SMhooligans.com

REVIEW: MOTOBECANE OUTCAST 29er

2009-01-07T15:59:00.000-08:00

I orginally intended to do this review a week or so ago, but the holiday/work stress got the best of me and I got SICK! However, I'm all re-cooped now and got a chance to take my new Motobecane Outcast 29er Single Speed out on the trails we have here in Almaden Valley. My intent was to go all the way into the Fortini Road entrance to Santa Teresa County Park, but it's been raining California style here and that made the park rangers put up the no horses/no bikes sign. Oh well... I had to make due with what I had.

Motobecane, as many of you know, is the Bikes Direct brand. If you're not familiar with Bikes Direct, it's a discount bicycle distributor offering bikes that are made in Taiwan - which I don't have a problem with at all (if you read my post "Made in Taiwan" , you'll see where I'm coming from). I bought this bike for $399.95 with free shipping. Not a bad deal, but with a bike that costs so little, you have to know what to expect in terms of quality. By the way, this is my SECOND Motobecane from Bikes Direct: a Motobecane Messenger. I know some people on Bike Forums or Bike Snob NYC just fainted at what I just said. Oh yeah, my road bike is a Scattante CFR Race bike, so go figure. Anyway...

When my bike arrived, it came as I expected. The rims were true and the paint was in fine condition. Immediately, I saw that the quality of the parts was what I paid for, but the seat post, stem and handlebar didn't look like they were even going to last the "ride-up-and-down-the-street" ride, so I took a stem and Easton 31.8 handlebar that I had in my garage and mounted that sucker. The seat post will soon get swapped out, as well.

Another thing I had swapped was the stock 42T front chainring for a 33T that came with the bike. I knew this bike was going to be for trail riding, so I wanted the appropriate gearing. Since we're talking about the drive train, I opted for some Eggbeater pedals, of course, instead of the Wellgo platforms it came with.

THE RIDE

I got all geared up, ipod, hydration pack and all the necessary riding items, and started my way to Los Alamitos Creek Trail that runs along Camden Ave. here in San Jose, Ca. This path has small single tracks that run along side a paved path - and so that's where I began. My first impression was, for a completely rigid bike, it sure did handle the bumps well. This could be all in my head from the research I've been doing about 29er's, but it definetely felt good. The geometry allowed for quick climbs and sudden elevation changes when I was faced with them, and it handled getting up and over rocks, logs and other obstacles quite well. When I stepped on the gas, I really felt this bike move. In a sense, it was just like the old "Stomper" trucks we used to play with when we were kids. On the downhill stuff it felt very planted, but not very quick in terms of steering. This could be from my experience with road bikes and BMX bikes with much thinner tires, so it will take some time getting used to for me

The bike seemed efficient, and I'm thinking it is probably a combination of both the big wheels and geometry.

MY BEEF WITH THE OUTCAST

Okay, I really enjoyed riding this bike, and it did everything what I expected it to do. However, there are a few things I wish Motobecane hadn't done with the Outcast (aside from the cruddy parts).

I bought this bike with the intent to ride it on trails, single tracks in particular. Even when you look for this bike on the Bikes Direct website, it falls under the "MTB" heading. However, arriving with a 42T stock chainring, a flip-flop hub + fixed gear cog, and mounts for racks and fenders, the package really says "Hybrid/Commute bike" more than MTB. I know that some people like these options, but the question is, "Why would you buy a knobbied 29er for urban riding? Why not just get a normal street bike which would be much faster and efficient on asphalt?"

Maybe I'm just a purist in this respect, but a mountain bike is for mountain riding. If Motobecane asked me for my opinion, I would tell them to do away with all the rack mounts/flip-flop hub/42T chainring/commuter stuff and upgrade the sub-par parts that we all end up tossing. Plus, if a company is going to market their bike as a mountain bike, make it a mountain bike, not some wierd non-commitment hybrid, fixed gear thing.

