Long Distance Competition/Ultracycling, Randonneuring and Endurance Cycling - Lynskey Sportive

Has anyone acquired a Lynskey Sportive, which is marketed as a long distance rando bike. I would be interested any impressions from any current owners,

My wife and I after CC touring for 30 years on a pair of racing bikes I built up in the 1980s, ordered a pair of Sportives with 105 5700 gruppos and 105 hubs laced to Mavic A-319 rims from Adrenaline Bikes for ourselves as retirement presents. They will be similar to this http://www.adrenalinebikes.com/store.cfm?do=DetailProduct&productid=121811

I have my deposit in on one, due to arrive sometime in July. Jack at Lynskey was a pleasure to work with through the process, and he upgraded my finish for free. Looking forward to building this up. I will use it for everything, brevets, commuting, club rides, pulling the tagalong and trailer with the kiddos ... it will replace my 2004 Salsa Campeon. I'll swap most of my Ultegra kit over, and add an Enve 2.0 fork, King HS, Thompson post, new 105 brifters. I ordered a Large to replace the 56cm Campeon, hoping the fit works out, might have to mess with stem length as bit, but should be OK. I'll be sure to post ride reports and pics when I get her on the road!

Can you bring it into your workplace and chain it to your desk?

I bought one yesterday, used my current wheel set, saddle, and seat post. I will never again let anyone convince me that the frame isn't a big part of the ride quality! It is a little slower handling than the frame I replaced and the ride(for me) is smooth as butter. This is after the first 25 mile ride on roads I am use to ridding. I would say the ride is close to my Long Haul Trucker loaded on 700x28s. I was running 700x23 with 110psi front and 120 rear on the Lynskey. The handling is much faster than the LHT unladen, but not as fast as the old Trek Al road bike frame it replaced. Much more comfortable and I can't tell it was at a speed loss over the old frame either, but I will know a little more about that after doing some long rides on it. To me it's just smooth all the way round.:love:

I would guess that anything I dropped that much on I had better love!;)

BTW, I have never done an ultra distance ride, but do lots of metric and century rides durring the year.

Hi,

May I jump into this thread with a related question? I am currently trying to decide between a Lynskey Sportive and Serotta Classique TI. Both will be built with ultegra. I was curious what you all might think about differences between the two frames, the companies, if whether the Classique is really more aggressive, less geared towards century+ riding, or if the Sportive is too much of a 'tour-like' ride to let me push on local club rides, etc. I should say that I do have an old Fuji Touring bike and worry that the Sportive is biased somewhat that way and would be "cross over" bike between touring and race.

Thanks,
Mark

Hi, I'm glad I found this thread. I was just looking at the Lynskey Sportive on their website last night. I have been also been looking at Litespeed and Merlin. I'm curious if anyone has done any comparisons.

Hi,

May I jump into this thread with a related question? I am currently trying to decide between a Lynskey Sportive and Serotta Classique TI. Both will be built with ultegra. I was curious what you all might think about differences between the two frames, the companies, if whether the Classique is really more aggressive, less geared towards century+ riding, or if the Sportive is too much of a 'tour-like' ride to let me push on local club rides, etc. I should say that I do have an old Fuji Touring bike and worry that the Sportive is biased somewhat that way and would be "cross over" bike between touring and race.

Thanks,
Mark

There is a huge price difference, the Classique TI frame is twice as much. I looked at Moots also and felt I was priced out. Does the Classique TI have rack and fender mounts? I need a bike that will be fast on the weekends but can handle the occasional tour.

I will post more to this thread as I ride the bike. The problem with questions like speed and pushing hard, is that they are subjective. I haven't gotten mine "dialed in" for what I will use it for, or done enough long rides, or rides with groups to have a good subjective answer. I can tell it seems to climb better than the Al road bike frame I was using and seems to accelerate easier. (same wheel set) I'm willing to give up a little topend speed if the comfort of the frame lets me make up for it on the back side of century rides, and it does indeed ride 10X smoother than my former frame. I did a hard fast ride yesterday evening (20 miles) and thought I may have been a little slower on this frame, but one ride doesn't make it so. After the ride I dropped my bars because I felt I was too up right, even in the drops. I like my bars set up so I am a little streached on top of the hoods, more up right back on the tops of the bars, and a little uncomfortable in the drops.
As far as quality of the frame, it looks like it could be launched into orbit!:thumb:

I rode a made-by-Lynskey Planet X Sportive. This bike was manufactured in 2008 and matches the current Lynskey Sportive perfectly.

