NightLights

Planning to drop 5 or 6 Hundred on a Motobecane

Legit?

John R

I've looked at the websight seems like its a good deal. I know Motobecane is a mail order bike. The downside is you won't have shop support.

Nachoman

OP, there are have been lots of other downsides posted on this forum. Do a search and check out the many threads.

urbanknight

It's legit, but I hope you know how to assemble and tune up a bicycle, or expect another $100 or more from a shop to get it right... and then more $$$ if you don't know how to fit the bike to yourself.

danarnold

Absolutely legit. But as UK says, you need some basic cycle mechanic skills. Nothing that involves more than allen wrenches and a screwdriver. Your LBS will be happy to tune it for you; they just won't do it for free.

You also should be sure of the fit. I wouldn't rely totally on an LBS for that anyway, if they were selling me the bike. There are online sites for that. You want to check the bike's geometry and take careful measurements of your body, not just stand over height.

I'm delighted with the all Dura-Ace 7900 2009 Kestrel RT800 I just bought from them. Great buy and it was exactly as described.

Ferrino

Definitely legit.

rawhite1969

I'm riding a bike from BD and have had no issues with it. You do have to figure out the fit yourself, but there seems to be pleny of resources for that.

roadfix

Whether you're a BD pumper or not, BD is legit.

CbadRider

The OP is asking a legitimate question about whether or not to purchase a bike. That is not considered shilling.

GP

If you're looking at the Grand record, I suggest spending an extra $100 and getting the Vent Noir unless you like Sora shifters.

I've seen several BD bikes on club rides and riding around. They're OK but make sure you read the specs closely so you know exactly what you're getting.

ZippyThePinhead

Been thinking the same thing. A friend is a professionally-trained bicycle mechanic, and the way he explained it to me, BD buys the rights to brands that have faded/died, like Motobecane, and gets the frames from the same sources the major manufacturers buy from. Who exactly, I have no idea, but the way he put it was "the same factories in China." Their overhead is less than a typical major manufacturer has to cover; the savings are, in part, passed along.

He said BD has been in business for 10 years or so.

I was actually considering buying a BD bike as a component donor so that I could resurrect a vintage frame with new components. But if the Motobecane suits me, I'd probably just ride it.

Eticket

Got my Dawes SST AL from BD - no complaints - quick and easy and couldn't beat the price. Almost 600 miles on it and not one issue. If you have some mechanical skills its no big deal.

urbanknight

Just my opinion, but the question being asked doesn't determine shill status. The origin of the OP does. For example, if the IP of the username comes from So Cal, it's probably legit. If it comes from Texas, it's probably a shill.

Sci-Fi

The OP did post an opinion in the lights section and it had nothing to do with BD. So I'll give the OP the benefit of the doubt.

If anyone wants to buy a bike online and knows what's involved in assembly, tuning, etc and the quality/level of the components 'at that price point', then I don't see a problem. Like anybody, one wants as much info as possible about the company and/or the product to make a better informed buying decision. Paying the LBS for assembly and tuning may be more cost effective for a novice online buyer. Tensioning and truing the wheels is something that's always needs to be done.

Now finding/buying the proper fitting/size is another story since you can't 'test ride' the bike or find the size that fits you or that you are most comfortable riding from an online description. Even with 'name brands' in the same size, there are differences. It's similar to buying cycling shoes online...could be smaller or larger than the stated size.

Indolent58

I'm in So Cal and I'm a shill. BD RAWKS!




I wouldn't be caught dead riding one - but they still RAWK! WOOT! WOOT!

SoCalWheels

I am considering the 2008 Kestrel Talon w/ SRAM from BD. I compared this to the LBS's Scattante CFR Elite Carbon Road Bike.

The Talon seems better equipped (more bang for the $) than the Scattante, but, again, the LBS provides support and tune ups for the life of the bike (original owner).

I really like the Talon and am more inclined to purchase it and increase my overall mechanical know how.

Feedback is welcome.

hairnet

I bought the Vent Noir. It's a nice ride but the wheels are bit on the heavy side.

It may be a little more. My BB came loose after some riding, so I had to take it the LBS because I don't have the tool.

Cares

I've been on these forums for about 1 week and you've been extremely annoying already from reading your posts. If you don't like BD then don't post on the threads without a legitimate argument for it. You incessantly spam every thread that mentions BD. Knock it off...

GP

Lighten up, Francis.

maddmike

I bought a Windsor single speed from BD about 8 months ago. I currently use it as my commuter bike - about 5 miles/day. I have ridden it on longer rides 40~50 miles or so and haven't had any problems. When I got it some of the paint was chipped off the where the rear axle it bolted on. They credited me $20 to get some paint to fix it. My concern was corrosion since I live near the beach and the salt air eats away at everything. I would probably use BG again