If I was in the market for a single speed commuter, the Outcast would be one of the last bikes I would consider.

IN THE END, IT DOESN'T REALLY MATTER

Even with my slight beef with how Motobecane packaged this bike, I was very pleased with it. To be honest, I had a sh*t-eatin' grin the entire time. Maybe because I haven't MTB'ed in awhile or I was just stoked with the way the bike worked (or maybe a little of both), but my conclusion after today was that the Motobecane Outcast 29er is good, cheap fun.

If you're interested in stomping local single tracks with big knobbied tires, don't be afraid to look into an Outcast. It's a basic bike that delivers smiles.

PROS

Great buy, affordable fun

Compares to higher-end single-speed 29ers

Efficient pedal stroke

Stomps over obstacles

CONS

Some parts are sub-par

Slow steering (could be my bad riding, though)

Wierd hybrid/commute bike options

Stigma of a Bikes Direct/Made in Taiwan brand

SPECIFICATIONS

Frame: 6061 MOTO29X Aluminum with TrailTuned PowerStay Design, DualProfile Downtube with reinforced Gusset, 2x H2O bosses, rear rack mounts, fender eyelets

Fork: StraightBlade CrMo Unicrown with fender eyelets

Crankset: TruVativ Aluminum 42T 170mm with bash guard with a Bonus 33t Chain Ring*(bash guard is silver or black (No Choice)

Bottom Bracket: TruVativ sealed 68x118mm
Pedals: Mountain Platform
Front Derailleur: N/A
Rear Derailleur: N/A
ShifterS: N/A
Cassette/Freewheel: 18T FW - plus 18T fixed cog included in parts box
Chain: single speed
Hubs: GRAVITY PRECISION BEARING Aluminum (black) - FLIP-FLOP REAR
Spokes: Stainless steel
Rims: Alex 29 Black anodized Aluminum
Tires: Kenda Nevegal 29x2.2
Brakes: Tektro Aluminum V-Brake
Brake Levers: Tektro Aluminum for V-Brake
Headset: Tioga Alchemy Ahead Threadless Sealed 1.125 inch
Handlebar: Black Finish Aluminum 6061 T6
Stem: Black Finish Aluminum threadless
Tape/Grip: WTB DualCompound
Saddle: WTB SpeedV
Seat Post: Black Finish Aluminum Mountain 27.2mm
Seat Post Clamp: Super Light Alloy with bolt
Sizes: 15", 17", 19", 21" 29R Geometry
Colors: GlossWhite GlossWhite Gallery, MatteSlate(MedGray) MatteSlate(Gray) Gallery, MatteCopper (Shown Above)

2-STROKE LOVE

2009-01-07T10:56:00.000-08:00

My brother's friend, Shawn, sent me this YouTube link. Hail RC and love for the 2-stroke!

COMPLETE F*CKING INSANITY

2009-01-05T16:22:00.000-08:00

*drool*

MADE IN TAIWAN

2009-01-04T09:37:00.000-08:00

A few months ago, RIDE BMX magazine put out a great article about manufacturing in Taiwan. If you've ever worked in manufacturing and had the opportunity to visit the small, sardine-packed island, you'd realize that all your perceptions of high-quality vs. low-quality brand names are quickly thrown out the window.

Now, I used to work in electronics, so when I saw the lowest-end, bottom-shelf, Fry's Electronics no-name brand next to the top-of-the line, expensive, name brand stuff being built by the same hands... it made me question whether the "Made in Taiwan" sticker was something the internet forum, elitist mind-set got twisted.

In the end, the difference was quality control from the company itself and their ability to keep an eye on the products being shipped out of Taiwan. That is what makes a good part/bike. However, the label of being "Made in Taiwan" is nothing to be feared or criticized. I'm confident in saying your home appliances and the machines you rely on to cook your food are probably all made in Taiwan or China. Don't hate.

