If you’re in the market for your first bikepacking bike and you’d like to get something budget friendly consider the Motobecane Gravel X3. There are lots of good entry-level options that you can bring home for less than $700. In this article, we want to review one of them: the Motobecane Gravel X3, a gravel bike equipped with the essentials at an affordable price.
The Motobecane Gravel X3 features an Aluminum frame, which is exactly what is to be expected for a bike on this price range. The bike weighs about 30 pounds: while there are more lightweight and more expensive bikes in the market, considering the Gravel X3’s price this, is more than acceptable.
It also has plenty of mounts not usually found on other bikes in this price range; three water bottle mounts, three-pack fork mounts, as well as rack and fender mounts.
The Gravel X3’s design quality is also worth mentioning: the bike looks good and tasteful, with straight lines and classic dropbars.
Many have found the stock WTB saddle on the Gravel X3 to be very uncomfortable, especially those who ride a lot of miles. For shorter rides it may not be a problem, but if you plan on putting in a few hours on the bike everyday you will probably want to replace the saddle with a higher-quality one that fits your bum.
The Motobecane Gravel X3 features Shimano Claris shifters & derailleurs. The shifters are very responsive and have definitely benefited from the trickle-down technology from the higher-end group sets.
One thing that is very much appreciated is that its all ready to go out of the box, the shifting is already dialed in. Just apply some chain lube and you’re ready to go.
The Motobecane Gravel X3 features an FSA Tempo aluminum alloy 2×8 crankset which is very solid and noise-free.
This bike comes stock with some average-quality tires. If you plan on using your Gravel X3 for commuting they’ll work fine, but once you start venturing off pavement, you’ll want to upgrade. Wheels and tires are undoubtedly the best upgrade you can make to any bike.
One of the best features of this entry-level bike is the mechanical disc brakes. Most all other entry-level bikes will come equipped with rim brakes that don’t perform nearly as well as disc brakes.
Inside the box, you will find a smaller box containing all the accessories that you need to assemble the bike, but no tools so make sure to have a few Allen keys and an adjustable wrench.
Pros
- Affordable
- Lightweight aluminum frame
- Disc brakes
- Shimano shifters
- FSA Tempo crankset
Cons
- Uncomfortable stock saddle
- Lower-quality tires
Conclusion
This entry-level bike from Motobecane is definitely worth its price. It’s perfect for those who want to give bikepacking a try but are not quite sold on the idea. The Gravel X3 has all the features you need in a beginner bike so it makes a great base to work with when you want to start upgrading parts that will eventually wear out.
