Fifty Plus (50+) - Picked up a new Motobecane Le Champion Ti bike this week...

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Rixtory
03-06-11, 09:40 PM
Very excited. I assembled and checked out the bike on Thursday night, replacing the old Cilo (rest her soul) and spend the better part of yesterday with new road shoes and shimano yellow cleats and test riding the riding the bike for fit. I got a 56 after months of deliberation and checking and rechecking my fit.

So after playing with the seat position slider, seatpost, handlebar cant, and cleat position, I think I have it all figured out. It rides so smoothly (Only got aobut 5 miles on it), but it is so different from very flexible Tange Cromo Cilo and miles apart from my alum trek 7700FX, which I plan on keeping (N+1). Even at 56, and just barely able to straddle the toptube in my cleats, I find I have the seat set almost maxed out @8.5 out of 9 on the seatpost height indicator).

[Warning: Gushing....]
I am surprised at the compactness of the bike and very little clearance between the rear wheel and the seat stay.
Really looking forward to cranking on her too. I marvel at how light she is at 17.6 lbs...

xizangstan
03-06-11, 10:40 PM
Yet another victim of titanium fever. Welcome aboard! :)
'47
03-06-11, 11:18 PM
Pic? Because a pic is worth a 1,000 (well-deserved) gushes. :)

BengeBoy
03-06-11, 11:19 PM
I've looked at that bike online; seems like a great bike and fantastic bargan.

When do we get to see pics?
Garilia
03-07-11, 05:01 AM
Oh lord, that bike has been on my short list for awhile. I'm waiting for some pics too.
robtown
03-07-11, 11:01 AM
I"d like to see pictures of your new bike AND the Cilo, having owned one.
Rixtory
03-07-11, 01:57 PM
Pcitures of the Ti will be coming soon.... I also have some of the Cilo lying around. I will look for htose as well!!
Rick
Garilia
03-07-11, 02:59 PM
Pcitures of the Ti will be coming soon.... I also have some of the Cilo lying around. I will look for htose as well!!
Rick
cool. it's like bike porn :D
RonH
03-07-11, 03:09 PM
Congrats on the new bike.
We need pics.


Even at 56, and just barely able to straddle the toptube in my cleats...
Are you sure you got the right size? You should have 1-2 inches clearance when straddling the top tube.
t4mv
03-07-11, 03:42 PM
... Even at 56, and just barely able to straddle the toptube in my cleats, I find I have the seat set almost maxed out @8.5 out of 9 on the seatpost height indicator).

...

Echoing RonH, I'd think that a semi-sloping TT that's barely cleared with shoes on wouldn't be anywhere near the max extension on the sp ? How's the tt length? The chart's showing something like a 57.2, which is what, maybe equivalent to a 58cm level tt bike? What size was your Cilo?

Pics, we need pics, pics are good!...
raydog
03-07-11, 09:55 PM
Although I have other bikes, my Motobecane aluminum w/carbon fork has been indestructible. With pedals and cages it's 21.6 pounds! I know they are not really "high end" but so what, mine performs so well I've taken it on centuries instead of a Pinerrello. I've also towed a Bob trailer for hundreds of miles with no problems. Mine is mostly Ritchey Pro(including wheels) with Ultegra triple, what stuff did yours get equipped with? Enjoy.