Motobecane Immortal Force

Price Paid:  $0.00

Model Year:
2007

Bike Setup:
American Classic 350 wheels
FSA carbon cranks
Richey Pro neck and bars
Richey seat post
Cane Creek Brakes

Summary:
I did a lot of searching before deciding on purchasing this bike. I raced a long time ago, 15 years, and my old bike needed upgrading. After looking researching where most bikes are made and comparing the frames and components, I bought an Immortal Force. I have over 2,000 miles on it and have not had any issues. I am over 200 pounds and the frame has been rock solid. No frame flex, unlike my old steel framed bike. Feels like all my power is being transferred to forward motion vice frame flex. I would recommend this frame to those in the clydesdale class. I am about 220 pounds and the bike has not had any issues with my size.

This bike is very light in comparison to my old steel ride. Comes in around 17 pounds in the 61cm size. I currently use it with aero bars for triathlons.

Strengths:
Light, strong, fast and handles very well. The carbon frame seems to soak up road vibrations quite well.

You can not touch the performance and components for a similar price in a bike shop or on a name brand bike.

Weaknesses:
Only came in white, which has really grown on me, but I would have preferred a few colors to choose from.

Need to have bike mechanic skills. Took me about 45 minutes to get set up.

Price Paid:  $1595.00 at Bikedirect

Favorite Ride:
North Shore of Lake Superior

Bike Setup:
2010 carbon frame, Ultegra 6700 shifters and derailleurs, Cane Creek SCR-6 brakes, Fizik saddle, FSA carbon post, Ritchie Pro Bio-max bars and Ritchie Pro Axis 4 stem. Shimano 105 pedals, Vittoria Rubino Pro tires, and a Polar CS200cad comuter.

Summary:
Updated from a 2007 Motobecane Grand Sprint (also purchased from Bikesdirect). Great frame and gruppo for the money. Mine is a 2010 model with Ultegra 6700 controls and derailleurs. After 1500 miles, there is no issues, no noises, nothing has slipped or needed a retorque. Very smooth and fast.

Strengths:
Frame and Ultegra 6700, FSA compact crank. The new model Vittoria Rubino tires are very good. Input from the pedals to the road are very quick and road vibrations are muted but still felt in a good way.

Weaknesses:
The Mavic Askium Race wheel set - very slow and heavy. Redplaced them with the old American Classics off of my Grand Sprint. Much faster than the Mavics, and have never been trued after 3 seasons. The saddle is just OK, but that's usually a personal preference.

Similar Products Used:
Numerous road bikes over the years.

Price Paid:  $1295.00 at sportymamabikes.com

Bike Setup:
Easy

Summary:
Bought a 2009,Motobecane Century Elite,in june 2009 and could't be more happier.From out of the box it took about 25 minutes to assemble it.I rode it the next day about 25 miles and I will say this is one of my best investments.For the price I paid I couldn't find anything close for the components that I got.

Strengths:
Carbon fibor frame

Weaknesses:
Brake pads

Similar Products Used:
Early motobecane,Trek,Matsuri

Price Paid:  $0.00

Bike Setup:
Ultregra 10 speed drive, Crane Creek branks and FSA carbon cranks (compact double)

Summary:
2009 Model. Got it from Bikes Direct for $1595. Showed up at my door about five days after I ordered it. Took about 45 minutes to put together. Had to mount the handlebars, front fork, front brake.

Strengths:
Decent solid carbon frame, good brakes, nice FSA carbon cranks, Ultegra drive train.

Weaknesses:
Tires and seat

Price Paid:  $1195.00 at Bikes Direct

Bike Setup:
Took an hour to assemble, but I took another 2 hours and retorqued and checked everything. Except for derailleurs adjustment, it was well setup right out of the box - even the wheels were perfect true and hubs properly adjusted. I'm well experienced at bike mechanics, but others may want to spend a bit at their local bike shop to have them assemble and setup.

Summary:
I also did a lot of shopping to replace my 1992 Specialized Epic Carbon which served me well and is still going strong, but it was time for a serious update. I wanted a all-carbon frame with at least 105 components but wasn't willing to pay over $2000 that I was facing at bike shops for Specialized, Giant or Trek. I opted for a 2009 Motobecane Immortal Pro from Bikes Direct, and after a few hundred miles, couldn't be happier. It doesn't have one of the big names but I can't see a name while I'm riding and I'm not a vain person. I did immediately replace the brake pads with KoolStops which made a world of difference and swapped the 34 tooth inner ring for a 38 tooth since it fits my riding and I get better gear range in the lower ring. It feels amazingly solid but smooth, climbs great and cruising is very stable. Definitely recommended for consideration for anyone wanting a great bike but isn't hung up on the high-priced names.

Strengths:
Climbing, smoothness, stiffness, comfort; looks great, rides fast. Shimano wheelset is very good, even the Sky saddle ain't bad as some others have suggested.

Weaknesses:
Stock brake pads on the Cane Creeks are like a rock - replace with KoolStops.

Similar Products Used:
Specialized, Trek,