LeMond Bicycles Versailles

Price Paid:  $1200.00 at LBS

Model Year:
2006

Favorite Ride:
Round Snowdon.

Bike Setup:
Stock apart from Specialized Toupe saddle & Keo carbon pedals.

Summary:
Bought the bike after my previous Alu frame decided to snap on the way to work. Got a very good deal (~50% off) as it was last years model. I really like the steel/carbon combo as it is definately smooth on the road and looks pretty cool. Saddle had to go after a week as it was terrible and riduculously uncomfortable, replaced it with a Specialized Toupe Ti which is the best and most comfortable saddle I've ever used. Have done a lot of miles in all conditions (a lot of rain over here!) and is still in near perfect condition after 2+ years, even the wheels are still true. Only down sides I've noticed are the slightly flexy wheels and bontrager finishing kit which has low quality stainless steel bolts which rust instantly! Only other thing is that high speed descents the front end can get a bit of speed wobble, but not that much that it's slowed me down yet. Really like the frame so currently considering a new set of lighter/better wheels to smarten it up a bit.

Strengths:
Comfortable, tracks well, responsive (for my light weight), storms up hills and pretty fast on the flat. Has survived a lot of abuse on country roads with big potholes and wheels still true. Shimano group is dependable as always. Cheap!

Weaknesses:
Horrific stock saddle, wheels aren't particually stiff or high-tech looking, finishing kit is a bit low end (but it was a cheap bike). Colour (what colour!) scheme is a bit plain. Tyres are a bit heavy as 25c, but they do soak up the bumps well!

Similar Products Used:
Lemond Buenos Aires (brother bike, identical frame, better wheels and campy veloce), Orbea First (cheap alu first road bike)

Price Paid:  $1150.00 at lbs

Model Year:
2006

Favorite Ride:
slide mountain pass

Bike Setup:
Stock, thought now the saddle is a fizik arione which is much much better

Summary:
The bike is very comfortable, once you change the saddle, though it is a little long in the top tube for me. I have ridden mine (the steel/carbon mix) for about 10000 miles and still like it very much. It still has most of the original parts, though I upgraded the rear wheel and got much better tires. It is still a little heavy for climbing and a little soft, particularly in the front end, but then it isn't a race bike. For its purpose, it is pretty terrific, and it has lasted really well (and I ride in all kinds of weather including northeast winters). Eventually, I will get a lighter, stiffer bike, but I will save this for long, comfortable rides in inclement weather.

Strengths:
Comfort, value.

Weaknesses:
Weight, original saddle, tires and wheels and a little soft overall

Similar Products Used:
specialized allez, cannondale super six

Price Paid:  $800.00 at private used sale

Model Year:
2006

Favorite Ride:
Outside on a sunny day

Bike Setup:
Stock w/ upgraded Ultegra front derailleur, Bontranger 50/34 compact, Race Lite wheels.

Summary:
I am very happy with this bike. I had considered a new Giant "Alliance" frame but found this as a deal used and have been very happy. This is a very comfortable ride and I suspect for most riders, the bike won't be limiting. It has no lag when you punch it in a sprint and feels very stable on corners.

It's not the lightest bike in the world, but not the heaviest.

Strengths:
Very comfortable, stable and responsive. The ride is smooth. The frame just 'feels right.'

Weaknesses:
The stock seat was just not very comfortable. Everything could be slightly lighter, but then you're looking at a $3k+ bike.

Similar Products Used:
decade+ old Trek 2300.

Price Paid:  $2000.00 at Cahaba Cycles - Pelh

Model Year:
2006

Favorite Ride:
Mt. Magazine

Bike Setup:
Stock except: upgraded crank to D.A., saddle to selle, stem to easton, and tape to cinelli. 105 shifters and front deraileur, ultegra rear, bontrager race lite wheels.

Summary:
This IS a smoothe bike, but it's also a fast bike. The components are nice, but not high end. It's not light in the world of road bikes, but it is efficient, and unless you are in the single digits on body fat, the weight of this bike will not hinder you. Also, the added comfort gives your body a little more spring late in the ride when attacks are most effective. The factory set-up was a little too agressive with a 120 stem and 46 bar, but the shop swapped them out for me at no charge. I have around 4500 miles on this bike. I've upgraded the cranks to dura ace, changed to an easton stem, and put on a selle saddle. I have considered changing the 25 tires to 23's, but on this bike, there is not a huge incentive to do that. Bontrager race lite wheels are rock solid. I would like to have seen this bike spec'd with all Ultegra instead of just the rear deraileur, but for the money, it's a great mix. Unless you are looking for a serious race bike, this one will do whatever you need it too (climbs well, sprints well, and handles well).

Strengths:
Geometry
material mix
cool quiet ride

Weaknesses:
It's a little heavy.
105 componentry could be upgraded.
stickers - Trek should not use stickered logos at this price point!

Similar Products Used:
Specialized Roubaix, Scott Speedster

Price Paid:  $0.00

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Hurricane Ridge, Port Angeles, WA

Bike Setup:
Still all stock except for the stem.

Summary:
I really love this bike. The 62cm fits me perfectly (I'm 6'2" and 200 lbs). It's my first carbon bike. I was intending to go with steel, but fell in love immediately when I test rode it. Takes the sting out of rough roads yet it's not mushy or noticeably flex-y. Climbing out of the saddle is very satisfying...gives you back everything you put into it. Corners and handles great at any speed. Frame material aside, it's the geometry of this bike that is so great. I like the long head tube and laid back seat tube angle. I only have to a use a couple of spacers to make the 'bar height 'just right.' After I replaced the 90mm 17-degree stem with a 120mm 7-degree stem it was perfect.
The bottom bracket and/or cranks creaked for the first couple of months until I finally got fed up and disassembled and re-greased everything. Now it's as solid and silent as a rock. The 105/Ultegra components are a joy to use. Shifting is smooth and positive. All in all a very responsive go-fast bike that's also extremely comfortable for long rides. I like the understated graphics, too.

Strengths:
Ride quality. Fit. Value (I got a killer close-out deal after the Trek/Lemond divorce). Beat out every other bike I tested.

Weaknesses:
Greg Lemond (heh).
I'll be glad when it's time to replace the tires with some better ones.
The seat has way too much padding, but it's not uncomfortable. Someday I'll replace it.