New Bike Day
#1
Blue Collar Cyclist
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Bikes: Motobecane Gravel X1, Iron Horse Maverick 1.0
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New Bike Day
I could not figure out which board to put this on, so I punted.
I ride gravel, road, and commute... Anyway.
Motobecane Gravel X1
BEFORE
AFTER
Nice little bike. Needs some tuning and adjusting, but so far, I like it. Not thrilled with the brakes, but I figure I just need to get them adjusted correctly.
I ride gravel, road, and commute... Anyway.
Motobecane Gravel X1
BEFORE
AFTER
Nice little bike. Needs some tuning and adjusting, but so far, I like it. Not thrilled with the brakes, but I figure I just need to get them adjusted correctly.
#2
Senior Member
Enjoy it.
#4
Blue Collar Cyclist
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It feels weird to go from a MTB with those WIDE bars to being hunched over narrow drops. But just tooling around the block, I found myself grinning.
I also pulled off the "Made in China" sticker. As far as anyone I work with is concerned, it's still a French bike with Japanese gear.
I had to get that color. I had a Motobecane the same color when I was a kid.
I also pulled off the "Made in China" sticker. As far as anyone I work with is concerned, it's still a French bike with Japanese gear.
I had to get that color. I had a Motobecane the same color when I was a kid.
#6
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Rode it to work today. Not bad. Definable took a bit of re-learning, but it's like riding a bike. Steering is different, bu the drop bars are ore comfortable. The difference between the small and large chainrings will take a bit of getting used to, as will the taller gears, but the thing climbs long grades better than the MTB. I did not think I would like those big "Butterfly" shifters, but I had no problems with them at all.
There are a couple of hills where I got the brakes nice and warm (by applying them gently on the way down).
There's a weird (and quite small) thunk in my right foot near the top of the rotation. I'll check the pedal and BB (I pulled the pedal off my old bike, so it may have finally dies on me)
Shifters need some adjustment, and the seat could stand to go down another half inch, but it hits the rivnut for the bottle cage (LOL).
#7
Fredly Fredster
Nice looking bike. I have the Motobecane Omni Strada Comp with 105 components purchased from BikesDirect in early '17.... it's my favorite bike.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
#8
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I'm just curious...how heavy is that bike?
Weight was one of my concerns when I was looking at Bikesdirect bikes last year since they don't put much info on weight on the website.
Weight was one of my concerns when I was looking at Bikesdirect bikes last year since they don't put much info on weight on the website.
#9
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It's 25lbs. Not really a lightweight.
That works okay for me, but for someone looking for a real road bike, that seems pretty heavy (although it is actually the lightest bike I have ever owned by a couple of pounds)
For me, it was a trade-off.
Cost vs weight was a big one, since my bike sits in a parking lot for 9 hours a day, and might get stolen. So a much lighter bike was out of the question due to replacement costs.
I'm not a racer, or even aspire to be one. I ride a bike because I enjoy riding a bike. And this bike rides pretty nice (more comfortable than the MTB - which I found surprising).
The low end components don't bother me (much) because I can fix almost all of them, or replace them with better stuff over time (which is why a often smile when a bike part breaks - YAY! Time to upgarde).
If I were a more serious cyclist, and had better bike storage at work, I would have gone with a better bike. But this is a nice compromise for me.
<update>
I fiddled with the brakes and got them working the way I thought they should. It was my technique (never had a disk brake bike before). Also, the weird "thunk" seems to have come from my old pedals. I out the new ones on and it looks like its gone (although there is a bit of play in the bottom bracket cartridge... easy and inexpensive to replace).
The derailleurs we not adjusted. On my ride home form work the chain went over the large cog on the cassette, and the chain rubbed the front if I topped out the gears. Quick/Easy fix. I also took a few minutes to install the velometer, lights, and mirror.
</update>
###
I think I might ask the Mod to move this to the Gravel thread and re-title it "MOTOBECANE GRAVEL X1" so I can provide a pretty thorough review. As soon as I find the mod for this board...
That works okay for me, but for someone looking for a real road bike, that seems pretty heavy (although it is actually the lightest bike I have ever owned by a couple of pounds)
For me, it was a trade-off.
Cost vs weight was a big one, since my bike sits in a parking lot for 9 hours a day, and might get stolen. So a much lighter bike was out of the question due to replacement costs.
I'm not a racer, or even aspire to be one. I ride a bike because I enjoy riding a bike. And this bike rides pretty nice (more comfortable than the MTB - which I found surprising).