It's a very good frame, best for a mid-weight or lighter rider. The head-tube was a little short for my requirements.

The rear triangle is stiff while still providing a sweet ride quality. The Alpha Q fork, in combination with the front triangle was flexy, however. High speed stability was adequate, but not perfectly composed.

I'm a bigger guy, 6' 0" and 210 lbs. The largest frame was just a little too flexy for me. However a lighter rider on a smaller frame should be happy.

http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll210/wildcat-bucket/2011PlanetXfull.jpg

http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll210/wildcat-bucket/2011PlanetXsignature.jpg

As far as quality of the frame, it looks like it could be launched into orbit!:thumb:

Sounds great. But does it feel like it could launch you into orbit!

[QUOTE=Barrettscv;12897324]I rode a made-by-Lynskey Planet X Sportive. This bike was manufactured in 2008 and matches the current Lynskey Sportive perfectly.

It's a very good frame, best for a mid-weight or lighter rider.

I'm a bigger guy, 6' 0" and 210 lbs. The largest frame was just a little too flexy for me. However a lighter rider on a smaller frame should be happy.

Thanks, Nice looking bike. So, I'm 5' 8" and 175 lbs and would only tour with weight perhaps once or twice a year. Primarily this would be my Go Fast weekend and long distance bike. It sounds like the right fit for me.

Sounds great. But does it feel like it could launch you into orbit!

Only if you order the optional after burner.

Thanks for everyone's observations. I have ordered a Lynskey R230 with Sram Force components which will better fit my riding style. Hopefully the new bike will arrive before BRAT which I plan to ride this year as well as the entire Natchez Trace (444 Miles) next year.

Congrats Tybee!

I have gotten to put in 70miles on the Sportive Saturday, and another 27 today. I am NOT a racer, and do some fast club rides, but I mostly ride orginised century rides during the year. My frame is the large and I ride a 56cm but the large seemed around 57 and it fits like a glove. I weigh 250 and I'm sure the best way to increase my speed is to trim 25lbs or so off my azz!:eek: I guess everyones idea of too soft or too firm is like a bed, everyone has an idea of "just rite". This frame rides so good to me that I could have ridden it all day! It just seems to eat up the rough pavenent and take the sharp edge off cracks and hard bumps. I know one ride don't make the whole story, but my speed was about the same as I would have expected from my old frame and I was feeling much less beat! So far I would say it does everything I have asked of it. I'm still dialing it in to some extent and will post back my findings after I put a 1000 miles on it and a few centuries. I think it's intestring that I can find almost no info on this frame and am glad to see this thread continue.

I am very interested in this bike. Would love to hear from anyone who has done any loaded touring or even trails or used it as a cross bike.

Ours are expected in August and I'll report back after we've had them for a while. We don't do loaded touring and our CC touring is usually in the 60-80 miles a day range, although we've cranked 100 plus.

Thanks for everyone's observations. I have ordered a Lynskey R230 with Sram Force components which will better fit my riding style. Hopefully the new bike will arrive before BRAT which I plan to ride this year as well as the entire Natchez Trace (444 Miles) next year.

Good choice! You supported a local (Tennessee) company as well.

I am very interested in this bike. Would love to hear from anyone who has done any loaded touring or even trails or used it as a cross bike.

I would use a CX frame or a sports/touring frame for the usage you describe. The Sportive will fit 700x25 tires, but wider tires will be needed for anything off-road. Also, the chain-stays are too short for loaded touring. The Sportive could allow about 20 lbs of load for Brevets or credit-card touring, but not loaded touring. I have a Cyclocross bike that is a better all-around bike that the Sportive.

I would use a CX frame or a sports/touring frame for the usage you describe. The Sportive will fit 700x25 tires, but wider tires will be needed for anything off-road. Also, the chain-stays are too short for loaded touring. The Sportive could allow about 20 lbs of load for Brevets or credit-card touring, but not loaded touring. I have a Cyclocross bike that is a better all-around bike that the Sportive.

According to Lynskey , the Sportive has "Clearance for 28c tire (25c when using mudguards)". http://www.lynskeyperformance.com/store/sportive.html

Chainstays are 42.5 cm which is good touring bike length.

