MEC - Good, Bad or Ugly..?
 

Never have I owned or ridden a carbon fiber road bike, or an carbon fiber bike at all. But that is about to change...
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...0d4436270c.jpg

A few weeks ago, a young man bought these from me for cheap...
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...7b1c2ee698.jpg

At that time, just as he was leaving, he told me that he had just inherited two road bikes - a Devenci and an almost unridden MEC. He added that he one was too small and the other too fast (his words, not mine). Anyway, I expressed interest, should he ever want to sell one or both. He didn't appear to be interested. However...

Two weeks later, a Face Book message appears, indicating that he might want to trade the bike that fits him, the MEC, for something. What did I have to offer? I asked him to send me pictures of the bikes, but he only sent pictures of the MEC, indication that the other bike was smaller and he was keeping it for his wife. Anyway, I swapped this aluminum Garneau, also little used...
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...f6aa938ca6.jpg

For my first ever carbon fiber road bike, a MEC Attack...
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...fe0257f34b.jpg

I have since, or even before, the trade, learned that the MEC brand sponsored considerable controversy. The controversy seemed to focus on unfair business practice/pricing. Does anyone know anything about this controversy? I don't suppose it really matters, the deal is done, got a carbon fiber and going for a ride on a glorious Fall, and windless, day in Northwestern Canada Yee haw!

Nice swap!

Looks to hail from around 2010 if ten-speed in back (fd looks like the 10s model 105).

"Dated" external cabling along the dt is not a bad thing.

I think it was because MEC at one time was a coop and so got preferential tax treatment or some such, which bike shops did not get. But also they seem to have mismanaged the business and ended up having to sell to a private company a couple of years ago. So i don't know if the cost/pricing thing is still a factor.

I don't know anything about MEC. How do you like it? You have plenty of experience on steel and aluminum bikes. How does this compare? Judging from the short wheelbase, it looks like this bike is intended to be sporty, to give the feel and liveliness of a racing bike. Also, since you are posting on the C&V section, you may not get that much response whether this is good, bad or ugly since most here are not riding carbon fiber bikes although some have one or more in their quiver.

It looks good to me. I have my preferences of what I like a bike to look like (Jack Taylor. Jeffery Bock), but when I ride, I don't see the bike and my dislike of, for instance, forks that are straight or four pin cranks, no longer factor into how it rides.

So, how do you like it? How does it ride?

I don't know if they still have co-op status.
It's not a place (the store) I like very much. I think they still charge their $5.00 co-op membership fee at the Wpg. store.
A little too hipster for my tastes- and that extends to business practices.
As for their bikes- not a clue. Just guessing there is some re-branding involved.

-D.S.

As a former long time MEC member (when it was a coop), the controversy to me was that management strayed far from the coop philosophy in trying to become a general retailer, spending far too much time on unsuccessfully attempting to generate profits at the expense of members and community. Final straw was in selling the business (IMO the coop charter required member approval which they did not seek or get). True coops take their responsibilities seriously and MEC to me let their members down.

Now that they are Mountain Equipment Company (instead of Coop) I don’t shop there. And if they are collecting coop fees then report them.

Also a long time former MEC member. My take on the demise of the co-op is that it was eaten by private equity in an insidious takeover. Every year, the co-op would elect a board of directors and these folks (mostly from the big smoke) would put their names up and tout their love of the outdoors and knowledge of the sports industry. Once they were able to take over the board, they hollowed out the enterprise and then sold it off to themselves. It's a crying shame because MEC was a great place for many years, even if you weren't into climbing.

As for the bike, those were pretty good, not much different than many carbon bikes available at the time.

Just checked on-line into this, and they now offer free membership~ with no mention of a co-op.

-D.S.

So how did the bicycle ride go???

Well the wind and rain died down and today is one kick butt beautiful day. T-shirt weather and I finally got the MEC out for a ride...
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...0cbf60bfee.jpg

The ride was impressive but I have learned that it takes more than one ride to evaluate a bike's fit, ride quality and user friendliness. So, let's consider the MEC Attack under those considerations.

Fit - like a glove. The bike is a perfect fit as found. I did have to raise the saddle, all but needless to say, and the jury is out on saddle comfort for now...
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...64f20ffed5.jpg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...e94af7aa7c.jpg

The only other fit issue was the brake levers. I like mine level with each other and both tipped slightly in. For some reason, as found on the MEC, one lever was tipped in, the other out. This is not a criticism, just an observation and will soon be rectified....
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...308a1bdd15.jpg

User friendliness. For all intents and purposes, the bike is as easy to use as any I have owned. Comfortable and working pretty darn good. That said, the transmission could use some tuning. One gear tends to click, obviously a tweak or two will fix the issue. But the gearing is, pretty much, just right. Plenty of range and the bike climbs, almost, effortlessly...
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...44be875fcd.jpg

I should add that I used the NOS pedal and shoe set that I bought on Facebook Marketplace for $35.00 CND. The shoes are comfy, fit perfect and easy to put on and take off. I used the different sided pedals on purpose for the test ride but intend install a normal set of SPD pedals for the next ride...
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...6b85bf72eb.jpg

