JD Scott Posted June 27, 2019 Share Posted June 27, 2019 I humbly seek the opinions of Le Forum. The two wheels I am looking at are the MCM5 and MSX. I am 6'3 and fluctuate between 205 and 220lbs. I would be almost completely city riding unless I went on a group ride sporadically. I will be doing college campus riding and around campus. It may become a commuter vehicle in conjunction with riding a bus to school and possibly work. I also imagine taking it to local eateries or bars for quick jaunts. I don't imagine going on a lot of pure joy rides with my schedule. But will get joy out of it being a functional vehicle. Most of the time I use it will probably be for jaunts under 5 miles. This would be my learning vehicle combined with my long term main wheel until I get a 2nd. What would you recommend between the MSX and MCM5? Or rather which one first because I have ruled out all others for various reasons. Also factoring which one would be easier for learning. Any and all opinions welcome. I have seriously gone back and forth over which one to get depending on the moment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olav Posted June 27, 2019 Share Posted June 27, 2019 For the use you mention I'd go with the MCM5, smaller and easier to "hide away" when not in use. But many of us finds that we want to do more when we're comfortable riding the wheel, so you might just want to expand your reach and where you ride eventually. But I'm not sure which would be easier to learn on though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kens Posted June 27, 2019 Share Posted June 27, 2019 MCM5 It's all around more practical wheel. It's smaller, lighter, more functional trolley handle and has cut off sensor which MSX does not have. Plus you will have an excuse of buying MSX or Monster later for longer group rides Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scotchtape Posted June 27, 2019 Share Posted June 27, 2019 MCM5 for sure. Smaller = more convenient. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beast@tanagra Posted June 28, 2019 Share Posted June 28, 2019 I concur on the MCM5. It is my errand-runner of choice for the utility reasons @Kens mentioned, even if I prefer my larger wheel for overall ride-feel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ir_fuel Posted June 28, 2019 Share Posted June 28, 2019 The only thing I hate about it (except for the logos loosening all the time ...) is that because of its shape it's hard to park against something. The contact patch with e.g. a wall is tiny. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JD Scott Posted June 29, 2019 Author Share Posted June 29, 2019 Thank you all. I'm drifting back to the MCM5 now! I'm glad all of you like it so much. I have read much of it's greatness! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flying W Posted June 29, 2019 Share Posted June 29, 2019 I have 1400 miles on my mcm5. I commute on it daily, the acceleration and breaking is unmatched by any wheel which adds to the safety factor when commuting. I also take it on 25 to 30 mile rides on days off, and I take on dirt trails where its climbing ability really shines. It's a great wheel. I also have a kingsong 16x which I love for different reasons. That wheel also has about 1400 miles on it. For your use I think the mcm5 is perfect. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stephen Posted June 30, 2019 Share Posted June 30, 2019 14 hours ago, Flying W said: also have a kingsong 16x which I love for different reasons. That wheel also has about 1400 miles on it You mean a ks16s? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flying W Posted June 30, 2019 Share Posted June 30, 2019 5 minutes ago, stephen said: You mean a ks16s? Good catch Stephen. New wheel eye-tis is guiding my fingers when I type, but i did mean 16s Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stoney Posted June 30, 2019 Share Posted June 30, 2019 When you say 16s for different reasons... what are the reasons? And if you had to pick between those 2 which one? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flying W Posted July 1, 2019 Share Posted July 1, 2019 I added the large pedals to my 16s AMD I also dont have very large feet (size 9 us) so the pedals are almost the size of my feet. It's a very comfy ride. Also the side pads are shaped very well on the 16s, I run the pads on my mcm5 but they stick out too far and they are not very soft. The pads on the mcm5 do help protect the wheel though. The build quality on the 16s is much more solid than the mcm5. This is really only noticeable when mounting or riding one legged which makes the shell creak. The 16s is always solid. The trolly handle on mine is also the one that comes on the newer 16s and it's also very solid feeling. In spite of all the above if I lost both wheels and could only replace one of them I would buy the mcm5. It climbs up anything as long as there is traction and never gets hot. It's almost totoo fast for it's own good son the ride above 20mph is exciting, almost like it could toss ya off. You need to be much more careful at higher speeds, but at the same time it is stable enough to cruise at 22 to 25mph on routes you know well (like going to work everyday). I do take 25 to 30 mile rides on the mcm5 but the smaller pedals do cause some foot pain. Its not an issue if ya take a break once I a while though. Last week in took my charger with me and rode 45 miles topping off at lunch so it can be done. The mcm5 is more like a sportbike and the 16s is more like a sport touring bike. Up to about 90% of what they do well both can do, but the mcm5 won't ever be as stable and comfortable and the 16s wont ever be as exciting to ride. None of this takes into account speakers which the mcm5 does not have, but I dont use them on the 16s anyway. My perfect wheel would have good lighting front and back (break light) but none of the other stuff like ring lights or speakers. Having a kill switch is a nice touch on the mcm5 but I rode door to door going to work so I dont need the switch very often. As much as I love the mcm5 though I know it wont last as long as the 16s. The screws all go into plastic, only so many times you open it up before they are stripped. 16s is solid, reliable and comfortable. Mcm5 is exciting and lively under your feel. I think it would come down to which you prefer between safe and stable vs twitchy and quick, but whole heartedly can recommend both ad great performing wheels. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrelwood Posted July 1, 2019 Share Posted July 1, 2019 Based on what you wrote about how you plan on using the wheel, I don’t think either MSX or MCM5 should be at the top of your list. 14” wheels are great for small people and tricks. They are squerrily and unstable, requiring active consentration and an active riding style, making for a bit tiresome ride. MCM5 is very powerful, but it is still a 14” wheel. 18” wheels are great especially for large or heavy people, longer distances and off-road. They are very stable and relaxed, but require more physical input making them feel slower and more cumbersome. Especially the MSX, a bit less so with the 18XL. The wheel behaviour is extremely different between 14” and 18”. You are on the larger side, but you plan on riding only short distances. I think that speaks loudly for a powerful 16” wheel, especially the Nikola and 16X with their new larger 16x3” tire size. They would be a lot more universal solutions, and unlike with any 14” or 18” wheel, there isn’t a situation where they wouldn’t be at least a good choice of a wheel. (Except for carrying, since they both weigh as much as a 18” wheel.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flying W Posted July 1, 2019 Share Posted July 1, 2019 3 hours ago, mrelwood said: 14” wheels are great for small people and tricks. They are squerrily and unstable, requiring active consentration and an active riding style, making for a bit tiresome ride. MCM5 is very powerful, but it is still a 14” wheel. I completely agree with this. I like the squerrily nature of the mcm5 but I'm also only 5ft 4. 14in and 16in wheels fit me like a normal height person fits on 16in and 18in wheels Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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