Motobecane Outkast29

[hippymtnbkr]

I bought this bike because of the price. I was ready to finance a Rig, when searching on the net I saw the Outcast. There were a few things that I didn't like about the Outcast. One was the 170mm crank,I personally thought it was a misprint. Riding SS is all about leverage and the loner the crank arm ,the better leverage you get. I'm 6'3" and have a 36" inseam, so I ride 180mm cranks on all my bikes anyways. I used to train on a stair-stepper, and longer cranks gave me that same feeling. Shorter cranks lend themselves more to spinning, and unless you have a super low gear on your SS, my guess is that you will not be doing much spinning. This bike came with a stock 42t chainring which is a tall gear for an offroad machine period let alone a SS. It even says on Bikes direct website that is is ment for commuting. But it is still listed under their MTB category. I didn't like the fact that they put in a 300 mm seat post. I personally like the 400mm, my thudbuster is a 450. But I have to buy these aftermarket anyways. Standard for a MTB off the floor is 350mm. There are no disc brake tabs, this was not a big issue to me because I ride xcountry and think vbrakes have essential stopping power. But as to comparing bikes to the others on the market. This should be an added feature. The frame leaned towards the heavy side, but it was a nice color. It looked good. I could not tell you the durability of the frame, because the alloy was never discussed in the specs. I never got to really ride the bike because the tire kept popping off the rear wheel, and the wheel would not stay put in the dropouts. I looked back at other reviews and found that uneven dropouts seem to be a common complaint with all their bikes(look at review from Dirt Rag issue 133). Like I said,the bike was priced good, but there were similar deals at the LBS. Your LBS is more likly to swap out needed parts. At Bikes Direct they say they couldn't do this and their bikes are shown as spec-ed. I still deal with mail order from some really good companies who have great customer service. Bikes Direct seems to lack in this area. But they tell me that is why their prices are so low. I just wish Motobecane would show up at a festival or a demo. So I could get a more positive outlook on their bikes:)

[Nick Verstain]

The name of the bike might have been a hint about its lack of quality.

[hippymtnbkr]

YOU EVER BEEN ON THEIR THREAD AT MTBR.COM. THEY LOVE THEM BIKES MORE THEN LIFE IT SELF. THAT USED TO BE A FRIENDLY SITE, WHAT HAPPENED OVER THERE AT MTBR:confused:

[hippymtnbkr]

The name of the bike might have been a hint about its lack of quality.

THAT'S A GOOD ONE:)

[wigger thomas]

So what did you wind up doing with the bike?

[hippymtnbkr]

sent it back,lost $108 in shipping. No beer for a month, lesson learned. Buy beer first:D

[robcycle]

Any time anyone ask I tell them to save for another month and buy a Monocog 29er :cool:

-Rob.

[hippymtnbkr]

It just goes to show .some thing are too good to be true. Does anyone who uses this forum have any good luck with Bike Direct?

[PunkRock]

I looked back at other reviews and found that uneven dropouts seem to be a common complaint with all their bikes(look at review from Dirt Rag issue 133).

I can't find anything about this bike in #133. You sure it was that issue?

[K-Man]

I can't find anything about this bike in #133. You sure it was that issue?

Probably thinking of my Motobecane Fantom Team review from Issue #111. You can find Dirt Rag's complete library of online bike reviews here (http://www.dirtragmag.com/print/print-list.php?category=stuff_reviews&category2=bikes).

[hippymtnbkr]

Probably thinking of my Motobecane Fantom Team review from Issue #111. You can find Dirt Rag's complete library of online bike reviews here (http://www.dirtragmag.com/print/print-list.php?category=stuff_reviews&category2=bikes).sorry, my mistake. There is supposed to be a review of their new TI bike in the May issue of MBA

[PunkRock]

Hippy. Thanks for posting the review. I was LITERALLY minutes away from odering this very bike. I am dissapointed, as I thought it might be a great way for me to get into a 29er without spending a fortune. This problem with the rear dropouts, did they say it happens a lot?

