New Road bike purchase - Opinions?

[Badger_South]

My LBS has a Lemond Big Sky Road bike:

http://www.lemondbikes.com/2004_bikes/big_sky_s.shtml

....on sale for $599, being a 2004 close-out. The bike's 'relaxed' geometry
seems to fit me rather well, 55cm frame is 7mm taller than the Trek 7500FX
I'm riding now. When I stand to pedal it's much easier than on the Trek,
which I'm having some problems with now.

It's got Tiagra 8-speed and the LBS will swap out the suspension seat post
for a regular post n/c.

Sound like a good deal? (I don't see the current prices, but the tag says
retail is $799.

They also have the next model up, for $799,

http://www.lemondbikes.com/2004_bikes/big_sky_sl.shtml

....normally $1000, with Shimano 105, and some other improvements.

Is that enough of a price break where it's worth the extra $200 or would I
probably not notice a difference?

TIA,

-B

 

[the black rose]

Badger_South wrote:
> My LBS has a Lemond Big Sky Road bike:
>
> http://www.lemondbikes.com/2004_bikes/big_sky_s.shtml
> --snip--
>
> They also have the next model up, for $799,
>
> http://www.lemondbikes.com/2004_bikes/big_sky_sl.shtml
>
> ...normally $1000, with Shimano 105, and some other improvements.

Hey, those look a lot like Cannondale's sport road bikes or the
Specialized Roubaix bikes. Nice choice for fitness riding, IMHO.

I can't tell you which is the better deal, but whichever you choose, I
hope you have a great time with it.

-km

--
Only cowards fight kids -- unidentified Moscow protester
the black rose
proud to be owned by a yorkie
http://community.webshots.com/user/blackrosequilts

 

[Badger_South]

On Wed, 15 Sep 2004 23:22:15 GMT, the black rose
<[email protected]> wrote:

>Badger_South wrote:
>> My LBS has a Lemond Big Sky Road bike:
>>
>> http://www.lemondbikes.com/2004_bikes/big_sky_s.shtml
>> --snip--
>>
>> They also have the next model up, for $799,
>>
>> http://www.lemondbikes.com/2004_bikes/big_sky_sl.shtml
>>
>> ...normally $1000, with Shimano 105, and some other improvements.
>
>Hey, those look a lot like Cannondale's sport road bikes or the
>Specialized Roubaix bikes. Nice choice for fitness riding, IMHO.
>
>I can't tell you which is the better deal, but whichever you choose, I
>hope you have a great time with it.
>
>-km

Except they're aluminum, whereas the Cannondale is steel, I believe. Both
got good reviews on roadbikereview.com.

After some research, it looks like the 'S' is a good deal, and the 'SL',
for $799 is a -great- deal (the SL often goes for $1200bucks).

-B

 

[bfd]

"Badger_South" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On Wed, 15 Sep 2004 23:22:15 GMT, the black rose
> <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> >Badger_South wrote:
> >> My LBS has a Lemond Big Sky Road bike:
> >>
> >> http://www.lemondbikes.com/2004_bikes/big_sky_s.shtml
> >> --snip--
> >>
> >> They also have the next model up, for $799,
> >>
> >> http://www.lemondbikes.com/2004_bikes/big_sky_sl.shtml
> >>
> >> ...normally $1000, with Shimano 105, and some other improvements.
> >
> >Hey, those look a lot like Cannondale's sport road bikes or the
> >Specialized Roubaix bikes. Nice choice for fitness riding, IMHO.
> >
> >I can't tell you which is the better deal, but whichever you choose, I
> >hope you have a great time with it.
> >
> >-km
>
> Except they're aluminum, whereas the Cannondale is steel, I believe. Both
> got good reviews on roadbikereview.com.
>
> After some research, it looks like the 'S' is a good deal, and the 'SL',
> for $799 is a -great- deal (the SL often goes for $1200bucks).
>
As long as it *fits*, its a good deal. Lemond are known to have a longish
top tube, so it wouldn't be a good choice for some people, i.e., those with
long legs/short torso. Remember, fit, not frame material, should be one of
the main factors in choosing a bike. A poorly fitted bike means you won't
enjoy riding, and how "good" is a bike if it sits in a garage....

 

[Badger_South]

On Wed, 15 Sep 2004 16:44:43 -0700, "bfd" <[email protected]> wrote:

