thought i’d share what mine looks like these days: http://fixedgeargallery.com/2008/feb/3/JamesTomasino.htm

(i’ve since put on a fizik pave saddle. way more comfortable than stock!)

keep riding! stay fixed!

I am still very happy with the bike. I’ve ridden it to work every day for almost a year, and it has held up well.

As the fearofnormalcy points out in the a comment above, some of the parts are on the low-end. I’d agree that the stem and handlebars should be considered for replacement. That said, however, I’m still riding everything stock, as shipped.

Regarding BikesDirect.com, I had a great experience, and have no issues with recommending them. I’m planning on purchasing a second commuter, so I’ll be free to tear a bike down and still have transportation. If I order online, rather than from a local shop, I’ll probably purchase from them again.

I’m a big mountain biker and occasionally rode bike. I was looking into buying a single speed and found the motobecane messenger on bikes direct. I was looking up reviews and came across yours.

I just wanted to see if you’re still happy with the bike, like the quality, or have any regrets, etc? It seems like your experience was good with them. So, would you recommend the purchase?

Thanks!
jen

As another recent purchaser of a MotoMess, there’s a few few things you should know about your bike:

1. It’s not a real Motobecane. Real Motobecanes were made in France. The company discontinued it’s bicycle line in the 1980’s, and Bikes Direct bought the name (along with Windsor, Mercier, and Dawes, all old respected companies that fell on hard times). That doesn’t mean it’s TOTAL crap, but when the badge says “circa 1925″, I smell B.S.

2. Have the bike checked by a local bike shop! Mine came with some of the previously assembled parts assembled wrong. For your safety, I urge you to do this!

3. SOME OF THE PARTS ARE DOWNRIGHT DANGEROUS!!! Sorry to yell, but the handlebars and stem are sub-par, and could fail while riding. PLEASE consider replacing these. Also, the cog is stamped (not machined), and the lockring is a joke. This could make skids perilous! Spend $12 or so on a Soma cog and a few more on a Dura-Ace lockring. Cheap, but reliable parts!

Here’s the good news: The frame is actually pretty decent. While not a “vintage” Moto, it’s not bad, and competitor’s framesets alone (KHS Flite 100, Pake, or EAI Bareknuckle) would’ve cost you at least around $400-$500.

Now all you have to do is replace some of those crap parts, and you’ve got one sexy fixie!

Hope this post helps. Drop me line if you need any advice!

Cheers,
Fear