[hippymtnbkr]

Hippy. Thanks for posting the review. I was LITERALLY minutes away from odering this very bike. I am dissapointed, as I thought it might be a great way for me to get into a 29er without spending a fortune. This problem with the rear dropouts, did they say it happens a lot?I had thought the same thing. Low price to try the new thing. I just found it kind of strange that Dirt Rags review of the bike had the same issue I had. And they blamed it on UPS foul shipping. But guys I talk to at bike shops around town, say they use UPS for a lot of their shipping and don't really have a problem. You know what really bummed me out. I saw a Haro Mary SS at a shop in the next town over. It was in my size and they had it on sale for $360. I also saw a lot of Redline Monocogs at around $400-450. I'm still not gonna buy a bike for a while, but is these deals are at the LBS. Then that's where I'm gonna go. The guys at a bike shop up in Michigan I used to frequent tell me the Cannondale 29'er 4 with Caffeine frame is a good deal. Also I'm interested in the Trek 69r. They had a lower priced geared bike come out this year. So I think I'm gonna wait and see if they have an entry level come out in the next couple of years. Good luck

[PunkRock]

I had thought the same thing. Low price to try the new thing. I just found it kind of strange that Dirt Rags review of the bike had the same issue I had. And they blamed it on UPS foul shipping. But guys I talk to at bike shops around town, say they use UPS for a lot of their shipping and don't really have a problem. You know what really bummed me out. I saw a Haro Mary SS at a shop in the next town over. It was in my size and they had it on sale for $360. I also saw a lot of Redline Monocogs at around $400-450. I'm still not gonna buy a bike for a while, but is these deals are at the LBS. Then that's where I'm gonna go. The guys at a bike shop up in Michigan I used to frequent tell me the Cannondale 29'er 4 with Caffeine frame is a good deal. Also I'm interested in the Trek 69r. They had a lower priced geared bike come out this year. So I think I'm gonna wait and see if they have an entry level come out in the next couple of years. Good luck

I found a GT peace 29er for $399 on clearance at the local Performance bicycle. fell much better about that purchase, and I get to take it home. I feel like you saved me. I owe ya one. thanks for the review, I will pay it forward.

[hippymtnbkr]

cool, I saw some of those also,but they didn't have my size. In a way,they are all cheapo bikes. But to have a problem with a new bike. And have to pay because of the manufacturs error,just doesn't seem right. But people keep pointing out to me that we are in the internet erra. But with todays economy, I'm finding that even the live person is willing to cut you a deal. But a live person is usally backed by other live people. So you have to pay a couple of dollars more. But I'm ok with that. We are all in this country together........opps,I think I hert my leg falling off that soap box:p "Where's my Mule, Where's my 40 acres"

[PunkRock]

I agree, but I at least want a good platform from which to upgrade. It's unfortunate that we spend $400 on a "cheap bike". I like to ride urban, critical-mass, carry around a trailer with my dog and a radio, and ride with my kids on local (read:easy) trails. I'm sure it will be just fine for me. When I become a hardcore racer, I might need something more, but for my pursuits, it will be great!

[hippymtnbkr]

I agree, but I at least want a good platform from which to upgrade. It's unfortunate that we spend $400 on a "cheap bike". I like to ride urban, critical-mass, carry around a trailer with my dog and a radio, and ride with my kids on local (read:easy) trails. I'm sure it will be just fine for me. When I become a hardcore racer, I might need something more, but for my pursuits, it will be great!
Yeah,everything goes up except my pay check. We got hit hard on taxes this year, so tha cash that Bush is supposed to be giving us is more like a rebate. I look more at entry level now, even though I've been riding over 20 years. As long as it rolls, it's all good. The Rag should do some tests on entry level for experianced riders. But I suppose if I were the one testing, I would want one of the new tricked out bikes. Oh well, I can still get a good pair of hiking boots for under $150:)

[PunkRock]

I couldnt agree with you more. I would love to see an issue or shootout of sub $500 bikes. Stuff that the common guy can afford. I love looking at the handmade frames or the Ti and all the high end flashy biits on the 3k bikes, but the poor fact is, I cannot now, nor will I probably ever be able to buy a bike that cost as much as a nice used car. 3 kids, dog 2 cats, wife and house won't allow those types of shenanigans.

[robcycle]

I've been wanting to see a shootout of the SS 29ers, but across the spectrum. SE and Outcast, Monocog, Unit 29, Inbred 29er, KM, Flight, Exile, Airborne, etc. They would ride the bikes across the price spectrum and tell you the pros and cons of each, before going into the "reasonable decision" and "bang for the buck" bit.

It would be cool.

-Rob.

[Hand/of/Midas]

I've been wanting to see a shootout of the SS 29ers, but across the spectrum. SE and Outcast, Monocog, Unit 29, Inbred 29er, KM, Flight, Exile, Airborne, etc. They would ride the bikes across the price spectrum and tell you the pros and cons of each, before going into the "reasonable decision" and "bang for the buck" bit.

It would be cool.

-Rob.

i really liked the raleigh one DR reviewed.

