Comments on: Motobecane Vent Noir or the Specialized Allez?

By: B

Sun, 21 Aug 2011 23:22:01 +0000

I have a Vent Noir and am very happy with it. I blow by all kinds of other riders on their “fancy” bikes. Let’s face it, if you’re looking at any of these bikes, you’re not going to be riding in the Tour de France. I get compliments on my Vent Noir, as well as my Fantom Trail (when mountain biking) all of the time. Even the techs at my lbs are amazed at what I paid for the component group. You could do much worse then the Vent Noir for the money. It’s pretty tight looking too!

By: Alex

Alex — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:02:27 +0000

“Since purchase, i’ve learned more about cycling and would never buy motobacane, fuji, mercier etc again.” – Tom

This is a baseless and ignorant statement, perhaps when you learn ‘even more about cycling’ you’ll see why.

By: tom

tom — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 09:29:32 +0000

i bought the vent noir. While it is a good bike for the money, the main reason are the components (Tiagra).

Since purchase, i’ve learned more about cycling and would never buy motobacane, fuji, mercier etc again.

The ride is stiff due to the geometry of the bike. The Ritchey parts are not made by Ritchey, but rather carry their name.

I am 500 miles on the bike and to keep my sanity, i call it my starter bike. Now I know what i am looking for. My next purchase will be the Specialized Rubiaux (sp?) or a giant with Shimano 105′s. I can get the Gian for $1300 because it is last years model.

By: Harpoon

Harpoon — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 11:30:03 +0000

I think “looks” are entirely subjective (I think the all-black and the almost-horizontal top tube of the Motobecane look much better) and should not even be factored into this comparo.

By: Slowhand

Slowhand — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 10:20:59 +0000

I don’t understand how you can compare two bikes with different components like this and come to this conclusion. Shimano Tiagra/105 versus Shimano Sora/Tiagra is like comparing a Corvette to a Camaro. It’s not a tie as the Vent Noir is a much better bike and a helluva value. You are right that the Allez is prettier but folks on a budget want the best value for their money and the Vent Noir is clearly that. Especially because you can buy one right now for $700 USD.