[bkdelux]

Hi,

I was thinking about buying the Lemond Porad disc and can get it for $1350. Is this a good deal? Does anyone have an opinion on the disc vs the regular poprad? I plan to ride some fire roads, ride to work, and do some road rides.

Also, not sure if I buy extra set of wheels and road tires what I need to do with disc? Does it require some special wheels?

Thanks everyone!!!

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[bsyptak]

You need disc specific wheels, hub is different. This likely means you will need to have them built, as there aren't too many 700c bikes out there with disc brakes. So pre-built wheelsets are probably not too common. You'll also incur a weight penalty with discs vs cantilevers. I'm not sure about the price, but if it's 10% or more below MSRP, then it's probably a pretty good deal.

[stric]

As far as money goes, that's a good deal. However, my understanding is that discs are not necessarily allowed in CX racing. It seems that only canties can go. But if we ignore the racing part, disk brakes are pretty sweet and I owuldn't mind them at all.

[KeatonR]

Well, I think the disc Poprad is cool, and the carbon fork is definitely a nice plus, but I personally would probably end up going with the canti version. (I own the '05 canti version, but I didn't have the option of the disc at the time.)

Here's what I love about mine. It's super-versatile. I can tool around on it offroad, on dirt roads and even on some singletrack. I can ride it to work. And then I can switch wheels and have a pretty light and nimble road bike. Having a second wheelset is definitely a nice thing, b/c you can have your tougher offroad set, and then your lighter and faster road set. No switching tires.

FWIW, I have disc brakes on my mountain bike and like them a lot, but I wouldn't opt for them on my Poprad.

[Dusk]

Well, I think the disc Poprad is cool, and the carbon fork is definitely a nice plus,

Here's what I love about mine. It's super-versatile. I can tool around on it offroad, on dirt roads and even on some singletrack. I can ride it to work. And then I can switch wheels and have a pretty light and nimble road bike. Having a second wheelset is definitely a nice thing, b/c you can have your tougher offroad set, and then your lighter and faster road set. No switching tires.

FWIW, I have disc brakes on my mountain bike and like them a lot, but I wouldn't opt for them on my Poprad.

I agree with KeatonR.

Unless your riding in rain all the time don't go for the disk. Being able to change out wheels is worth more.

[bkdelux]

Hey that's good advice, I'm definitely going to go straight cantilever. I'm pretty sure I would like to have the extra wheels for my morning all street commute. Do you have any opinion on good wheel and tire combos? and where to buy?

regards,
bkdelux

[bsyptak]

Everybody raves about Mavic Open Pros laced to Ultegra hubs. Really can't go wrong there. About $200. If you want something lighter, consider Xero XR-1s at about the same price. They are about 1520 grams, which is probably about 1 pound lighter than the Open Pro/Ultegras. They are pretty nice wheels and get good reviews on this site. I bought a pair, but haven't used them for more than about 50 miles, so I can't give a report yet. Don't forget to buy an additional cassette as well.

[xlntRider79]

personally I'd say spring for the disc brakes for the better stoppng power in adverse conditions. They're only illegal according to UCI rules, so if you're not planning to contest the 'worlds any time soon, you'll be fine. Most local races are "run what ya brung" (with the exception of bullhorns or flat MTB bars with bar ends, of course). As for wheels, many disc brake bikes have 135 rear spacing to work with mountain disc hubs. 29ers are becoming so popular in the MTB world that finding replacement 700c disc wheels is a non-issue.

[slagjumper]

I looked at the Lemond Poprod and thought that they where a good price value. The disc version was 1400. I just built a bike up and decided to go with the Cantis. Not only are discs a bit heavier, but it is weight on a rotating part and that I have heard has some effect on acceleration, more than the extra weight. I weigh in at 185 and the cantis have no issues. I do like the idea that if I bend my wheel or pop a few spokes, the disc would be better for that. Also seems like it would be useful in the snow to have discs.

One thing about the Lemond CXs was that they have a single, front facing screw mount. Rack/ Fenders--not that you care, but there is a single screwmount (like a water bottle threaded thing)it looks like it would work well for a fender, but not sure if there are any racks that could mount to that.

[Dusk]

Hey that's good advice, I'm definitely going to go straight cantilever. I'm pretty sure I would like to have the extra wheels for my morning all street commute. Do you have any opinion on good wheel and tire combos? and where to buy?

regards,
bkdelux

The shop where you buy the bike might be able to give you a deal and good advice on a set of wheels. Without knowing your commute. It is hard to say "buy this one". There are some commutes that take you into areas that are not as safe as you would like so you might want bomb proof. Or you might be riding where you don't have any worries. Look at what works for you now and talk with your LBS (local bike shop).

Cheers

[bkdelux]

Again, thanks for all of the good advice. My commute is through the lovely streets of San Francisco. There will be some pot holes, some homeless people, and a few other things to look out for, but all in all it's a fairly straight forward 2 mile run each way. Wheel wise I would ideally find something that could stand up to the commute and would be good for better planned weekend rides.

I'm sold on the canti's, I have an old Schwinn Suburban that weighs about 40lbs and have gotten that thing going pretty fast and never once had an issue stopping. And snow just doesn't happen here in the city!

Thanks for everyones input...