The Epic CFF Mountain Bike Thread

Chapter Twelve in the ongoing Saga of the Motobecane - A Tale of Joy, Despair, and Frustation: I got a response from BD about the bushing; they asked me to record a short video describing the problem and send it to them as they were confused by my email. Apparently I write about as well as I ride.

So I recorded this short two-minute video describing the problem. The question for you guys is, do you think this problem is a big deal? Or is it nothing to be worried about? My apologies in advance for the crappy camera work; I needed four hands but only had two.

 
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Don’t think you could demonstrate and explain the issue much more clearly. Clear, concise, and recorded all sides well.

It sounds like you’re getting relatively swift responses from BD which is great to see. The fact that they’re so interested in seeing exactly what the issue is rather than just sending you parts or saying “tough luck, sorry... here’s a $100 refund... etc” is a good sign as well.
 
Chapter Twelve in the ongoing Saga of the Motobecane

Wow! Definitely a machining/fitting issue and is seems like you nailed it. They are sure to help you out with that. Seems like a continual issue that could eventually result in failure of a component if they don't!
 
Thanks for the feedback guys. I will continue to work with BD and hope they do the right thing.

And if not...

SSdLXI4.png


:D
 
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BD is not being particularly great to work with. Now they want me to send in the rear triangle and pay for shipping both ways, so they can "see if there is anything wrong with it". o_O
 
Hi All – I’m looking to get my first mountain bike and am looking for some advice. There are a ton of trails/options in my area and want to take advantage. I am no stranger to road cycling but I haven’t done so in a few years and currently do not have a bike. I assume bike technology has changed somewhat in the past 10 years being out of the loop. In the past I rode a Bianchi fixed gear and a Cervelo full carbon race ready bike. I always had way more fun on the fixie.

This leads me to my questions. I’m looking for something lightweight (hardtail) and simple like my old fixed gear and have been looking at single speed bikes that I can jump on and go. So what would you recommend? Do I get a fat bike like this on craigslist? https://denver.craigslist.org/bik/d/denver-full-carbon-fat-bike-xl/7126606739.html
Do I get a 29er? Carbon frame? Do I build one myself?

Looking forward to the discussion. Thanks guys.
 
BD is not being particularly great to work with. Now they want me to send in the rear triangle and pay for shipping both ways, so they can "see if there is anything wrong with it". o_O
I’m guessing you’ve read through their warranty paperwork/policy already to see if it states anything that would be in your favor?
 
Hi All – I’m looking to get my first mountain bike and am looking for some advice. There are a ton of trails/options in my area and want to take advantage. I am no stranger to road cycling but I haven’t done so in a few years and currently do not have a bike. I assume bike technology has changed somewhat in the past 10 years being out of the loop. In the past I rode a Bianchi fixed gear and a Cervelo full carbon race ready bike. I always had way more fun on the fixie.

This leads me to my questions. I’m looking for something lightweight (hardtail) and simple like my old fixed gear and have been looking at single speed bikes that I can jump on and go. So what would you recommend? Do I get a fat bike like this on craigslist? https://denver.craigslist.org/bik/d/denver-full-carbon-fat-bike-xl/7126606739.html
Do I get a 29er? Carbon frame? Do I build one myself?

Looking forward to the discussion. Thanks guys.
Single speed, no thanks, I know my limits haha.

I’ve never ridden a fat bike and have always seen them mentioned as a super fun 3rd bike to have, not really a primary. I’ve ridden a few 27.5 & 29 plus bikes and they were pretty nice. However, if you know what you’re looking for and understand the trade offs, go for it! That seems like a decent amount of bike for the money, albeit a non-name China carbon frame. I’m sure you could get him down at least another $100. I doubt you’d lose much if anything if you rode for the summer and decided to sell.

I could be wrong but I believe fat bike wheels/tires are so heavy that your net weight savings between a fat bike and a well spec’ed hardtail would be right around zero.

