Strengths: This bike is a pure road racer. It adapts well to criterium situations ( I race mostly crits), but is best suited as a road beast -- stiff but supple, light but not "whippy". Above all, it is very well behaved. The "spine" of the bike -- head tube, down tube, and chain stays -- is made of steel. The "cockpit" -- fork, top tube, seat tube, and wishbone seat stays -- is made of carbon fiber. This, according to LeMond, produces the ideal combination of both stiffness and compliance. It also has a very conservative geometry, with a 73 degree head tube angle, a 72.5 degree seat tube angle, and a relatively low bottom bracket.
Weaknesses: This bike is slightly heavier than other all-carbon frames. But that additional weight goes to the right places -- the power center and the stress points of the bike. The result is a reassuring sense of stability, especially on long descents and on rough roads. At 175 lbs, I need a fairly stiff bike, and the Maillot Jaune fits the bill.
Bottom Line:
I purchased this bike after having test ridden it several times. I chose it because of its conservative design philosophy, its ride quality, and its cosmetics. It is also considerably cheaper than other comparably equipped bikes.
Strengths: Comfort, stability, and agility. This bird yearns to fly at every corner, hill, and sprint zone. One of the nicest riding bikes on centuries for a racer. Gets a lot off oohs and ahhs, especially with the custom paint job.
Weaknesses: Paint was mediocre. Repainted to an exotic metallic ruby red. LeMond loves to show his name with all the cheap decals too. Retail price was high for a steel/carbon bike.
Bottom Line:
After riding a Kestrel 200EMS that was too tall for me, and after I built several LeMond Zurich's for friends, I was asked to build a 2004 57cm Zurich and I fell in love with the fit and performance. Two weeks later, I found a 2004 Maillot Jaune to transfer my Dura Ace components to and have no regrets (but sadness) in leaving the Kestrel behind.
Finally finding the bike that fits me I have enjoyed the last three rides since purchasing my Lemond. I have found the comfort and geometry just what I was looking for. I'm not overally concerned about weight, rather just wanted something stable and efficient. I got both with this bike.
Strengths: reasonable weight, looks are classy not flashy, gerat build kit. Comfy seat.
Weaknesses: wiiiide handlebar, stupid plastic wannabe headbadge I already took off- G Lemond's dumb comments on Lance- great PR move for someone in the Trek family- not.
Bottom Line:
Butter Rocket- with solid parts pick - smooth yet responsive- answers evrything I give it. Dampens New England roads like a champ.
To celebrate this year's Tour (especially the part without Al Trautwig!!!!), we are having a Maillot Jaune Special at the studio. From Monday July 14 - Wed July 23 all RoadBikeRevi Read More »
I'm not sure of the exact year of this frame, but I believe it's circa 2000. Seller is stating that it's a 2005 spine design, which it is obviously not. Anyone know what year thi Read More »
I currently ride a 2003 Lemond Maillot Jaune (Reynolds Pro 853 frame). I'm looking to upgrade, and looking at the Gunnar Roadie. The geometry on the Gunnar looks a little faster Read More »
Scored a "parts bike" on eBay recently. This MJ comes from 96 or 97, when Trek built it in full carbon fiber. The most expensive components that came with it needed some reconditi Read More »
Hello, I am new here. Looking for some info on a bike I have. Its a 56cm Lemond like the title says. I am guessing late 80's early 90's. Stamped 56 and TX in the bottom br Read More »
