Anyone bought a bike recently from Bikesdirect.com with positive experience? They have some good prices on non-descript frames (all typically manufactured in Taiwan) with solid components but it sounds too good to be true. Paul.

Anyone bought a bike recently from Bikesdirect.com with positive experience? They have some good prices on non-descript frames (all typically manufactured in Taiwan) with solid components but it sounds too good to be true. Paul.


Look at threads in the Buying forum on Bicycling.com (you can do a search). Plenty of complaints about customer service and build-up, but the consensus seems to be that if you are experienced enough to get the right size and do a rebuild (or pay for one) when it arrives, the stuff is good bang for the buck.

*grabs bag of popcorn and settles in*

yes, I've bought 3 bikes from them. I've had good experiences each time. Wheels usually need to be trued, and its a good idea if you're not a competent mechanic to pay one to go over the bike and make sure everythings put together properly.

Covenent - pass the popcorn. This is going to be a long thread I think.....

Kapdog, just so you know. Asking questions about bikesdirect.com isn't very PC around here. At one time employees of that company posted here in an advertising effort. They would ask a question that was a thinly-veiled commercial, then shortly thereafter they would post a glowing review of the bike, and the wonderful customer service. So, now any time someone askes about bikesdirect they get accused of doing the same thing. It probably isn't fair any more, but several of us here have done it. I have reformed, however.

I think they probably sell a fine product, subject to the above criteria stated by jtolleson. One thing that I understand is difficult is getting a phone number and talking to someone from bikesdirect directly. That may or may not be an issue for you. Good luck.

At one time employees of that company posted here in an advertising effort.At one time??!!??

there was one posted last week

http://forums.roadbikereview.com/showthread.php?t=46622

At one time??!!??

there was one posted last week

Maybe I missed it. I haven't seen anything too blatent in quite some time.

Okay, not a former or current bd.com person, but would speak glowingly of my own purchasing experience from them. The wheels were true, the bars were well taped, etc. The only things that there was any problem with was a slightly loose bb. Otherwise, they shipped quickly and the bike went together smoothly.

I know it isn't a very popular postion to have here, but I had a great experience. I have replaced the bike since with a "nicer" one, but were I starting over again and needed a new, reasonably bike, I wouldn't hesitate to return to them.

Now gimme som dam* popcorn! ;)

At one time??!!??

there was one posted last week

http://forums.roadbikereview.com/showthread.php?t=46622

Yeah, but gawd it was worth it for the bike porn! That Immortal Force is sweet - since then a real person here has purchased a white one - darn sexxy bike!

Yeah, but gawd it was worth it for the bike porn! That Immortal Force is sweet - since then a real person here has purchased a white one - darn sexxy bike!

ooops, sorry, getting my message boards confused again - somone over at bikeforums.net purchased one....

Yeah, but gawd it was worth it for the bike porn! That Immortal Force is sweet - since then a real person here has purchased a white one - darn sexxy bike!

Did you get the white one?

I'd love to see some close shots of the white one.....
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=156252&highlight=immortal+force

NICE!

No, but I've been drooling over it for a couple of months now. Someone else (a real person, not a BD shill) over at bikeforums.net recently received one and has been posting pics. I have to admit, it may be hands down one of the best looking bikes I've ever seen. His couple of snaps shots in the garage made it look waaay better than it does on their website. Just a stunning looker....

I got my Windsor from them. I got it on ebay because I felt more comfortable buying it that way as they had good feedback and paypal was willing to guarantee up to $1000. I didn't know anything about them at the time. The bike arrived in perfect condition in less than a week and mostly assembled. For some reason the front brake wasn't attached or the cable crimped. So I had my LBS take care of that. Before,during and after my purchase they always answered my emails promptly. I'm a stickler for that. I needed to change the stem and just a few weeks ago I emailed them asking what size came with the bike. A day later I got my answer.

here's the thread, btw - see for yourself. :D

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=156252&page=1&pp=25

edit: doh - just noticed covenant beat me to the punch.....

