jakrc228

I'm doing the NYC tri this summer and in the market for a new road bike I plan on doing a couple tris a year as well as weekend riding in the summer.

I was wondering if people have an opinion on the Motobecane Century Comp? Its a full carbon frame with Tiagra/105 components for $1095 on bikesdirect.com (says originally $2300). Seems like a steal - does anyone have experience with this bike? Is it legit? Good bike for the money or can I do better?

Was also wondering what peoples' opinions are on buying bikes online, especially bikesdirect.com. Anyone have bad/shady experiences?

THANKS

sced

Same frame, better equipped, less money.

https://cgi.ebay.com/2009-MONOCOQUE-C...item27b0c11c7b

SkinnyLegs

Just because it's carbon doesn't mean it's good. As is the case here. Forget the "originally $2300" crap because it's just marketing fluff. You'd be better off with a CAAD9 or a dedicated Tri bike depending on how serious you are about competing.

kayakdiver

Great first post.

BikesAreCool123

seriously. it's like they don't even try anymore.

achoo

Isn't Bottecchia also another Bikes Direct brand?

sced

It is. I bought one with a Zonal frame and a Record group that my son adopted. He also has a Moto Fantom 29er and I'm riding a Windsor Fens. The Bottecchia was especially nicely finished and assembled and needed few adjustments out of the box. The other two were a bit more erector set.

deacon mark

I bought the exact Bottecchia last year and 2000 miles later it still rides like a dream. Had it by a local bike shop person while I was on a ride and he was really impressed with the bike. I did upgrade to ultegra brakes and my new tires are TRI comps. Buy it you won't be sorry.

AngryScientist 

they are a great VALUE compared to other SIMILARLY EQUIPPED bikes for sale.

Spinz

I had one as well ----- plenty stiff and well made; built the frame up with Ultegra 6500. I sold the frame and fork after putting 5k on it. Its a great value, pull the trigger. Lp

jakrc228

Why isn't this bike good? Do you have experience with it? Is it the brand?

Hunt-man

The issue isn't the bike. There have been many "new" members who post about these bikes and it appears to be advertising. Everyone is suspicious that you are one of those posters, just here to plug the brand and get free advertising.

rollin

Ahhhh good you bought enough for two.

jrobe

It is a great deal as long as you are an expert on fitting a bike properly and then an expert on bike maintenence and repair (the very first thing you will have to do is adjust the derraileurs properly). If this is the case, then the best thing to do is to buy a bike online.

jakrc228

I see.

By the way I heard theres a website called bikesdirect.com that offers amazing service, unparalleled price and great value.

Haha jk. I'm just a normal dude looking for a bike.

Hunt-man

Ha! Now that's funny.

jakrc228

I have put mountain bikes together and have all the tools for that but dont know anything about road bikes. Was planning on just paying to get fitted at my LBS. I know the guys there pretty well. Should I just buy online and do that or buy live from the shop? Is it worth it to give up the savings to get the annual maintenance?

sced

Jibberish. Any half-wit with a bit of initiative can figure it all out in short order. The fit and maintenance boogie man is so overused. Bikes are pretty simple and there's plenty of help online, plus God forbid, one can always take their bike to a shop where they might be lucky enough to find someone competent.

RB1-luvr

I bought a Kestrel from BD, it was packed and assembled well. Just needed fine tuning.

sojourn

Lots of folks gamble. Sometimes it pays off, sometimes not.
You can reduce your odds of losing (buying a bike on-line) IF you do your homework:
Know what size of bike you need.
Try many bikes to see how they feel and what you like.
Understand the geometry specific to your needs.
Understand the various shifting groups/brands available.
Understand the types of crank sets and how they impact your needs.
Understand the type of wheels that you may need/desire.
Be somewhat mechanical.
Know that sometimes what looks like a money saver, can cost you more in the long run. In other words, sometimes it's better to spend a little more upfront than pinching a penny or two now. This has been my experience with bicycles specifically.
Do your homework, and chances are you'll be fine, I didn't and lost by buying on-line. I have an over sized, clear coat shedding, carbon Moto setting in my garage to prove it.
My fault, I own my mistakes. Can you learn from mine?

Good luck on your decision-

datlas 

^^ Good post.

I wonder if you should also understand crappy bottom brackets? (remember that one?)

To the OP, the bottom line is that with BD there are tradeoffs. The more comfortable you are with fitting and wrenching, the more likely you will be an educated consumer and be able to take advantage of the price savings from BD. In the end, you (not BFers) decide if the best route for you is BD versus your LBS.

KevinB

I almost bought the same bike just with a little better components. Everything I could find out about the bike and bike direct was positive but with that said I was uncomfortable pulling the trigger on an internet bike.. I am still pretty unexperienced and this would be my first true road bike buy so im sure for some one with more experience that they would feel more comfortable.. If you do feel uncomfortable I would seriously look around at some deals at the local lbs. I found a 2009 fuji with similar components and frame style for about the same money except the bike was put together and I was able to touch it squeeze it and ride it.

Either way getting a new bike is a freaking great thing and im sure you will be happy either way you go..

Viperplayer5220

I bought my Kestrel from bikesdirect and have had no regrets whatsoever. Probably one of the smartest purchases I've made.

Nachoman

If you're into customer service, BD may not be for you.

shubonker

In my experience, their customer service is excellent. I received a bike last summer which had a bad front tube, they sent me two extra no charge. I sent an email to them and received response the next day, and my tubes a few days after that.