The low end components don't bother me (much) because I can fix almost all of them, or replace them with better stuff over time (which is why a often smile when a bike part breaks - YAY! Time to upgarde).
If I were a more serious cyclist, and had better bike storage at work, I would have gone with a better bike. But this is a nice compromise for me.
<update>
I fiddled with the brakes and got them working the way I thought they should. It was my technique (never had a disk brake bike before). Also, the weird "thunk" seems to have come from my old pedals. I out the new ones on and it looks like its gone (although there is a bit of play in the bottom bracket cartridge... easy and inexpensive to replace).
The derailleurs we not adjusted. On my ride home form work the chain went over the large cog on the cassette, and the chain rubbed the front if I topped out the gears. Quick/Easy fix. I also took a few minutes to install the velometer, lights, and mirror.
</update>
###
I think I might ask the Mod to move this to the Gravel thread and re-title it "MOTOBECANE GRAVEL X1" so I can provide a pretty thorough review. As soon as I find the mod for this board...
Last edited by ironnerd; 05-03-19 at 02:02 PM.
#10
Blue Collar Cyclist
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Found a bit of weirdness on the bike.
The rear tire kept going flat, so I grabbed a new tube and put the bike on the MX stand. With the tube completely deflated, the tire just falls off the rim. It literally comes off with zero effort.
Sure makes tube changes easy, and I guess I can leave the spoons at the house when I ride.
I did find out that any tube I buy has to have a long stem, but even cheap Schwinn tubes have those now, so I should be okay.
The rear tire kept going flat, so I grabbed a new tube and put the bike on the MX stand. With the tube completely deflated, the tire just falls off the rim. It literally comes off with zero effort.
Sure makes tube changes easy, and I guess I can leave the spoons at the house when I ride.
I did find out that any tube I buy has to have a long stem, but even cheap Schwinn tubes have those now, so I should be okay.
#11
Clark W. Griswold
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It's not a French bike nor are those components Japanese. The Motobecane name was bought out by Bikes Direct to give their product some fake prestige and the low level components used on the bike might say Shimano but are from China or somewhere else with lower quality standards. Be honest with people, always a good policy.
As far as owning a cheap bike because of theft, the only reason to do that is if you haven't got a quality lock and use good locking practices. Plenty of very nice bikes that get locked up outside for long periods that don't get stolen.
As far as owning a cheap bike because of theft, the only reason to do that is if you haven't got a quality lock and use good locking practices. Plenty of very nice bikes that get locked up outside for long periods that don't get stolen.
#12
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Cheap bikes are damn useful utilitarian objects.
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#13
Sunshine
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It's not a French bike nor are those components Japanese. The Motobecane name was bought out by Bikes Direct to give their product some fake prestige and the low level components used on the bike might say Shimano but are from China or somewhere else with lower quality standards. Be honest with people, always a good policy.
#14
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It's not a French bike nor are those components Japanese. The Motobecane name was bought out by Bikes Direct to give their product some fake prestige and the low level components used on the bike might say Shimano but are from China or somewhere else with lower quality standards. Be honest with people, always a good policy.
Nice bike OP, I love the color!
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#15
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It's not a French bike nor are those components Japanese. The Motobecane name was bought out by Bikes Direct to give their product some fake prestige and the low level components used on the bike might say Shimano but are from China or somewhere else with lower quality standards. Be honest with people, always a good policy.
As far as owning a cheap bike because of theft, the only reason to do that is if you haven't got a quality lock and use good locking practices. Plenty of very nice bikes that get locked up outside for long periods that don't get stolen.
As far as owning a cheap bike because of theft, the only reason to do that is if you haven't got a quality lock and use good locking practices. Plenty of very nice bikes that get locked up outside for long periods that don't get stolen.
Actually, it's a nice bike. Not a great bike (I've had better). And not a nice bike "for the money". It's just a nice bike. If it really matters to someone that their bike was made in France or Japan, or wherever then I would consider them a snob. I mean... where were your iPhone, iPad, or Laptop made? Not France... Not even Japan... Probably China. Does that mean your iPhone sucks?
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#17
Senior Member
Really nice looking bike. I'd love to have that bike. Wow. That's killer. Sweet.
About the nay-sayers.... Most who post here were a kid at one time. We rode whatever bike our parents could afford, at the time. We all loved our bikes. Same theory for us as adults. We buy what we can afford. Or, we spend as much or as little as we choose. That Motobecane is capable of going many many many miles. Many more miles than some bikes that cost more. Why people have to put down a decent bike I'll never know. It's something personal within them. Who knows....
