LeMond Bicycles Wayzata

Price Paid:  $1100.00 at Higher Gear

Model Year:
2002

Bike Setup:
Bought new in 2002. Since then, have changed out the wheels to Mavic Open Pro w/Ultegra hubs and put on a Fizik Arione seat. Still have the original Shimano Tiagra shifters (though have changed the cogs and replaced the chain, of course) after more than 20,000 tough, city commuting miles! Kevlar tires a must for commuters.

Summary:
I was looking for a solid, four-season commuter back in 2002 when I bought this bike. I wanted steel. And I liked the LeMond geometry. This has been a great, great commuter bike. A shame that LeMond discontinued this set-up. I now havd more than 20,000 miles on this bike, including several thousand miles in slush, snow and ice. I can't say enough good things about this bike.

Strengths:
Terrific steel frame. Have ridden four seasons in Chicago for seven years, 20,000+ miles, and bike has held up well. A great commuter.

Weaknesses:
Little things... The Tiagra can be a little difficult to tweak just right.

Price Paid:  $0.00 at Bike Gallery

Model Year:
2003

Favorite Ride:
between cars at rush hour

Bike Setup:
I installed a rear rack and fenders, Jandd rack trunk, Wtb rocket v ti rail saddle, truvativ 38/46 elita crank, 105 rear derailleur, winwood carbon cross fork, lost the rim eating avid 3 long arm v-brakes in favor of tektro forged mini v's and finally an easton ec-70 1.25" riser bar. I've also settled on 32 hole mavic ceramic open pros with ultegra hubs with a 12-25 cassette for wheels.

Summary:
I bought this bike for the sweet riding frame to upgrade for commuting. I looked for a transportation bike for a year and found that there are none available in stock form. Thats correct. . . there are NONE available. The ride of the steel frame is well suited for the upright position when using a flat or riser bar. This bike is THE transportation solution. The breezers a ton of hype and all other crap of that sad ilk is likewise. One ride on this bike and its simple to see why everything else is some sort of niche filling compromise. This project took over a year and a half to complete and it was well worth the effort. I'm blessed with a 22lb dream I get to ride rain or shine at an average of 16.5mph!
Its been 3 years and still the marketplace oozes cruisers, 8" big hit bikes and 8000 dollar coffee tables but no real bikes that get one to work dry and quick for under 2 grand. The bike industry has its collective head tucked way up where the sun don't shine when it comes to practical transportation! So as usual, I took care of the problem myself at great expense. Go Discovery!!!

Strengths:
Its fast, maintainable and everything always works flawlessly. Its stable and comfortable too.

Weaknesses:
You can't buy one at the good ol' LBS. But actually that might be a blessing considering what can be expected out of a collective comprised of 9 buck an hour laborers.

Similar Products Used:
How many times can it be said. . .
There are none I could find