Lemond Arrivee Titanium VS Cannodal R1000

I just bought a new R1000. The ride is stiff, but I really like the handling and craftsmanship. Lemond bikes are really nice bikes! Don't let anyone sell them short. If Ti or steel are your thing, Lemond bikes are some of the best crafted. If not, there is a whole world of aluminum out there. If you want comfort, the aluminum CAAD7 frames are probably not for you. IMO, you should consider the Arrivee over the R1000.

Scuba Steve

The R1000 may be in the same price range, but it isn't even in Lemond's league.

I'm opinionated yes, but check the geometry on the Lemond and the Canondale. I'm in agreement with Greg's general ideas about geometry, slacker seat tube angles + longer top tubes. Greg was known for pioneering a more relaxed aero position in the pro peleton. He had his saddle set with his knee positioned even BEHIND the peddle spindle. That's what I call laid back! This allows better leverage climbing while in the saddle. The longer top tube stretches out the upper body for better breathing and weight distribution. His ideas were tested by then French coach and physiologist Cyrille Guimard in the 80s. Hinault adopted these ideas later in his career and it really revolutionized the way racers adjusted their bike position for better efficiency. His ideas have trickled into a lot of manufacturers bikes. Fit is the most important aspect. Material second.

On to material, I think you'll find the titanium much much more comfy due to titanium's inherent flexiness. The Canondale will be stiffer, but stiffer is not necessarily better. A good friend of mine rode a Canondale and he thought it was too stiff and rode like an ironing board. He's 6'3 and 185 lbs. When he went to a steel bike, he says it was a tremdous difference. When you buy a Canondale, you're getting an expensive sticker on a yuppie item. Ride on some chip and seal roads and the Canondale will rattle your body raw at the end of the day while the Lemond titanium will be smooth as butter. And that's what's it all about.

Well, I guess I will have to defend my honor. I agree with a lot of BaCardis' rambling, but calling the Cannondale "Getting an expensive sticker on a yuppie item." That's damn funny! I had the luxury of riding a lot of bikes before I made my decision, including a Lemond Ti among many others. I found that the Cannondale suited my riding style better and has more responsive handling. Not to mention a lot less $$$. Is the Cannondale CAAD7 for you? Like I said in my previous post, more than likely not. If BaCardi doesn't like Cannondale, that's cool. Flame on brother. I just think it looks pretty good on the back of my BMW!!

Scuba Steve

You have a Beamer and a Canondale? Let me guess, nice white collar job, good looking wife, scuba and Cancun on the weekends, right? Geez! You totally fit the target market for that bike of yours! :P

I thought that was the Colnago market ..

I bought a Cannondale R1000, because it's a great bike for the price, rides well and handles great, not becuase I'm a "yuppie".......

The best option would be to do a back-to-back comparison of the two, along the same route and with the same wheelset.

I ride a Cannondale.. two actually I like them very much and can't really fault them for anything.

BaCardi does make good points about the LeMond geometry, I've heard a fair bit about it (but haven't really looked into it myself.)

Actually, I am the anti-yuppie!!!!! Fart-On!

Scuba Steve

A word on Lemond vs. Cannondale...I have a buddy who crashed into hay bales, at about 30 mph. It was on a corner, and he was riding his ti Lemond, and got up and rode away. I have another friend who bent his cannodale frame in a low speed dump on sand.
The Lemond will ride like silk. I own one !!!!