Ride quality was impressive. I can no longer ride fast but this bike feels fast. It is nimble and handles without thought. I felt immediately, well almost immediately, comfortable on and with the bike. It is, for me, something special. My first and, so far, only carbon fiber steed and, again, so far, I bloody well love it...
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...94f20a2766.jpg

So, a set of matching tires, some new handlebar tape (might even spring for some of the good stuff, as opposed to the $2.50 a tape set that I usually use). I also intend to install new brake pads and, perhaps, new cables with black casings. Other than that, yeeha - the bike is good to go, however; this Winter I will pull all bearings, check, lubricate, install and adjust to factory specs. Am I ever glad that I finally got my hand on and my butt over a carbon fiber road bike...
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...97f5b7c0df.jpg

I joined MEC in '83, and used to have a commercial account there as well. But it changed for the worse, and I don't go there any more. As for modernish carbon, I've only done miles on vintage carbon, so I can't comment on tupperware like that.

randyjawa While I smile at the steel vs carbon debates that rage on the interwebs, I am glad you found it was such a great experience getting a plastic bike (😎). In the end it’s about how you feel when you ride and seems you have found a winner!

That MEC is nice. It seems to have Specialized-type styling/geometry which is a good thing. Those Pearl Izumi shoes are nice too. I like three velcro strap type shoes. I hope you have many enjoyable miles on the new cf bike.

EVO pedals. Let us know how they work out for you.
Just bought a pair of their bottom line loose bearing MTB pedals, and they needed overhaul out of the box.

-D.S.

The pedals worked just fine. The spindles spin smoothly with no slop. I set the SPD's loose and then adjusted up to get the release tension I am comfortable with. That said, I will pull the pedals and install a nice set of Wellglows that I have tucked away. Lighter and dual sides are best now that I have a bit of riding confidence back (balance issues these days).

Good to hear.
Seen a guy fall over at a stop-light yesterday- he couldn't un-clip for whatever reason.
I got enough problems with face plants and wipeouts, for now.
I may buy another set of the v-sixty pedals, if I don't get the 23" frame I've been watching.

-D.S.

Though getting cold and starting into the wind, the MEC and I spent some more time together today. Before the ride, I took the time to install a set of little used 700c x 23 tires on the bike. Normally, I would run 28s but I went with what I had on hand. The 23s worked just fine, adding slightly to the nimble/quick feel I experienced on the first ride. Getting cold and ice patches are starting to show up, here and there. Riding, for this season soon will end, however; I just might get out for a short ride, or two, now and again, once my wife and I move back to the city for the cold winter days ahead...
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...d7df7196f7.jpg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...412b37131b.jpg

I wonder if this is related to the MEC which produced sub-miniature cameras (16mm and 8mm) back in the 50s and 60s. I have a MEC 16SB which is a 16mm (motion picture stock) still camera with a great Rodenstock lens, and a coupled light meter that fits inside a shirt pocket, the same size as a pack of cigarettes. Sorry to veer off topic.
Phil

Their website suggests no, since they started in 1971. They are/were our version of REI.

No. The UBC Varsity Outdoors Club (VOC) founded the Mountain Equipment Coop in 1972 ( I thought it was 1972 but I’ll go with the above post). I think they may have first sold from the student union building but soon moved to a small second floor building on 4th Ave. in Vancouver. That’s when I joined. They were mainly selling hiking, backpacking and climbing gear.

Over the years it grew like Topsy and eventually the ‘co-op’ model got lost in practice (and taken over by easterners who did not appreciate the foundations of the operation). Then, a few years ago it also sold out to private interests and changed to a ‘corporation’ that should be better able to manage the major retailer it had become. So far, the jury is still out on whether that will be the case.

I don’t recall an issue/scandal regarding their bikes. That looks like a very nice bike built on an endurance frame and it doesn’t surprise me that you find it a very enjoyable ride.

That's a nice set-up. Brakes look capable.
Have you ridden curves at reasonable speeds yet?
Curious as to how something like that would feel under a bit of side g....

-D.S.

The black trek 2200, it is a light, stiff and responsive frame. You should buy it.

I did not buy the Trek 2200SL - a neighbor gave it..,
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...eeb1aaaf2c.jpg

and a Specialized Sirrus to me. Both in decent but dirty shape. The Sirrus (raced professionally) got built/cleaned up and sold with-in a few days. Nice bike but not my cup of tea...
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...d6490468c4.jpg

I was going to build the Trek for myself (it is/was very light and sported a lovely set of Rolf wheels) but so many bikes have come my way since the Trek/Specialized gift. I harvested the components from the Trek, street restored the Specialized and sold it locally. These guys, coupled with a Raleigh Super Grand Prix went out the door for the price of a case of beer or pretty close to it...
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...1d7168489d.jpg

I have a 2300 slr that I am building as a project
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...9253ba01_b.jpg

And I have the Shimano 105 group that I harvested from the 2200sl and don't intend to use the components. Let me know if you need anything and I will list it on the For Sale forum. How about a decent set of Rolf wheels in great shape?