munky18

The following is the standard noob question but search has not helped for this specific comparison.

Advice needed. Buying my first road bike. I'm looking at a 2010 Trek 1.2 or a 2011 Motobecane Vent Noir.

The Trek is aluminum, carbon fork, sora shifters, sora FD, tiagra RD, compact double or triple. Can get local, good warranty. $750

The Motobecane is aluminum, carbon fork, tiagra shifters, tiagra FD, 105 RD, only in triple (total 27 gears). Sold through Bikes Direct, so no local support and who knows about a warranty. $699

The Motobecane from a component perspective is a clear winner but their is always the train of thought that the purchase should be around the frame and you can build on it later to improve it. Can't find much in reviews or opinions on the Motobecane but good stuff about Trek (most negative views are on the components). I'm a new cyclist putting in about 150 miles a week on 25-35 mile rides at a time, no plans for racing but would like to do longer rides and centuries. Any helpful advice would be appreciated.

rmr1923

i've heard plenty good things about Motobecane, and i've seen a handful of them on the local bike trails. i considered buying one myself but ended up finding a good deal locally on a full-105 equipped bike (sans crankset, which was FSA). i also considered the warranty, not sure what the warranty is on the Motobecane bikes, maybe someone else who owns one or has dealt with BikesDirect.com can chime in on that. i think you'd be happier with the better components on the Motobecane, but like you said, you can always upgrade components on the Trek if you felt so inclined. a 105 rear derailleur can be found on ebay for a pretty decent price.

znomit

Buy local.

jrobe

Buy a bike online if you are an expert bike fitter and can do all your own repairs and maintenence. Buy locally if you need some help with these things.

Buy the bike that can be set up to fit you perfect.

WCG

I bought my first bike from BD and if you know the size bike you need go for it. The assembly is a no brainer and if you need servicing help, any LBS will be happy to provide it. The bikes are generally of good quality. If you need more help with sizing and if you're all thumbs when it comes to assembly buy at your local LBS. Either way once you're hooked on riding the LBS will get plenty of your business.

azshtr

I would add that regarding frames... most brands use the same factories overseas anyways. Giant bikes started as a frame manufacturer and still has one of the largest frame factories. They sell frames to many other brands.

Palomar01

Yup. BD bikes, Motobecane, Mercier, Wellington, etc., all come from the same factories from Taiwan and China that most Treks, Cannondales, Specialized, and other name brands do. Kenisis is a major frame maker in Taiwan and they provide frames to many brands including many Bikes Direct brand bikes.

If you know your size and want to save $$ and don't care about brand names, get your bike from BD. If you are uncomfortable and unsure about the idea of buying a bike online, the answer is clear: buy from your local bike dealer. Do not be afraid to take your internet bike to your LBS. They will be more than happy to take your $$ and service whatever bicycle you bring in. This idea that LBS thumb their noses at internet bikes is BS. If a bicycle shop does that they won't stay in business for long! Most LBS' make their profits selling parts, apparel, and providing service to ANY bicycle that rolls through their doors.

I've bought bikes from my LBS and was very happy with the service. I also bought a bike from Bikes Direct and am very happy with their service as well. I took my Motobecane LeChamp Ti to my LBS and they were very happy to charge me $55 for a full service and tune up. They also were very happy to fit the bike to me and take more of my $$.

Cycho

+1

I bought my BD Motobecane and took it to my LBS where they were happy to assemble and service it. However, as previously mentioned, only works if you know your size. The extra $50 you would spend on the LBS bought Trek would be less than the cost of paying for a separate fitting.

waltersc

I am sure both frames are of equal quality and might be made in the same plant in Taiwan. But the LBS is the way to go! For $50 you get a lifetime frame warranty thru Trek, which the LBS takes care of. Most shops offer at least one tune up with in the year. Some even offer a lifetime adjustments. Not to mention the LBS will make sure the frame is the correct size. I would say all that is worth $50.00. Enjoy whatever you ride.