Price Paid:
$1350.00
at Just Bikes, New York Favorite Ride:
Singletrack in the hills north of Vienna Bike Setup:
Campy Chorus drivetrain, Mavic Classics SSC wheelset, Michelin cross tires, Deda Newton stem and bar Summary:
The Landshark frameset is a conversation piece no matter where it goes. The filet brazing is impeccable, and unfortunately a dying art. John Slawta, the builder, stands by his craftmanship with a lifetime guarantee and the custom paint schemes are amazing. If you live in the North West of America, Landshark is a legendary name and these frames are coveted by all for good reason. I was quite shocked at the light weight of this steel bike. My frame measures roughly 59cm along the seat tube from center to top, which is relatively big. The entire bike with a steel frame and fork weighs in at 20 pounds. One could built it lighter still with a carbon fork, etc, but I have found this to be a perfect combination, weight-wise - it is light enough to portage and beefy enough to track well in rough terrain. All this with the riding quality of steel. After a few months of riding this bike, I have resigned myself to the reality of probably never riding my mountain bike again. The smile that comes over me when I pass by a mountainbiker on the flats, an ascent, and many descents as well, is just too priceless. I had been only riding on the road for many years and was at the point where I no longer felt confortable riding a mountain bike. A cross bike was the right idea to get me back in the woods. It will take me quite some time until I am at a point where this bike is being ridden at the full height of it's ability. Strengths:
Landshark craftmanship. Full custom frameset, from the tube choice down to the paint scheme. Light weight, high-end steel frame and fork with snappy handling off road. The frame is also extremely well balanced from front to back, which provides confidence when riding at high speed on rough terrain. Landshark was even able to ovalize the top tube exactly where my hand grabs it when transitioning - fits like a glove and offers a no slip advantage when covered in wet mud. It is the little extra touches and considerations that make this frame and fork so suberb. The Landshark is made for those purists who love the ride characteristics of steel, and, beauty aside, it is an advanced enough frame to win over new fans who formerly rode carbon, aluminum or ti. Weaknesses:
If you are in a rush to get your new cross bike, Landshark might not be the best choice. The time from custom measurement to final product can be a while, but the wait is well worth it. Also if you are concerned about beating the bike up, or need a second bike for heavy cross racing, the price of the Landshark can be an obstacle. If you are used to stiff road frames, and plan to use this bike on the road somewhat, be aware that the rear triangle is more pliant than a standard road frame. This is a pure cross bike, not an all-rounder. Similar Products Used:
I have raced my Slingshot road bike, with thin cross tires a few times, but this is my first true cross bike that has the clearance to handle gunk and can be carried correctly. I have tested the Canno
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