No, but I've been drooling over it for a couple of months now. Someone else (a real person, not a BD shill) over at bikeforums.net recently received one and has been posting pics. I have to admit, it may be hands down one of the best looking bikes I've ever seen. His couple of snaps shots in the garage made it look waaay better than it does on their website. Just a stunning looker....

Come on..you need another one. you collect Motos like I collect LOOKs ;)

Come on..you need another one. you collect Motos like I collect LOOKs ;)

LOL - yeah I do. Maybe if they have a 58cm in stock here in a month or two when I get my tax return..... :D

Someone posted at bikeforums.net that they think the Immortal Force frame is actually a Garneau. If thats true its an excellent bargain, as a Garneau frame alone retails for about $2k.....

The Frame

how much for the Frame...

I must know

NOW

Pass that popcorn over here.

I did miss that earlier thread.

Someone posted at bikeforums.net that they think the Immortal Force frame is actually a Garneau. If thats true its an excellent bargain, as a Garneau frame alone retails for about $2k.....


I don't know. Most of the Garneau carbon frames that I know of have sloping geometry and therefore aren't the same as the Immortal Force. The one traditional carbon Garneau frame I've seen looks nothing like the Motobecane. I suspect there are other companies using this frame, we just haven't sniffed them out yet. ;)

It's very funny to see a Louis Garneau frame going for over $2000, since only a few years ago their bikes were utter crap. His clothes have always been great, but it sure took a while for him to score a home run with his bikes.

(Besides, if I wanted to buy a cheap carbon frame online I'd consider the Pedal Force QS2 above the Moto.)

I don't know. Most of the Garneau carbon frames that I know of have sloping geometry and therefore aren't the same as the Immortal Force. The one traditional carbon Garneau frame I've seen looks nothing like the Motobecane. I suspect there are other companies using this frame, we just haven't sniffed them out yet. ;)

It's very funny to see a Louis Garneau frame going for over $2000, since only a few years ago their bikes were utter crap. His clothes have always been great, but it sure took a while for him to score a home run with his bikes.

(Besides, if I wanted to buy a cheap carbon frame online I'd consider the Pedal Force QS2 above the Moto.)

Here's the frame they thought resembled the Immortal Force: http://shop.planetcycle.com/shop/item.xsp?action=newDocument&database=shop&reload=true&schema=cartitem&parentId=3ec915761df0c&autoedit=true

They had that link in the other thread - there might be other/better pics out there. I have to admit, it does bare more than a passing resemblance.... I don't know much about Garneau frames, other than they look nice. I would think by where the frame thickens at the joints it would be very stiff for a carbon frame. The pedal force is nice but I've heard it describes as a little flexy by someone who owns one.

BTW- the original poster only has 1 post. Hope they're not a shill, otherwise I just got sucked in.... again! Doh....

Well, if it was BD that did it they did a much better job of it. Post a very simple question and let us say all the good things about it. Ain't it purty? Oh well, if I (we) got sucked in at least it's a pretty thing coming from a company I wouldn't buy from in a million years (no telephoney, no money). I can care less about how it looks overall anyway. I want to know how it rides over a long period. How does it climb? How is it after a 100 miles? It can be pretty as pie but if it rides like a fat elephant it won't matter.

Well, if it was BD that did it they did a much better job of it. Post a very simple question and let us say all the good things about it. Ain't it purty?this BD thread is the exception.

Most were about FULL ULTEGRA bikes with no-name Tiawanese frames for a low low price.

Well I understand the concerns of making an investment like this without riding the product. You can get a Giant full carbon bike with ultegra for about the same price as this particular Moto. But I have to say I really like my Moto's. My Le Champ is light, stiff and lively - very nimble. Good racing bike. I haven't regretted for a nano second the purchase. My messenger has been a lot of fun too. Its a heavy steel bike but its a single speed I got for commuting. To be honest I've been riding it more than my Le Champ in recent weeks. Just a blast to ride. It's been pretty heavily upgraded though. Here's pics of my two Motos:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v713/ravenmore/orangemotodone.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v713/ravenmore/P1010002.jpg

As far as "junky taiwanese frames". Bottom line is a lot of frames are made in Taiwan for a lot of people. My Le Champ frame, for example, STRONGLY resembles a 2004 Fuji Team SL (right down to the Xfusion SL badging on the seat stays). And I think almost all, if not all, carbon bikes come from Taiwan and, soon, China. Taiwanese manufacturing isn't 2nd rate anymore - they can crank out some high end parts probably faster and cheaper than just about anyone.

