I own a Canyon Strive and a Taz3 Comp. I ride in Fl so not much downhill but lots of roots, switchbacks, and sand. The two bike are very different and do different things well. Since this is a Taz review I’ll stay there. The 3 inch tires is HUGE in soft sand. This cannot be emphasized enough. This make an enormous difference. The Taz has a 68 degree head angle. In switchbacks it’s great. I did swap the 90mm stem out. Went to a45mm first but then settled on a 60. I like this improvement. Comp has SRAM SX drive train which is SRAMs low end but it works quite well. Brakes are Shimano 201. For switchback trails where you never go over 13mgh, they are fine -single figure operated. The are not designed for single finger but at such low speed riding it works ver well. If we had hills in my area this would be a for sure upgrade. But we don’t so that DOES NOT MATTER. I will say that to operate as one finger the brakes are set in a bit from the grips. This does make for a tab bit of a stretch to get the shifter buttons. Higher end brakes have shorter length levers and would not experience this. Dropper post is budget, but it works fine. Not super high drop range, but fine. Seat is fine. Cranks are 175’s - my Stirve is 165. I like the 165 better, but not so much better that I would make a change. I am 6 ft tall and the Bikesdirect size recommendation was spot on. front wheel removal requires Allen key. Many bikes are this way - presumably to avoid lever getting hooked up on rocks and bushes,etc. I wish it had quick release. I put mine on roof and have to take off wheel. It’s a little slower with Allen key. In conclusion, I really love this bike. It was a fantastic purchase. I ride the Full sus Strive and try to emphasize going thru the root gardens fast. I ride the Taz and try to work on the same stuff which is a bit more challenging and thus a different kind of fun. But when it come to the soft sand patches, there is not substitute for 3 “ tires. I videoed the assembly process. If I get around to it I will try my hand at YouTubing it.
I have a TAZ3 Comp. Put 50mm Mulefuts on it. Currently running vittoria mezcals 2.6 on it, love the 3 inch Maxxis that came stock. Will also put Hookworms on it and it is a rocket on pavement. I cant stay off it.
Good if you have no idea and are curious in getting into biking, BUT if you know your stuff on bikes and manufacturing you get what you pay for and manufacturing specs are a big part of it. Yes big companies have a markup and your local bike shop will support you on problems that may occur on the 1st year of warranty . (my experience in the last 15yrs) I always look and compare but get to know when certain bike companies have there sales and when bike shops have left overs, also people that race are always selling and trading in top model bikes at a great cost for a newer model. Stuff to think about.
pompos bullshit. i own over 35 bikes. the Motobecanes are by far the best riding and bang for buck. i can get a pro speced Moto for the price of an entry lever Trek/cannondale
It rides great. I'll say with the Tax being a booger bike than mine it rides very solid. Both bikes are bulldozers over rocks, up and downhill. The 29x3.0 tires are a perfect size (IMHO). Once you dial in the psi. It's an amazing ride
All these frame made in the same factories in China/Taiwan. Gone are the days of Trek being made in the USA, so I think buying a no-name frame with same components for less money or better components for same money is the way to go.
I bought the Fantom 29 comp- hard tail.. a long time ago. Best bike ive ever owned. I dont ride as much as i used to but i can say from the backcountry to the rail trail its a solid bike for next to nothing in the biking world. A real contender for someone who wants to enjoy mountain biking without much compromise. Ive ridden other brand name bikes and while they are better the price doesn't match the quality compared to Motobecane. Go ride a $2500 brand and then ride an $800 Moto. Motobecane in my opinion is the better buy.
I’d love to build up the Stash frame with my part spec. Another thing to consider is getting a custom frame or Carver aluminum Gnarvester carverbikes.com/frames/aluminum-gnarvester/. Or if you want a Ti Frameset
So would you recommend this Motobecane Taz 3 for entry to intermediate level? trying to find a good MTB under 1200. thx I found a 2020 SALSA Timberjack NX Eagle 27.5 for $1500 on sale at a local shop and wondering which would be best for a new rider.
I'd say yes. If you don't have to have the name brand, then it's worth it. You'll actually have $$$ left over to upgrade stem, bars and pedals. First 3 things I'd change asap
@@Upforthejourney thanks so much. Too bad there isnt much info on these bikes out there. A brand name is not important too me I just want to make sure I get a good first mtb.
@@xeroxboy01 Motobecane is a good name. People just want the Trek, specialized etc. I don't think you'll be disappointed with this as a first plus size bike.
I own a Canyon Strive and a Taz3 Comp. I ride in Fl so not much downhill but lots of roots, switchbacks, and sand. The two bike are very different and do different things well. Since this is a Taz review I’ll stay there. The 3 inch tires is HUGE in soft sand. This cannot be emphasized enough. This make an enormous difference. The Taz has a 68 degree head angle. In switchbacks it’s great. I did swap the 90mm stem out. Went to a45mm first but then settled on a 60. I like this improvement. Comp has SRAM SX drive train which is SRAMs low end but it works quite well. Brakes are Shimano 201. For switchback trails where you never go over 13mgh, they are fine -single figure operated. The are not designed for single finger but at such low speed riding it works ver well. If we had hills in my area this would be a for sure upgrade. But we don’t so that DOES NOT MATTER. I will say that to operate as one finger the brakes are set in a bit from the grips. This does make for a tab bit of a stretch to get the shifter buttons. Higher end brakes have shorter length levers and would not experience this. Dropper post is budget, but it works fine. Not super high drop range, but fine. Seat is fine. Cranks are 175’s - my Stirve is 165. I like the 165 better, but not so much better that I would make a change. I am 6 ft tall and the Bikesdirect size recommendation was spot on. front wheel removal requires Allen key. Many bikes are this way - presumably to avoid lever getting hooked up on rocks and bushes,etc. I wish it had quick release. I put mine on roof and have to take off wheel. It’s a little slower with Allen key. In conclusion, I really love this bike. It was a fantastic purchase. I ride the Full sus Strive and try to emphasize going thru the root gardens fast. I ride the Taz and try to work on the same stuff which is a bit more challenging and thus a different kind of fun. But when it come to the soft sand patches, there is not substitute for 3 “ tires. I videoed the assembly process. If I get around to it I will try my hand at YouTubing it.