Check out the article below that was in RIDE BMX (click on the pics to enlarge). Photos by Keith Mulligan and Article by McGoo.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2009-01-01T08:41:00.000-08:00

Hello Hooligans...

Dion here, wishing all you out there in web land a Happy New Year! I'm a little sick today, but I think if I load up on some DayQuil I can get myself to go road riding with my wife after a three week break for her (she had a pretty gnarly crash which gained her a cracked rib).

I'll be hitting up some single tracks this Saturday with my brother on my new 29'er so hopefully I'll be able to get some good shots and reviews of that big stomper.

I also got a SenDec Hour Meter for Christmas (for the trusty CRF250X) from my brother:

If you don't already have a hour meter either on your trail-tech computer or a seperate unit, like what I have, then I would highly recommend getting one. They're cheap, but will allow you to dial in your RPM's and keep a good maintenance schedule. It beats a ruined motor and down riding time.

With Christmas and work + other two-wheel activities, it's been a struggle to get on the moto, but I'll be out there in the next couple of weeks, probably rolling the singletrakcs at Hollister (damn closing of Clear Creek!). PEACE!

Flatland Session at San Jose State University

2008-12-29T08:20:00.000-08:00

Great riding yesterday! We even encountered a bunch of street riders - it was like watching tigers meet lions in the jungle: we knew we were basically the same, but different. They were nuttier than us, though. Anyhow, here's a vid.

Nor-Cal Flatland II from Dion Dangzalan on Vimeo.

PICS FROM TODAY'S RIDE

2008-12-27T21:45:00.000-08:00

Today I took a nice little cruise on my "Speedy Delivery" (1989 Schwinn Cruiser Utility Bike) in my hometown of Santa Cruz, Ca. and here are a few shots I got along the way. Enjoy!

This is my nephew, Jacob ("Jay Jay"). Yeah, it's not moto or bike related, but I love this little guy!

This is my utility bike. I can take this thing on Costco runs with those big-ass Wald Baskets.

Just a couple sunset photos. I love Santa Cruz.

EPIC RIDE REPORTS FROM CHRIS LUCKETTE AND CREEPY VIDEO

2008-12-27T08:15:00.000-08:00

Seems some B.A.R.F. folks don't anything get in their way. Here are some epic adventures from barf'er "Luckette". Links below:

Epic Ride I

Epic Ride II

Epic Ride III

Epic Ride IV

These posts are filled with some great photos and videos of slick tire riding through things that you should have a set of knobbies for.

This is an old video, but I thought I might share it if you haven't seen it. It's called "One Got Fat" and it's an old-school bicycle safety video. Kids with creepy monkey masks on bikes - what more could you ask for?

TWO MOTO VIDS FROM JAKE28 ON B.A.R.F.

2008-12-26T15:05:00.000-08:00

Thanks Jake!

NOR-CAL FLATLAND SHIRTS AVAILABLE

2008-12-26T08:42:00.001-08:00

I got 'em, but I am SERIOUSLY limited on quantities. PLEASE e-mail me first before ordering to see if I have your size in stock. We're going to get a different design made in Spring 2009, so stay tuned! $10.00 + $5.00 shipping. You can send funds via Pay-Pal to dion@smhooligans.com; make sure to specify your size (XL, L, M, SM).

FLATLAND SESSION THIS SUNDAY, DEC. 28TH IN SAN JOSE, CA.

2008-12-26T08:06:00.001-08:00

Nor-Cal Flatland Folks are getting together this weekend at San Jose State University underneath the overhang at McQuarrie hall. I'll be taping for a video, so show up!

Here's a pic of Jason doing something special.

My Motobecane Outcast 29er Single Speed should be coming next week, so I'll be looking at riding the local trails, and yes... it's a Bikes Direct bike. Screw it, I like Bikes Direct! Full review to follow.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2008-12-25T08:07:00.001-08:00

My flatland friends over in Austin, TX made a great Merry Christmas video. Thanks goes to Mark Dandridge (Raddad67) for putting this together!