Unfortunately, I bet USNWC’s annual bike expo will be cancelled this year, otherwise that would be the perfect time & place to go test ride almost any bike under the sun.
 
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Hi All – I’m looking to get my first mountain bike and am looking for some advice.

I have never ridden a fat bike but they look crazy heavy. I've tried a lot of old school 26, newer 27.5, and 29 bikes. I stuck with 29 last year when I picked up my carbon stumpjumper. I'm 49 and my back needs full suspension! I also ride a 29 Giant hardtail (that I picked up on CL) when it's a trail I know I can get away with it or a greenway with the wife or something. I love the 1x drivetrain on the new stumpy. It's amazing how fast technology helps on the trail.

Depending on your budget I'd keep looking on CL and put the word out with anybody that rides. You'll stumble onto something eventually. You can get some great deals on CL. My Giant still had the protective stickers on it and I got it for 50% off. If you're in a hurry, head to a shop and demo ride...there's a ton to choose from!
 
I’m guessing you’ve read through their warranty paperwork/policy already to see if it states anything that would be in your favor?

That's their warranty policy. I knew that going in, but was hoping they'd step up to the plate with such an obvious problem.

Worst case scenario is I bail on the frame, strip the parts, and build up a good frame. And that is a tempting idea.
 
Hi All – I’m looking to get my first mountain bike and am looking for some advice. There are a ton of trails/options in my area and want to take advantage. I am no stranger to road cycling but I haven’t done so in a few years and currently do not have a bike. I assume bike technology has changed somewhat in the past 10 years being out of the loop. In the past I rode a Bianchi fixed gear and a Cervelo full carbon race ready bike. I always had way more fun on the fixie.

This leads me to my questions. I’m looking for something lightweight (hardtail) and simple like my old fixed gear and have been looking at single speed bikes that I can jump on and go. So what would you recommend? Do I get a fat bike like this on craigslist? https://denver.craigslist.org/bik/d/denver-full-carbon-fat-bike-xl/7126606739.html
Do I get a 29er? Carbon frame? Do I build one myself?

Looking forward to the discussion. Thanks guys.

Trail riding on a single speed sounds like a terrible idea but who knows.

I was talking to a guy at Sherman Branch that had a fat bike. He said something like "Salesman talked me into it. Said they were awesome on the trails. Said everyone will be riding them soon. I FREAKING HATE IT. IT IS SO SLOW. WHY DID I LISTEN TO HIM. OH HEY YOU WANNA BUY A FAT BIKE???"

:)
 
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Trail riding on a single speed sounds like a terrible idea but who knows.

I was talking to a guy at Sherman Branch that had a fat bike. He said something like "Salesman talked me into it. Said they were awesome on the trails. Said everyone will be riding them soon. I FREAKING HATE IT. IT IS SO SLOW. WHY DID I LISTEN TO HIM. OH HEY YOU WANNA BUY A FAT BIKE???"

:)

Yeah I think the appeal is for off trail, snow, or sand. It does look cool. Too bad the frame won’t fit 29 wheels otherwise I’d buy it and swap wheels if I hated it.
 
I have never ridden a fat bike but they look crazy heavy. I've tried a lot of old school 26, newer 27.5, and 29 bikes. I stuck with 29 last year when I picked up my carbon stumpjumper. I'm 49 and my back needs full suspension! I also ride a 29 Giant hardtail (that I picked up on CL) when it's a trail I know I can get away with it or a greenway with the wife or something. I love the 1x drivetrain on the new stumpy. It's amazing how fast technology helps on the trail.

Depending on your budget I'd keep looking on CL and put the word out with anybody that rides. You'll stumble onto something eventually. You can get some great deals on CL. My Giant still had the protective stickers on it and I got it for 50% off. If you're in a hurry, head to a shop and demo ride...there's a ton to choose from!

Yeah used bikes are a lot like used guns, people buy them and never use them.
 
