Biking gurus: What do you think of this bike?

[preslove]

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/gravity/liberty_cx.htm

I've heard good things about some BD bikes. I'm training for a triathlon, but only have a 9 year old Giant mountain bike that's a little small on me. Don't want to spend much money. I like the idea of cyclocross bikes & used to ride road bikes with the extra brake handles.

What do you think?

I was also thinking about this one: http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/mercier/galaxy_tour.htm

 

[Slick5150]

I too have thought about getting a bike from BD but decided against it. When you go ride bikes at a local bike shop, you're always going to find subtle differences between manufacturers in terms of size and feel. For example, I had been looking at a 58" Cannondale frame road bike but wound up buying a 56" Specialized carbon frame (Roubaix) bike instead as it just felt so much better when I rode it.

I'd worry about buying any bike without being able to ride it first to get a feel for it. I'm not saying they're BAD bikes, but the derailleurs are the low end of Shimano's line (Sora) and some of the other components are the best either. It's probably good for the price, but if you're expecting a GOOD bike, it may disappoint.

I'd say you're better off riding some bikes locally and finding one in your budget that feels good to you.

 

[spacejamz]

I got a carbon frame from bikesdirect for $600 a few weeks ago and had my LBS transfer all of the components from my previous bike to the new frame...

The new frame rocks....I ordered on a sunday and UPS dropped it off in perfect condition two days later...If you know what you are looking for, (size, components, etc), then Bikes direct is the way to go to maximize your value...if not, then paying the little extra at the LBS is worth it...

 

[joutlaw]

I've bought 2 bikes from Bikes Direct. They were both the Windsor Cliff 4900 mountain bike for me and my wife.

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/windsor/windsor_cliff4900.htm

The bikes arrived in perfect condition. I assembled and set the bikes up myself. You can get the tools from BD as well. It really wasn't that difficult. It is quite beneficial to know how to adjust deraileurs and brakes. You can make minor tweaks to your bike and not have to pay a shop.

I have close to 1000 miles on my 4900. The bike has been flawless other than a lot of flat tires. My wife hasn't ridden hers as much, but she mostly teaches spin classes instead of riding outside like I do.

 

[artvscommerce]

I've bought a bike from bikesdirect as well. I love it. I don't know enough about road bikes to comment on the two models you linked, but I think you will be happy with whatever you decide to go with simply because of the huge cost savings. As joutlaw pointed out, you may want to learn to adjust the derailers yourself since it may require some tuning once you put it together.

 

[Safeway]

Would not buy. Those bikes are pretty low rent. If you want to do tri, you might as well go for a TT bike.

 

[JulesMaximus]

A friend of mine bought a decent bike from them a few years ago but the frame ended up being too large so he bought a carbon frame from Performance Bike and took all the Ultegra components off the BD bike and put them on his new frame. He really likes the bike now.

Yeah, I'd definitely recommend a decent road bike or a TT bike for doing a triathlon. Get one that fits you well and train train train. Honestly, I'd avoid buying a bike you can't ride first. Support your local bike shop.

 

[Meghan54]

Not a bad price.....for what you get.

Just be aware, most of that bike has bottom-of-the-barrel components. What that means is not that they're horrible, just not great and they'll be heavier than comparable higher quality components.

For example, while the crank states it has alu. arms, they neglect to mention the chain rings are steel...heavy.

The bottom bracket is a square taper bottom bracket, definitely heavy and low end, compared to the hollow spindle bottom brackets or the integrated spingle cranks/external bearing bottom brackets out there. Does this make it bad? No, just that the bb is much heavier than better ones and has lower quality bearings. It'll do the job, though.

8 spd. components, like the cassette, are getting increasingly difficult to find, which is why the cassette is a SunTour brand---these days, about the cheapest brand out there. Difference between the SunTour and Shimano? Definitely heavier and probably won't shift quite as crisply and cleanly as a Shimano, like an H30 or better cassette.