Ofcourse, everyone on BF knows that CX bikes cure cancer, athletes foot and baldness in all cases.

I would use a CX frame or a sports/touring frame for the usage you describe. The Sportive will fit 700x25 tires, but wider tires will be needed for anything off-road. Also, the chain-stays are too short for loaded touring. The Sportive could allow about 20 lbs of load for Brevets or credit-card touring, but not loaded touring. I have a Cyclocross bike that is a better all-around bike that the Sportive.


For comparison, the Surley Cross Check has 42.4 cm chain stays in my size. But don't forget the diseases it cures.

http://surlybikes.com/bikes/cross_check_complete/#geometry

The Sportive has short-reach brakes. Fitting a 28 could be tricky depending on brakes used. Very little mud clearance, if any.

The Sportive has short-reach brakes. Fitting a 28 could be tricky depending on brakes used. Very little mud clearance, if any.

And, to the best of my knowledge Sportives, don't cure cancer, athletes foot and baldness in all cases.

There is a huge price difference, the Classique TI frame is twice as much. I looked at Moots also and felt I was priced out. Does the Classique TI have rack and fender mounts? I need a bike that will be fast on the weekends but can handle the occasional tour.

I believe the Classique has (hidden?) mounts near the drops for fenders, but not for racks. My shop had a early 2009 floor model available which made price basically the same as for the Sportive. However, despite the Serotta being a great deal, I preferred the feel and versatility of the Lynskey. Moots are great bikes too, but like Serotta or Seven, I think they may be priced more than they're worth for entry/mid-level TI; at least at MSRP.

Mark

I put in my order for the Sportive. I can't wait to clip in and put down some miles! I'll post back to this thread with my impressions.

Tybee, I think the R230 will ride similarly to the Sportive. Based on descriptions and a discussion I had with a rep at Lynskey I'd say it's a bit lighter, maybe a tad stiffer, and probably more responsive and precise through turns. The R230 is more pricey as it uses some different tubing. Unfortunately, I didn't have opportunity to ride one. It would have been more $$$ for me to consider this frame (same deal I received on the Sportive could not be had) and so I never even put it on the decision table. It'll be months and thousands of miles before I can honestly say if I made the right call. Please post back and let us know what you think of your new steed. I think we're both gonna be awful happy with our set-ups.

Yes, CX bikes cure disease (especially Surlies), but a TI rando will bring about world peace :)

Mark

So exited for delivery! I was told my frame will ship July 25, it will be replacing my trusty scandium Salsa Campeon.

I'm past the 500mile mark now and having made several adjustments I'm enjoying the ride more and more.:thumb: I've also had time to compare rides and ride times between this frame and my old one. The Sportive seems to ride slower, but when compairing the numbers I can definatly see that it has the same engine and the same speeds as my old Al frame. ;) I think it seems slower to me because I was use to being beaten and vibrated to death! I haven't made a full century ride yet, but got in an 80mile ride a few days ago and just as before I could ride it all day. I'm looking at putting a set of clip on aerobars on to have a better rest place and a little easier ridding into the wind.

I was looking closely at the Sportive. It's the type of bike I want. But alas even the smallest frame is a bit too big for me. So now I have to go custom. I decided that if I'm going to drop that kind of money I'd go to Eriksen here in Colorado. I'm now in the planning stages of getting my custom ti road-sport frame worked up. I'm planning on a Colorado made custom steel fork also.

I was looking closely at the Sportive. It's the type of bike I want. But alas even the smallest frame is a bit too big for me. So now I have to go custom. I decided that if I'm going to drop that kind of money I'd go to Eriksen here in Colorado. I'm now in the planning stages of getting my custom ti road-sport frame worked up. I'm planning on a Colorado made custom steel fork also.

I was talking to a lady at a 7 y/o's bday party the other night about bikes, and she got a custom Lynskey frame built. So they do that if you want. But if you have a local guy who will also do it, so much the better.

I received confirmation that my Sportive frame shipped Friday with expected delivery Wednesday. I better get my parts in order, this kind of snuck up on me! uciflylow, thanks for the update, I too expect that this frame will 'feel' slower than my Scandium race frame, but the comfort I will gain on long distance rides will more than make up for it, I don't think I'll miss the harsh aluminum ride one bit ...

haskimoto, keep us posted!

