, stem, ect.... if you buy from REI they will often give you discounts on these small items and do the install for free. Overall then, if you factor in the service, the Randonee will be cheaper in the long run.

I've narrowed my choice down to these two based on price (volpe and crosscheck are just out of my range). Now, between the randonee and the gran turismo, I want to compare the quality of the components because I know nothing about them and have no basis for comparison. Which components will be more durable?

I do prefer the bar end shifters (for durability and ease of repair) and would consider putting them on the randonee, but I have no clue about the other stuff.


I would give the edge to the Randonee if you are concerned about longevity -- not really for the quality of the components, but because of the way that REI stands behind the products it sells. I wouldn't worry about the quality of the Tiagra shifters on the Randonee -- they're fine. I personally wouldn't bother changing them to bar end shifters unless they break, which I doubt they will.

The Randonee apparently has been temporarily dropped from REI's line. It is disappearing for awhile, but I think they said somewhere that it will return to their lineup next year.

The Motobecane Gran Turismo seems like a great bargain to me. Comes down to how you feel about buying online vs. buying from an REI store w/local service; what kind of shifters you prefer.

Really disappointed that Gran Turismo 5's release date keep on getting pushed back.

I am considering this bike. Has anybody bought one? I've scanned the internet and cannot find any reviews or information from a buyer/owner.

The free fork offer is interesting. Makes me wonder if they are leftover forks from the 2010 model, which was admittedly (by BD, according to a poster on a different thread) speced without front rack brazeons. Also, they note that the extra front fork has eyelets for fenders. The description of the fork on the 2011 model makes no mention of them. That at least suggests that it does not have them. I would inquire if you think they are an important feature.

There are no braze-ons on the fork, in the picture at Bikes-Direct. You can't install either a front rack or fenders. I would not buy this bike for touring or commuting.

The reason for the free fork it seems is to solve the front rack issue. I looked at buying a Gran Tourismo for my wife, it's a good bike, but the fork had issues. If you look at the picture, it has lowrider braze-ons on the fork, but no rack or fender eyelets on the dropout, an oversight making the fork and bike less than appealing. The free fork should correct this issue by giving you an eyelet and the braze-on. If this is the case it becomes a solid value, especially if you do your own wrenching.

Like I say.... it seems like only prospective buyers on this bike. Somebody who has actually bought one and taken the time to post a review seems incredibly rare. So rare in fact, that I've never seen one.

Knowing BD's modus operandus, they start advertising and taking orders long before their stuff arrives from Taiwan and China. As a result, sometimes a particular model is either delayed or not available at the last minute. BD is a design and marketing shop, they OEM everything and have a couple of big containers shipped every year. That's why it is so cheap - bare bones staff, no warranty to speak of unless you pay shipping, etc. It's bare bones. All that said, the specs on this machine are decent. It sure would be nice if an actual owner posted pics and a review of the machine on tour.

Knowing BD's modus operandus, they start advertising and taking orders long before their stuff arrives from Taiwan and China. As a result, sometimes a particular model is either delayed or not available at the last minute. BD is a design and marketing shop, they OEM everything and have a couple of big containers shipped every year. That's why it is so cheap - bare bones staff, no warranty to speak of unless you pay shipping, etc. It's bare bones. All that said, the specs on this machine are decent. It sure would be nice if an actual owner posted pics and a review of the machine on tour.

None of the criticisms you wrote of have been my experience with any of the 4 BD bikes I've purchased. Just the opposite. Clearly you lack experience or knowledge in this matter.

None of the criticisms you wrote of have been my experience with any of the 4 BD bikes I've purchased. Just the opposite. Clearly you lack experience or knowledge in this matter.

You are entitled to your opinion. I own a full Ultegra Mercier Serpens. So you, Sir, simply should not talk about other people's experience without asking first. A simple search of google will show that BD's record is not pristine. People, myself included, buy from them knowing full well what they are. It's not a place for newbie's that don't understand the pitfalls.

I bought a 2010 Randonee in the Portland, OR REI store in May. Have not heard of a 2011.

Anybody ever purchase one of these? Anybody??!?

My 2c:
If you get this bike, the first thing to do is to have a competent wheelbuilder tension and true the wheels. The bikes from BD have machine-built wheels which tend to snap spokes, pull them through the rims, etc, etc. At least that's what happened to my BD bike... the components weren't bad, just the build. The next thing is to have somebody go through the bike adjusting and greasing, all the things that a good bike shop does to a new bike. Looks like a well-specced bike, however, and given the two caveats, would be a pretty good deal.