About the nay-sayers.... Most who post here were a kid at one time. We rode whatever bike our parents could afford, at the time. We all loved our bikes. Same theory for us as adults. We buy what we can afford. Or, we spend as much or as little as we choose. That Motobecane is capable of going many many many miles. Many more miles than some bikes that cost more. Why people have to put down a decent bike I'll never know. It's something personal within them. Who knows....
#18
Clark W. Griswold
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That is some Earth-shattering information.
Actually, it's a nice bike. Not a great bike (I've had better). And not a nice bike "for the money". It's just a nice bike. If it really matters to someone that their bike was made in France or Japan, or wherever then I would consider them a snob. I mean... where were your iPhone, iPad, or Laptop made? Not France... Not even Japan... Probably China. Does that mean your iPhone sucks?
Actually, it's a nice bike. Not a great bike (I've had better). And not a nice bike "for the money". It's just a nice bike. If it really matters to someone that their bike was made in France or Japan, or wherever then I would consider them a snob. I mean... where were your iPhone, iPad, or Laptop made? Not France... Not even Japan... Probably China. Does that mean your iPhone sucks?
This was a quote from you "I also pulled off the "Made in China" sticker. As far as anyone I work with is concerned, it's still a French bike with Japanese gear."
I have never claimed my electronics to be from France or Japan nor any bikes not actually from France or Japan (which so far is none) I have 4 made in the U.S., 1 made in Switzerland, 4 bikes made in Taiwan. I probably have missed something and if so it was probably something from Taiwan. Components are all over the place and to figure all that out would be interesting but take a long time, though I do try to have some U.S. made stuff when I can. My electronics are probably from China and Taiwan at least the ones you mentioned but again not claiming they are anything different.
I don't need to fib to co-workers that my iPhone is French with a Japanese case. If my bike was made in Taiwan it was made in Taiwan, they do a great job over there making bikes and yeah sure I would love for every bike I own to be made in 'Merica but I am just not at that point yet but I am damn sure trying but Firefly's are expensive as hell, Bruce Gordon is dead (R.I.P.) and Richard Sachs doesn't take any more orders...LOL.
#19
Sunshine
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I have sold Scott, Fuji, Surly, Specialized, Giant, Jamis, Breezer, Focus, Moots, Gazelle, Kalkhoff, Riese and Muller, Tern, Kestrel, Yuba, Bulls, SE Bikes (the new one by ASI) HaiBike, Oyama, Raleigh, Salsa, Co-Motion and probably some others I cannot remember. Within that time I have been at two companies granted most of the time has been at the current shop. I have sold and seen a lot of brands and a good portion of the brands on the list I probably wouldn't sell again or only hand select a small number of their bikes for sale. Some of the stuff has been excellent and I love selling it and others have been "why in the hell did you make that?" or just have had issues with the distributor or direct company.
Those are all obvious brands that, like motobecane, were bought by different companies for the name/prestige.
The XX name was bought out by XX to give their product some fake prestige and the low level components used on the bike might say Shimano but are from China or somewhere else with lower quality standards.
I never see you rant on about Raleigh, Fuji, or Salsa like you do Motobecane.
And sure, you could claim that the brands you don't rant about dont deserve it because the good name has stayed in tact, but there are some really entry level bikes from Fuji, Raleigh, Breezer, etc that perfectly apply to the bold italicized rant above.
Conversely, there are some really nicely designed and built Motobecane bikes in road, gravel, and more. Good geometry, good spec, good price.
I'm sure you will justify it with along the lines of how you wouldn't sell some brands again.
Thing is, you sure arent vocal against any other shop level/priced brands, even though many could apply to your dislike of Motobecane.
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#20
Clark W. Griswold
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So do you view Scott, Fuji, Breezer, Kestrel, Raleigh, and Salsa the same way you view Motobecane?
Those are all obvious brands that, like motobecane, were bought by different companies for the name/prestige.
The XX name was bought out by XX to give their product some fake prestige and the low level components used on the bike might say Shimano but are from China or somewhere else with lower quality standards.
I never see you rant on about Raleigh, Fuji, or Salsa like you do Motobecane.
And sure, you could claim that the brands you don't rant about dont deserve it because the good name has stayed in tact, but there are some really entry level bikes from Fuji, Raleigh, Breezer, etc that perfectly apply to the bold italicized rant above.
