Strengths: Beautifully crafted titanium frame, genuine Shimano, Ultegra, Ritchey, Mavic parts... all at an amazing price.
Fantastic deal! Seems like one of my best ever.
Weaknesses: None yet.
Bottom Line:
Just took delivery of my SL version of this bike yesterday from BikesDirect and I went for my first 36 mile ride on it this morning. In a single word I am delighted! Can't stop grinning at it.
Despite all my concerns about the suspiciously low price this bike is absolutely gorgeous (the brushed titanium look is sick) and it has genuine Shimano, Ritchey and Mavic parts throughput. The welds are very well done. I honestly can't see where they are cutting any corners with this deal. The local bike stores had nothing close to this that was under $5K.
Nothing was damaged or scratched on delivery (another fear that I had) and it all came very carefully packed. I had no problem assembling the bike.
Despite my fear of online shrills and scams I want to report here that BikeDirect are the real deal (although you may suspect that I am a shrill ...hmmmm.. not sure how you get around that).
Really a scorching deal from BD. It is still early days but it is hard for me to see how I can possibly go wrong with this purchase and at this price.
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Submitted by
Luis
a Road Racer
Date Reviewed: September 26, 2011
Strengths: Price,looks,performance
Weaknesses: Tires were weak..changed to armadillos, and not a single flat in 1500 miles ;)
Bottom Line:
I purchased this bike and still get a rush everytime I ride it. Im an EX NYC bike messenger and when I ride centuries I go wild accelerating! Climbs are a breeze with this bike. My friends have treks and bianchis which are twice as expensive and cross the finish line after me.The bike is super light and ive done 40 mph on this bike in the rain..try doing this and youll see what a rush this is! Im even thinking of getting the 2012 immortal spirit. Although to bikes can only help you perform to some extent, it also depends on your drive and determination to push your bike to the limits..i just love it when the bike responds with such precision!
Bike Setup: Ultegra, FSA Carbon crank, Ritchey stem,seat post. American classic CR420 wheels
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Submitted by
Bob Uthe
a Recreational Rider
Date Reviewed: August 14, 2011
Strengths: Overall road comfort and control. Brakes are responsive. Shifting is easy and quick. Some professional reviewers refer to this bike as "entry level" in their comments. I give it the highest rating for a so-called "entry level"bike.
Weaknesses: I was impressed with how many other owners of this brand criticized the seat. I have been struggling with the seat as well. It is both, comfortable and awkward at the same time. After a few miles I find myself changing seating positions front to back,trying to find a more consistent and comfortable position. I need to probably replace the seat once I have researched the market.
Bottom Line:
This is my first road bike. The bulk of my bike riding experience has been on mountain bikes. My bike was exciting from the first moment I rode it. It did take an adjustment period to get used to a road bike over a mountain bike. The cleated pedals were intimidating for a while. (I only fell down one time at a stop sign). With two years of riding on this bike, I have reached a comfort zone in how the bike handles, as well as my handling of it. From the very beginning I noticed how responsive it was for sprinting,and cornering, as well as uphill surges. I noticed that this bike is strong and durable, yet reasonably supple on rough roads. While I have not tested many other bikes, I have read a lot of reviews and tend to draw my own conclusions from them. I too, took a chance on purchasing the Motobecane without trying one out. I have a Motobecane 700HT I purchased the same way.I have not been disappointed with either one of them.
Similar Products Used: An older steel Bianci. A Huffy Mountain bike, that got me back to riding five years ago, and my three year old Motobecane 700HT mountain bike which I ride interchangeably with the Le Champion.
Bike Setup: Carbon fiber frame and forks. Richey seat and seat post.Sram gears and brake system. Mavic/Aksium wheels with Continental Ultra Race tires. All "stock stuff" out of the box.
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Submitted by
Michael Taylor
a Recreational Rider
Date Reviewed: July 9, 2011
Strengths: Light, light, LIGHT! It's like peddling air! Smooth shifting. Cosmetically very nice (I have the brushed aluminum model).
Weaknesses: Not so sure about that seat, but I have certainly been on far worse. It may grow on me in time.
Bottom Line:
I purchased this bike off Craig's List from a woman whose husband left her, then made the mistake of telling her to sell his bike and send him the money. Ninety-five BUCKS, man! For a bike that's worth two grand. Still can't believe it! Anyway, this is by far the nicest bike I've ever owned. I set it up myself, but managed to get it pretty close, I think. I put in 50 miles this afternoon and evening, and honestly, I could do another 20 if the sun wasn't setting. It is LIGHT, the feel is nice and tight, even on bumpy-butt Detroit roads, though let's be real, it's a road bike and you CAN feel the road. Shifting was smooth and accurate, as were the brakes. I stopped by the bike shop to get some new handlebar tape and tires (just in case the woman's ex-husband ever sees me out riding and thinks about running me over). The guy at the bike shop told me he would be able to sell me a bike NEARLY as good as this one, for just under $2,000! I hate to gloat about the price thing, but NINETY FIVE BUCKS, man! Whatta deal. I would gladly have paid a grand, at least, and still would have thought I was getting a great deal.
Favorite Ride: Just give me a carbon fork and a star to steer her by...
Price Paid:
$95.00
Purchased At: the home of a crazy
Similar Products Used: Fuji, Panasonic, Dawes, Flandria
Bike Setup: It came with plenty of nice candy, things like those extended racing handlebar dealies (don't know what they're called, I'm not hip to the nomenclature).
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Submitted by
D. Steighner
a Recreational Rider
Date Reviewed: July 4, 2011
Strengths: Top of the line components. The SRAM Red and Mavic Ksyrium Elite wheels would have cost me more than the entire bike if bought elsewhere. I have even gotten use to the seat.
Weaknesses: None what so ever.
Bottom Line:
I have nearly 1000 miles on this bike now and wanted to update my previous review. The more I ride this bike the happier I am with my purchase. My average speeds are up. I'm climbing better than on any previous bike I have owned. The ride quality and handling is top notch. I had a pro fit done at a local shop and even he was impressed by what I got for less than $2300. His words "I couldn't even come close to that set up at that price". Best decision I have made going to bikesdirect.com for a new bike. If you are like me, a cyclist on a budget, and what decent equipment you can not go wrong with this bike.