Disappointed to see a Cro-mo fork. Even my wife's Diamond Back road bike, purchased for just over $400 from Amazon, had a carbon fork. Again, heavier but has the benefit of being much cheaper than even the cheapest carbon fork.

The rest of the parts follow the same theme....about the cheapest that can be found. Nothing horrible, mind you, but definitely sacrificing durability, longevity, weight, and ease of repair for a cheap price.

Like with anything, you get what you pay for. I don't think you'll be very competitive on that ride during a tri......the weight will tell.


I did find this bit funny:

Many other bikes have only 16 gears, the Liberty has a much wider range with 24 gears.

Yeah, right. The only difference is the triple crank vs. a typical double crank. And unless you plan to off-road or are very out of shape or older, a triple crank won't do much for you in a tri.....the small front crank ring will go unused in almost all instances. Geared too low for real use on road by anyone semi-athletic. It's not like you're trying to grunt over logs, through sand, etc., unless your tri's are held off-road.

Have you perused your local bike shops for discounted previous year bikes? This is the time the new models hit the market and you may be able to find a leftover marked down a bit. And also try other brands.....Raleigh makes a decent, competitively priced bike to that no-name bike (even has a carbon fork) and 9spd drivetrain (although 9spd stuff is getting harder to find, too.....just not as hard to find as 8spd stuff.)

 

[preslove]

I'm not going to win this Triathlon. It's my first one. I should be better than most at swimming (most people here suck at swimming), so that may compensate for having a shitty bike.

I'm thinking about this one, with clip on aero bars: http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/mercier/galaxy_tour.htm

I'm trying to save money so I can afford to move to a nicer area, so this bike would be something to hold me over until I move somewhere I'd like to live for 5+ years. Then I'd be more ready to buy a higher end bike.

Local bike shops don't really have anything below $550 or $600 that's even suitable. Would an entry level lbs bike have better components?

 

[Aharami]

i have a motobecane 500HT from BD. no complaints

 

[Ricemarine]

Meghan54 has great points about the bike.

If you want cheap, go on your local craigslist. I was able to snag this bike (was sold on BD before) http://www.cyclesmercier.com/big_corvusal.html for $250 the other day. The thing about BD bikes is that their price plummets over time because they're generic brands. Make sure you know your size in advance though. I initially thought I should ride 54cm bikes, but I realized after a few hundred miles of riding that 52cm was much more comfortable.

 

[Ghiedo27]

Bikes are one of the few things I need to be able to touch before I'll spend money. There's just such a big difference between things that seem identical on a spec sheet that it's worth it to me to spend a bit more money and get exactly what I need / want.

Replacement parts and consumables are another story.

 

[thedarkwolf]

An entry level LBS bike would have the same give or take entry level components of the BD bikes only it would probably be more expensive. Buying from your LBS gives you the advantage of making sure it fits right and usually free tune ups but you pay more to get it. Just ignore the "list price" BS on Bikes Direct website.

 

[adlep]

I just got a Kestrel Talon Tri bike from bd. No complaints. Sweet bike, fast too

Pic of bike and me looking goofy:

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151013666963162.477572.774513161&type=3&l=ecdeb66a41

Paid $1299.00

 

[SphinxnihpS]

Bike gurus everywhere disapprove.

 

[preslove]

The problem with craigslist is that I live in a part of texas that doesn't have a lot of bikers. Cyclers do exist here, but not enough to stock craigslist.

I occasionally go on urban trips with a local biking group and have been helping some people learn to swim. One couple is training for this tri and also has been giving the periodical bike mechanical training session to the group. They want swim training, so I'm thinking of proposing a trade of some swim sessions for teaching me how to put the bike together.

