Strengths: comfortable steel feel, elongated geometry for more stability, precise shifting, smooth ride
Weaknesses: haven't found anything yet
Bottom Line:
Great bike! I was looking for an upgrade from my first road bike and was looking for a lighter bike with better components. I fell immediately in love with the steel feel and though the bike is not as explosive as my buddy's kestrel talon SL, it feels like I can just ride faster and faster and it really "rides like a dream"
Similar Products Used: litespeed hyperion, kestrel talon SL, rivendell ramulus
Bike Setup: stock
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
kajukembo
a Road Racer
from Portland, OR USA
Date Reviewed: January 20, 2003
Strengths: Light (18.5 lbs) my buddies Light Speed weighs 18.25, but he paid 2k more
Handing
Steel - great ride quality
Weaknesses: Seat and Seat Post. The seat post is finished nice, but is heavy and has a way too much lay-back. The New Era Seat is down right un useable. After asking around, I haven't found anyone likes it. I ding it one point on the overall rating due to this oversight
Bottom Line:
I bought this as a 2002 close-out. I was sure I'd be riding Titanium or Carbon Fibre; however, the strongest rider in my club told me I need to ride one of these before I decide. I rode this and it just felt right. The owner of the shop told me that the MJ did not sell well because people were largely looking past steel in $3,200 price range. In fact the shop didn't normally carry the MJ and brought these in as a special sale through LeMond. This bike is light, stiff but compliant, and feels very fast. It has a great wheelset (the bladed spokes seem especially fast about 20 mph) and overall comes with a well thought out component group. The bike handles better than anyting I've ever rode; especially at high-speed in rough corners. It's very comfortable on long rides
Similar Products Used: Trek 5500, Cannondal Caad 5, Giant, others
Bike Setup: Thomson seat post, Selle Italia Flight TI Saddle, Dura Ace SPD-r pedals
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
PhilipMoore
a Recreational Rider
from Plano, Texas, U.S.A.
Date Reviewed: November 4, 2002
Strengths: The stock set-up. Dura Ace, 3T, and the like.
Weaknesses: Price (about $1,100 for a 853 frame and fork; these can be made cheaper), some weight, but then again, I'm weigh more than the bike.
Bottom Line:
This bike is stock except for the Dura Ace 7700 wheels and Deda Magic stem, and so far, I love it. It's plenty stiff, light, fast, and comfortable for a 200 lb. attorney who is lucky to have time to spend on the trainer, and to go on one long weekend ride each week.
I especially like the set-up: 175 mm cranks on a 55cm frame with a slack seat tube angle. This makes me able to HAMMER a 53:14 gear ratio while seated, and make what little hills there are in Dallas disappear.
Similar Products Used: Trek OCLV 5500, Cannondale CAAD4, Quattro Assi Rocket, Merckx Strada O.S. Steel is real!
Bike Setup: Reynolds 853, Full Dura Ace, Dura Ace 7700 wheels, 3t Forgie XL bar, Deda Magic stem, Sella San Marco Aspide saddle, Cane Creek S-6 headset.
Weaknesses: The stupid stigma some people attach to steel frames.
Bottom Line:
Good all-round steel bike for the majority of riding types. Steel is a bit heavier, but the ride quality is unmatched. This bike is great for long rides... and it climbs very well. The geometry of this bike is also a big plus... a longer top tube gives a more comfortable, powerful possition. In my humble opinion, this is one of the best steel bikes that one can buy for all riding styles. Classic bike, with super riding characteristics. In fact, this is my third MJ, cars keep riding into me, and I keep buying the same bike.
Strengths: The frame and fork are the perfect combination. Comfortable steel with a stiff carbon fork are a great combo of all conditions, be it climbing, sprinting, flats, and descents.
Weaknesses: The wheels are the only draw back, they may be perfect for a 160lbs rider, but are a bit scary for anyone who is taller and heavier. If you want this bike, and your a big rider, buy the frame and fork, then pick out the parts that will suit your riding style.
Bottom Line:
This is an outstanding bike for the money. The geometry works great for all the different riding conditions that can develop. It’s a bit of a pig, especially in the larger sizes (62 cm is 19 lbs), but there is know compromise in the frames stiffness and handling. The wheels however leave a great deal to be desired.
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