Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - 2005 Felt F70 or 2005 Lemond Zurich

Sorry, I am sure you all grow tired of the, "which bike should I buy?" but I really need your expert opinions.

I have checked out both bikes and I love riding them both. They both feel great.

Bike one. 2005 Lemond Zurich Carbon/Steel road bike 55cm for sale. Full Ultegra 10-speed components. Full specs and geometry: http://www.lemondbikes.com/bike_archive/2005/steel_carbon/zurich.php

Raced, never crashed. Well taken care of and cleaned often. New cassette, chain and cables. Brand new Fizik Pave saddle. Includes two Elite Ciussi water bottle cages. $950

Bike two. This is a gently used Felt F70 road bike that has less than 200 miles on it.
The year model is 2005 and the frame is a size 56cm.
The bike has a carbon fiber front fork and seat stays for reduced weight and increased comfort.
Everything on the bike is stock except for the Bontrager Race X Lite tires that have no miles on them.
It has shimano 105 front and rear derailleurs and shifters. $800

Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Oh, I am 5'11 and 250 pounds.

Thank you!

Lemond is a cry baby- I wouldn't buy it because of the name on the bike. You can always upgrade components over time.

Lemond is a cry baby- I wouldn't buy it because of the name on the bike. You can always upgrade components over time.

but the frame material and quality on the LeMond is much nicer - easily worth the price difference.

Lemond is a cry baby- I wouldn't buy it because of the name on the bike. You can always upgrade components over time.


Yes, Lemond the man seems to have issues. One of which is that he wouldn't see a dime off of this sale..........that being said, his bikes have always been well done.

With only $150 difference in price, I would say ride them both and see how you feel on each. If the Lemond was a racer, the geometry may be more aggressive, and less comfy for distance riding.

While I might gravitate toward the Ultegra components, many feel that 105 are the biggest bang for the buck when buying new. Heck, I have 2 full 105 bikes and have no complaints. (Here is where I confess to having an Ultegra rear dérailleur to go onto one.

In the event that both fit and ride well to you, there really isn't a wrong decision. Either bike would make a nice ride. I do think that being 2005 models that they may be a wee bit over priced however.

As it stands now, 2008 may well end up being the last year for a Lemond bike to be produced unless he finds a white knight to continue building.

Thanks for the advice. I truly like both bikes but I thought the asking price is bit high too. I hate haggeling with sellers, ugh. What do you think a fair price is?

Lemond=longer top tube, Felt=shorter. There'll be a fitting difference. Also, us heavy people should always opt for the frame and fork that will fit a wider tire.

Lemond is a cry baby- I wouldn't buy it because of the name on the bike. You can always upgrade components over time.


Lets see you attempt the TDF, I'd bet you'rea bigger crybaby!:roflmao2:

Lemonds personal issues aside, the rides are great. Very comfy geometry. I was considering a full CF bike when a rep asked if I had ever tried the model you mention. He said it was by far a better ride than the full cf. Didn't have them so I know he wasn't trying to make a sale.

My Tourmalet (alum)was very comfy and the new replacement frame is a good smooth ride (CF/alum). Only thing I have against Lemond is that they seem a bit flexy in the alum BB area aw they are small in tubing diameter and I am 220- 245'ish depending on riding goals. But I have no idea of the steel or full cf as I have not ridden one. I know the full cf is much larger than my alum at the BB.

I love my Lemond as a century ride bike. But as far as doing a century with 10,000ft of climbing, I'd much rather ride my sitff Cannondale. So depends on your style of riding. If it's a century bike, go for the Lemond.

I know nothing about Felt, but I dont care for the looks.:D

Lemond=longer top tube, Felt=shorter. There'll be a fitting difference. Also, us heavy people should always opt for the frame and fork that will fit a wider tire.


I've been riding 23's for 13 years with no issues. I presently ride a 25 on my Lemond only cause I had it in the closet and use it for a training tire. I don't notice much difference at all while I am about the same weight as the OP.:thumb:

Read:

http://www.scribd.com/doc/2472984/LeMond-Cyclings-March-2008-Lawsuit-vs-Trek-Bikes

I just bought an '06 LeMond Buenos Aires this past Spring. My bike is nearly identical to the '05 Zurich. The main differences in the Zurich are bottom bracket and crank are Shimano Ultegra vs. TruVative & Bontrager for mine. The wheels are the Bontrager Race Lites vs. the Race. I sat one afew Treks and the LeMonds and the LeMonds just fit my taller frame a little better (6'2.5" 215 Lbs). The original Race Luxe saddle did NOT work for me. The more I rode it, the more my posterior hurt. I switched to a Selle Royal Dargo and life has been infinitely better. I am sure there are better saddles, but this one was cost effective for me. I can't speak to the other bike as I have never ridden one. I can tell you that my bike is remarkably comfortable. This is my 1st road bike and I can't believe how smooth it rides. Even with the frequently terrible roads around here in the Buffalo Snow belt life has been good on this bike. I just finished a Century ride on it last weekend, and my bum (and other private parts) survived just fine and without pain. My legs were sore at the end, but that was to be expected.

For a point of reference I paid $1400 this past April for my new '06 Buenos Aires. The list price for the '06 was around $1800. From what I can tell on the web, the Zurich sold for about $200 more than the Buenos Aires back then. Add an other year of age to further reduce the price, and then add the fact that mine was new dealer stock that they wanted to sell, and had never been used. I am terrible at haggeling and quite frankly hate doing it. Given that, I would still bid a bit below the asking price. Used bikes lose value even faster than used cars. Otherwise you will have a very nice bike. The saddle the seller put on it may work for you, or may be just as uncomfortable for you as the stock saddle was for me. It is without a doubt the most subjective item on any bike.

Happy riding,
André

Thanks Andre, that was a great review. I am definitely leaning towards the Zurich. I just want to get a better price.