LeMond Bicycles Big Sky SLT

Price Paid:  $600.00 at eBay

Model Year:
2005

Favorite Ride:
Tomorrow's

Bike Setup:
B-17, Jandd Rack, Power Grips, N/R Computer, Microtek, misc.

Summary:
I have a dozen bikes. Many local rides and one century so far on this bike. Purchased for touring. It is supremely comfortable, as expected, but surprisingly fast. Carried back load and weight well. The bike tends to push you to hammer, which is fun but counterproductive for touring. Riding position is great upright, on the hoods or in the drops. Cabonr fork is plush. Personally, I'm sold on these Bontrager Select Hardcase tires - maybe they're hard to get on, but that means they won't come off unexpectedly, which I've had happen with Conti's, Richey's and Schwalbe's. If your LBS can't handle them, you need a new LBS. All and all, a really great package.

Strengths:
Light, great geometry, good components, a very stable - no suprises package.

Weaknesses:
All I can think of is Lemond discountinued this model. If I wreck this one, finding another frame might be a problem. Wish mounting a front rack would be simplier.

Similar Products Used:
Have used a Trek and Miyata for distance riding.

Price Paid:  $600.00 at eBay

Model Year:
2005

Favorite Ride:
Tomorrow's

Bike Setup:
B-17, Jandd Rack, Power Grips, N/R Computer, Microtek, misc.

Summary:
I have a dozen bikes. Many local rides and one century so far on this bike. Purchased for touring. It is supremely comfortable, as expected, but surprisingly fast. Carried back load and weight well. The bike tends to push you to hammer, which is fun but counterproductive for touring. Riding position is great upright, on the hoods or in the drops. Cabonr fork is plush. Personally, I'm sold on these Bontrager Select Hardcase tires - maybe they're hard to get on, but that means they won't come off unexpectedly, which I've had happen with Conti's, Richey's and Schwalbe's. If your LBS can't handle them, you need a new LBS. All and all, a really great package.

Strengths:
Light, great geometry, good components, a very stable - no suprises package.

Weaknesses:
All I can think of is Lemond discountinued this model. If I wreck this one, finding another frame might be a problem. Wish mounting a front rack would be simplier.

Similar Products Used:
Have used a Trek and Miyata for distance riding.

Price Paid:  $1100.00 at Gregg's Greenlake Se

Model Year:
2003

Favorite Ride:
paved trails

Bike Setup:
Whatever it came with except I put a Brooks saddle on it.

Summary:
A great bike for more comfortable riding. I call it an "old man's road bike" (I'm nearly 57). I've done 150 miles in one day on this bike and several centuries.

Strengths:
Nice components; absorbs road shock well

Weaknesses:
The stock saddle. I replaced it with a Brooks B-17--awesome. I don't know about the tire mounting issue. When I get new tires, I have the shop put them on and they've not complained of any problems. And, I've never had a flat on the road (knock on wood).

Similar Products Used:
I have a Trek 2300 that I use in triathlons. I ride it on anything 20 miles and under. More than that, I use the Lemond.

Price Paid:  $995.00 at Freewheel Minneapoli

Model Year:
2005

Favorite Ride:
Minneapolis Trails

Bike Setup:
Added front and rear lights, bottle and care and computer.

Summary:
I love the bike, feels light, smooth and fast. I ride the local trails- which are many. I am 42 and ride about 10-20 for exercise. The bike is perfect for this.

Strengths:
The bike feels light, fast and smooth. The finish is nice. The Shimano 105 group on mine works well. Two sets of brakes are nice.

Weaknesses:
The seat sucks.
Must keep tire pressure up (rated for 120lbs)and as I found out from letting it sit for only a week or two, I got a blow out.

Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Triton (although it is a single speed).

Price Paid:  $1200.00 at Sunshine Cycles - Ta

Model Year:
2005

Favorite Ride:
Rail trails

Bike Setup:
Since I frequently carry a camera I added a Trek rear rack and bag that clips into the rack (Interchange System). A great set-up and really convenient! No straps, just clip it in and go. Otherwide stock except for toe clips since that's what I'm used to with my mountain bike.

Summary:
I almost didn't buy the Big Sky because of the reported problem of changing tires/tubes reported earlier. When I finally decided to buy the bike (I had been looking at it for months)I asked them if I could change a tire while in the shop. While the tire is stiff it wasn't that big of a deal. It was off in 3 or 4 minutes, so out came the plastic and home it went.

My ride for the past 20+ years has been a Specialized Rock Hopper. It's a good bike, however, I wanted one comfortable like the mountain bike but something I could eventually use to do a century.

True road bikes didn't appeal to me because of the comfort factor. I tried all kinds of "road comfort bikes" and this was the only one that felt comfortable frame-wise. I have a long torso compared to my arms and legs.

My riding is mostly pleasure and moderate excercise. I'm not interested in seeing how many miles I can put behind me in the shortest time. This bike fits the bill very well.

Strengths:
Very light. Climbs well. Ideal bike for my type of riding.

Weaknesses:
None that bother me.

Similar Products Used:
None, but I tried out a bunch of'em.