[robcycle]

i really liked the raleigh one DR reviewed.
Indeed.

-Rob.

[LeeMcGough]

Yeah, how about a single speed 29er issue? Tests from cheap to pricey, and everything in between. The way I see it, singlespeeding can be, but doesn't need to be, the cheap way of riding. No shifty bits to break, no yearly (or more often) chain and cassette replacement, etc.

[Rock Star]

I couldnt agree with you more. I would love to see an issue or shootout of sub $500 bikes. Stuff that the common guy can afford.

I love Dirt Rag. And I'm in the U.S.A. But I love the british mountain bike mags too. Mountain Bike UK and the brit mtn bike mag have low price bike shoot outs fairly often.

Every issue has a shoot of some price point or genre of mtn bikes.

I pick them up at Barnes and Noble.

[Hand/of/Midas]

I love Dirt Rag. And I'm in the U.S.A. But I love the british mountain bike mags too. Mountain Bike UK and the brit mtn bike mag have low price bike shoot outs fairly often.

Every issue has a shoot of some price point or genre of mtn bikes.

I pick them up at Barnes and Noble.

i do too, when i feel like spending $9 for a mag:eek:
singletrack is good but still.

[Rock Star]

i do too, when i feel like spending $9 for a mag:eek: singletrack is good but still.

Oh yeah that's very true. I just cant get enough mountain bike info. I buy Dirt Rag. I usually buy Mountain Bike Action. I try to fit Mountain Bike UK into the budget. If I cant I read that one and What Mountain Bike and Single Track and Decline at Barnes and Noble while I enjoy a Mocha Grande Frapacino.

It's a montly pilgramige to the book store.

[Hand/of/Midas]

I usually buy Mountain Bike Action.

so you can read about all the Santa Cruz Blur vs Santa Cruz Heckler vs Santa Cruz Superlight articles EVERY issue?:rolleyes:

i think santa cruz owns that mag.

[Rock Star]

Yes you're right. They are very heavy on Santa Cruz coverage. And it's not my favorite mag. But I've been reading that one since 1987 or so...kind of a habit.

And I don't own a Santa Cruz (yet) but I do like them.
And they cover all the big brands pretty well too.

The UK mags test a lot of brands that are not available here or just in the US in small quantities I guess. I still enjoy reading the bike tests though. They can get a bit repetitious, but there is usually something interesting in most issues.

[halfinch]

I found a GT peace 29er for $399 on clearance at the local Performance bicycle. fell much better about that purchase, and I get to take it home. I feel like you saved me. I owe ya one. thanks for the review, I will pay it forward.


if you're looking for a 29er with gears, head over to rei - they have a marin 29er, hydroformed tubes (nifty but not steel), for a reasonable price point and you might be able to swing the 20% discount. decent looking 29er for the sub $700 range.

[real_ss_budgie]

blow your budget budgie

[PunkRock]

Theres actually 2 threads going on the same topic, the motobecane 29er. How weird. Anyway, The GT peace 29er i bought isn't disc compatible either, however the front hub is?!? go figure. I plan on buying the next on one 29'er fork I see and running a disc up front. I'm nervous about the eccentric bottom bracket, but It's ok. I'll just upgrade to a better frame when the time comes. For riding with my 7 year old daughter on her pink huffy (grannma and grandpa) and carrying the trailer with the dog (spud the pug) and a radio, we'll be ok. I only do light offroading. In illinois, the closest thing we have to mountains are fire roads.

[PunkRock]

if you're looking for a 29er with gears, head over to rei - they have a marin 29er, hydroformed tubes (nifty but not steel), for a reasonable price point and you might be able to swing the 20% discount. decent looking 29er for the sub $700 range.



I am not a fan of gears anymore. I have 3 bikes now, only one with gears, and that's only in the rear. I'm now building a dedicated 26" jump bike, something I've never owned. SPEAKING OF THAT-HEY CHAD n ASHTON...i need a used, REALLY friggin strong non-disc rear wheel. Any takers?

[longhaultruker2]

Yeah,everything goes up except my pay check. We got hit hard on taxes this year, so tha cash that Bush is supposed to be giving us is more like a rebate. I look more at entry level now, even though I've been riding over 20 years. As long as it rolls, it's all good. The Rag should do some tests on entry level for experianced riders. But I suppose if I were the one testing, I would want one of the new tricked out bikes. Oh well, I can still get a good pair of hiking boots for under $150:)

I couldnt agree with you more. I would love to see an issue or shootout of sub $500 bikes. Stuff that the common guy can afford. I love looking at the handmade frames or the Ti and all the high end flashy biits on the 3k bikes, but the poor fact is, I cannot now, nor will I probably ever be able to buy a bike that cost as much as a nice used car. 3 kids, dog 2 cats, wife and house won't allow those types of shenanigans.

