"chris c" <cchris@frontiernet.net> wrote in message news:Gw16e.3250$hg.1244@news01.roc.ny...> These any good for a starter?> If it fits you and you like it, then yes.
Ryan Cousineau 10 April 2005 10:00:33 [ permanent link ]
In article <Gw16e.3250$hg.1244@news01.roc.ny>, "chris c" <cchris@frontiernet.net> wrote:
These any good for a starter?
Modern Motobecanes are Taiwanese-built and have no connection to the original French manufacturer.
Other than that, no problem! It's a generic Sora-equipped machine, but that's a fine thing for $400 shipped.
The usual caveats, however, apply: the support of a _good_ local bike shop, especially for your first bike, can be invaluable. If you are a rank novice when it comes to bike set-up, or miscalculate and this frame just plain doesn't fit you, then it's not a good deal.
From the eBay ad: "Motobecane is one of the top names in the bike business - 80 years old, winner of the Tour d' France, winner of several world championships, inventor of the moped and of dual suspension bicycles."
That's all true. Motobecane WAS one of the top names. That Motobecane stopped building bikes about 20 years ago. The rights to the name were bought by another company. Make your choice based on the bike, not the fact that someone won the TdF on a real Motobecane 25 years ago.
Also be aware that your height alone does not determine your proper frame size as is implied in the ad.
actually i got a new fuji bike in 2002, in a box, and it was assembled> to the point that i didn't need 'real bike tools', only allen wrenches.
hardest thing was the headset.>
had to put on pedals, wheels, also. not hard.> did not need to assemble cassette, bottom bracket.>
oh well maybe i did have to adjust the derailleur indexing, though the> cables were already attached to the levers and routed.
Some other things to consider:
Even assuming the frame is the right "size," the user still has to know enough about fit to adjust the saddle for proper height, fore/aft and tilt. For a first time road bike buyer, this may not be trivial. I've seen many bikes with saddles and bars tilted at ridiculous angles.
May have to adjust the handlebar height and reach (possibly including stem replacement).
Wheels almost certainly need to be tensioned, trued, and stress relieved.
I would also check brake and derailleur adjustments, hub bearing lubrication, BB and crank tightness.
If problems develop (spokes breaking, clunking sounds in drivetrain, etc.), how does one make use of a "Motobecane" or "Windsor" warranty?
