Just starting out, looking for suggestions

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Permalink Reply by Hamilton on July 15, 2009 at 6:56am

There are some decent bikes out there for $1200, Redline Conquest comes to mind. You may want to look at the Motobecane Fantom Cross Pro. It's $999, comes with Ultegra components, and a compact crankset. You can use the extra $200 on a decent seat and pedals. It's got braze-ons for fenders and racks so you can use it as a daily rider as well.

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Permalink Reply by Stroup on July 15, 2009 at 11:07am

Thanks for the response. You actually picked the two bikes at the top of my list currently too. I found a screaming deal on the Motobecane but no local shop carries it so haven't been able to test ride it. Have a hard time buying an untested product. Just curious, why did you choose the Pro model for the Motobecane and not for the Redline? What are the upgrades you get with the Pro models?

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Permalink Reply by Hamilton on July 16, 2009 at 7:39am

Cost is the main difference. I think the Conquest Pro or Team are great bikes but the Motobecane gets you Ultegra components for $999. I rode the Fantom Cross (which may have been discontinued), it has the same frame as the Pro, last all last fall and winter and it was a great bike. Really, the only thing you'll need to change is the Seat. The only downside is you don't get the LBS support for your bike, which can be helpful in getting things adjusted when you first get it.

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Permalink Reply by Echappe Equipment on July 16, 2009 at 11:41am

I think Moto is Internet only now?

Had a friend here that bought one and it was such a piece of crap. It must have weighed 25lbs sparkling clean on a 48cm frame.

Check out the Van Dessels or Blues. Great bikes for not much coin.

Remember to check the front triangle clearance for your shoulders on 'cross frames. Some bikes (like the Giant thats in my profile picture) had such a small front triangle that I couldn't properly shoulder the bike on run-ups. VDs, Cannondales and Blues have great clearance for all sizes. ATMO.

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Permalink Reply by Stroup on July 16, 2009 at 11:52am

Hmmm, you're the first person I've heard say Moto is crap. Now I really wish I could test ride them. Took out the Surly cross-check yesterday and didn't really care for it. Hate the shifter location at the bottom end of the bars and was not impressed with the brakes.

Don't think anyone here in Bend carries the Van Dessels or Blues but I will start researching them. Thanks for the advice. Great tip on the triangle clearance too, something I would not have thought of.

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Permalink Reply by Britton Kusiak on July 15, 2009 at 7:45pm

Single speed may be the way to go. You can't break too many parts since you don't have them on their.

Plus you can get a fast, durable, light complete bike new for less than $1k.


They are great to have, especially in a muddy race. I see friends ruin $200 derailleurs and get mud all over the place and can't ride, if you're on a a budget, go ss!

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Permalink Reply by Stroup on July 15, 2009 at 11:22pm

I'd actually love to race single speed, I just don't like the idea of commuting on a single speed and that is actually what I will be using the bike for mostly. Ah...if only money wasn't an issue, I'd have 6 bikes.

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