Road Cycling - 2002 Lemond Victoire or Maillot Junes

Hi there all - I'm trying to decide between these two Lemonds and I'm having a tough time. The Victoire is all Ti and comes with Ultegra's and Race Lites won't rust like steel, etc and is $2000 brand new. The Maillot Junes is the same price but is steel, has Dura Ace and Race X Lites. I'm kinda leaning towards the Victoire because its Ti but the wheels and componentry on the MJ is unmatched. What do you recommend I do? Thanks!

Ti.. softer ride (i think) and lighter and not everyone has ti!!!!

I'd go with the Victoire. The Ti will be interesting to have, and unless you're racing the Ultegra is probably a better all-round group.

I have a Maillot Jaune.. mine is built up with Ultegra and Shimano 540 wheels... I love it.. super smooth... the Ti Victoire would be cool though.. Ti is great... and Dura-Ace doesn't last as long (or so I've been told by my LBS)

Jeff

I think the Victoire's frame is beautiful. That'd be my choice.

Here's another vote in favour of Titanium. (All other things being equal...)

In your case, I would be more concerned with the frame choice (material, build quality, geometry, fit) than with the components. You are looking at high-end frames, that will last a long, long time--most likely the frame (also the steel one) will outlive any of the components on it.

Did you get the chance to test ride them both? It would be interesting to hear whether and where they 'felt' different to you.

I don't know whether Dura-Ace doesn't last as long, as Jeff's LBS says (I doubt that he is correct, to be honest--leaving, perhaps, the bottom bracket aside). I do know that Ultegra is a nice group that leaves not much to be desired. Now bring in the Campagnolo lobbyists...

Dont worry about rust.Ti will break before rust is a problem.Keep care of it and the MJ is my choice.Not enough weight difference to matter unless your racing.Both light enough.

Bruco,

From what my LBS said, the BB is the main problem with Dura-Ace, he was telling me he had a guy riding a Full DA bike, and he replaced the bottom bracket 3 times in about 4 months... the LBS then installed an Ultergra BB, and it has been good for a year now... The thing with DA, although very well made, is lighter, and therefore more prone to breaking, compared to grouppos like Ultegra, and even 105, which I've heard from guys in my club that swear by the longevity of 105. I have Ultegra now... really no reason for me to go DA.. the Ultegra is sooo damn nice...

Jeff