My 2c:
If you get this bike, the first thing to do is to have a competent wheelbuilder tension and true the wheels. The bikes from BD have machine-built wheels which tend to snap spokes, pull them through the rims, etc, etc. At least that's what happened to my BD bike... the components weren't bad, just the build. The next thing is to have somebody go through the bike adjusting and greasing, all the things that a good bike shop does to a new bike. Looks like a well-specced bike, however, and given the two caveats, would be a pretty good deal.

Generally I do all that stuff myself regardless of where the bike comes from.

WRT, your comment on the wheels. I think it is less true for the models with Vuelta wheels. The Vuelta wheels on my road bike seemed to be well built and have required no attention. The wheels on my Windsor Tourist did require some attention, though.

I think it looks like a nice bike if you like bar end shifters (I don't). Personally I would have rather seen them upgrade the Windsor Touring model's wheels and given it lower gearing, keeping the STI brifters. Just my preference though.

I really like the looks of this guy (http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/gran_turismo.htm).

Components wise, how does it compare to others? I was also looking at the Novara Randonee, Bianchi Volpe, and a LHT/Crosscheck... would be for loaded touring but also light touring and urban commuting

So? What did you get??

Well, I was about to pull the trigger on the Randonee, it was discounted to $850 at my local REI. But the manager absolutely would not let someone phone in a credit card order for me. After a lot of struggle against all logic, leaving a pretty bad taste for REI in my mouth, I gave up and bought the 2011 Bianchi Volpe at a 20% off sale at my LBS. Couldn't be happier!

Since the OP bought something , repeating my suggestion that a BD bike in General ..
needs to be rebuilt by the purchaser to the same level as The LBS does when they
take a bike out of the shipping carton, and assemble it for display.

This is especially true if you are touring , wheels need hand finishing tension and true as needed
Grease all dry fitted screws, grease the seat post so it wont seize in the future,
aluminum post in aluminum frame less of an issue.

when there is a load on the bike and you are climbing a mountain , you may wish there were a lower gear. [likely substitute 24 for the 28 is ez].

But by having Bar end shifters, a mix of a MTB crank and FD and the drop handlebar setup
will work adequately. have a 22 -34 low gear then

Out on the road You are the handiest nearby mechanic, best to be knowing conditions
of the bike before you start.. and how to fix it ,
or at least kludge things enough to get to the next town.

This theread kept showing up when I was researching my purchase. Just started unpacking mine and I am happy to say that it now has front fork eyelets.

Post a review when you get it all assembled and out for a shake down, it'll be helpful to others too!

Yes, please post a review of the Gran Turismo. My initial reaction was that it was 6061 (Aluminum) v. steel. I'd like to know what you think of the Al. While I really like my Kona, and I've put 1000's of miles on my Kona all over the place, I find it's just not as comfy or fun as steel. I'd like to hear what you have to say.

Enjoy the bike! (I've really enjoyed my Kona.)

Yes, please post a review of the Gran Turismo. My initial reaction was that it was 6061 (Aluminum) v. steel.

FWIW, the Cro-moly frame and fork is steel, not aluminum.

I stand corrected. I was looking quickly through the specs in the OP's link. The 6160 is for the handlebars.

... er 6061

And thanks for keeping me honest........

A mini review of the gran turismo I just bought. Take it with a grain of salt as I am just getting back on a bike after a couple decades off. I have been using the bike for a 15 mi rt commute which was the main reason for purchase. Short answer I am quite happy with the bike. the geometry is forgiving and absorbs road roughness well compared to the older more race oriented bike I had been using. The bike went together easily with only a reversed set of brake pads that had to be flipped. I never used the stock seat but put on a brooks saddle which is making me happier by the day. The wheels seemed well built and spokes well tensioned. The deraileurs haven't been dialed in yet but I am new to indexed shifters and basically not worrying about it until cables stretch and everything settles in. Fit and finish seem OK.

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy112/Doug64_photos/Bike%20Trips/FullyLoadedBianchi.jpg

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy112/Doug64_photos/Bianchi/Bianchi-1-2.jpg
This Volpe has been across the US-- it should serve you well. I wouldn't worry about the Tiagra shifters. We have a lot of miles on ours, and have not had an issue with them. I really like brifters because they are much more convenient to use than bar-end shifters. I ride on the hoods a lot and it just take a flick of the finger to shift. I don't have to reach down. Having said that, I rode for 20 years with downtube friction shifters, and didn't think twice about reaching down to shift. The advantage there was that I could shift both derailleurs with one hand; unlike bar-end shifters where both hands need to move.

Another happy Motobecane Gran Turismo owner. (58cm)

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd5/flipr_photo/IMG_0379.jpg

Also happy with the front fork eyelets.

