Motobecane Le Champion Titanium

Price Paid:  $1699.00 at Bikesdirect.com

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Valley Forge Trail

Bike Setup:
Stock except for Tires switched to my favorite Conti Grand Prix 4000

Summary:
Just got my Ti MB Le Champion in the mail today. I can not believe I got a Ti Bike for the price that I paid. Assembled the bike last night and road this morning. First impression were great. I would have had to have spent 3K or more for the components and Bike. Mine came with an FSA crank, the rest are Ultegra 6700 components and some nice Mavic Wheels. I have used BD to order a MB Mountain bike and ahve used and abused my Mountain bike for going on a year with no major issues. Overall if you are looking to save some money and are willing to set up the bike yourself(very easy BTW) then I would check out BD website.

Strengths:
Ti frameset and components for 1699.
Rides well and is very plush.
Again the value you get for the type of product you can not beat.
Did I say Ti frame

Weaknesses:
tires are cheap-changed those out...besides that all the rest is stock.

Similar Products Used:
Previous Bikes were:
10 year old Bianchi Giro Alum Frame/Carbon Fork
10 Year old Cannodale 2.9 Alum/Alum Fork

Price Paid:  $1699.00 at www.bikesdirect.com

Favorite Ride:
Blue Ridge Parkway

Bike Setup:
Stock except replaced Ritchey Pro saddle with Performance Forte Carbon Pro SLX saddle.

Summary:
This bike is an unbelieveable value for it is hand made in Taiwan from aerospace grade 3AI/2.5V titanium. This is Taiwan's version of a Litespeed at less than half the price. The frame is high quality with precise welding. If you are willing to size yourself without the help of a LBS, this bike is a great way to save over $2000.

Strengths:
Quality frame and drivetrain. Assembley from the box is simple and takes less than 30 minutes.

Weaknesses:
Cane Creek brake pads...however they are inexpensive to replace with quality pads.

Similar Products Used:
Cannondale and Waterford