Jonathan G.

My Motobecane Immortal Force arrived yesterday. Four business days from my order date (I ordered it in the evening on February first so I won't count that one).

The bike arrived in perfect condition. Nicely packaged. Everything was as expected, although the only surprise was the tire selection since there was not choice in that regard. I ended up with the Vittoria Rubino Pros. A nice tire. The Mavic Asksium wheels are very nice and true. The Ultegra shifters, derailleurs, cassette and chain are very nice. The FSA crank is very nice too. The full carbon frame and fork are better looking than the picture (obviously). I am also pleased with the Cane Creek SCR6 brakes (OEM model that you won't find on any website--but I sent them an email and Cane Creek said these are comparable to the SCR3 or 5 which I can't really see any difference, heck they stop the bike and that is all that matters).

Assembly took about 45 minutes, but that was after I decided I did not want to screw it up and had my neighbor help me out who is a bike mechanic. Some things really do need a professional. If your a bike guy it's simple, but even though I'm mechanically inclined I would choose a professional for the basic fit and tune. The only thing I changed out was the seat which I took off my old bike. Why mess with a new seat when the old one works just fine (any review that you see with a bad review of a seat should be ignored--you either like it or don't--so find one that you do like)? I also did not use the Wellgo pedals that came with the bike and got some Shimano PDR540s that are similar to Ultegras but are just a little heavier and are black which match the bike. The pedal is also wider and the cleat is a Look configuration. The Wellgos seem more like mountain bike type pedals (I could be wrong).

Anyway, I took the bike out for a short test ride this morning. Awesome ride! Just 5 miles but it was sure different that what I was riding. I went from a Steel Huffy 10 speed that weighed in at a hefty 30+ pounds to maybe an 18 pound bike. I went from a Mack truck to a Porsche. On the flat for over a mile held almost 23 mph like it was a casual ride (I would have kept going but I hit a stop light at a major intersection, which on my old bike it was a strain to get to 18 mph and not get tuckered out. The ride ended too soon, but it was a great little ride to test the gearing, brakes and handling which are all fantastic. Cornering was smooth. The bike is responsive. You just look where you want to go and it goes. No hills this morning as I'm still recovering from my half marathon on Sunday, but I'm pretty sure I can take the ones in my area. Can't wait!

(This is what I sent to Bikesdirect also--I hold nothing back and it's true. One caveat--do your research and know what you want and get the proper size)