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd5/flipr_photo/IMG_0379-2.jpg

Phil,
The picture of your new ride is pushing me in the direction of placing an order. It appears to me to be the best value out there.
A couple of questions:
1. At this point do you have any reservations at all about the bike or dealing with Bikes Direct?
2. I am 6' with an 88 cm PBH and also looking at the 58. How does that compare with yourself and how does the bike fit you?
3. Are the seat and stem adjusted as you show in the picture about as you will ride the bike?
4. Could you estimate how much larger tire you could fit with fenders?
5. And finally, does it appear that the graphics on the wheels are decals and might be easily stripped off?
Thanks!

rzldzl,

A couple of questions:
1. At this point do you have any reservations at all about the bike or dealing with Bikes Direct?
2. I am 6' with an 88 cm PBH and also looking at the 58. How does that compare with yourself and how does the bike fit you?
3. Are the seat and stem adjusted as you show in the picture about as you will ride the bike?
4. Could you estimate how much larger tire you could fit with fenders?
5. And finally, does it appear that the graphics on the wheels are decals and might be easily stripped off?

1. I have no reservations about the bike or dealing with Bikes Direct. As long as you are comfortable with all aspects of bike assembly, tuning, and maintenance, or have a good mechanic to assemble and tune the bike, Bikes Direct is a great deal. No LBS exists in my area...
2. Also 6' and the 58 is the largest frame I can comfortably use, I like the higher position of the bars.
3. Seat and stem are in their proper position for me. Measurement from top of pedal to top of seat is 35.5" (90cm), stem is inserted until the minimum insertion mark is just covered.
4. I think a 38 tire would fit with fenders.
5, There is no clear coat over the wheel decals... should come off fairly easy, maybe use a little heat. (heat gun / hair dryer)

My Bikes Direct purchase was very straight forward and uneventful. Placed order during weekend, bike shipped Monday (Mesquite, Texas), UPS delivered Thursday morning. (32060 - Live Oak, FL)

Re: Tires, (32mm) I ride 1/2 mile of lime-rock grade every ride, and dirt driveway. Soft dirt is a handful, hard packed dirt is no problem, lime-rock is usually very hard and fairly bumpy with occasional rocks. The 32's are doing a great job!

If it matters: Clydesdale 60+

Pics for rzldzl:

Clearance front fork stays.

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd5/flipr_photo/IMG_0384.jpg

Clearance seat stays, view from rear.

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd5/flipr_photo/IMG_0385.jpg

Clearance chain stays, view from bottom.

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd5/flipr_photo/IMG_0388.jpg

Brooks B-17 saddle, Nitto B352AA bars, Ergon GP1 Biokork grips, Shimano Deore controls, Topeak rack and bag.

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd5/flipr_photo/IMG_0433.jpg

...5. And finally, does it appear that the graphics on the wheels are decals and might be easily stripped off?
Thanks!

Wheel stickers can be hard to remove, and when you're done it may leave lighter colored grey patches against the darker background. The adhesive pulls some of the anodize coating off.

There's a lot of stickers on those wheels. You could sell them and use proceeds to build your own, with fewer stickers.

Dang Phil, thanks for all the extra effort with the pics as well as full answers to my questions.

I just measured the pedal top to seat top on my present bike and it is 37.5", so to get the bars up to my seat height it appears the stock stem would not be long enough. Hardly a deal buster but good to know.

I live about as far away from you as possible within the continental U.S. on the Olympic Peninsula of Washington state. Aside from that we are just about twins being 6' tall 60+ year old clydes trying to save a buck while having our toys also.

I bought a new pickup last year and spent way less time analyzing that purchase than I have on this bike.

Still thinkin' on it.

Thanks again!

223249
Just thought I'd give my two cents on the tire size question. I have a 64cm Gran Turismo frame that just barely had room for 700 x 35 Schwalbe Marathon tires and fenders. You may be able to get a 38 in there but you may have to partially deflate it for install or removal and even then I'm not too sure. The larger tire bumps the chainstay cross brace and/or seat-tube on install and then I had to slide it back deep into the dropouts. Keep in mind my frame is the big 64cm and chainstays measure 17.25". Not sure if chainstays are shorter on the smaller frames. Here's a few pictures of my at about 80% complete. The one shot has a decent view of tire clearance. You'll never get a 45 in there but maybe a 38??? I bought the frame and have been building one part at a time, getting it just like I want it. Trying to beat the $700 price tag and so far I'm looking good!
223251

One more close up of Gran Turismo tire clearance. These are Schwalbe Marathon 700 x 35c on Mavic 217 rims. Rear is clear but not much room to spare. I have fitted the fender and it works. Front is installed with room to spare. You could easily run a 38 on the front. On the rear my guess is probably not.
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