Road Cycling - Help: 2003 Lemond Victoire or 2004 Trek 5200

Could really use your help. I can get a brand new 2003 Lemond Victoire on sale for pretty much the same price as a 2004 Trek 5200. Both have almost the exact some components....Looks like the only realy difference is the Titanium frame of the Lemond as opposed to the Carbon 5200.

I mostly ride recreationally, but am starting to do some mini-triathlons and will be hitting some hills East of Seattle, Washington.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Teski

Titanium is an old failed technology. Go with the Trek. Carbon Fiber is the future.

Originally posted by enac
Titanium is an old failed technology. Go with the Trek. Carbon Fiber is the future.

? :crash: :crash:

If you could only somehow substantiate that assertion?

Until you do, I'll assume you didn't post that.

Originally posted by Teski
Could really use your help. I can get a brand new 2003 Lemond Victoire on sale for pretty much the same price as a 2004 Trek 5200. Both have almost the exact some components....Looks like the only realy difference is the Titanium frame of the Lemond as opposed to the Carbon 5200.

I mostly ride recreationally, but am starting to do some mini-triathlons and will be hitting some hills East of Seattle, Washington.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Teski

Hi Teski. Unfortunately, I have no experience on the Lemond, but I'm sure that it's a great bike. I bought a 5200 last year, and can't imagine myself on any other bike. After riding several other bikes, it became obvious that the Trek fit me well, and was very responsive while muting the small stuff.

If you can, ride both bikes and make fit your #1 priority. Good luck!!!! :)

I did the opposite - bought the LeMond as a 2002 leftover - couldn't pass it up at $2,000 ... love the bike and couldn't imagine a better ride. Didn't look at the Trek, partially because there were no deals in my price range.

Originally posted by enac
Titanium is an old failed technology.

:D

Together with steel, aluminium, rubber, leather, cork, and all the other outdated materials.

:D

I love Ti!

:beer:

Teski, the Lemond owners will probably prefer the Victoire; the Trekkies will advise you to go with the 5200. Both camps are probably right, both bikes seem to be excellent, but they also need to justify their expenses...

So, as the others say: ride them both (preferrably adding another 'controll' bike to the test) and decide for yourself which one rides better (and looks better).

Good luck!

Thanks folks. I appreciate the comments. I have ridden both bikes and they were very close. The Trek seemed to be a bit better ride for me, but I am going back today or tomorrow to ride them both again. I know I'll be happy with either one.

Teski

My buddy went to the bike shop intending to walk out with the 5200. He was trading in a Look KG261 with Ultegra. He walked out with the LeMond Victoire, and he seems happy with his selection. I believe he made the selection based in large part by the salesman's advice, which was based on the type of riding we do - recreational, longer distances (primarily 60 or longer mile rides), the desire for comfort (lots of chip seal). Either way you go, you'll have a nice bike!

There was an awesome deal on ebay for a 5200 yesterday. It was a 2003, usps model. The buy it now was $1600.00. The thing was spotless. It didnt last long. It was a 58cm,,,,,,,,,, just my size. :D Too bad it's not mine.

How different is the 2004 5200 from the 2003 one? Just curious, since you might be able to find a good deal on the 2003 (or even a 2002).

This may be an indicator that I'm spending too much time on various forums, but are you the Teski from DP Review's forums and PhotoSIG? This is almost as weird as the time I saw a post from a guy I knew from fencing forums on a car forum.

Hey Foodle! Okay, this IS too weird. Yes, I am the same Teski. Never in a million years would I have though that I'd see someone from my photography world in my cycling world. :-) Good to see ya.

As for the 2003 vs. the 2004, they are the exact same as far as I know except for color (which is minor). The stores I shop at are out of 2003's and can't get anymore, and I tend to like to buy my bikes local as opposed to my camera gear which I buy all online.

Anyway, I'm heading back out today to test them again, and hopefully bring one home. :-)

Take care,

Teski

Some other minor differences:

2003 Trek 5200
SEATPOST: Bontrager Race
HANDLEBARS: Bontrager Race
STEM: Bontrager Race, 7°


2004 Trek 5200
SEATPOST: Bontrager Race X Lite
HANDLEBARS: Bontrager Race Lite
STEM: Bontrager Race Lite, 31.8, 7 degree

Well folks. I went back to the store tonight and rode both bikes again, and came home with the Trek 5200. I love it! Both bikes were awesome, but the 5200 just felt better to me. I really appreciate all of the input. Now I can't wait to get out on my first long ride. :-)

Teski

Congrats! There's no wrong answer in this test!

Congratulations, Teski! May you do many happy miles/kilometres on your 5200!:beer:

Originally posted by Teski
Well folks. I went back to the store tonight and rode both bikes again, and came home with the Trek 5200. I love it! Both bikes were awesome, but the 5200 just felt better to me. I really appreciate all of the input. Now I can't wait to get out on my first long ride. :-)

Teski

Congrats on the purchase of a fine steed! Please shoot the group some pix when you get the chance. :)

Thanks for the well wishes markedoc, bruko, and bac. I will post some pics as soon as I can.

Teski