slinde22

Very new to the cycling world and planning to buy my first road bike. I found a listing in my price range for a Motobecane Grand Record on bikesdirect.com. I would love some insight into if this is a good bike for a good price and if not any suggestions on something better for a similar cost. I will paste the specifics below along with the ad. Thanks everyone!

https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...record_xii.htm

Motobecane Grand Becane
Frame New Semi-Compact Geometry, Kinesis Handmade Double-Butted 7005 Aluminum Main Frame with replaceable derailleur hanger and 2xH2O brazeons
HT lengths 47/50/52/54/56/58/60/62/64CM=115/130/140/150/170/190/210/230/250mm
Fork Kinesis StraightBlade 12K CARBON Fiber 1.125 inch steerer
47/50/52/54/56/58/60/62/64CM=203/218/228/238/258/278/298/318/338mm
Crankset FSA Vero Aluminum, triple ring 50/39/30T
Crank 170/172.5/175mm for 47-52/54-56/58-64CM
BottomBracket/ Headset Sealed cartridge BB Steel Cups w/Additional water seals, JIS Square, Chromo Spindle,68mm Shell x 116mm Spindle / Cane Creek 1.125" Threadless headset
Pedals BONUS Clipless Road pedals (fits two-bolt sole pattern shoes)
Front Derailleur Shimano Sora 3403, BAND-TYPE 31.8MM FOR TRIPLE
Rear Derailleur Shimano Tiagra RD-4500, TIAGRA GS 9-SPEED (27 gears total)
Shifters Shimano ST-3400 SORA (27 gears total)(integrated with brake levers)
Cassette/Freewheel Shimano CS-HG61, 9-SPEED 11-12-13-14-16-18-21-24-28T (27 gears total)
Chain KMC X9 SuperNarrow 9spd
Hubs XRP COMP Vuelta, forged aluminum, Contact Labyrinth Sealed Ball Bearings and Quick Release front and rear
Spokes Stainless Steel, black finish
Rims XRP COMP Vuelta, 6061T6 Double Wall aluminum with machined brake track
Tires Continental UltraSport High pressure road 700c, presta valve tubes
Brakes Tektro R520 Aluminum black finish
Brake Levers Shimano SHIFT/BRAKE LEVER, ST-3400 SORA
Handlebar RITCHEY BIOMAX OE (C:31.8) ALLOY(6061) D.B. BUTTED 400/420/440mm FOR 47-52/54-56/58-64CM,D/R:130/82mm
Stem RITCHEY COMP 4 AXIS 84/6D (C:31.8)-28.6 ALLOY(6061) EXT: (-6°) 90/100/110mm FOR 47-52/54-56/58-64CM
Tape/Grip Black cork
Saddle SKYE Racing
Seat Post RITCHEY OE 2 BOLTS, 6061 ALLOY, 27.2 X 350MM
Seat Clamp Machined Aluminum Alloy with bolt
Sizes 47cm, 50cm 52cm 54cm 56cm 58cm 60cm 62cm 64cm
Geometry Sizing Chart
Colors MatteBlack or MatteSilver as shown above

Brandon2002

That's a great bike. But you are asking the wrong group of people. Some here are snobs.

bikemig 

Maybe they are and maybe they're not but more than a few people here seem to like BD. The bike the OP listed is sold out. More to the point, you aren't going to get any service with BD so it may not be the best choice for the OP. The OP might want to do some reading about BD before buying from them and also know exactly what he is getting.

teaboy1748

If you plan to buy online you will need some tools and be able to do some simple bike maintenance if your getting from online shop.
Its hard to know your fit and sizing since your not able to test ride the bike.
Have you try your local bike store yet?

carhea

I got this bike last September and it has been great. Assembly and adjustments took a couple hours. I have put almost 1500 miles on it with no issues at all.

KantoBoy

I've owned a BD bike (Vent Noir).Not a single complain about them.

But if you're the type that likes to upgrade, spend the most cash you can on a bike now. Upgraditis in the cycling world can put a hole on your pockets FAST.

My advice to a newbie like you: buy a tool kit (look at Park tool, they have starter kits) and learn on how to wrench your own bike.

JamisJeff

I have bought a road bike that I keep in Arizona at the in-laws for when I visit, it's an alum frame with 105 on it and I have no complaints, my buddy bought a Motobecane carbon bike from BD for his first bike and with Ultegra on it at the price point he got it was a GREAT bike...I don't think you can go wrong for a first bike from BD...for me it's all about the components, wheels, etc at a good price point...not the name on the bike! If you haven't purchased yet, I highly recommend going no lower than Shimano 105 or maybe SRAM Rival on the component set...SORA and Tiagra are just OK but sound like meat grinders when shifting.

ovoleg

You cant go wrong with a BD bike, but make sure to know your size. Don't worry about assembling it, its 95% assembled already and the few things you need to attach are very minor that even my girlfriend would be able to do on her own.

My 3rd bike was a Motobecane Immortal Force from BD, still have that bike 4 years later and love it.

CrankAndYank

Lifetime, unlimited return policy?

Dunbar

Lot of Bikes Direct posts lately from new posters...I would spend the extra $50 and get the Gravity Liberty 3 with Tiagra shifters. They are much nicer than the Sora shifters on the Grand Record IMO.

bikemig 

You think? . I'm a little skeptical as well.

CenturionIM

good enough bike. If it is you first, then you will sell it in a year seeing the fit wasn't great/want to upgrade because you hangout on BF.

boymonkey

Ive been riding the vent noir for a few years already and had no problem with it at all, even after an accident with a vehicle. Only had to replace the handlebars. As long as you know your frame sizing you are good to go. If I were you I would save a bit more and get something with at least the tiagra shifters. 105 or apex would be even better, just my opinion of course.