 

[spacejamz]

Here are two similarly equipped bikes (carbon frame and Shimano Ultegra components)

Richardson Bike Mart (one of the biggest bike stores in Dallas)
http://bikemart.com/product/12trek-madone-5.2-c-130905-1.htm

Frame Trek 500 Series OCLV Carbon w/E2, BB90
Fork Bontrager Race X Lite Carbon w/E2 carbon steerer
Rims/Wheels Bontrager Race wheelset
Hubs See Rims/Wheels
Spokes See Rims/Wheels
Tires Bontrager R3, 700 x 23c
Crankset Shimano Ultegra compact
Chainwheel 50/34
Front Derailleur Shimano Ultegra
Rear Derailleur Shimano Ultegra
Rear Cogs Shimano 105, 10-speed: 11-28
Shifters Shimano Ultegra STI
Handlebars Bontrager Race Blade VR-C
Tape/Grips Bontrager Gel
Stem Bontrager Race X Lite
Brake Levers Shimano Ultegra STI
Brakes Shimano Ultegra
Saddle Bontrager Affinity 3
Seat Post Bontrager Ride-Tuned Carbon seatmast cap


Bikes Direct:
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/immortal_ice_x.htm
Frame 2.7 Pound Monocoque High Modulus Carbon Fiber with replaceable derailleur hanger, 2x H2O bosses

Fork AeroCarbon SL High Modulus Monocoque Carbon Fiber with Carbon Crown+Steerer 1.125 inch
Headset Cane Creek IS2 Sealed Bearing Threadless 1.125 inch
Derailleurs Shimano Ultegra 6700 10 Speed (20 Spd total) front and rear
Shifters/Levers Shimano Ultegra 6700 10 Speed STI (20 Speed total)
Brakes Shimano Ultegra 6700 aluminum calipers
Hubs Mavic Ksyrium Equipe sealed bearings
Rims Mavic Ksyrium Equipe with UB Control rim surface
Crank/BottomBracket Ultegra 6700 53/39T integrated with External Bearing Bottom Bracket
Cassette/Chain Shimano 6700 Ultegra 10 Speed 11-28T, Shimano CN HG6700 Ultegra 10spd Chain
Saddle Ritchey PRO Streem, Road Racing, hollow CrMo rails
Seatpost Ritchey PRO Carbon Fiber 27.2mm
Stem Ritchey WCS Aluminum 1.125 inch steerer, 31.8mm clamp
Handlebars Ritchey Logic II WCS Butted Aluminum Ergo Bar
Pedals N/A
Tires Vittoria Rubino PRO Kevlar 700x23c, Presta valve tubes
Color BlackCarbon
Sizes 50, 53, 56, 59 and 62cm


$1800 at Bikes Direct and $3400 at LBS...the LBS bike doesn't even have all Ultegra on it...

 

[adlep]

Here are two similarly equipped bikes (carbon frame and Shimano Ultegra components)

Richardson Bike Mart (one of the biggest bike stores in Dallas)
http://bikemart.com/product/12trek-madone-5.2-c-130905-1.htm

Frame Trek 500 Series OCLV Carbon w/E2, BB90
Fork Bontrager Race X Lite Carbon w/E2 carbon steerer
Rims/Wheels Bontrager Race wheelset
Hubs See Rims/Wheels
Spokes See Rims/Wheels
Tires Bontrager R3, 700 x 23c
Crankset Shimano Ultegra compact
Chainwheel 50/34
Front Derailleur Shimano Ultegra
Rear Derailleur Shimano Ultegra
Rear Cogs Shimano 105, 10-speed: 11-28
Shifters Shimano Ultegra STI
Handlebars Bontrager Race Blade VR-C
Tape/Grips Bontrager Gel
Stem Bontrager Race X Lite
Brake Levers Shimano Ultegra STI
Brakes Shimano Ultegra
Saddle Bontrager Affinity 3
Seat Post Bontrager Ride-Tuned Carbon seatmast cap


Bikes Direct:
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/immortal_ice_x.htm
Frame 2.7 Pound Monocoque High Modulus Carbon Fiber with replaceable derailleur hanger, 2x H2O bosses