I've been wanting to see a shootout of the SS 29ers, but across the spectrum. SE and Outcast, Monocog, Unit 29, Inbred 29er, KM, Flight, Exile, Airborne, etc. They would ride the bikes across the price spectrum and tell you the pros and cons of each, before going into the "reasonable decision" and "bang for the buck" bit.

It would be cool.

-Rob.

Yeah, how about a single speed 29er issue? Tests from cheap to pricey, and everything in between. The way I see it, singlespeeding can be, but doesn't need to be, the cheap way of riding. No shifty bits to break, no yearly (or more often) chain and cassette replacement, etc.


how'z bout it reekin crew?i can get my daughter to stick out her bottom lip n give ya puupy eyes if it'll help:D

[robcycle]

give ya puupy eyesHAHA! :p

Almost spit my beer out.


And SS 29er review, rockin :cool:

-Rob

[longhaultruker2]

lmao!!!you know that cat in the last 2 shrek movies (pus n boots,maybe?)...that "look" he gives when in trouble?she's got that down pat...we don't even have to give her snack monets for skool,all the little boyz in her class fall over themselves to do it (there's some trouble brewin in the coming years:().

remember when he (the cat) wuz trapped in donkey's body and tried it?"eeeeuuuuu!!!!kill it!!!",i lmao'd!:p

[hippymtnbkr]

I was planning a big Bike weekend at the Dupont State Forest for my 50th birthday. On my actual birthday, I was on a ride, and the carbon chainstay snapped on my AC/DC frame. I was quite bummed. To have that happen 3 days before Dupont. I have a Cannondale Killer V(not Super V) SS conversion. But I'm old and fat, and to ride a SS in the Mountains:eek: But I did so, and stuck to the easier trails and had a blast. There were a ton of lean body mass on SS out there. So I did not feel alone:rolleyes: Anyways, Fisher would not warranty the frame, said it was in an area where chain suck can occur. And Carbon has different issues. No more Carbon for me. But,they gave me a $350 credit ,and I used it to get a Trek 6000. They call this entry level, but it has better components on it then the Klein I bought in 92 for twice as much. I switched my fork from the Fisher, and now I am extremely happy:D I figure , I'll ride this for a couple of years. Then the 69er that I really want will be $700

[longhaultruker2]

I was planning a big Bike weekend at the Dupont State Forest for my 50th birthday. On my actual birthday, I was on a ride, and the carbon chainstay snapped on my AC/DC frame. I was quite bummed. To have that happen 3 days before Dupont. I have a Cannondale Killer V(not Super V) SS conversion. But I'm old and fat, and to ride a SS in the Mountains:eek: But I did so, and stuck to the easier trails and had a blast. There were a ton of lean body mass on SS out there. So I did not feel alone:rolleyes: Anyways, Fisher would not warranty the frame, said it was in an area where chain suck can occur. And Carbon has different issues. No more Carbon for me. But,they gave me a $350 credit ,and I used it to get a Trek 6000. They call this entry level, but it has better components on it then the Klein I bought in 92 for twice as much. I switched my fork from the Fisher, and now I am extremely happy:D I figure , I'll ride this for a couple of years. Then the 69er that I really want will be $700

man,sorry to hear that about yer luck and fishers (non) warantee:(,that jus sucks!hey,but that credits helps out in the "good faith" dept,tho.

a 6000 for $350:eek:!?!man,i paid more than that for my 2000 6000 back when,and it doesn't even have disc mounts on the rear!good deal,hippy!got pics?(bike porn,ya know:cool:)

steve

[hippymtnbkr]

Once I get off the thang ,I'll shoot some pics. Man ,this bike is cool though. Climbs like a 4WD. I had read reviews where it said SRAM X-5 sucks, but it reminds me of the old Deore push push levers. The BB5's squeal a bit, but at least people know I'm on the trail:) And they stop fairly well. But hey ,the way I look at it ,is it took a long time to haul my 240 lbs frame up that thar hill. Why do I want to stop going down:yee haa!!!!!!!!!!!!!I did have to break down and buy a shim for my Thudbuster though. The ride is just a wee bit harsh. But that means more power transfer which means speed:o Well , 10mph on the flats is fast to me:p. This $700 bike ROCKS