Originally Posted by
DieselDan
I have a Motobecane Messenger that I share with my son. I've had to replace the BB after only 30 miles, and now the headset has seized. I did change the freehweel from 16T to 18T, the brake pads, and a higher stem. The wheels have been the biggest surprise: 32 spoke no name hubs, spokes, and rims and they only have gone out of true once on the rear. I have been as high as 300 on it!
The BB and headset issues are not out of line with things I've heard from other BD bike owners. Apparently the partial assembly done at the factory isn't to the highest specifications. Things I've seen recommended by many BD owners (and other online "direct from factory" shops, to be fair about it):
- remove BB and grease threads before reinstalling
- repack headset bearings
- remove cranks and grease spindles before reinstalling
- tension/true wheels
Those things being done, you can get a reliable and durable bike from factory direct order shops like BD... but you will need to put some TLC into them.