Fork AeroCarbon SL High Modulus Monocoque Carbon Fiber with Carbon Crown+Steerer 1.125 inch
Headset Cane Creek IS2 Sealed Bearing Threadless 1.125 inch
Derailleurs Shimano Ultegra 6700 10 Speed (20 Spd total) front and rear
Shifters/Levers Shimano Ultegra 6700 10 Speed STI (20 Speed total)
Brakes Shimano Ultegra 6700 aluminum calipers
Hubs Mavic Ksyrium Equipe sealed bearings
Rims Mavic Ksyrium Equipe with UB Control rim surface
Crank/BottomBracket Ultegra 6700 53/39T integrated with External Bearing Bottom Bracket
Cassette/Chain Shimano 6700 Ultegra 10 Speed 11-28T, Shimano CN HG6700 Ultegra 10spd Chain
Saddle Ritchey PRO Streem, Road Racing, hollow CrMo rails
Seatpost Ritchey PRO Carbon Fiber 27.2mm
Stem Ritchey WCS Aluminum 1.125 inch steerer, 31.8mm clamp
Handlebars Ritchey Logic II WCS Butted Aluminum Ergo Bar
Pedals N/A
Tires Vittoria Rubino PRO Kevlar 700x23c, Presta valve tubes
Color BlackCarbon
Sizes 50, 53, 56, 59 and 62cm


$1800 at Bikes Direct and $3400 at LBS...the LBS bike doesn't even have all Ultegra on it...

No comparison. BD rules and for many many years. Case closed!

 

[preslove]

A couple questions for BD bike owners. Did you have sizing issues? Did anything come bent or damaged? Did you have to deal with BD support?

And a question for everyone: Have you known anyone to by a BD bike and be unhappy with it?

An entry level LBS bike would have the same give or take entry level components of the BD bikes only it would probably be more expensive. Buying from your LBS gives you the advantage of making sure it fits right and usually free tune ups but you pay more to get it. Just ignore the "list price" BS on Bikes Direct website.

Yeah, I've been figuring that the $350 straightbar would be akin to a $550-$600 lbs bike.

 

[spacejamz]

A couple questions for BD bike owners. Did you have sizing issues? Did anything come bent or damaged? Did you have to deal with BD support?

And a question for everyone: Have you known anyone to by a BD bike and be unhappy with it?

Yeah, I've been figuring that the $350 straightbar would be akin to a $550-$600 lbs bike.

Here are the links on BD's website about sizing:
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/roadsizing.html#road
http://www.bikesdirect.com/sizing.htm

You can confirm with them before buying your bike that you get the right size before you order...

Here is a forum that has a Motobecane sub-forum (which BD carries alot of)..
http://forums.roadbikereview.com/motobecane-mercier/

there are a bunch of threads there with people's experiences with BD...

some people have received damaged items and they were replaced quickly by BD...

My frame I ordered came in perfect condition so I have not had to deal with their customer service...

 

[CraigRT]

I buy all my bikes from the Toronto bike show so I can't really say I recommend that. You get a good brand if you buy from the show on closeout, and you save at least 25%.

 

[joutlaw]

A couple questions for BD bike owners. Did you have sizing issues? Did anything come bent or damaged? Did you have to deal with BD support?

And a question for everyone: Have you known anyone to by a BD bike and be unhappy with it?



Yeah, I've been figuring that the $350 straightbar would be akin to a $550-$600 lbs bike.

No issues with my order and very happy with our bikes. You have to sign for them via UPS, but I would think that is normal for any big ticket item.

 

[Ms. DICKINSON]

I have a similar bike (Gravity 1) and it's been very good after 3 or 4 years. You'll find it 100-200$ more for the same components @LBS.