Conversely, there are some really nicely designed and built Motobecane bikes in road, gravel, and more. Good geometry, good spec, good price.
I'm sure you will justify it with along the lines of how you wouldn't sell some brands again.
Thing is, you sure arent vocal against any other shop level/priced brands, even though many could apply to your dislike of Motobecane.
Those are all obvious brands that, like motobecane, were bought by different companies for the name/prestige.
The XX name was bought out by XX to give their product some fake prestige and the low level components used on the bike might say Shimano but are from China or somewhere else with lower quality standards.
I never see you rant on about Raleigh, Fuji, or Salsa like you do Motobecane.
And sure, you could claim that the brands you don't rant about dont deserve it because the good name has stayed in tact, but there are some really entry level bikes from Fuji, Raleigh, Breezer, etc that perfectly apply to the bold italicized rant above.
Conversely, there are some really nicely designed and built Motobecane bikes in road, gravel, and more. Good geometry, good spec, good price.
I'm sure you will justify it with along the lines of how you wouldn't sell some brands again.
Thing is, you sure arent vocal against any other shop level/priced brands, even though many could apply to your dislike of Motobecane.
I occasionally say things about Salsa though I do own a Timberjack Ti and generally like what QBP has done with the brand for some of it but others yeah probably could do without. Yes I would rather have Ross Schafer at the helm and especially would love the custom stem program back but alas it is no longer. However QBP isn't in the business of making a bunch of crap. Sure not everything is a winner but in general OK and they are certainly supportive of bike shops.
Breezer stopped making mountain bikes which threw me, dude made one of the first true purpose built mountain bikes and then ASI says nah you make hybrids and some gravel bikes and I was like WTF it is BREEZER AS IN REPACK LEGEND JOE BREEZE MOUNTAIN BIKE LEGEND STATUS. I will admit though it was neat at the time seeing some belt drive stuff since I hadn't seen much of it but at that point Breezer was still selling mountain bikes and the steel road bike which at the time I kind of wanted.
I could write a whole book on bikes and brands I dislike or have been bought and sold for the name and occasionally for the actual stuff behind that name and sometimes not. Clearly you don't know me well enough because I will happily talk about this stuff and do it quite often. I also frequently talk about stuff I like or that is decent enough.
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#22
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#23
Zip tie Karen
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A question for those who know the technical reason. Why didn't they spec the ST-A070 brifters for this bike? They'd be compatible with the derailleurs, but maybe not the mechanical discs? It seems that the separate paddle shifters only clutter the cockpit. Why would I want to move my hand to the stem to shift on gravel?
#24
Blue Collar Cyclist
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You haven't seen me talk bad about Fuji, I have done it a lot, in fact I did it today with a co-worker as we had to work on someones Fuji e-bike and it was full of problems. I also have talked plenty bad about Giant and Raleigh though less here maybe.
...
I could write a whole book on bikes and brands I dislike or have been bought and sold for the name and occasionally for the actual stuff behind that name and sometimes not. Clearly you don't know me well enough because I will happily talk about this stuff and do it quite often. I also frequently talk about stuff I like or that is decent enough.
...
I could write a whole book on bikes and brands I dislike or have been bought and sold for the name and occasionally for the actual stuff behind that name and sometimes not. Clearly you don't know me well enough because I will happily talk about this stuff and do it quite often. I also frequently talk about stuff I like or that is decent enough.
I have always been astonished by the human capacity to whine and complain about anything and everything.
Please do write that book. I'll go ride my bike and be happy.
#25
Blue Collar Cyclist
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A question for those who know the technical reason. Why didn't they spec the ST-A070 brifters for this bike? They'd be compatible with the derailleurs, but maybe not the mechanical discs? It seems that the separate paddle shifters only clutter the cockpit. Why would I want to move my hand to the stem to shift on gravel?
I thought I would hate the weird paddle shifters, but they are actually extremely "okay". I may upgrade one day, but now I'll be looking at the compatibility with the brakes (thank-you for mentioning that [MENTION=175755]Phil_gretz[/MENTION]). I do enjoy tinkering on bikes.
Addendum:
The Gravel X2 does have the ST-A070 brifters with the same TEKTRO MIRA MD-C400 brakes as the X1.
The X2 costs $50 more than the X1 - no surprises there.
Last edited by ironnerd; 06-26-19 at 09:04 AM. Reason: Price Correction