Road Cycling - Klein Aluminum or Bianchi/Lemond Steel

I'm finally going to get a better bike after 32 years with a Schwinn Sports Tourer. It's the only road bike I've ever had and is Chrome Molly Steel (needless to say I haven't been a real serious rider). I like the way it feels on the road. From reading this forum for awhile it seems most of you prefer steel frames. Today a salesman was telling me one of Klein's new bikes for 03 will have aluminum frame of course and a carbon fork but also something new in the back end. The rear part of the frame near the wheel set will also be carbon which supposedly will soften the ride and provide stability. I like the way the Kleins look with their paint jobs but not sure if I should just go ahead a get a Bianchi or Lemond steel frame and forget about aluminum frames. Anyone have an opinion of Klein bikes. I can go up to about $1500 range. Thanks for your replies.

I hold no reservations on aluminum. It is stiff, light and all that other good stuff. with carbon rear triangle and fork, you should be pretty comfy. the carbon doesnt make the frame more flexible, it dampens vibrations.

Steel is good, comfortable. I'm not a big fan of it but that's just me. Objectively, it is heavier than aluminum but more compliant. One factor for me is that I really dislike bottom bracket flex (which steel has)- but the comfort and lively feel convert people. It is a minority where I am- mainly because of weight, I think.

Kleins are beautiful frames and really well sorted out. The Quantum Race and Gerolsteiner are really, really well sorted. They are pricey in comparison (although I think they are worth the $) so for $1500 you can get other aluminum/carbon bikes with higher spec components, i think.

LeMond, Trek and Bianchi seem to be really popular on this board.

I may be a little off here, and someone correct me if I am wrong, but depending on the steel and aluminum frames that you're looking at, the weight difference would be at the very most 1 lb. Frame weight is not so much of an issue as wheel weight, crank weight, etc. An additional lb of frame weight is like adding 1 lb to your body weight, which in relative terms is almost nothing. Removing a pound from the wheels or something you have to spin will have a greater effect, as you are more dramatically decreasing the rolling resistance.

That said, I like steel, but not as much due to the additional flex associated with the material.

I did not put this into words very well, but hopefully my point comes across :)

Dax

sometimes there is flex in the bottom bracket because some stock steel frames are not the same steel throughout the entire geometry. most all of the entry level steel (including the LeMond's) have a different steel through the BB even though they say it is 520 or 525 or 853....

the lemonds are radically different geometry from other bikes, so paint job is the least of your concerns. very good aluminum is not as harsh (like any high end material) but klein, as many other manufacturers love that caron fiber forks that dampen the aluminum ride is a relatively cheap way to improve any perceived harshness....

for the price of a klein, compare steel of similar $$$ to make your informed decision. i ride a custom steel bike and would say that sometimes i wonder if i sacraficed springiness on climbs for comfort, but i trained past it and i would have spent $5000 for a climbing machine.....

steel is comfortable, repairable, lasts.....how long did that schwinn last you?!!

Originally posted by RacerX
.

Steel is good, comfortable. I'm not a big fan of it but that's just me. Objectively, it is heavier than aluminum but more compliant. One factor for me is that I really dislike bottom bracket flex (which steel has)-

RacerX,
I believe that alot of the BB flex is influenced by
tube diameter and shaping at the bb. Ovalized downtube and
seat tubes will increase BB stiffness, i.e. Serotta CSI steel
frame. One big benefit of oversized Alu frame tubes (thank you
Cannondale) is much more rigid bottom brackets.

Marty

You won't get the Klein for $1500.Ignore the hooey being tossed about and try the Lemond or Bianchi steel.Hard to go wrong there.

I bought a new Klein Quantum this year ----and love it. After a few teething problems getting the fit right.

After riding a steel tubed Schwinn for the last 10 years---I just knew I wanted something different---while smooth it always felt sluggish----my Klein accelerates like all get out.

I looked over the Lemonds--Trek 2200 ----Cannondales and the Bianchi's---all but the Cannondale felt like my old bike---and I wanted something different.

And no---$1500 won't get you a Klein unless you can find and old model close-out in your frame size.

Lovemydog-

Some very good points have been made above re steel vs aluminum. Howerver, the ultimate test of what's best for you is how it feels to you on the road.

Accordingly, if possible, take each of the bikes you're considering out for an extended test ride (an hour or two if possible). Ride a course you're familiar with and pay attention to how the bike feels- If it handles predictably, and of course how comfortable it is. Check each one out on smooth and not so smooth road, and climb and descend a few hills too.

It can be a bit tricky doing this kind of A-B comparison with different bikes, which is why a longer test ride is important. Especially if you're moving up from a heavy Chromoloy frame, any of the bikes you've mentioned will seem pretty nimble and quick compared to your Sports Tourer, so pay attention to how the new bikes compare to each other.

If it turns out that an aluminum frame works for you, you really can't do any better than Klein for the money. Similarly in steel, Lemond and Bianchi are both build some very nice frames.

I have a Bianchi Veloce (Dedachai Zero Uno tubeset) which I love dearly- it gives me very, very precise handling and is therefore confidence-inspiring on fast descents, while at the same time comfortable for all-day rides..

Incidentally, I rode a Schwinn very much like your current bike when I was in college and loved it, but I got instantly spoiled as soon as I rode a friend's Motobecane Grand Jubilee.


You're in a dream position right now- shopping for a new ride! Take the time and enjoy it!

I bought a 2002 Klein Quantum in March, after testing several other bikes, including a Lemond. I really like the Klein, though I must admit 700 miles later, I'm still tweaking the fit.

I don't find the ride rough at all, and the response I get when climbing or sprinting is awesome. I think it is a very good bike, with good components (105s). The frame is one I can see keeping for long time.

Everyone is right though, it will cost more than $1500. Mine was $1629 on sale.

My advice is to go test ride each bike for a decent ride (not just around the block). Good luck!