Motobecane Sprint Tour

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

Price Paid:  $750.00 at Bikes Direct

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
West Chester Area

Bike Setup:
Stock except for eggbeater pedals and race lite seat.

Summary:
This review is for the Motobecane Sprint Bike. I have close to 1000 miles on this bike and it is almost impossible to come up with a complaint. The bike is stiff, fast, and silent.

Strengths:
Value - unbelieveable price.
Components - Ultegra, 105, TruVative and Ritchey
Weight - 18.5 lbs
Dependability - Mine is perfect after 1000 miles

Weaknesses:
Saddle is light just didn't fit well
Pedals - lets face it low end Wellgo pedals (mine fell off in the driveway)

Price Paid:  $850.00 at Bikes Direct

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Ski Hill Road

Bike Setup:
Factory except saddle:
56 cm frame
Ultegra 6600 Brakes, derailers, shifters
Truvativ GXP Crank
30 speed with 105 chain and cassette
Richtey comp Stem, seat post, and bars
Aero wheels w/ bladed spokes

Summary:
Best road Bike you can buy for the money. I test road a Trek 5000 before purchasing this bike and their is not most difference in the ride quality of both bikes. Since February I have put about 900 miles on the bike and have had to make no adjustments since initial setup out of the box. Bike comes ~90% assembled. It took 30 minutes to assemble the bike and about 30 minutes to adjust the rear derailer. I would suggest purchasing a better saddle. I replaced mine after 1 ride. Very happy with this purchase.

Strengths:
Price
Components
Great looking bike

Weaknesses:
Saddle
Paint will chip

Similar Products Used:
2007 Trek 5000