Should I buy this bike?

The Trek has only 7 speeds. There IS NO 3 ring chainring up front as on the 21 speed Motobecane Elite. Looks like the same bike sold by Bikes Direct for $349.95.

For commuting 20 miles every day, the Motobecane would be a much better choice. And if you plan on doing any triathlons...you'll need a MUCH better bike than either one of those.

The price is good, but that is a terrible choice to use for triathlon, even if your only goal is participation. The bike is relatively heavy and the upright riding position is no help if you are trying to ride at maximum speed. As for brand, that means little without the specific model. Trek is a major bike manufacturer, building bikes over a wide range of prices sold only through its dealer network. Motobecane is an internet brand sold online at lower prices, but with less much less comprehensive customer service. If you compare bike for bike at the same price, the internet brand will give you more bike for the money, but you are responsible for assembling and adjusting the new bike yourself, as well as taking care of all maintenance yourself. Warranty problems can be time consuming if you have any. Of course, a second hand bike has no warranty at all, so you have to be really careful. Even a bike that looks fine to the untrained eye can require repair, and depending on how much use it has seen, you could end up spending as much fixing it up along with the money you paid for it that you could have bought a brand new one.

Motobecane used to make fantastic bikes but went under. The name was sold and the new Motobecanes are something else. I think they still try to make good bikes, after all they pay good money for the name.

You could use it for commuting and training and get a lighter one for when you really are competing.

You want the bike that fits you. The Trek only has 7 speeds so it will be limited on hills and top speed. Both will be better then the local department store bikes.

Compare the price on Mirca.com. Do not buy very old. To help the enviroment buy used one in very good conditions. Olds are loved & trusted.

Yes if you intend to ride it just for five or ten miles..its a good utility bike

ofcourse, if you intrested in bike you will buy that bike.