Is this full XTR bicycle a wise purchase? Why/why not?

Question

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/fly_team_07instock.htm

I'm used to buying department store bikes and I'm done with that because they fall apart and the derailleur won't stay "tuned", so shifting isn't precise. I'm hoping to end that with a bike with top components.

I ride paved trails, however single track looks fun and I would like to get off the paved stuff sometime. I only need to stop being such a neat freak and not worry about getting the bicycle parts dirty...however with more expensive parts I might worry more....unless I know how to properly clean and maintain them.

Would the bicycle be good for single track? What other riding styles?

I'm aware some say carbon fiber cranks aren't good because they can break easily if they hit a rock and power can be lost due to the bend because carbon fiberisn't so stiff...however these tests suggest there isn't a huge difference @ 124 pounds of pedaling force

http://www.bikesportmichigan.com/reviews/crank.shtml

Answer 1

Well.. for one, it does sound nice at the price. About the cranks, I think it's one of the places that it's fine to have CF. I think that CF is stiffer than aluminium, so no worry in that stuff.

In a part, it is not full XTR stuff, strictly speaking.

I think that the bike is built to be very good for going fast on XC tracks or paved roads. Single track? depends on what single track you're running. If your tracks have lot's or rocks and logs and ruts, maybe it would not be the best one.

I don't really like the fork, but it's not that there is something wrong with it, it's just not my style.

Another thing I don't like is the road cassette. It will mean that on flats you have lot's of options, but on climbs you might well be yearning for higher gears. The casette has 11 to 27 tooth cogsets, while mountain casettes has 11 to 32 or 34. That can be swapped later, so it might not be a problem.

Overall, I think this is a good choice if you don't want to do anything scary on the bike, but if you're really more into going places and doing XC stuff..

Answer 2

Here is the thing XTR is expensive and it is built for those that race professionally and have a bottomless account. If you insist on spending an insane amount of money then XT is every bit as good but not as expensive. It sounds like you don't really need a bike that is even that nice. These mountain bikes are meant to go off road get hammered and have lots of fun.

As far as the adjustments go, you need to learn how to adjust your derailleurs your self or make good friends with someone that works for a bike shop. What happens is that the cables stretch the derailleurs fall out of adjustment. So it does not matter how good the parts are, they all fall out of adjustment.

Don't fall for the rear derailleur trick. Alot of the time places will put a rad rear derailleur on the bike to fool the uneducated buyer. you need to pay attention to stuff like your bottom bracket, wheel set, head set, brakes, etc. Also not all disc brakes are the same. If they are cable discs then don't buy them. I ride avid 5.0 hydro discs. Also pay attention to the suspension.

You really need to do some research before you buy a really expensive bike. Ride alot of models, and pick the one that feels the best.

Answer 3

That bike looks like a heck of a good deal. Not only could you ride singletrack, you could race competitively at the highest levels with that bike.

Bikes direct has a pretty good reputation, just know that you'll need to learn basic bike maintenance skills, or pay for service at your local bike shop.

Don't worry about the cranks - I read that article and it basically says "the differences are too small to matter" which is what I could've told them before.

Answer 4

the guy above me is right, this bike is great for the price and it begs for singletrack, i wouldnt even think of taking it on paved anything. and yes you could very well even compete with this. if you are thinking about this one, go for it, great parts all around. carbon cranks are one of the few items id put faith into, i personally wont do it with a stem or handlebars. this bike rocks man...and dont be such a neat freak! take this bike out and thrash it hard! youll enjoy it that much more. this bike could probably take a beating. get it and enjoy!

Answer 5

If you have the means then buy that bike! I can't believe you can even get that kind of a deal...!

If you can afford it then get it.