I bought the Le Champion SL this summer from BD. When I received it, it was missing the seatpost collar and the wheels were out of true. I emailed BD (replied to the invoice email they sent) and they had a replacement collar to me in about a weeks time. I had the American Classic 350's as stock wheels. There was a recall on the rear hub that was supposed to have been taken care of. I got the bike and the freehub s*** out after about 500 miles. I talked to American Classic and they blamed it on BD. Apparently when the recall was issues, AC sent the replacement parts to BD and BD was supposed to fix them. To make a long story short, AC doesn't think BD fixed their wheels.
That being said, I have enjoyed the bike. It is light and smooth and haven't noticed any quality issues with the frame. The bits are nice for the price range. Would buy another from BD knowing that there may be some hiccups. If you can service your bike yourself, I'd do it. Make sure you know the size you want. You don't want to drop a lot of money on a bike and end up with the wrong size. Go to a local Fuji dealer and get sized there. The sizing should be the same. Good Luck!!!

Well, if it was BD that did it they did a much better job of it. Post a very simple question and let us say all the good things about it. Ain't it purty? Oh well, if I (we) got sucked in at least it's a pretty thing coming from a company I wouldn't buy from in a million years (no telephoney, no money). I can care less about how it looks overall anyway. I want to know how it rides over a long period. How does it climb? How is it after a 100 miles? It can be pretty as pie but if it rides like a fat elephant it won't matter.
My Moto has about 2,000 miles and is riding great. The components are quality (some problems with the AC wheels) and the bike is really light. I have done a couple of centuries on it and I think it is an upgrade to the Specialized Allez A1 Comp I used to own. And it climbs great!

Thanks John,

I'm out as far as Bikesdirect.com goes. I'm leaning towards a local bike shop or maybe an IBEX Aprisa Elite.

Paul

Kapdog, just so you know. Asking questions about bikesdirect.com isn't very PC around here. At one time employees of that company posted here in an advertising effort. They would ask a question that was a thinly-veiled commercial, then shortly thereafter they would post a glowing review of the bike, and the wonderful customer service. So, now any time someone askes about bikesdirect they get accused of doing the same thing. It probably isn't fair any more, but several of us here have done it. I have reformed, however.

I think they probably sell a fine product, subject to the above criteria stated by jtolleson. One thing that I understand is difficult is getting a phone number and talking to someone from bikesdirect directly. That may or may not be an issue for you. Good luck.

Here's the frame they thought resembled the Immortal Force: http://shop.planetcycle.com/shop/item.xsp?action=newDocument&database=shop&reload=true&schema=cartitem&parentId=3ec915761df0c&autoedit=true



Thanks for the link. No wonder I didn't see the similarities...that frame isn't listed in their current online catalogue. I believe this is because it's a new frame. I can see how those frames look alike. If only we could get some snaps of a complete bike, then we could see for sure. It's inconclusive at the moment, but I woudln't be surprised if they were the same. That seems to be the way the industry works these days.

RE: The Pedal Force frame, what have you heard? I have to admit I've been intrigued by it, but I wonder if it is any good. I also wonder if it is the same as the Litespeed Pavia, or if they just share appearances and little else. I can't help but be tempted by the low price, but at the same it gives me concerns. Cycling Plus tested this frame and gave it a good review, but magazines can't always be trusted.

