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Motobecane Gran Premio Elite Tech Advice For Purchase

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Old 09-21-15, 09:01 AM
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Motobecane Gran Premio Elite Tech Advice For Purchase

I am looking to purchase this steel bike from BD and would greatly appreciate some advice if anyone notices a spec or component that seems out of line.
I have heard decent things about other recent BD purchases but one thing some people have noted is to be wary of a bike with overall great specs having one thing compromised which is why it's so low priced?
I am also concerned a bit about fit but pretty sure the 59cm will be just right and don't mind paying a bit at LBS to tweak if need be.
Below is a link to the bike:
Save Up To 60% Off Pro Level Steel Road Bikes | Commuting | Commuter Bikes | Motobecane Gran Premio PRO

Thanks in advance!
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Old 09-21-15, 09:12 AM
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Well, the pedals and saddle will be yours to replace.

The wheels likely the weak point. The spoke specs don't match the wheels shown, unless you are getting 36H wheels, which would be an improvement, cause... you said 59 cm...are you a heavy guy?

The brake pads will be crap.

Adjust the hub bearing pre-load when it arrives. Check fasteners, etc.
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Old 09-21-15, 09:32 AM
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Spec is correct--RS11s have 36 spokes total. I actually have had good luck with RS10s, the 10sp version, including some cyclocross use, and I'm not light at 170-200lbs. I'd give the wheels a try and only replace them if they went out of true easily.

Tires are just OK. I'd replace them with better when they wore out. Brake pads could be replaced for better performance at low cost. Saddle/bars/stem are house brand--but those are personal anyways and often are replaced even when name brand/high end. Gossamer crankset isn't as nice as 5800 and may even shift a few ms slower, but is OK and appropriate to pricepoint of bike.

I'd recommend having the assembly checked by a good mechanic. If you aren't fully confident in your own wrenching its important to consider that that when assessing the price.

Really though, its fairly thoughtfully specced, and a decent deal.

Last edited by cpach; 09-21-15 at 09:36 AM.
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Old 09-21-15, 09:48 AM
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I am 6' 1'
225 lbs
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Old 09-21-15, 09:51 AM
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Thanks for the advice so far!
I am not experienced in bike modding/repair at all so plan on spending the money to have local LBS put it together so I don't have to worry about too much before first ride.
After riding it for a season I plan on having LBS upgrade/tweak it assuming I still love it.
Assuming wheels would be first upgrade
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