Description The most coveted frame for it''s value. This frame out-performs many frames that retail for thousands of dollars more. Stiff aluminum construction will be there when you need it on the climbs or in th...
Bike Setup: Shimano 600 8-speed dual control levers, rear derailleur and brakes. PZ racing compact 50/34 172.5 cranks from eBay, Nashbar stem, seat post, and tires. Performance titan wheels- very nice. Sram 8-speed cassette, shimano hg-91 chain, Shimano sora 8-speed front derailleur. Modolo bar. I am 6'1 and bought a 58 cm frame. I could also fit on a 60cm with less seat post exposed and less steerer shims
Summary: I've been riding this frame for a while now and really enjoy it. It is very neutral handling. I dont mean slow.
It just goes where you point it. I only had one other road bike to compare it to, a vintage lugged steel raleigh that rode very nicely. It got too rusty so I got this frame to replace it, along with a GT carbon fork i got brand new for $67! its not quite as smooth as the steel frame but still very comfortable. I thought the bottom bracket wasnt that stiff but after recently upgrading to an isis crankset from the old shimano 600 cranks, and adding a very nice and very cheap set of Performance wheels this thing is accelerating very nicely. It feels much stiffer now.
I expect to have this bike for a long time. The frame is not the lightest, but ive broken a couple of lighter frames. this frame is built to last. its nice to see the other positive reviews because i haven't ridden alot of road bikes. For the price you cant beat it.
I raced a couple of duathlons on it and it performed very nicely. It was fun passing the full triathlon and titanium bikes.
Strengths: Great all-around handling. Nice finish.
Price of course.
Weaknesses: Weight if you need the lightest.Otherwise none.
Similar Products Used: 77 raleigh lugged steel frame
87 raleigh grand prix lugged steel
Would you like to Comment? Join RoadbikeReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.
Bike Setup: Mutt mix of 105,Ultegra drive train and brakes. Profile fork, Velocity wheels, Cinelli bars and Sella seat.
Summary: I am a very thrifty person. I was finally ready to give up on my 15 year old 12 speed. The old bike had served me well but was passed up by newer advances in cycling equipment. I bought the Leader frame for the price. Hard to beat a 100 dollar aluminum frame. I built the bike with mostly E-bay bargins. I feel I have a 1500 dollar bike for about a 800 dollar investment. I'm into the third season with this frame and am still very pleased with the performance and value. I don't race but I do like to ride hard. No real compaints with the bike in my type of use. This may not be an expensive fancy bike but I enjoy it very much.
Strengths: Value, value and value. You can't beat what you get for your money with this frame.
Weaknesses: A little on the heavy side. Some slight paint flaws.
Similar Products Used: Schwinn, Giant and have test rode many others.
Would you like to Comment? Join RoadbikeReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.
Summary: Bargain of the century! Solid riding bike- a little heavy at 4#, but with a hodgpodge of components (mostly Ultegra of varying ages) and a pair of Bontrager Race-Lites, this still comes in at a respectable 18.5 pounds!
Comfortable ride, good position, no flex when climbing or sprinting. Solid when descending. Nothing to complain about at all.
Would maybe recommend paying a little more to get their lighter framesets.
I liked this frame so much I bought another and set it up as my time trial bike. (Though the Leader TT bike looks pretty tempting!)
Strengths: Sweet frame, super cheap.
Weaknesses: Unable to persuade people that this is a cheap bike.... lots of compliments (and I mean a lot!)
Similar Products Used: Klein Quantum
Would you like to Comment? Join RoadbikeReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.
Bike Setup: Full Ultegra with VeloMax wheels,Syntace aero bars and a Real Design carbon fiber bladed fork. Riding Michelin, ProRace2 tires.
Summary: Received the Leader 735TT frame in May, delivered on time and in good condition. Had it ready to ride about 3 weeks ago and have been very satisfied. Am still making some adjustments on the set up but I like the frame and find that it is stiff and fast.
Was unsure of the correct size prior to ordering and called Leader (normally ride a 56 but due to the 78degree seat tube angle was advised to order a 53) for advice. They were very helpful.
So far am very pleased with the bike.
Strengths: Light, stiff frame.
Weaknesses: None noted to date.
Similar Products Used: Tsunami compact TT frame.
Would you like to Comment? Join RoadbikeReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.
Bike Setup: Leader 715R frame
Leader LD-1801 carbon fork
Campy Veloce group (with the exeception of FSA BB & Team carbon crankset)
Campy Proton Wheels
Ritchey WCS bar, stem, seatpost, pedals
Selle Italia SLR saddle
Vittoria tires
Summary: This is a follow-up to my original posting almost 2 years ago. I still must say I am very happy with this frame. It has taken everything I have dished out (FAST club rides & lots of standing, big-ring climbs) and I have experienced literally NO problems. Not much else to say....
Strengths: Good construction
Excellent value
Weaknesses: Excess paint in the head tube (see my previous review)
Would you like to Comment? Join RoadbikeReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.