Received my Lynskey Sportive frame on Thursday night, a day late, thanks UPS, and completed the build today. Couple spins around the neighborhood to dial it all in, and I am very impressed with the ride quality, smooth is the one word that comes to mind. I am a titanium virgin, literally never clocked a kilometer on a ti bike until now, needless to say I am loving it. Doing a big climbing route tomorrow, 60 miles or so, will have a lot more to say about it after that. Photos soon!

uciflylow, what amount of headset spacers are you running on your large frame? You mentioned you lowered the stack height, just curious as I have left 40mm to start with and figure I'll lower from there. 100mm 0 degree stem, and I feel pretty darn upright with the current setup ...

50 mile ride today on the Sportive, 5000' of climbing, very happy with the overall ride, compliant and much more comfortable than my old scandium rig. I was considerably faster on the climbs than my old bike, but I think that's just 'new bike energy'. I took it east on the descending but I can tell this bike will scream down hills once I get comfortable with fit. Bike weight is very similar to my old Salsa Campeon, but it's not about the weight, it's about the ride ...

Thank's for the update!

I would have to go out and actually measure mine, but mine was set up at the bike shop with an uncut ster tube. I have the bars set about 1 1/2 inch lower than my saddle with a 6 degree stem flipped down. I could easly get rid of more ster tube if I flipped a stem up, but the extra spacers don't bother me. The more I ride mine the more I enjoy the way it rides and handles. I had intended to run this bike with out aerobars, but gave in and put a set on it last week. I just missed the speed and comfort on our long flat areas too much!:rolleyes:

Our two, size small Sportives, which were originally supposed to be shipped the first week of August, are now scheduled to be shipped on Sept. 9.

It's official, this bike rocks! Finally have it dialed in, put a longish ride in this weekend, 7 hours in the saddle, probably around 100 leisurely miles or so, not sure exactly because I haven't put a computer on it since building it up, loving the freedom of not staring at my computer, rather just focusing on the ride. Hard climbing quick lunch ride today sealed the deal, super happy with the ride quality and fit.

It's offical, I have now put over 1000 miles on the bike!:)

I just can't imagine going back to my old aluminum frame and having it beat me up again. As I have become use to the way the geometery of the frame handles, and having it dialed in for me it, it fits like a glove and corners on a rail. The bike is so steady in curves that I don't even come off the aerobars, unless the corner is very rough or sharp. I just don't think I can say enough about how good it makes me feel to ride it. Now on long rides my muscles are worn out, but I don't feel like I have been the object of a beat down!:love:

Three months after they were ordered, our two Sportives have been shipped and should be here on Friday! I hope to have them roughly dialed in on Saturday transferring the measurements from our old bikes.

Now, lets hope that the weather forecast is wrong.

Saturday through Monday
Partly cloudy with scattered afternoon and evening thunderstorms each day. Highs around 90. Lows in the upper 70s near the coast and in the lower 70s inland. Chance of rain 40 percent.

The first couple of days after the Sportives arrived and were adjusted and set up, it rained. The next couple I was inundated with work. (This semi retired thing has turned out to be too much semi and not enough retired).

Finally, I have a couple of hundred mine on mine and, my wife, about a hundred on hers.

These are the most comfortable bikes we have ridden though I’m still getting used to not having my butt in the air and my nose down by the front wheel. Instead, I’m stretched our more horizontally and may go for an even longer stem. Bumps and road irregularities disappear. Handling is very different. After years of keeping ever alert on twitchy frames, we can now relax and enjoy the scenery

Are we faster, slower, or about the same? It’s hard to say because conditions change but, if pressed, I would say there no difference in average speed. We don't accelerate as fast with heavy Mavic a319 rims and Conti 25c Gatorskins but that has nothing to do with the bikes.

I’d have posted some photos but it turns out that my new LG. phone won’t communicate with our Macs with Bluetooth or the USB cable and neither LG nor Verizon has any plans to release a Mac friendly driver.

My wife rides a Lynskey Sportive, too, and absolutely loves it. It's more comfortable AND faster than her other bikes (including Surly Cross Check, and some aluminum racing bikes). She's light and rides 23mm tires typically. We squeezed some 28mm Paselas on the bike for a dirt road weekend -- she was much more confident than on her Cross Check with the same tires. It's a great all-rounder of a road bike. I would get one, too, if it had long-reach brakes.