![]() ![]() Tires: Continental Ultra Sport II, 700x25mm Beyond the Components But for getting outside and enjoying the roads, the Motobecane not only looks the part, it’s also one of the smoothest-riding bikes for the money. It’s not explosive under hard pedaling, and if that sensation of stiffness and immediate power transfer is important to you then an aluminum bike might be better. The Tektro rim brakes are underpowered, but shifting from the Shimano 105 drivetrain is fast and crisp, and that makes the Gran Premio Elite feel more expensive than it is. Out on the roads, the ride quality from the steel frame and carbon fork makes crack-laden pavement feel a lot less jarring, and a 73.5-degree head-tube angle keeps the steering sharp. It’s also sold by BikesDirect, an online consumer-direct retailer, which means you won’t be able to test-ride before you buy (although you have 30 days to return it and get a full refund). In other words, the Gran Premio Elite is an excellent value proposition on paper. It also has a better-shifting drivetrain than rivals from Trek, Cannondale, and Specialized, and as a matter of opinion, those sporty Shimano RS11 wheels look splendid on the Motobecane’s classic steel silhouette. Allow us to elaborate: The $796 Motobecane Gran Premio Elite isn’t a new design, but the steel-framed roadie is lighter than aluminum competitors and delivers superb vibration damping. ![]() If you’re in the market for a new, sub-$1,000 road bike and you think your only option is a bicycle from a major brand with an aluminum frame, a carbon fiber fork, and a lower-end Shimano drivetrain, you’re wrong. Something We Don’t: The Tektro rim brakes are the opposite of good. ![]() What We Love: You won’t find Shimano 105 anywhere else at this price.Who Should Buy It: Anyone looking for an exciting road bike at under $1,000.The Takeaway: Aggressive handling and crisp shifting highlight this high-value roadie. ![]()
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