SICK URBAN TRIALS

2008-12-24T22:58:00.000-08:00

This video is just about the sickest riding I've ever seen. Too bad there's no such thing as street legal trials bikes here in the US.

PLEASE SUBMIT STUFF!

2008-12-24T22:35:00.000-08:00

SMhooligans.com has been lacking for quite some time - I need stuff! SuperMoto, Off-road, mountain bike, downhill, dirtjump, BMX, cycling, cyclocross, fixed gear, etc. - send it all over! I love all that stuff! Pictures, videos (youtube or vimeo preferred), ride reports, and reviews are welcomed.

Of course, there are a few conditions:

Submissions are to be from NORTHERN CALIFORNIA ONLY! I'd love to cover the entire world, but SMhooligans is a Nor-Cal site.
Please, no junk - and that will be to my discretion. Anyway, through your submission, you are representing yourself, so you want to send me some cool stuff, right?
No offensive material, please. That includes depictions of bad accidents, deaths, dismemberment, criminal activity (beating people up, robbing people, etc); and keep the pornography to yourself.
Please try to check your spelling and grammar. I'm not an elementary school teacher.
Please give credit where credit is due. Provide rider names and location, and music credits if applicable.

I really appreciate your participation and look forward to all the cool stuff that's going to come through this site!

Submit your hooliganism to: dion@smhooligans.com

ABOUT SMHOOLIGANS.COM

2008-12-24T22:33:00.000-08:00

Sometime in 2004, I was at my end with sportbikes. I was attending very expensive sportbike trackdays and riding the Bay Area, Ca. hills like I did at those trackdays - draggin' knee, and having a lot of close calls and a handful of spills. Hanging out at the Skywood Trading Post, I heard countless sirens and horns while emergency vehicles raced down to tend to yet another crashed rider. The modern sportbike, in my opinion, is a deadly machine on the street. Although the technology behind these motorcycles is a display of incredible engineering, it is also a curse. I was over the speeding and inherent danger of the modern sportbike. I wanted an alternative.

I grew up riding BMX, and I was a pretty good "freestyler" back in the 80's and 90's. My dream was to find a motorcycle that could really marry the two passions in my life: BMX and Moto. The SuperMoto was the answer. With the upright seating position and single cylinder "thumper" engine, The SuperMoto just made the most sense. Speed? It's all relative - and really... do you need to be going 110 MPH on public roads?

Since adopting SuperMoto, I created SMHooligans.com which has been an active part of the SuperMoto scene. This site gained popularity through the very affordable trackday events, group rides and videos and even became a world-wide phenomenon with the offshoot "SMHooligans Indonesia" site. Trackdays eventually became no longer available due to my work time constraints and liability issues, but were fun and memorable nonetheless.

For the past few years, I've weaned myself from riding the asphalt entirely. With issues like tickets, crazy drivers and traffic frustrations, I've taken up off-road riding which I enjoy both with my brother and my growing nephew. On designated trails, I don't have to contend with cars or competing motorcycles (especially the advance trails I ride most of the time). I also got much more serious about cycling, even flatland BMX.

SMHooligans has evolved, like most things do. Over time, I noticed that I wasn't the only one who was interested in SuperMoto and other things like off-road riding, mountain biking, road cycling, BMX, etc. and therefore I added the "TwoWheelLife.com" domain. However, SMHooligans was founded on SuperMoto and will always be a SuperMoto enthusiast website - with just a few other things added, as well.

I may not be riding SuperMoto (at the moment *insert evil laugh here*) but I know many of you are. I also know that many of you are trying to get started, and that's why I co-wrote "The Newbie Guide to SuperMoto" for any one interested in getting sideways.

I hope you enjoy the site, and RIDE FREE!

Sincerely,
-Dion "Dion Rides" Dangzalan