Road Cycling - ??? 2004 Zurich or 2003 Maillot (same price)

I would like some opinions from experienced riders. I have no experience with either of these bikes or Gruppo sets. My current ride is a 25 year old 27" Schwinn.

I can get either a 2004 Zurich or a 2003 Maillot Jaune for $2200. The main difference I believe is the Zurich is Ultegra and the MJ is DuraAce. I'm told the new Zurich is also half steel half carbon.

I don't race so weight etc is not a issue. Thanks

This is another of those subjective questions. Look at both with a very critical eye, ride both, ask the LBS what they recommend, then make your entirely subjective choice.

I have not seen the 2004 Zurich so I don't know the paint scheme, but, if push came to shove, I'd probably taken the Maillot Jaune. Of course, then I'd have to learn how to say Maillot Jaune correctly!

I just found this pic after reading your post. Having recently bought a 03 Zurich, I was curious to see what the changes were on the new model.

Like others on this board will tell you, ride both and see what you like better. On paper, it would seem that the MJ would be the better buy b/c of the DA. Then again, you may prefer the ride of the steel/carbon combo. Also consider what geometry you prefer (since the new Zurich is a semi-compact frame).

Have fun!

You definitely need to get to your LBS and try both. I was deciding between a 2004 Trek 5200 and a 2003 Lemond Le Victoire. Both had pretty much the same components but the Trek is carbon and the Lemond is Titanium. I went and rode both twice and wound up with the Trek...Both are excellent bikes, but one just fit better.

Good luck,

Teski

Ive heard alot of people say, that Dura ace requires upkeep and replacement more often. If that is true,,,, do you want that? Ride them both, and see which you prefer.

Wow,jax down here just had 03 Zurich's for $1616.Cool factor,MJ.Higher resale to.Chain reaction bicycles has 03 zurich 59cm &53cm for $1800.98 MJ 51cm for $1800, 2000 zurich blem 53cm $1300.

Thanks for the opinions and information , especially the picture, I had not been able to locate one. It's appreciated.

A Zurich with compact geometry? Is nothing sacred?

I have an old 1997 Zurich with traditional geometry and also horizontal dropouts. Does the new Zurichs have these because I know there have been some problems with the wheel slipping out if you happen to have QRs that aren't scored to grab more? I know I have had a couple cases where my wheel started to pull out of the dropouts because I didn't tighten it enough. No crashes but I'd usually notice it when the wheel would start to rub against a chainstay. My zurich is also full Reynolds 853 steel.

Because of that, I'm thinking of making it into a single speed...

Jay

LBS,2003 Zurich,$1599