Awesome man! We love both the bike.
I have a TAZ3 Comp. Put 50mm Mulefuts on it. Currently running vittoria mezcals 2.6 on it, love the 3 inch Maxxis that came stock. Will also put Hookworms on it and it is a rocket on pavement. I cant stay off it.
Did you have to wait 6-8 weeks to receive your bike from bikesdirect?
Bob got his in less than a week.
Good if you have no idea and are curious in getting into biking, BUT if you know your stuff on bikes and manufacturing you get what you pay for and manufacturing specs are a big part of it. Yes big companies have a markup and your local bike shop will support you on problems that may occur on the 1st year of warranty . (my experience in the last 15yrs) I always look and compare but get to know when certain bike companies have there sales and when bike shops have left overs, also people that race are always selling and trading in top model bikes at a great cost for a newer model. Stuff to think about.
pompos bullshit. i own over 35 bikes. the Motobecanes are by far the best riding and bang for buck. i can get a pro speced Moto for the price of an entry lever Trek/cannondale
The verdict is in, I really need to make my 2016 Stache 9 last forever.
Wost decision I ever made was selling my Stache
I actually just picked up a SYACH the same as yours. But I have different copodents
Proud stache 7 owner!
You're gonna hate me. I sold mine and got a cyclocross bike!
@@Upforthejourney whats a cyclocross??
u did not say anything about the ride ? whats the big diff in ride feel climbing ? down hill ? how did it ride over rocks ?
It rides great. I'll say with the Tax being a booger bike than mine it rides very solid. Both bikes are bulldozers over rocks, up and downhill. The 29x3.0 tires are a perfect size (IMHO). Once you dial in the psi. It's an amazing ride
Up for the journey right on thanks again,much better!.
All these frame made in the same factories in China/Taiwan. Gone are the days of Trek being made in the USA, so I think buying a no-name frame with same components for less money or better components for same money is the way to go.
Agreed. If you're on a budget but don't want bottom barrel components, this is a very good opti I n
I bought the Fantom 29 comp- hard tail.. a long time ago. Best bike ive ever owned. I dont ride as much as i used to but i can say from the backcountry to the rail trail its a solid bike for next to nothing in the biking world. A real contender for someone who wants to enjoy mountain biking without much compromise. Ive ridden other brand name bikes and while they are better the price doesn't match the quality compared to Motobecane. Go ride a $2500 brand and then ride an $800 Moto. Motobecane in my opinion is the better buy.
I new people 10 years ago who would buy from bikes direct just for the components to put on their builds.
thats a great idea!
Thanks for the review.
You got it puddles!
enjoyed the video, any plans for a part 2?
Thanks. There was until this Covid crap came along.
@@Upforthejourney Look forward to it.
Great video. Thanks for posting it. How tall is your friend? How does he like the fit on the 19.5? Does he have any updates on the bike? Thanks!
Bob is 6'1? We talked last month, he's still riding stock minus the stem upgrade I did. He loves it
Thanks for getting back to me. I appreciate it! Looking forward to more videos.
Good review brotha.
Thank you!
I was scheduled to do a follow up, but COVID has us stuck outside of FL
I’d love to build up the Stash frame with my part spec. Another thing to consider is getting a custom frame or Carver aluminum Gnarvester carverbikes.com/frames/aluminum-gnarvester/. Or if you want a Ti Frameset
That's on the list for down the road.
So would you recommend this Motobecane Taz 3 for entry to intermediate level? trying to find a good MTB under 1200. thx
💯
So would you recommend this Motobecane Taz 3 for entry to intermediate level? trying to find a good MTB under 1200. thx
I found a 2020 SALSA Timberjack NX Eagle 27.5 for $1500 on sale at a local shop and wondering which would be best for a new rider.
I'd say yes. If you don't have to have the name brand, then it's worth it.
You'll actually have $$$ left over to upgrade stem, bars and pedals. First 3 things I'd change asap
@@Upforthejourney thanks so much. Too bad there isnt much info on these bikes out there. A brand name is not important too me I just want to make sure I get a good first mtb.
@@xeroxboy01 Motobecane is a good name. People just want the Trek, specialized etc. I don't think you'll be disappointed with this as a first plus size bike.
Proud Trek stache 5
Love the stache!
Does it show on the frame what size frame the bike is?
The stache is a 18.5 and the motobecane is a 19.5.
@@Upforthejourney Does it say on the frame what size it is? I'm looking at a used version of this bike and seller doesn't know what size the frame is.
@@JD-co4hx the motobecane bike is my buddies.... Not near me to look. Sorry bud
Threaded BB? What's the deal with the cable routing on the top tube as well? Seems a little weird
He didn't even fit everything yet. That cable was the dropper. That'll be fixed soon.
all u did is compare specs ? u did not say anything helpful ? weight ? nothing ???
We didn't weight them. It was a last minute ride. Specs are very important.
both of your forks look way too soft
Here in FL you could run them soft. Not a ton of big hits. When I go north, I up the psi. But not by much. I let the tires soak up the small bumps