Leopard Cycles L1

Price Paid:  $2800.00 at Leopard website

Model Year:
2006

Favorite Ride:
Leopard L1

Bike Setup:
Ultegra derailleurs and brakes, Leopard (FSA?) compact carbon crank, Leopard (FSA?) bar and stem, Fis'ik Airione saddle, Thompson Masterpiece seatpost, Easton Tempest II wheels, Michelin Pro Race tires

Summary:
The Leopard L1 is light, responsive, and sharp looking. Based on advice from the tech guys at the shop in San Francisco I opted for Easton Tempest II wheels to go with both a triathlon/TT set-up and a swap out road set-up as well. It's an excellent combination. To save money I spec'ed Ultegra since the bike comes standard with a carbon crank. I chose a compact crank coupled with a cluster with an 11 tooth small cog - which I recommend. At 6'3" and 200 lbs I need a frame with a 62 cm seat tube and something longer than the standard 59 cm top tube found on other bikes. The Leopard geometry is exactly on target for me, with a 61 cm top tube and a choice of stem lengths. I've had four road bikes, and this is the best yet.

Strengths:
Fit, handling, road feel, nice paint job.

Weaknesses:
The carbon handlebars have nice ergonomic flat grips in between the brake hoods, but in the drops my (large) hands were a little cramped and got numb during criterium turning

Similar Products Used:
Trek 1200, EPX 303, Airborne Zepplin, Cervelo P2k

Price Paid:  $2500.00 at Leopard Cycles

Model Year:
2005

Favorite Ride:
Leopard

Bike Setup:
Piece of cake

Summary:
Within 15 minutes of delivery, I had my new CL1 assembled, adjusted and ready to ride. After a 5 mile warm-up, I began a century ride that was just awesome. The bike performed extremely well and was admired by many!

Strengths:
Price and components. The wheelset is bulletproof! After 3000 miles, still haven't had to true them.

Weaknesses:
None

Similar Products Used:
A quantum leap above my Specialized Allez.

Price Paid:  $3399.00 at Leopard Cycles

Model Year:
2006

Bike Setup:
Small (50cm) frame, blue with silver fade paint, DuraAce groupo, Easton Velomax Ascent II wheels, Leopard carbon seatpost/bars/crankset, Terry Butterfly seat

Summary:
Whenever I'm in the market for a new anything, I research my options to death. My search for a new ride kept bringing me back to the Leopard website. Yeah, it was the gallery of amazing paint jobs that first drew me in...but I eventually went with the Leopard based on geometry, components, price and money-back guarantee. I have not been disappointed! First of all, they guys were happy to work with me on some adjustments to my order. They ordered in some Ascent II wheels for me and also a Terry seat that they didn't usually carry. Although I did have to wait a week or so while they sent back the fork to the paint shop because they weren't happy with the match to the frame (and hey, I'm impressed with that kind of QC), the bike arrived ready to roll and just as sweet-looking as the gallery frames. Rode it a few times and realized the stem was a little long for me so the guys swapped it out for me. I had also opted to go with a compact crankset and realized after a month that it just wasn't working for me. This, of course, was my mistake but Leopard readily swapped out the compact for a traditional. I can't think of anywhere else you'd get this kind of customer service! I love the semi-compact geometry, comfortable ride, responsive handling, everything already mentioned in previous reviews. The Leopard ergo carbon handlebars are extremely comfortable and I have a hard time riding my old bike with standard bars now.

Strengths:
Unsurpassed customer service, customized component package, price, geometry fits me like a glove, amazing paint job, smooth ride, solid handling on descents

Weaknesses:
None to date

Similar Products Used:
Kestrel 200EMS
Trek 5200

Price Paid:  $0.00 at Leopard Cycles.com

Model Year:
2006

Favorite Ride:
Leopard

Summary:
I was new to cycling and looking for a bike I could grow into over the coming years. I found the Leopard cycles web site and started asking a bunch of questions. The owners were quick to respond and helped get my initial measurements. I am now racing competitively as a CAT 3 thanks to the support of the Leopard crew.

Strengths:
The bike has out performed me for quite a while

Price Paid:  $3750.00 at Leopard Online

Model Year:
2005

Favorite Ride:
Mt Tamalpais Olema Loop

Summary:
The leopard L1 is exceptional. Overall it is clearly stiffer than my old Davidson Stiletto crit frame but at the same time it is super comfortable. I did the Marklieville Death Ride the past two years and every aspect of the bike was comfortable after 130 miles. Downhills at 55+ were smooth and more precise than the Davidson ever was. I have been happy with every aspect of the bike. In particular, the REAL weight of the bike off the shelf was under 16 pounds. High end models of bikes from other manufacturers that friends have purchased talk about 16 pound bikes and then they were close to 18 pounds when they bring them home! What's that all about? Mostly, it seems to be a good light frameset and then cutting corners on components to lower their cost. Leopard goes top flight all tcrank set up. It sets up the gearing just right for my power level. Bottom line - I am very happy with the bike.

Strengths:
The Leopard is stiff and very comfortable. The components, from top guality tires and Michelin A1 tubes, to the custom carbon stem and seat post area all top guality and very light resulting in a bike that comes in under 16 pounds.
The overall finish, uncluding the fiber mat overlay patterns, etc. is exceptionally well done. The newer Orbeas are as good but the order ones looked like my daughters paper mache art project. Customer support for the Leopard is also excellent. I've had two breaks on the bike. The first was the BB axel totally shredding (which was really strange since I only weigh 155 and use the compact crank). This was not Leopards fault but they replaced it immediately and got me on my way. The second was a small crack at the web of the stem face plate screw hole. It looked like the screw was over tightened and cracked the plate. They sent me a new one the next day. Great service and a good attitude. Overall, the build on the bike was excellent. Nothing needed to be touched for at least 2,000 miles, then I just did my usual tweaking at home. Now, at about 9,000 or so everything is perfect. I am also very happy with the Ascent II wheelset. They are very quick and pe