Motobecane Messenger
 

Well I have been commuting by bike for four years, and last year I sold my car and became a car light family. I've been bitten by the bug, and built a fixed gear commuter bike out of a $20 Craigslist find (1970s Raleigh). This past fall I built an IRO Mark V for fun and recreation, and my wife has really admired it, calling it a beautiful bike.

So, I am all for supporting local bike stores, but I could not find a bike near the quality and price range of a Motobecane Messenger (in dusty rose). So I ordered one and had it delivered to my workplace for $299. It took me no more than 30 minutes to put together on my lunch hour. The quality of the parts are good. It is sitting under our tree waiting for the wake-up of excited kids in the morning.

Overall a very positive experience so far. Time will tell.

I've just seen so many negative comments about these bikes and the supplier that I thought I would post a real life positive experience.

Cool story bro.

theres a megathread dedicated to this, but im glad you enjoy your new bike.

I've loved the crap out of my messenger. Originally it ran bullhorns, then back to the stock drops but with a 7-speed IGH, then back to fixed with a northroad type cruiser bar. Fun times.

congrats, man. i have a motomess and am very happy with it

Another BD bike added to your collection? Its grown on you, huh? Enjoy your new fixie! :)

me? ive had my motomess since march 2008

Yeah, I read through that thread. I looked around at a LOT of threads, some positive, mostly negative. Must of the positive posts generate accusations that the OP is a shill.

Well Christmas was a success. I think my wife was impressed that a bicycle was hiding somewhere in the house, and she wasn't aware. 52cm was the correct guesstimate for size. The dusty rose color is really nice.

How tall is your wife? I was thinking of getting mine one of these for her birthday. She's 5'4". 52cm seems the right size.

Btw, I've got a Motomess, too. Only it's a 2008 Fantom CX 2x9. It's used as a commuter. 12,0000 miles and still going strong.

52cm seems too big for someone that's 5'4". My sister is about that size and rides a 49cm.

Yeah, my wife is 5'7" and the 52cm is the right size. I would say someone who is 5'4" would fit the 49cm.

Yup. I'm a 5'7" guy and 52 cm in my Schwinn Madison is the right size.

My girlfriend got a 44cm Messenger from bikesdirect and she's 5"2

the bike's seat tube came with "BB ball" size "ding" on the bottom side, but since she didn't mind, we just use it.

I've got Kilo TT for myself form Bikesdirect and mine came fine except the poorly machined built front wheel but

Do you really except much fronm $300 bikes?

I am satisfied with what I purchased, and my GF seems to like her Moto Messenger


my neighbor has $240 Vilano, and that is honestly Poorly enginered bike and I wouldn't recommend to anyone but my enemy.

so cute!

I think that's called a Fantobecane.

The box (and the bike inside) arrived at work with no issues. The stem is too long (she feels too stretched out), so I'll swap that out. It didn't come with a fixed cog or lock-ring, so those need to be added. Even with the additions/substitutions, it still works out to $350'ish. She's bummed that the winter has dramatically arrived in Maine, she rode it a couple of times single-speed and is liking it already.

Ok, got it. I'll start looking for a smaller size bike for her. Thanks guys.

Wow, I feel like such an uninformed nerd...:p