>
>"Badger_South" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>news:[email protected]...
>> On Wed, 15 Sep 2004 23:22:15 GMT, the black rose
>> <[email protected]> wrote:
>>
>> >Badger_South wrote:
>> >> My LBS has a Lemond Big Sky Road bike:
>> >>
>> >> http://www.lemondbikes.com/2004_bikes/big_sky_s.shtml
>> >> --snip--
>> >>
>> >> They also have the next model up, for $799,
>> >>
>> >> http://www.lemondbikes.com/2004_bikes/big_sky_sl.shtml
>> >>
>> >> ...normally $1000, with Shimano 105, and some other improvements.
>> >
>> >Hey, those look a lot like Cannondale's sport road bikes or the
>> >Specialized Roubaix bikes. Nice choice for fitness riding, IMHO.
>> >
>> >I can't tell you which is the better deal, but whichever you choose, I
>> >hope you have a great time with it.
>> >
>> >-km
>>
>> Except they're aluminum, whereas the Cannondale is steel, I believe. Both
>> got good reviews on roadbikereview.com.
>>
>> After some research, it looks like the 'S' is a good deal, and the 'SL',
>> for $799 is a -great- deal (the SL often goes for $1200bucks).
>>
>As long as it *fits*, its a good deal. Lemond are known to have a longish
>top tube, so it wouldn't be a good choice for some people, i.e., those with
>long legs/short torso. Remember, fit, not frame material, should be one of
>the main factors in choosing a bike. A poorly fitted bike means you won't
>enjoy riding, and how "good" is a bike if it sits in a garage....

Hmm, didn't know that. I have long arms. The fit seemed good enough,
although the saddle was tapping me in the crotch/butt area when I stood to
test climb - that seemed a little strange, but I probably could work around
it since it was just lightly doing so - maybe the crank arms were too long
for me?

-B

 

[Pbwalther]

>It's got Tiagra 8-speed and the LBS will swap out the suspension seat post
>for a regular post n/c.

>They also have the next model up, for $799,

>..normally $1000, with Shimano 105, and some other improvements.
>
>Is that enough of a price break where it's worth the extra $200 or would I
>probably not notice a difference?

It depends on how much you plan to ride. I have not fooled around with Tiagra.
Shimano 105 is considered entry level racing and it is what I use. Shimano
105 with proper maintenance will give you quite a few miles before things start
to need replacing.

 

[Badger_South]

On 16 Sep 2004 14:24:05 GMT, [email protected] (Pbwalther) wrote:

>>It's got Tiagra 8-speed and the LBS will swap out the suspension seat post
>>for a regular post n/c.
>
>>They also have the next model up, for $799,
>
>>..normally $1000, with Shimano 105, and some other improvements.
>>
>>Is that enough of a price break where it's worth the extra $200 or would I
>>probably not notice a difference?
>
>It depends on how much you plan to ride. I have not fooled around with Tiagra.
> Shimano 105 is considered entry level racing and it is what I use. Shimano
>105 with proper maintenance will give you quite a few miles before things start
>to need replacing.

I do about 100-150miles per week, and need something durable, b/c I weigh
about 225.

When you say 'proper maintenance' do you just mean keeping the chain clean
and lubed? By quite a few miles, can you give a ball park? I'd hope it
would last 2-3 years before needing replacement. I know most dedicated
bikers ride much more than 6,000 miles per year, thus my guess.

-B

 

[Ken]

Badger_South <[email protected]> wrote in
news:[email protected]:
> When you say 'proper maintenance' do you just mean keeping the chain
> clean and lubed? By quite a few miles, can you give a ball park? I'd hope
> it would last 2-3 years before needing replacement. I know most dedicated
> bikers ride much more than 6,000 miles per year, thus my guess.

Shimano 105 can last 50,000 miles or more with proper maintenance. Chain
maintenance is the most frequent item, but you should clean your brake pads and
lube your hubs periodically as well.

 

[Bob in CT]

On Thu, 16 Sep 2004 15:11:48 +0000, Ken <[email protected]> wrote:

> Badger_South <[email protected]> wrote in
> news:[email protected]:
>> When you say 'proper maintenance' do you just mean keeping the chain
>> clean and lubed? By quite a few miles, can you give a ball park? I'd
>> hope
>> it would last 2-3 years before needing replacement. I know most
>> dedicated
>> bikers ride much more than 6,000 miles per year, thus my guess.
>
> Shimano 105 can last 50,000 miles or more with proper maintenance. Chain
> maintenance is the most frequent item, but you should clean your brake
> pads and
> lube your hubs periodically as well.

I've already replace my Shimano 600 brake pads, with about 1 year of
riding. The new pads are nicer, though (some type of red compound that
has much better wet stopping ability).

--
Bob in CT
Remove ".x" to reply

 

[maxo]

On Thu, 16 Sep 2004 15:11:48 +0000, Ken wrote:

> Shimano 105 can last 50,000 miles or more with proper maintenance. Chain
> maintenance is the most frequent item, but you should clean your brake
> pads and lube your hubs periodically as well.

Yeah, I've had great experience with 105 as well. The parts that wear like
chains and cassette are going to cost the same to replace on either group
if you go aftermarket. If you trash a 105 derailleur, they're only around
35 bucks to replace. The brifters seem to be the same quality as Tiagra to
me at least, so it really shouldn't "feel" any different.

Save the 200 bucks and get some fun doo-dads to bolt onto the bike.

