bayareawheeler

Well as some of you know ive owned the Motobecane Immortal Force (59cm White) for a couple of months now but have not ridden the bike until today.

Today in Norcal it was a balmy 70 degrees with blue skies and green pastures. My buddy from work had asked me if I was interested in joining him and his friends on a ride. To be honest I didn’t think I was going to make the ride seeing as I let my friends talk me into a beer that turned into 8+ pitchers and me getting to bed around 2am. But 7am rolled around and I was up and slowly getting my butt ready for a ride.

After meeting up with everyone we hit the road – all three of the people I was riding with were current racers (one being a cat2) so I knew the pace would be on the fast side.

After a few blocks spinning up and getting warmed up we timed our route so the specter ride would overtake us…we jumped on. Man that ride moves – felt like we had jumped on the back of a freight train. We stuck with the specter ride until we got to old la Honda road and broke off to start this climb. Up until this point I was cautiously testing out the new bike, shifting was nice and butter smooth – wheels seemed to roll effortlessly and the only issues I was having was getting used to the one sided spd pedals that came with the bike. Im used to mtb style spd that allow you to clip in from either side.

Okay old la Honda – I had done this climb twice before and damn near died both times. I started spinning away trying to pace myself knowing how easy it was to blow up on this hill. I noticed right away I was climbing at a very brisk pace and was not winded in the least…could it be the bike? Or the fact Ive logged a substantial amount of miles since the last time I tried this hill. Maybe a bit of both.

¾’s of the way up the hill one of my riding buddies was kind enough to announce that there was only 1 mile left. I felt great so kicked it up a notch and downshifted. Few minutes later I caught up to the cat2 racer that we were riding with and attached myself to his rear wheel and gave it my all to keep his pace up the hill. There is a small portion near the end that gets a bit steeper and I was unable to match his pace. I crested the top of the hill maybe 3 seconds behind and to my amazment I felt GREAT. Not winded in the least!

The bike felt great and actually received positive comments while I was waiting at the top for the rest of our group.

Next we started a descent that switchbacks down the backside of a mountain, there was gravel in the rode so I took it fairly easy most of the way down. I was also paying close attention to how my bike was handling and watching for any “signs” of failure and such. Bike was solid and smooth. Once we hit some level rollers we began pace lining and really got going at an incredible clip. Im feeling more and more comfortable and was really able to contribute to the teamwork. Was also very happy to listen to any comments and advice the more experienced riders were able to offer.
We rolled into a small town and had a very refreshing lunch that consisted of a loaf of bread stuffed with artichoke hearts and goat cheese YUMMY! Weather was amazing and the hillsides were covered with blooming flowers and deep lush green foliage.

After lunch we started back up the Mtn – but took a different road back. This was a loooong gradual hill. Felt really strong and was getting more and more confident with each pedal stroke. Got to the top of the hill with energy to spare, was very surprised at how well I was doing and im sure it showed with the big goofy grin on my face. Solid as a rock, took everything I threw at it and laughed.

Reached to top of the Mtn and started back down to the starting point. Really fast descent – now in the past I got dropped on this descent. I was really starting to lean into the turns and push the limits of the Immortal force. Today I was able to match my companions speed all the way down the hill. We were cooking! We wrapped up the ride said our goodbyes and I headed for my truck.

All in all I am very happy with the Immortal Force and am actually looking forward to going on a recovery ride tomorrow morning! The ride was 75 miles and over the course of the day there was multiple sprinting competitions – I hammered down on the Motobecane (im 6ft 185) and it responded beautifully with no flex to be found. The climbs were a pleasure and the descents fast and steady. Oh ya I really like the Ritchey Protocol wheels, they felt great on the ride today. Two thumbs up. I was even pleasantly surprised with the seat that came with the bike, after 75 miles my backside was in stellar condition – nice and comfy.

Im sorry to say my Merlin will prob be seeing a lot more down time.
Hope you all are having a great weekend. Any questions let me know!
Regards
BAW

Ostuni

finalmente! e grazie! bravissimo! forza!

blandin

Now that's a ride report! Thanks a lot and I'm thinking that big grin may still be on your face come morning. Enjoy your recovery ride.

johnny99

What similar bikes have you test ridden? Trek? Specialized? Giant? How does the Motobecane compare in stiffness, flexiness, responsiveness, and handling? Thanks.

furiousferret

Nice report, almost makes me want to go out and buy the bike.

WheresWaldo

This is a great report. Now I am on the pecariously tettering on the edge of aquiring this bike. The only thing that is holding me back is the thought of sleeping on the couch for the next month. Have fun with your Moto.

Ostuni

let me give you the push that you obviously are seeking here....

and sleeping on that couch might not be so bad with that immortal force to cuddle up to....

Ostuni

until baw adds some pics (speaking of which, baw, we'd love to see more of that bike, sf, etc.), here's something to whet your appetite:

curt in denver

Nice report, thanks

bayareawheeler

ive been a "roadie" for 1-1.5 years now with my only other bike being a Merlin Ti with DA9. I havent had the pleasure of riding any steel or aluminum road bikes. Ive been an avid mtb'er for 10+ years...

Both of my bikes soak up bumps very well and neither offer a harsh ride. The Moto seems to be the stiffer of the two as I can feel a bit of flex on the Ti bike when Im sprinting or hammering down. The Moto also seems to be the better climber of the two. But im thinking this may have to do with the Ritchey Protocol wheels on the one and the cheap-o Korso wheels on the Merlin

Bobisthedog

BAW....Thank you so much for the report....I have done that ride many times in my life....The spectrum ride takes no prisoners and early in my attempts (or if I had hit it too hard the night before) I was spit off the back as soon as we hit the first semi hill.....Old La Honda is an awesome climb....Boy wasn't yesterday a gourgeous day in the Bay Area!....Awesome that you loved The Force....Mine is on The UPS truck and will be delivered Thursday...After that review, it's going to be a long five days....Glad to hear you liked the seat, others have blasted it...I planned on changing it immediately, but I may give it a go now....Maybe I'll see you out there on Foothill one of these days.....I'll know you by your ride....I'll post a review and pix as soon as I get it fitted and ridden...

johnny99

Try putting the Ritchey wheels on the Merlin and see how much of a change that makes.

shawnj73

Thanks for the ride report!

cmcenroe

After seeing that bike I immediately regretted buying the Trek 2100 and wished I had waited for a while. I really want a carbon fiber bike. I just bought a new steel fixie, too.

rfctx

Now that I understand!! What a good study of the bike.

I have been looking at the carbon Moto and have been thinking of passing the Century Pro down to my son.

ravenmore

LALALALALA - I CAN'T HEAR YOU! (fingers in ears)......

Moto what?....
Immortal who....


Ignorance is bliss. I think I was happier not knowing this bike was out there. Temptation sux.....

ravenmore

Actually great ride report. Glad you confirmed among other things how stiff and stable the frame is. Post more pics - maybe some in the daylight?