Well, if it was BD that did it they did a much better job of it. Post a very simple question and let us say all the good things about it. Ain't it purty? Oh well, if I (we) got sucked in at least it's a pretty thing coming from a company I wouldn't buy from in a million years (no telephoney, no money). I can care less about how it looks overall anyway. I want to know how it rides over a long period. How does it climb? How is it after a 100 miles? It can be pretty as pie but if it rides like a fat elephant it won't matter.

Agreed. This thread is different because Ravenmore is a contributor to the board. He's posted ride reports with his Moto's and has been honest about the condition of the bikes he's purchased..He's obviously a happy customer.

The fact is BD is NOT the greatest thing since slice bread but, for some people, they provide a very decent product for the money....

I'm still not a fan of their marketing tactics and because of that, I will never buy from them but if others get a good bike for the money, more power to them....

Something I learned recently about BD is that if you deal with them directly instead of ebay they will knock 10% and sometimes 20% off the advertised price.

Makes sense when you consider that they sell for the same price on ebay but BD has to pay the ebay fees and in most cases the paypal fee.

While I don't think their bikes are all that great of a value compared to other online dealers like Ibex, Randall Scott or Flyte at the advertised price, if you can get an additional 20% off it's MIGHT be worth risking dealing with the company.

The the - One of the guys I talk to on bikeforums.net bought a pedal force frame and took all of his Le Champ parts and transferred them over to it. He really likes the frame, but I distinctly remember him referring to it as being flexy or noodely or something to that affect. It probably had a lot to do with coming straight from a very stiff aluminum frame. He likes the frame and the bike though. If I can find the thread over there tomorrow I'll post a link to it here.

Yeah, like Dave, I'm not crazy about the shilling, but I just choose to ignore it. I've done enough business with Bikesdirect and Motobecane now that I know the drill. Order the bike, it'll come quick usually, might have some small parts missing(I kind of wonder if thats typical of bikes in dealer ready condition?). Pull the bike apart, put it back together. Tighten everything down. Then take it to the shop to have the wheels trued. But also their bikes almost always look better in person than they do in their product photos, and are pretty much everything advertised once you get them tuned up. There may be some no name parts (tektro brakes for example), but the no name parts are usually suprisingly functional and you don't HAVE to rush out and replace them (example is the generic stem on my messenger - ugly as sin but stiff as hell...) I've had zero customer service complaints myself, although I've heard of others claiming to have issues. I can only relate my experiences.

And I'd definitely put my Le Champ up against any ultegra level bike from Ibex, Randal Scott, ect... Its just that good of a bike...no kidding. One of the best deals I ever made, even if it was a deal with the devil. ;)

I bought a LeChamp SL from BD 5 months ago. It was the single most frustrating retail experience of my life. They are IMPOSSIBLE to deal with, their customer service is completely overwhlemed and insufficient. It took over 2 months to get the bike finally at my front door.
That being said, my AC 350's do have the new hub so BD fixed mine at least. The Squeky BB that everone complains about was due to a little paint being on the face of the BB and a quick reface took care of that.
The bike has been flawless and is light. When I take the parts off it next week and put them on the Cannondale Synapse frame I just bought, I will have a full ultegra Synapse weighing in less than 16lbs for under 1700 bucks, not bad.
My LT bought a bike from BD the same day as me and hers showed up in 5 days, no problems, That being said I would never buy another bike from them no matter what the deal.

I found the communication with bd less than stellar. They didn't respond to any emails for about a week after receiving my money, and the shipment was delayed beyond what was promised. As it turned out, the shipment was delayed while they were waiting for AC 350 hub upgrades.

Once the bike was shipped, it arrived on time, and in good condition. It needed to be set up by an LBS before it was rideable. In particular, the wheels needed retruing, and the rear derailleur needed alignment.

However, once set up, this bike has been a dream. I have about 1200 km on it, and it hasn't given me a minute of trouble. The wheels and tires have remained solid. I went on a very rough ride on the weekend. Rain and mud over chip sealed, potholed roads on one of the gulf islands. The bike worked flawlessly.

Buy from bd with the expectation that they will sell you a bike. No more and no less. I never expected any contact with them after receiving the bike, and I was fine with that. The product, however, has been great. And it literally cost me less than half of what I would have had to pay for a comparable product in one of my local (Canadian) bike shops.