 

[Jeff Starr]

On Fri, 17 Sep 2004 00:06:17 GMT, maxo <[email protected]> wrote:

>On Thu, 16 Sep 2004 15:11:48 +0000, Ken wrote:
>
>> Shimano 105 can last 50,000 miles or more with proper maintenance. Chain
>> maintenance is the most frequent item, but you should clean your brake
>> pads and lube your hubs periodically as well.
>
>Yeah, I've had great experience with 105 as well. The parts that wear like
>chains and cassette are going to cost the same to replace on either group
>if you go aftermarket. If you trash a 105 derailleur, they're only around
>35 bucks to replace. The brifters seem to be the same quality as Tiagra to
>me at least, so it really shouldn't "feel" any different.
>
>Save the 200 bucks and get some fun doo-dads to bolt onto the bike.

I think you have it backwards, 105 is a step up from Tiagra. The
brifters are similar internally, I believe, but externally the 105 are
nicer. My bike came with Tiagra shifters, and I upgraded them to DA.

I would spent the extra money, from your posts, it is obvious that you
love to ride and will definitely enjoy the better equiped bike.

Anyway, that's my opinion;-)


Life is Good!
Jeff

 

[Frederic Briere]

Badger_South <[email protected]> wrote:
> ...on sale for $599, being a 2004 close-out. The bike's 'relaxed' geometry
[...]
> It's got Tiagra 8-speed and the LBS will swap out the suspension seat post

I'm curious, since nobody reacted to this: how can a 2004 bike have 8sp
Tiagra components? The online description seems to imply a Sora/Tiagra
mix, with Sora shifter and Tiagra rder. Is this a common practice?

(Not picky, just curious.)


--
Frederic Briere <*> [email protected]

=> <[email protected]> IS NO MORE: <http://www.abacomsucks.com> <=

 

[Badger_South]

On 21 Sep 2004 17:10:17 -0500, Frederic Briere <[email protected]> wrote:

>Badger_South <[email protected]> wrote:
>> ...on sale for $599, being a 2004 close-out. The bike's 'relaxed' geometry
>[...]
>> It's got Tiagra 8-speed and the LBS will swap out the suspension seat post
>
>I'm curious, since nobody reacted to this: how can a 2004 bike have 8sp
>Tiagra components? The online description seems to imply a Sora/Tiagra
>mix, with Sora shifter and Tiagra rder. Is this a common practice?
>
>(Not picky, just curious.)

I'm not that up on the names of the components, but I know it had a Tiagra
rear deraileur (that was written on the der.), and it did have a Sora front
chainring. The shifters may have been Sora, b/c they weren't that nice
double brake handle type, but a small thumb stud on the inside to shift up,
while using the brake handle to shift the other way. It did leave something
to be desired, imo, b/c you had to push the brake handle sideways quite a
distance to get it to shift, and the thumbstud looked like cheap plastic.

Definitely had 8 rings in the cassette, b/c I counted them. The LBS guy
said you could upgrade them to 9, but I wouldn't be surprised if he was
wrong. (they often give answers counter to what I read in this ng and other
biking ngs)

-B

 

[Frederic Briere]

Badger_South <[email protected]> wrote:
> I'm not that up on the names of the components, but I know it had a Tiagra
> rear deraileur (that was written on the der.), and it did have a Sora front
> chainring. The shifters may have been Sora, b/c they weren't that nice

The chainrings shouldn't be much of an issue; they're made of steel
instead of aluminum (Tiagra and above), so they're merely a bit heavier.
(And as Sheldon pointed out, they might actually last longer, too.)

> double brake handle type, but a small thumb stud on the inside to shift up,
> while using the brake handle to shift the other way. It did leave something

Yup, that's Sora. Some like 'em better that the regular STI stuff, and
some don't. Sheldon points out that they're the only levers with
adjustable reach, which is why he loves them so much.

> Definitely had 8 rings in the cassette, b/c I counted them. The LBS guy
> said you could upgrade them to 9, but I wouldn't be surprised if he was
> wrong. (they often give answers counter to what I read in this ng and other
> biking ngs)

This would require upgrading the rear shifter (and the front too, if the
idea of mismatched shifters throws you in a fit), which could be a bit
costly. It might be worth asking how much it would cost to swap the
Sora shifters for Tiagra right away, and slip a 9sp cassette back there.
(And maybe the chain, too, if it's 8sp.)


--
Frederic Briere <*> [email protected]

=> <[email protected]> IS NO MORE: <http://www.abacomsucks.com> <=

 

[Frederic Briere]

Frederic Briere <[email protected]> wrote:
> I'm curious, since nobody reacted to this: how can a 2004 bike have 8sp
> Tiagra components? The online description seems to imply a Sora/Tiagra
> mix, with Sora shifter and Tiagra rder. Is this a common practice?

While thinking about it, it occurred to me that some people have
complained about how cheap Sora's plastic rder looked; upgrading it to
Tiagra while keeping the rest of the Sora components would be a logical
solution.


(I usually don't talk to myself in public like that.)

--
Frederic Briere <*> [email protected]

=> <[email protected]> IS NO MORE: <http://www.abacomsucks.com> <=