LeMond Bicycles Tourmalet

Price Paid:  $900.00 at Ebay

Favorite Ride:
anywhere on a cool morning

Summary:
I purchased the 2008 edition and absolutely love it. THe ride is easy with the carbon rear triangle, fork and seat post. It is also a very stiff ride for those who like to drop the hammer. Bike is well worth the not so expensive price tag.

Price Paid:  $1200.00 at Straight Up Cycles

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Waterfront + Lands End

Summary:
Was looking for an entry level racing bike after being out of the sport for a 10+ years. Tried to get the 2007 (red) model due to the full 105, but my size was not available. '08 model componentry drops a little to Tiagra, but IMHO a better frame. Aluminum main triangle with carbon fork and rear end.

All in all, a very nice ride.

Actually at 2008 (black and white)

Strengths:
Comfortable frame, Tiagra shifts nice, wheels are bullet proof

Weaknesses:
- Saddle.

Price Paid:  $750.00 at LBS

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Early Saturday Morning Grouppo

Bike Setup:
Bone Stock

Summary:
Bike is actually a 2008 model.

I started road riding again this spring after a 25 year hiatus. I started with a Brodie cyclocross which was an excellent multipurpose ride. During the week, I mount a rack on it and it becomes my commuter. Daily commute, about 35 miles. Weekends, I'd mount 23mm tires and go roading with my buds. It was always a struggle keeping up with these guys and for the most part, I attributed it to myself.

About a month ago, I went to get a tire for my cyclocross and ended up buying the Tourmalet (go figure).

What a difference. It was as if I found a couple new gears. Went on my Saturday morning ride with the regulars and couldn't believe how much easier it was keeping up with the pace and how much energy I had in reserve after the ride. And fast!

I like the geometry of the Lemond. I'm a bit longer in the torso and shorter in the leg and really felt comfortable on the bike. Stock seat is surprisingly comfortable and shifts are butter smooth. Brakes are so-so and I might try different pads in the future, but they are more than adequate. Handling is superb, and the ride is a big improvement over the cyclocross.

Although this was a unexpected purchase, I've tried a Specialized Allez and a Felt Z65 and a very happy with the Lamond

Strengths:
Speed, comfort, good components at a great price.

Weaknesses:
Brakes and myself

Similar Products Used:
Brodie Romulus, Specialized Allez, Felt F65

Price Paid:  $1099.00 at Holmes Bikes in Camp

Model Year:
2006

Favorite Ride:
anything with climbing

Bike Setup:
Ultegra rear, 105 all other components
Bontrager Race Lite

Summary:
Great bike!! Came equipped with Ultegra rear, and 105 for all other components. They downgraded the componentry for the later models. For over two years I have had no problems with it.

Strengths:
Durable
Light

Weaknesses:
Handlebars are a bit wide, I've experienced a little back soreness after some rides cause of it.

Price Paid:  $919.00 at LBS in ABQ

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Farm country north of Hillsboro OR

Bike Setup:
Topeak bag, morph g pump and multi tool.
Blackburn lights front and rear and the Delphi computer.
Extra tube and patch kit! Don't ride without it!

Summary:
Actually this is for the 2008 Tourmalet. It is now White and Black. It is a very nice looking bike. I was looking for the best $900 bike I could find and I looked at Specialized, Giant and Trek. While I was at the Trek store I noticed the sale sign on the Lemond. It was 20% off. Nuff said. Also I rode the Giant OCR1 and it seemed pretty ok but not that special. I tried the Specialized Sequoia but I did not like the more upright geometry. I wanted to look at the Roubaix like my pals have but the owner would not budge on the price so I went back to the look more closely at the Lemond. Tiagra/105 mix with Bontrager parts all over it. I rode it and it just clicked. It was responsive, the shifting was flawless and the ride was smooth. I said I'd take it. They had to order my size but that turned out to be the best $50 (for shipping) that I'd spend. The bike in the store had a carbon fork and a carbon seat post. Mine came with that plus a carbon seatstay and chainstay! I was floored. This bike is ultra smooth on the road and way more capable than I am.
Some folks complain about the Bontrager parts but I think the wheels are great and the other parts seem to be working fine.

Strengths:
Carbon Rear triangle
Carbon Fork and seatpost
Tiagra with 105 Rear

Weaknesses:
I'm not sure about the seat yet. It might get changed here in a bit.

Similar Products Used:
Gitane (old school) and my starter bike was a GMC Denali (Amazon.com!) It was a great starter to prove to my wife that I was serious this time. :)