Strengths: Stiffness, quick power transfer, great build quality.
Weaknesses: I didn't like the wired flight deck thing this came with so I took it out, makes for a much cleaner and crisper feel on the handlebars. Not BB30 (not really a weakness as it's still plenty stiff)!
Bottom Line:
Converted the stock standard 9-sp ultegra to a 10-sp ultegra compact especially for hills. I've done quite a bit of climbing with this bike and from what I've experience it's extremely stiff, allows for a very smooth power transfer and is very sturdy. Overall, I love this bike and it makes long rides (60~75mi) as comfortable as possible.
Weaknesses: Hesitant descender
Handlebar shape is a bit off (personal preference)
Stock Bonty tires don't do the bike justice
Lot's of decals (really, does every bit that doesn't say Lemond need to be labeled Bontrager?)
Bottom Line:
2008 Lemond Victoire: 980g CF frame/fork, full DA gruppo, Bontrager x-lite wheelset
So far so good. Stock except for pedals and saddle (moved to Specialized Toupe) and tires. Overall, a great bike. Very light and a nice all day peddler. DA gruppos has shifted flawlessly. Bontrager cockpit is competent but stock bars take a bit to get used to (very wide and have odd flats). Race X lite wheels have proven to be very dependable and durable. Only complaint: it's a light bike and takes some getting used to. Compared to my Ritchey Road Logic the handling is been a bit vague and descending has taken some getting used too. I have a feeling this is largely due to the weight of the wheels and frame :) Not necessarily a bad thing but takes some getting used to!
Strengths: Frame is light, stiff and yet comfortable. Riding position seem more upright even though fitting measurements are identical to previous bikes. Great responsiveness in climbs. Comfortable long distance RR bike, but is also solid in agressive cornering as well.
Weaknesses: Bontrager saddle didn't work for me. Free hub seems noisy, but you won't feel like coasting on this bike!
Bottom Line:
This is a 53 cm 2008 model. Very comfortable ride but suprisingly responsive. Weighs in under 16 lb. with pedals. Full Dura Ace performs quietly and efficiently. Bontrager Race X Lite wheels are stiff and true. Buy if you are a competitive cyclist or long distance rider and value speed and comfort.
Weaknesses: I am a guy in mid 40s. Hot young ladies look at you when you are on it and get disappointed to see a mature guy. You feel your wife 10 years older. You have no potbelly. Don't buy this bike, if you do, you will be faster than me.
Bottom Line:
Very light bike. Great Acceleration. Easy shifting. Gooks great. Great components.
Update to previous post: I've now got 1,400 miles on the 2004 Victoire I purchased in May. It has been a dream. I ride 40-100 miles a week, mainly up and down Mt. Tam just north of San Francisco. The ride was already fantastic, but even better when I switched out the cro-moly seatpost that was standard in 2004 with a carbon post. Big difference! (A little lighter too; it's now an under-18-pound bike even with the XL frame.) My only complaint about the bike is that my rear wheel doesn't naturally align to the center of the chainstay, and so if I'm not careful when locking in the wheel it will rub against the left chainstay bar when I'm in high torque up a steep climb. The LBS checked and nothing's sprung that they could find. Anyone else have this on any bikes? A fault with the Bontrager RaceLite rear wheel?
Bike Setup: All-Ultegra group(9-speed)
Ultegra pedals
Reynolds Ouzo Pro carbon seatpost (350mm)
Bontrager RaceLite wheels
Bontrager Race XLite tires
Salsa 20-degree (up! and I've still got a 1.5-inch drop from saddle to bars)stem
Forgie 3T XL handlebar
Selle Italia SLR Gel Flow saddle
I am having a custom bike made and it's time to part with my Lemond.
It's a full ti frame. The paint has a few scratches, but nothing too bad.
Ultegra triple, Race light whe Read More »
Hi, I have an opportunity to buy a 05 or 06 (not sure) Lemond Victoire (Ti-Carbon) size 53 cm, but can't find a geometry chart anywhere. I know the top tube is 54.5 cm but would l Read More »
Hi, I have an opportunity to buy a 05 or 06 (not sure) Lemond Victoire (Ti-Carbon) size 53 cm, but can't find a geometry chart anywhere. I know the top tube is 54.5 cm but would li Read More »
So I've been searching for something a bit retro, but also cheap. I needed something I can go cruise on slow family rides. I had been looking at restore-able frames that just nee Read More »