That's their warranty policy. I knew that going in, but was hoping they'd step up to the plate with such an obvious problem.

Worst case scenario is I bail on the frame, strip the parts, and build up a good frame. And that is a tempting idea.
Seems like a lot more effort and expense than figuring out a replacement for the bushing ;) I also enjoy these kind of little projects so maybe it’s just me. What material is the bushing?
 
Seems like a lot more effort and expense than figuring out a replacement for the bushing ;) I also enjoy these kind of little projects so maybe it’s just me. What material is the bushing?

I'm in the middle of disassembling the rear triangle and can now clearly see what happened. The pivot bearing popped out of place and the whole pivot assembly basically collapsed. Can't tell if it's due to a defect or it's just a bad design, but I'm pretty sure the entire left side needs to be replaced in order to fix it.

As for building up a new frame, like you, I enjoy those kinds of projects. :)
 
I'm in the middle of disassembling the rear triangle and can now clearly see what happened. The pivot bearing popped out of place and the whole pivot assembly basically collapsed. Can't tell if it's due to a defect or it's just a bad design, but I'm pretty sure the entire left side needs to be replaced in order to fix it.

As for building up a new frame, like you, I enjoy those kinds of projects. :)
Got it, yeah that’s unfortunate. Good think you have a spare ride on the way!
 
Not my pics, but this was spotted at WWC today
1282371A-2424-4437-9A09-751AF8FBC253.png F243B27B-B06F-44A8-A1B4-0593B439145C.png
 
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When I'm physically unable to ride the trails around here, I will buy an EMTB. But hopefully that point is still 10-15 years away.
 
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A friend just bought a new Trance Advanced a few minutes ago so I’ll likely have a newbie along for our next ride. Doing the maiden ride in the morning!

We’re gonna ride Forney Creek since it’s right by his house, never been on that trail so we’ll see what it’s like.
 
Still catching on here in the states.. Mountain biking is so much fun!! What's more fun ... EMTB! View attachment 219962
Soooo you’re cheating? Haha JK, it’s too easy to hate on E-bikes. I could definitely use a push-button boost sometimes.
I think they’ll be sweet when battery tech advances to the point of being able to put the battery in a normal sized downtube.
 
Alot of younger kids race them in GNCC so they are not just for the older crowd

Haha sorry, I did not mean to imply they were for old people. Only that they are not for me until I'm old.

edit - well, older than the old I already am.
 
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Soooo you’re cheating? Haha JK, it’s too easy to hate on E-bikes. I could definitely use a push-button boost sometimes.
I think they’ll be sweet when battery tech advances to the point of being able to put the battery in a normal sized downtube.
They are getting there. Mine is an 18 and it's very noticeable. Check out the Specialized Levo SL. It's the lightweight version of the Levo.
 
Something FINALLY showed up this morning. With any luck, she'll get ridden hard every day this week. :D

zQKfz74.jpg


First aftermarket mod is done. The ugly, fiddly cable cover has been replaced with some color matched, custom 3D printed cable stays:

ZiNfACI.jpg
 
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Do you guys have any good frame recommendations? I do not have confidence that, after spending hundreds on labor and shipping both ways, 1) BD will fix the HAL right and 2) something else won't break and start the whole crappy process over. The HAL was $1860 (after a $140 discount) and retail price on the components is a little over $2000, so it's no great loss to toss the Motobecane frame.

The ideal frame would have the following traits:
  • From a reputable mfgr that has good warranty and support
  • Less than $3000, and the lesser the better
  • Carbon or alloy
  • 29er
  • Tapered headtube
  • Rear suspension travel suitable for a 150mm Pike up front
  • 190x51 rear shock length
  • Boost spacing
A GG frame would be an obvious choice, but I'd have to 1) buy a new shock and 2) have the rear rim offset 3mm. Add in those two expenses and it's just an average deal and not a great deal.
 
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