Weaknesses: Seat could be upgraded but no big deal
Bottom Line:
Overall Great Bike. Screw the label snobs, I'll spend 2000 on a bike when I ride in the TdF. The Vent Noir looks and rides great. Love the Vuelta wheels. Awesome bike for people who like to ride and not stand around and admire bikes.
Strengths: Lightweight black wheelset,glossy black paint/stealth look
Weaknesses: I didn't like the saddle, I mean it was alright, but I wanted a lighter better looking saddle so I chose the Selle Italia SLC and it looks so much better. Also I wish this bike would have came with a Compact crank it has FSA Velo Triple Crank,but it's cool. I'm sure to upgrade that later. Also I think the bottom bracket makes noise when I drive with my right foot only. Upgrading to USE Carbon seatpost.
Bottom Line:
First off it's a 2009 edition the one on bikesdirect right now. I was looking into buying a cheap $200 road bike but I did alot of research and decided to go with a glossy black Vent Noir. Never having owned a quality bike, I was mesmerized with the build quality of the components. The rims alone are $700. you get free clipless SPD pedals with purchase so that alone pays for my bike price. This bike is fast, and I get looks everywhere from people admiring such bike.
Strengths: Lightweight, stiff frame and somewhat professional derailleur/shifter parts. Vuelta Pro wheels and the black frame are beautiful. I love the appearance of this bike.
Weaknesses: The bike was bought from the net and needs to be professionally set up. The stem aggressively puts you forward and was uncomfortable for me. All in all I paid around $200.00 to get it to fit me.
Bottom Line:
I wanted to replace a thirty year old Ross and would periodically wander into bike shops and look at the under 20 pounders wondering where can I get the $1500.00 to buy one??
I found it in this bike, everything and more.
Strengths: Perfect bike for tall riders (6'4 and up). It's practically impossible to find new bikes this size.
All the components have held up for 6 months and over 1000 miles.
$600 cheaper than a comparable Trek/Specialized. I don't care what people say... I am a college student, without a job, who cannot (and don't want to) afford a $1500 bike when I can get one just as good for $700.
The Vuelta XRP Pro wheels are amazing.
Weaknesses: The front and rear derailers needed adjustment/tuning after the first 4/5 rides, but now seem to be broken in to the point where they stay put. That is probably expected with most new bikes.
The bottom bracket could use an upgrade. It has some give and makes noise when under stress, leading me to believe that it wasn't meant for someone my size. Still, nothing serious.
Bottom Line:
Being a strapped-for-cash college student, I was looking for a good bike for a good price. I found Bikesdirect.com but was skeptical at first. I then began to search for reviews on the various bikes sold by Bikes Direct and was happily surprised to find very positive remarks. I decided to take the plunge. The 2008 64cm Motobecane Vent Noir seemed to be the best (and practically the ONLY) bike fit for someone my size (6'7 - 220 lbs). I am happy to say that I have not the least bit of regret!
Notes: This is my first road bike. I got the 2008 Vent Noir but there is no option for 2008.
I'm having a hard time deciding. If BD had a road bike at the $800 price point it might be easier to decide. I like the 105 bits on the Windsor Fens, but I really don't like the Read More »
Hey I know there are some threads out there about some of these bikes, but any owners of Vent noirs out there, how you like yours? anyone kept them in stock form or upgraded them a Read More »
I was looking at bikesdirect.com and it looks like I can get far more bike for my money there than anywhere else. I am looking at the Motobecane Vent Noir which has Tiagra componen Read More »
so i'm racking miles up on the vent noir, bout 1000 so far, and I'm loving it, but was wondering what the weight would be with new stuff on it. I was thinking full sram rival, boy Read More »
Although the Aero TT is listing as a Tri bike, in my eyes it's still a roadie.
Same price, almost the same specs...but upgrade-itis hit me when I saw the Vent Noir.
I don't Read More »
