Motobecane Sprint Tour

Price Paid:  $1200.00 at Bikes Direct

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Local Mountains

Bike Setup:
Completely stock. FSA carbon triple crankset, Ultegra group, Ritchey post, stem and bar. Cane Creek SCR3 brakes, CC headset, Vuelta XRP pro SL wheelset, Kenda tires, etc.

Summary:
This bike is the current 2009 blue version on the BD website.If you are ready to step up to a quality bike but are unwilling to pay $ 2500+ for a "name brand" this bike is for you ! This bike has hooked me on road riding. The frame is stiff when you get up on the pedals and crank, yet is forgiving when you hit road imperfections and such. It's stable at high speeds and handles like a dream. Mine weighs 19lbs ready to ride. The Shifting is slick and quiet with a good spread of ratios in case you need to climb some big hills. The wheels are smooth and stiff, and the bearings are so smooth that they just seem to spin forever. Nice looking paint, beautiful welds, nice components, All in all this bike is a great deal.

Strengths:
The whole bike is very well put together, everything seems to have been assembled with care, not just slapped together. The frame is nice and stiff, yet the whole bike is very light and fast. It handles really well and is stable, yet very manueverable. The components are a good match and work very well together. All in all, the way everything comes together is it's greatest strength.

Weaknesses:
The seat is hard and didn't fit me well.

Similar Products Used:
Older Schwinn 12 speed bike, and test rode a Specialized Allez. Lots of crappy low end stuff mostly though.

Price Paid:  $1195.00 at BikesDirect.com

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Natchez Pkwy

Bike Setup:
Setup up myself, going through the adjustments as I get more into the sport.

Summary:
2009 bike

I just got this in and can't say enough about the manner in which the transaction was handled and the condition of the bike when it got here (2 days from order to receipt of the bike).

Strengths:
Workmanship, can't find a thing wrong with it.

Weaknesses:
The kendra tires have me a bit nervous, lots of reported blowouts on these

Similar Products Used:
None, I'm a newbie

Price Paid:  $895.00 at BikesDirect

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Any in daylight

Bike Setup:
Specialized Armadillos replaced the Kontenders

Summary:
I was very skeptical purchasing a bike sight unseen, but it seemed too good to pass up. After six months, it is a great bike: it is relatively light, has great components, and rides smoothly without a sound. The frame geometry is very similar to a Trek.

Strengths:
Great drive train components. The Tektra brakes are a bit weak but are acceptable.

Weaknesses:
The Kenda Kontender tires are horrible: unresponsive on turns (I almost ran into a tree in a race) and blow out often

Price Paid:  $980.00 at Sprtymama on ebay

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Anywhere in Utah

Bike Setup:
Ultegra 30 group, Ritchey seatpost, stem and bars, Cane Creek headset, WTB saddle, Kenda Kaliente Tires on American Classic Victory wheels

Summary:
I bought my SprintTour in Sep 06, and rode about 6000 miles in 2007, finishing the National 24-hr Challenge(357 mi), RAIN (almost, blew a spoke at 151), and LOTOJA(206 mi). I'm 48 and keep up with the hammerheads in our club for almost all the club rides (not when our club competes in a timed event.)

If you keep the wheels, which are fine, make sure to replace the rim tape as soon as you get the bike. The American Classic Victory OEM wheels are fine, but they are likely the weakest part of this package. I broke a rear spoke at mile 151 of a 160 mile ride (RAIN) and that sucked (about 4000 miles on the wheels). I had it replaced and broke another one 1000 miles later. So those are backup wheels now. I weigh about 165-175 lbs during the season.

I replaced the seat, which was marginal. The bike came with complimentary pedals, which I never installed, just installed Speedplays instead.

For $1000, this was an incredible deal. I got the triple, all Ultegra components except Cane Creek brakes. Everything has held up fine for 6000 miles. I expect I will put another season or two on it before I upgrate to a CF triple, and I will almost certainly buy whatever Ultegra CF triple Motobecane is selling at the time. I need a triple because this is Utah, and we have some serious mountains out here. I did fit my new rear wheel with a slightly smaller Ultegra rear cassette, because I'm becoming vain and stupid.

This bike is the sweet spot between components/frame and money, the only thing to be really gained is a complete CF frame. Most of the hammerheads have more expensive bikes, but the reason I can't keep up all the time is not the bike. :-)

Strengths:
Light, strong, great components.
I got about 2000 miles out of the Kenda Kaliente tires, I'm on Gator Skins and Ultra Sports these days.

Weaknesses:
Wheels are only OK, plan to replace after 3-5000 miles. Be sure to replace rim tape before riding ($5 and 1 hour job). Plan on buying your favorite seat and pedals.

Similar Products Used:
None, this was my first modern bike.

Price Paid:  $1000.00 at bikesdirect

Model Year:
2006

Favorite Ride:
Asheville Nc area hilly loops

Bike Setup:
stock as purchased

Summary:
I have had this bike for 2 years and rode just over 3000 miles. I am 6ft. 190 lbs and 54 years old. A weekend rider, and have done many metric centurys. I love the Moto Sprint Tour. Google Kinesis Frames, the components, rims, etc, and you will find nothing but pure quality and the highest reputation. I have found no flaws in the bike. After 3000 plus miles, The only repair needed was to tighten the rear cassette. I havenet even had a loose spoke . I would highly recommend the Motobecane. My 3rd bike purchased from bikesdirect and i give them the highest of ratings for selling the best bikes at by far the lowest price.

Strengths:
allround awesome ride.

Weaknesses:
Havent changed a thing on my moto-

Similar Products Used:
Motobecane HT 500 mountain bike
LOve it-- 5 stars