 

[Meghan54]

Here are two similarly equipped bikes (carbon frame and Shimano Ultegra components)

Richardson Bike Mart (one of the biggest bike stores in Dallas)
http://bikemart.com/product/12trek-madone-5.2-c-130905-1.htm

Frame Trek 500 Series OCLV Carbon w/E2, BB90
Fork Bontrager Race X Lite Carbon w/E2 carbon steerer
Rims/Wheels Bontrager Race wheelset
Hubs See Rims/Wheels
Spokes See Rims/Wheels
Tires Bontrager R3, 700 x 23c
Crankset Shimano Ultegra compact
Chainwheel 50/34
Front Derailleur Shimano Ultegra
Rear Derailleur Shimano Ultegra
Rear Cogs Shimano 105, 10-speed: 11-28
Shifters Shimano Ultegra STI
Handlebars Bontrager Race Blade VR-C
Tape/Grips Bontrager Gel
Stem Bontrager Race X Lite
Brake Levers Shimano Ultegra STI
Brakes Shimano Ultegra
Saddle Bontrager Affinity 3
Seat Post Bontrager Ride-Tuned Carbon seatmast cap


Bikes Direct:
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/immortal_ice_x.htm
Frame 2.7 Pound Monocoque High Modulus Carbon Fiber with replaceable derailleur hanger, 2x H2O bosses

Fork AeroCarbon SL High Modulus Monocoque Carbon Fiber with Carbon Crown+Steerer 1.125 inch
Headset Cane Creek IS2 Sealed Bearing Threadless 1.125 inch
Derailleurs Shimano Ultegra 6700 10 Speed (20 Spd total) front and rear
Shifters/Levers Shimano Ultegra 6700 10 Speed STI (20 Speed total)
Brakes Shimano Ultegra 6700 aluminum calipers
Hubs Mavic Ksyrium Equipe sealed bearings
Rims Mavic Ksyrium Equipe with UB Control rim surface
Crank/BottomBracket Ultegra 6700 53/39T integrated with External Bearing Bottom Bracket
Cassette/Chain Shimano 6700 Ultegra 10 Speed 11-28T, Shimano CN HG6700 Ultegra 10spd Chain
Saddle Ritchey PRO Streem, Road Racing, hollow CrMo rails
Seatpost Ritchey PRO Carbon Fiber 27.2mm
Stem Ritchey WCS Aluminum 1.125 inch steerer, 31.8mm clamp
Handlebars Ritchey Logic II WCS Butted Aluminum Ergo Bar
Pedals N/A
Tires Vittoria Rubino PRO Kevlar 700x23c, Presta valve tubes
Color BlackCarbon
Sizes 50, 53, 56, 59 and 62cm


$1800 at Bikes Direct and $3400 at LBS...the LBS bike doesn't even have all Ultegra on it...

Not knocking the BD bike at all, just be careful which one you pick. I'd much more trust the Motobecane vs. the generic alu. model the OP first picked....night and day between the two.

And you, spacejamz, are trying to compare one of Trek's highest end hand laid carbon frames, made in the U.S., to a Taiwanese semi-automated made carbon frame.....there is absolutely no comparison. The Madone frame on the Trek is considered one of the best carbon frames in the business----I doubt you'd get anywhere near the same senitments about the Motobecane. Nice components, though, esp. the wheelset choice. But the Trek's are no slouch, either, but more a direct competitor to the ones on the Motobecane.

 

[spacejamz]

Not knocking the BD bike at all, just be careful which one you pick. I'd much more trust the Motobecane vs. the generic alu. model the OP first picked....night and day between the two.

And you, spacejamz, are trying to compare one of Trek's highest end hand laid carbon frames, made in the U.S., to a Taiwanese semi-automated made carbon frame.....there is absolutely no comparison. The Madone frame on the Trek is considered one of the best carbon frames in the business----I doubt you'd get anywhere near the same senitments about the Motobecane. Nice components, though, esp. the wheelset choice. But the Trek's are no slouch, either, but more a direct competitor to the ones on the Motobecane.

sorry...i didn't realize that about the trek...I just found a carbon frame and ultegra groupings...

You will be hard pressed to find a carbon bike with full ultegra for anywhere close to $1800.00...