Feelings on Motobecane
Submitted by cbulloch on Tue, 2010-03-30 01:34
After taking the beginner's class I'm hooked and looking for a solid yet affordable bike. Considering that I love toys (bikes, electronics, whatever) it would be great to splurge and get something awesome but I need to be reasonable (<$1000). That being said I don't want a base setup that will do nothing more than make me green with envy.
I've seen a couple interesting options but don't really know the track market. What is the take on Motobecanes? Is the really inexpensive price from bikesdirect.com for the team track bike a good deal or just a reflection of the quality?
Any suggestions on options I should explore in my price range?
Thanks - Chris
For a $1000 or less you can
For a $1000 or less you can really buy a lot of track bike for that much money. You could get a great deal on a used brand name bike for that much. There are plenty of brands that have brand new models under $1k. Outback Bikes has Specialized and Bianchi bikes in stock, I think the specialized models as low as $650. Try www.fixedgearfever.com classifieds too.
Motobecane Team Track
Chris, I was in the same situation after I took the beginner class last October. After weeks of research and comparison shopping I purchased the Team Track from bikesdirect.com. I am very happy with the quality of the bike and the service I got from bikesdirect.
The frame is light and stiff. It appears to be the exact same frame and fork as the Fuji Track Comp (same geometry, dropouts, etc). Compared it side by side to a friend's Masi Coltello, its got the same down tube and seat tube, different seat and chain stays and top tube. The welds are nice; not handmade Cannondale nice, but not as sloppy as some I've seen. The wheels aren't the best, but the other components are quality, and I wasn't able to find a bike with a DA crankset and bottom bracket for that price anywhere else. Overall, I would recommend this bike.
That being said, it's just my opinion, and like you I'm a beginner at track racing. I'll be at the track next Tuesday, 4/6, for the first beginner's night of racing. If you'd like to check it out then just let me know.
Thanks for the feedback. I
Thanks for the feedback. I thought it looked an awful lot like the Track Comp. I am planning on checking out next Tuesday's races if I am not tied up with work. I would definitely like to check it out. Thanks for the offer.