LeMond Bicycles Zurich Triple

Price Paid:  $1600.00 at LBS

Favorite Ride:
American River Bike Trail

Bike Setup:
Lemond Zurich
Ultegra Triple
Thomson Elite
Terry Tri Fly
Speedplay X/3
Cateye Astrale 8
Everything else stock

Summary:
After only test riding three bikes, including the Zurich, I found that the Zurich was the bike for me. Test rode a Trek 2300 and just about had all of my teeth rattled out of my head. Tested a Klien but for some odd reason or another I just didn't feel comfortable on it compared to the Zurich.
I agree with other comments about the Zurich in how it feels more like a cushy Cadillac than a stiff Ferrari. One word to describe the bike would be SMOOTH. The bike feels solid in just about every scenario, climbing hills (slowly of course), and descending at +40 mph. Peddling through turns is solid as well. I have yet to find any weaknesses with this bike other than the fact that it is a triple and it might not be as light as some other bikes, but then again, what is an extra pound or two when you already weigh 195.
Definately the most bang for my buck with $500 bucks off the original price!

Strengths:
Everything is solid with some exceptions (see weaknesses)

Weaknesses:
The seat post and saddle were the first to go. They got the job done ok, but upgrading made things significantly better. I'm also getting some play in my headset under heavy braking descending through turns. Not sure if this is normal or if changing out headsets would correct the problem.

Similar Products Used:
None

Price Paid:  $1000.00 at used

Favorite Ride:
montauk century

Bike Setup:
TI Terry Dragonfly seat, Continental 3000 tires, SPD pedals, double chainring

Summary:
My first zurich was a 1997 and I bought just the frame and threw on a great set of 105 components. I put at least 2000 miles on the bike, a mix of long tours and daily manhattan sprinting in traffic. Hit by cars, a few spills and nothing could stop the bike. I really loved it. On a trip across europe it was stolen though so I got another one, again used. This time a 1996 with stock ultegra components. Just as good as the previous. I have used it for dozens of centuries and the geometry fits me like a glove unlike many other bikes I have ridden even steel like bianchis and colnagos. Forget the aluminum cannondales that knock the fillings out of your teeth or the treks and fujis that have been slightly more forgiving for me. I am convinced, though, that it isn't just the material, its the absolutely inspired geometry. my torso is slightly long and my legs short: 5'9" and 30" inseam. I feel the geometry lets me relax in a way that is impossible for me on other bikes. People with lankier proportions love the geometry too, though. My 1996 is now seven years old, and I feel it might be legitimate to get another, but I can't think of an excuse. With a new chain, chainring and cassette every few thousand miles my bike is crisply tuned and in excellent shape. (and I don't fear the catastrophic failure from stress of aluminum).
Finally, I like the people who ride zurichs. Good riders that know that a well-fitting bike is much easier (and faster) to ride than one fractionally lighter or more aggresive. Good people to ride with and take a break with. For the last few years I have commuted daily on my zurich but it still explodes when I ride with the

Strengths:
Magical frame geometry restores energy.
Great stability in long twisty descents.
Apparently fantastic durability in both frame and components.

Weaknesses:
Tough to say. all the accesories should be customized - seat, handlebar, tires to match you, so they don't seem worth commenting on. I have never ridden a better frame or drive train.

Similar Products Used:
Bianchi veloce, colnago, De Bernardi (pretty great too) cannondale, trek, fuji

Price Paid:  $1450.00 at Matthews in Indianap

Favorite Ride:
Anything uphill; assuming I also get to enjoy the downhill

Bike Setup:
Let bike shop keep the terrible seat for a triple chain ring and an 11-23 cassette. Bought a Koobi Silver seat (my buns are thrilled); and added Time Impact pedals (dogs are also thrilled). Flipped over the headset (too old to bend over that far).

Summary:
Great bike at a great price. Once the bug bit me to buy a new bike, I spent a year researching. I'm 6'2", 200; and steel was the best choice. Love this bike.

Strengths:
Smooth ride, love the Ultegra setup; and already happy I opted for the triple(despite the abuse from my younger more egotistical buds)

Weaknesses:
Since I read the reviews I knew to sell them back the seat. Other than that, I found no weaknesses.

Similar Products Used:
Old Nishiki Century ( 40 lbs. on a good day)

Price Paid:  $1700.00 at Greggs Greenlake Cyc

Favorite Ride:
chilly hilly

Bike Setup:
Stock plus look pedals and new rear tire, occasionally profile airo bar.

Summary:
Really nice bike. It's my first road bike but it was a nice bike for jumping into the sport seriously. It's right in the middle between a "good" bike and a "high performance" bike. Its got a solid component package. Comfortable ride. The tires are reall sweet, but they wear really fast. I first got it in the winter and i was getting at least one flat a week. The rear tire wore out after about 1700 miles. As long as you treat it nice this bike will keep you moving fast.

Strengths:
Good accelaration for steel. Not the best sprinting/crit bike. But really good for road races because of the comfort factor.

Weaknesses:
Definitely need to play with the setup a little bit to get good racing geometry. Flip the stem, maybe drop it below a couple spacers. But once its set up good its a sweet ride.

Similar Products Used:
Specialized TT bike. Independent fabrications steel.

Price Paid:  $1429.00 at LBS

Favorite Ride:
Rt. 8 on KY side of OH river

Bike Setup:
Full ultegra. Bontrager Race lites. Forgie XL bar. Continental 3000 tires. Sports instruments wireless computer+HRM. Minoura bottle holders.

Summary:
This is my first road bike after alot of MTB's. I wanted steel for the strength. I am 6'4" 250lbs. I am totally impressed with the Lemond. Supple ride, confidence inspriring stability at high speeds, and unbeatable component package. I have about 500 miles on the bike after about 6 months. I have had a couple of minor adjustments and a cable replaced but nothing out of the ordinary. I have been 50+ mph and this bike never even so much as wiggles under these speeds. The only weekness I can find on this bike is me.

Strengths:
Strong frame and fork. Component package. Super sexy wheels.

Weaknesses:
Me. The seat could be better.

Similar Products Used:
none