Hello all,

Ok, I've been looking at the specs, geometry, etc of these Motobecane cyclocross bikes. Components seem to be top notch for the price, but I'm not finding too many reviews.

What I have been hearing (and reading) are a lot of rave reviews about the Kona cross series, but the Motobecanes just seem technically better (from my newbie-perspective).

I'm supposed to test-ride a Kona Jake this weekend, but I haven't been able to find a Moto to test out.

So, questions are: Is there a general consensus on the Motos?
&
Motos vs Konas, all components considered equal (even though the Motos are almost half the price despite more expensive components), which bikes are considered "better" and why?

I will be using this as my commuter btw, in the crag-filled streets of NYC. I also understand that I have to try them out first to make a decision for myself, but in the meantime outside wisdoms and considerations are appreciated.

Thanks guys.

I'm a huge Kona Jake fan, and I don't have any experience with the BD cross bikes. I can tell you that a lot of people on the cyclocross forum are pretty happy with them. The biggest problem with the BD bikes is that you can't test ride them, so unless you really have your bike size dialed in, you've got a pretty good chance of getting the wrong size. There used to be a lot of stories about initial quality, particularly wheels that needed tensioning, but that seems to be happening less often recently (just based on my perception of feedback on this forum). You can't beat the price of the BD stuff.

You can't judge a bike just by the component spec. Frame quality is a very big deal, though nearly impossible to judge from specs. The Kona bikes are fantastic for racing. I don't know how important the intangibles that set them apart are for commuting. For instance, I've got a Kona Jake and a Surly Cross Check. For racing, the Kona is hands down better. For commuting, I really don't notice a difference.

I recently got the CX 2. I love it. I may need to adjust the stem, but it feels like a beast going through pot holes and over curbs. Still has enough roll to cruise, and I can hunker down on the down side of a hill and just bomb.

I did need to take it in to have someone help tune the deraileurs, but I'm horrible with a wrench. Well worth it.

If $$ was no object, I'd pay the extra 400$ and get a surly, but I'm not at all upset with my purchase.

Love my Fantom CX2. I've had mine since May of 2009 and have 15,000 miles w/one rebuild/repack and one slight truing of the rear wheel. I swapped out the stock tires for some Schwalbe Marathon Plus' 28mm after I got my 2nd flat. Would recommend if you get one go for bigger tires as you've got an urban commute. 35-38mm SMPs would be much better. My commute is 40mi rt rural w/no potholes, so I can get away w/t more narrow tires. Best 500.00 I've ever spent in my cycle-commuting experience. Great bike for the money.

Btw, I ordered my bike on a Saturday and it was delivered by Wednesday afternoon. If your assembly skills are lacking pay an lbs 50.00 and you're still way ahead.

The folks over in the cross section of the forums seem to like them. You might get better responses asking your question over there.

I've been eyeballing an Phantom Cross Outlaw for a couple years now. Just can't justify it as my current cross bike is running just fine.

Nobody has. Motobecane is a now a house brand of Bikes Direct. You "test out" a model by buying it first then seeing if you like it. OTOH, a lot of people here have had good experiences buying their bikes sight-unseen, so if you know what you want, that might not be a bad way to go.