Count me as one of the summer purchasers of the Motobecane Le Champion SL.

The only problem with my experience was ordering a 58cm and receiving a 56cm. Luckily I realized the error pretty quickly and had it shipped back to them, receiving the 58cm in exchange. They charged my CC for the 58cm in order to ship it right away before getting the 56cm back, but I didn't really care. Whole process probably took 2 weeks or so. They were pretty quick in responding to my emails.

The 58cm needed no adjustments and rode very well right out of the box. Wheels were true, drivetrain seemed reasonably well adjusted. I have a bit of a vibration in the pedals under hard acceleration, but I don't know if it's anything worth worrying about. Overall it seems like a decent bike with great components. The frame was essentially free.

Pedal Force thread : http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=133101

Sorry, forgot to post it earlier....

Thanks. That was a fun read.

Please don't kill me because I don't have many posts at this site.

Like Ravenmore, I have a Le Champ. The good part is that it is a sensational deal and one I welcomed after getting back into biking this year. The frame, while generic in nature, seems fine.

The downsides are:

1. That you either have to know how to complete the assembling or take it to a shop. Mine seemed a little slopped together, but, then again, I'm not an expert. The wheels did need truing.

2. Their forte is definitely not establishing a great communication network between them and the consumer.

3. I felt lucky after hearing some of the stories about poor customer follow-up.

4. You'd better know your size. Luckily, I'm pretty familiar in that regard, although they tried to steer me toward a size way to big for me.

And, biggest of all for me...

This is my first aluminum road bike. I long for the steel of my earlier years. My Jamis Coda Elite is steel and, although it may not be the lightest frame material, deep in my heart, that's the direction I want to go next. I've already begun checking out custom steel makers.

The bottom line is that I kind of feel you roll the dice with bikesdirect. If it works out, it is a sensational deal. If things go wrong, I don't have faith that they'll make them right. My Le Champ will definitely do a great job of tying me over until I revisit my youth with a steel bike.

I was surprised like crazy when an avid cyclist co-worker of mine (who commutes) showed up to work today with a beautiful orange bike with Motobecane stickers. He just got it last week. Said he likes it a lot, but his Cannondale is still his favorite.

They do have great bargains on accessories if you buy a bike there.

Looks like the Tommaso TCF-1000r Legend uses the same frame, in clear coated carbon finish. Dura-Ace for < $2400. 15.4 lbs. That's the best version I've seen, and RS looks like a better company to deal with (not that I have). Now that I've said that, I just hope everyone doesn't go and buy it before I get the money together!

http://www.rscycle.com/s.nl/category.-114/it.A/id.7420/.f

Looks like the Tommaso TCF-1000r Legend uses the same frame, That's a different frame. Compare the top tube and how it joins the seat and head tube.

That's a different frame. Compare the top tube and how it joins the seat and head tube.

I stand corrected, you are absolutely right. I should have looked closer. Still think the Tomasso is a better deal.

Purchased my Motobecane Le Champion from a guy who bought it from Bikes Direct (so I don't have direct experience as far as dealing with them). It was the wrong size (he had since bought another one, and I got the initial bike, box opened but bike never assembled).

I had my LBS assemble the bike. The guys at the shop were very impressed with the amount of bike I got for the money. Since then I've put about 4000 miles on it and have not had one single problem. I love my Kona, but my Motobecane has been the most trouble-free bike I've ever had (and I've been riding for 20+ yrs).

HTH

Just so you know, re-opening up a thread that's been dead for a few weeks as a first post might get lots of "shill" cries...

As far as you getting a good deal for your money, that's great, but since it was from a private party you got a good deal because for whatever reason the guy gave you one. As far as it being 'trouble-free,' well, their bikes use the same Shimano, etc., that all other bikes do. Modern stuff is supposed to be a good bit more trouble-free than 20+ years ago. Glad you didn't snap the frame or something, which would be the only "reliability" part directly with your Moto.