Summary: 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: Everything, light, fast, strong
Weaknesses: Seat could be upgraded but no big deal
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Summary: 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 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.
Similar Products Used: none
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Bike Setup: 56cm - Tiagra flight deck - 105 derailleur - carbon forks - Vuelta Pro wheels
Summary: 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: 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.
Summary: 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.
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.
Summary: Love Love LOVE this bike. Bought it from bikes direct about 6 months ago and rode it hard before the weather got too bad to ride. I can't wait for the winter to let up so I can get back on and start triathlon training for this year. For the price, the bike is a great buy overall. While there are some flaws (bike's a little stiff, rear set leaves a little to be desired), you won't find a bike with the same quality parts and workmanship without a much higher price tag attached. While you may get some dirty looks from the snobs in the LBS or other riders who are label freaks the bottom line is, you can ride with the knowledge that while they might look down your nose at you, your wallet is fatter than theirs.
Strengths: Looks, components (most of them), value
Weaknesses: Seat & chain need upgrading
Similar Products Used: Specialized allez
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