Road Cycling - I FINALLY bought a NEW bike...

Well, this afternoon I went ahead and did it. I bought an 04 Lemond Zurich! I talked with my wife this morning and she gave me the green light...in fact, she even suggested I buy an 04 instead of the 03 because it sounded like I really liked that one better.

Should be in early next week and ready for me a day or so after that. I'm ready for a new ride. Something ALOT lighter than my current beastie.

Of course, this was no easy purchase and even when I was ready the shop guy offered me a demo 04 Maillot Jaune for $2,800. Just a bit too much for me to spend unfortunately. I told him if he went to $2,500 I'd buy it.

But I'm happy as can be. Can't wait to get out on it. Thanks as always to everyone here who helped me through the process.

PJBAZ

Those babies are shhhweeeet. I'm jealous.

55/Rad
Lemond Maillot Jaune and Poprad Owner

Congrats!!!

I just got my '04 Buenos Aires. Way to go going for the "Spine Design" you're gonna' love it!

nice ...

any pictures yet?

i made my entry into road riding late this spring with an '04 tourmalet and i've been enjoying the ride.

michael

...in fact, she even suggested I buy an 04 instead of the 03 because it sounded like I really liked that one better.PJBAZ

What a honey!

Congrats!!!

I just got my '04 Buenos Aires. Way to go going for the "Spine Design" you're gonna' love it!


I was looking at the Buenos Aires too, how do you like it?

I was looking at the Buenos Aires too, how do you like it?

I absolutely love it.

It's easy to ride, the frame transmits road feel, but is never harsh even over bad stretches of pavement. I feel like I can expend more energy riding, because I'm not absorbing a lot of shock.

The angles work really well for me, I found myself comfortable almost immediately as far as seating, reach and pedaling positions. On top of that, the bike's handling is precise, but "relaxed" as opposed to more "twitchy" bikes I've ridden. It's the geometry again I suppose, and it feels very forgiving.

It's quite light, though I haven't weighed it. -Come to think of it I should roll by my vet and use the scale in the waiting room.

The components all work as expected, no problems there.

And I even love the way it looks. Overall it was exactly the right bike for me and I'm glad I got it. Now I just need more time to ride.

So when I get married, Im going to have to ask my wife before buying things? I dunno if I like the sound of this... :(

The 04 Zurich is a sweet Steed!!! Congrats! I was giving one the "major eyeball" at my local LBS a few days ago. I think the way they tie in the carbon just rocks!!! It is serious Eye Candy!!! Post your first ride impressions... Curious minds want to know!

Ride Safe,
Ti-Carbo

Congrats on the the bike. I hope you like it. I will be joining you real soon, tomorrow I'm buying a 04 Lemond Buenos Aires. Can't wait to take it for a long, long, ride!

So when I get married, Im going to have to ask my wife before buying things? I dunno if I like the sound of this... :(

Oh, most definitely and your mind will boggle at the strange and unimaginable things you will be buying at her behest. You will be amazed to discover the cost of curtains and that you absolutely =need= a themed kitchen. I've already told you too much. You'll have to discover the rest on your own.

So when I get married, Im going to have to ask my wife before buying things? I dunno if I like the sound of this... :(


Not if you keep a backbone and don't become ***** whipped.

UPDATE!!!!!!

I got home tonight from being away a few days and had a message from the shop. Called them back and the bike is in...but there was a problem.

Seems the Bontrager Race Lite forks were mashed in shipping. So, the shop calls the rep and asks him to expedite a new set right away. Rep says that'll be a problem, 7-10 days. Shop says, "BS, it's your fault he wants his new bike." Rep says upgrade the forks to Bontrager Race X Lite. Shop says "colors won't be right."
Shop realizes they have a set of Bontrager Race XXX Lite that will match perfectly. Rep says go ahead and make the swap.

Needless to say, I'm pretty happy about being upgraded to the best fork they make for NO extra $. The weight savings is 150g!!!

WOO HOO! I pick it up tomorrow afternoon.

Thanks for the kind words about my new baby.
PJBAZ

What did the XXX Lite fork come off I wonder - a new Tete de Course or Victoire? Either way, good deal for you!

55/Rad

All right!

How great is it when things work out better than we expect?

They came off a Tete de Corse Project One bike. Apparently, when that bike came in the fork decals were not exactly what they ordered- Lemond on the sides instead of front I think. The guy who was forking (pun intended) out a TON of $$ for the Tete Proj. One wasn't happy so they got new ones and had these in the shop.

They are supposed to be the exact colors of my Zurich.

I'll find out in about 2 hours.

PJ

I just pulled up a pic of that Zurich on the Lemond site. That is one sweet looking ride...and that carbon should make for a bike as lite as blazes.

I am as excited as you my friend..as I brought home a Giant Composite O on friday afternoon...with Dura Ace 10 and Ksyrium SL's. I just got back from a 25 miler...just me and my new bike. Sweeeeeeet!

My old road bike had an Ultegra drivetrain...and now I'm on Dura Ace. Once upon a time I rode 105's. So let me comment that there is a big step up from 105 to Dura Ace...but only a minor step up from Ultegra to Dura Ace....and that is from experience. So I believe..having ridden all of the Shimano hi end drivetrains..that Ultegra is the biggest bang for the buck! You are getting a very nice 'hi end' road bike with a quality drive train.

Please let us know how you like that new bike.

Took my first ride tonight and the bike is awesome, especially with the upgraded Race XXX Lite fork up front. The only thing I can't stand is the saddle. Damn near killed me and all I did was 22 miles- the usual loop.

It is nice and smooth, responsive, and SI shifters are the cats A$$! I've been on downtube shifters only until now that is.

PJ