A couple of things to think about.
There are basically two different Motobecane companies and the one Bikesdirect sells isn't the better of the two.
There will be assembly required so a lot depends on your ability to do such things as hook up the brakes and such. If you need such support from your LBS, it may be better to buy a bike from them also.
I bought a bike from BikesDirect last year to use on the KATY. It's a Windsor Tourist that I got for $600 including shipping. For the money, it's a good bike, but not in the same league as my Giant Defy Advanced that I paid over 3 times as much for. Shipping was pretty fast.
Looking for advice on road bike purchase
Started by haank, Apr 12 2012 12:07 PM
33 replies to this topic
#32
pip
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Posted 04 June 2012 - 10:02 AM
The online/local debate has been hashed out on here many times. I'm in the local camp unless you know what you're doing. Having worked at a shop for a number of years and knowing how to work on a bike (somewhat) I'm not afraid to buy something on ebay/craigslist. However it's not something I advocate for someone who is new to the sport.
While the price of a bike from the LBS may be a couple hundred higher, next time you visit ask how much they charge for tune ups, fittings, etc. If you're not comfortable doing this yourself you may see that the internet deal quickly costs more than a bike at your local shop where the service often comes with the purchase.
I'll add to the cx bike camp. I rarely ride road any more and find myself on the Katy more often than anywhere due to it's proximity to home and the fact that my girlfriend is very new to riding and not comfortable with traffic or weaving in and out of people at Creve Couer.
While the price of a bike from the LBS may be a couple hundred higher, next time you visit ask how much they charge for tune ups, fittings, etc. If you're not comfortable doing this yourself you may see that the internet deal quickly costs more than a bike at your local shop where the service often comes with the purchase.
I'll add to the cx bike camp. I rarely ride road any more and find myself on the Katy more often than anywhere due to it's proximity to home and the fact that my girlfriend is very new to riding and not comfortable with traffic or weaving in and out of people at Creve Couer.
#33
JudoJohn
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Posted 05 June 2012 - 07:05 AM
I bought my mountain bik new from Sunset. I shopped around at several shops. What i realized is that if you take some time at a LBS, you can get a good deal. They may have last year's model that is leftover. That's what I got, a Raleigh M60. THey took a big chunk off the list price. this time of year might be good for that. The downside to that is size-- they may have a good deal, but it may not be thesize you need.
#34
hidperf
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Posted 14 June 2012 - 09:44 PM
haank, on 31 May 2012 - 06:04 AM, said:
Hi all. An unexpected medical bill got in between and a new bike this spring. Now with the budget cleared I am back in the market. Been to a couple bike shops but keep flirting with bikesdirect.com. Are the Motobecane bikes a fair value? How would they compare to say a Fuji cross at similar list price? I am partial to the Motobecane Fantoms http://www.bikesdire...cross_bikes.htm
I actually bought this Motobecanein March because of some excellent feedback on the components, put some road tires on it and love it. Although it IS my first "road" bike so I'm not well versed on all the differences, it's been trouble free and I actually look forward to riding it unlike my last bike.
