new vs old steel bikes (trying to pick one)
11-08-12, 07:22 PM
#1
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new vs old steel bikes (trying to pick one)
So, I have a little more money than I thought that I would and would like to take advantage of that and get a nice, steel road bike. My two candidates are a 2001 Lemond Beunos Aires and a 2011 Specialized Alles Steel. One has 11 year old carbon fiber fork and 105 bitters. The other has one year old down-tube shifters. Price is a wash. Any thoughts on these two bikes?
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"I'm built like a marine mammal. I love the cold! "-Cosmoline
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Rides:1980ish Raleigh Marathon (Vintage Steel)
2006 Trek 820 (Captain Amazing)
2010 Specialized Tricross (Back in Black)
2008 Specialized Roubaix
11-08-12, 07:23 PM
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What's your budget?
11-08-12, 07:36 PM
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I think the Lemond with the 853 frame is the better of the two. The 105 is fine stuff, and brifters might be more to your liking. I'd go Lemond in your situation. A lot will depend on condition though, 10 year old wheels need a good look see before plunking down cash.
11-08-12, 07:37 PM
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That's a tough call , but if they are both good , size wise , I'd have to go with the 853 Lemond (especially if it's the yellow one , and not all beat up).
11-08-12, 07:53 PM
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Condition and fit are everything. If condition is nice, and fit is good, then the Lemonds is a much better bike. Of course, everything needs to work well.
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Please don't confuse ebay "asking" prices with "selling" prices. Many sellers never get their ask price. some are far from it. Value is determined once an item actually SELLS. Its easy enough to check SOLD prices.
11-08-12, 08:11 PM
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Given a choice between the two, I'd definitely go with the LeMond, but would want to change out the components for 2000-2001 Campy 8, 9 or 10 speed.
11-08-12, 08:19 PM
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I would also vote for the Lemond. One of the guys at the lbs had the Specialized (he bought it new) a couple of years ago and it was almost 24lbs.
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11-08-12, 09:27 PM
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Lemond, but let me add.....looking at the number of ads listed in the CL thread, take a good hard look around and be sure to get a great fit...from what I have seen, the Boston area has a lot of tasty vintage bikes to offer at very good prices !
Happy Hunting,
Joe
Happy Hunting,
Joe
11-08-12, 09:37 PM
#10
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If the drivetrain is original and works fine, I would leave as is. I would, however, take the CF fork to it carefully inspected by the LBS or even invest in a new one. You don't know what it has possibly endured over the last 11 years. Hmmm... the C&V Lemond, although nice, is starting to look pricey. I concur it is a much better frame though.
11-08-12, 10:00 PM
#11
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Hahaa. Never mind. By the seller's reply that particular Lemond is the gold-leaf framed version. Next.
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1980ish Raleigh Marathon (Vintage Steel)
2006 Trek 820 (Captain Amazing)
2010 Specialized Tricross (Back in Black)
2008 Specialized Roubaix
"I'm built like a marine mammal. I love the cold! "-Cosmoline
"MTBing is cheap compared to any motorsport I've done. It's very expensive compared to jogging."-ColinL
Rides:1980ish Raleigh Marathon (Vintage Steel)
2006 Trek 820 (Captain Amazing)
2010 Specialized Tricross (Back in Black)
2008 Specialized Roubaix
11-09-12, 08:44 AM
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A friend of mine bought the Tourmalet used with Ultegra 9-sp on that sweet 853 frame for $800, got pedals and another set of tires tossed in, plus aero bars. His friend bought a 5800 Trek with 9-sp DA for the same price. Both guys are happy, and darned if I can tell which one is a better bike, given all variables and the type of riding they do.
If you need a complete bike, keep looking. They're out there. Patience is a virtue, and timing is everything.
If you just want a great frame, in the "new" category, a Soma Stanyan or a Giordana (still available new) is not bad for a nice steel new frame/fork situaion.
If you need a complete bike, keep looking. They're out there. Patience is a virtue, and timing is everything.
If you just want a great frame, in the "new" category, a Soma Stanyan or a Giordana (still available new) is not bad for a nice steel new frame/fork situaion.
11-09-12, 09:18 AM
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I would consider a 2001 853 frame a "new" steel bike. 853 is a different animal than older offerings from Reynold and Columbus.
I have an 853 Steelman and it is both lighter and stiffer than any of my 80's vintage steel bikes. 853 rides nice and is comfy for long rides. I think the main advantages are weight and energy transfer.
And as everyone else pointed out, get something that fits.
I have an 853 Steelman and it is both lighter and stiffer than any of my 80's vintage steel bikes. 853 rides nice and is comfy for long rides. I think the main advantages are weight and energy transfer.
And as everyone else pointed out, get something that fits.
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