Quintana Roo Lucero

Price Paid:  $2200.00 at LBS

Model Year:
2006

Favorite Ride:
Ironman Wiscosin Loop

Bike Setup:
QR Lucero, size Medium, DA, Zipp 606 Wheelset, Vision front end, Fizik Arione saddle

Summary:
I trained for and raced my 2nd Ironman Wisconsin on this bicycle. The frame was incredibly smooth riding and comfortable, and also very very light. The aerodynamics were superb. The true triathlon geometry is a huge advantage on this bike, with a 77 degree seat angle and low front end.

The only problem I have with this bicycle is availability of frame sizes. This review would be a 5 otherwise but is instead a 4. The size Large, with a 56.5 top tube is too large for most people about 5'10 to 5'11.

The size Medium, which I purchased, was too short across the top with a 53cm top tube. I had to correct this by installing a 120mm stem, which was fine, but also for comfort over the Ironman Distance I was forced to move my seat back to a more slack angle and bring the aerobars higher by adding spacers. Unfortunately I couldn't get a good aero position on the bike becuase to ride at a 80 degree seat angle (which I prefer) and a low, aerodynamic front end, I was too scrunched due to the short top tube length.

I am an experienced triathlon bicycle fitter and almost every male triathlete 5'10 to 5'11 won't fit on either size Medium or Large.

I hope QR will come out with a M/L in the future with a 55cm top tube, then I will purchase the bike again for sure. I had to sell my Lucero and purchase a Litespeed saber, with the 55cm top tube and a perfect 78 degree seat angle.

Strengths:
Very smooth riding and comfortable. Also very light for a triathlon bike (mine was <17 lbs w/ DA and Zipp 606's). Aerodynamic, true triathlon geometry (steep seat angle, low in front)

Weaknesses:
Number of sizes available. QR only offers S M L sizes in their flagship carbon fiber triathlon bikes. I would REALLY like to see a M/L in the future. Hopefully they will invest in more molds and make more sizes, as well as their updated FIST geometry as seen on their aluminum bikes. As it is, almost every average proportioned male triathlete my height cannot achieve a good fit on either size frame available.

Price Paid:  $3500.00 at LBS in Cookeville TN

Model Year:
2006

Favorite Ride:
Downhill, sunny with a tailwind!

Bike Setup:
DA COMPO, shimano DA wheelset, FSA carbon crank, etc...

Summary:
This bike is wicked light and solid as a rock. My friend bought one complete second hand from competetive cyclist out of Little Rock, AR. He paid upwards of $4k with Zipp 404s. I rode his around a little and fell in love. His weighed around 16lbs build up and about 18 lbs with water bottles and cages, and spare tire in the bag. I'm building mine right now, (yep, went out and bought it for Christmas) trying to beat his weight. I rode a Kestrel for the 2006 triathlon season, and having that as my first carbon bike, I will never go back to aluminum. Carbon has a slightly more compliant ride, yet is lateraly very stiff. This bike is SO AERO. It is unbelievable. I looked at the Cervelo P3C and dollar for dollar this bike beats it hands down, in my opinion. The Cervelo is a great bike too, but right now, you are paying a premium for the prestige and name of the most popular name brand on the circuit. I have long been a fan of QR bikes. All three of these frames are the same, I've been told, though I haven't weighed the frames side by side. You may find some good deals on these frames from 2006 as they have supposedly changed their paint scheme in 2007.

Strengths:
Rigidity, light but stiff, vertical compliance over rough terrain (I would not recommend this for cobblestones, just yet), and killer aerodynamics

Weaknesses:
Price.