Spin_Dr_Tio

On the 28th of last month (June), I finally committed to my graduation gift - a full carbon bike. Now, there is a bit of a twist even from the beginning of this bike buying process and, therefore, likely the reason why I am experiencing so much distress now (if you are the type that believes in all of those ethereal things ). Truth be told, I will not be graduating until May of 06, but I am knee deep in journal articles and other things that should ultimately be weaved into my dissertation. I had already decided that another type of weave (carbon fiber that is) would be my little gift to myself... but who can wait for this type of weave, its the writing and synthesizing of empty information weave that can wait, right?

So, I brooded, mentally masturbated, and researched away - I was committed to investing in my new bike a little prematurely. I even legitimated it in my mind; I mean think about all of the hours of pleasure that I will have on this new bike that will inspire me to return home after a few hours on the road to write and edit a few dozen more pages (okay, I know that this is a paradoxical pipe-dream, but it works for me)...

I have a thing for the little man, distanced from the conglomerates, and trying to find a grass-roots base to build their empire. In 2000 I bought the Airborne Zeppelin and wanted to go to independent guy as I entered into the world of carbon (there is some internal conflict insofar as other little guy, my LBS, but I definitely do not short-change him on other purchases and services - again, it works out in my head). I couldn't afford Calfee or Parlee but I did recently become acquainted with Leopard Cycles... I am just aware enough to know that this company is probably like any upstart that outsources their frames and components from SE Asia, but isn't that a good thing these days ? Needless to say, after talking with the owner of the company I figured it was a relatively safe 3 grand gamble... what better way to spend student loans?

So, the bike was built up and shipped... It was scheduled to arrive Thursday... Thursday came and went, no bike... okay, Friday? Friday came and went, no new bike. Neurotic me, of course I called DHL (delivery folks) both days and they apologized for the delay (something about the oversized package). They assured me, Saturday. So, I sit here on my couch - waiting with wrenches in hand - creating this thread to occupy the minutes and hours of impatience that seperates me from my bike.

HOLY IRONIC!!! There's the DHL guy!!! Report back later...

daytonian

Well...tell us...did you take the Leopard for a spin in the jumngle or what?? Grrrrrr Congrats and study hard.

Spin_Dr_Tio

I spent the entire day between the LBS and on the road (as it should be everyday of one's life).

The Leopard is freeggin' amazing!!! I test rode a number of bikes (yeah, I know... you really cannot get a feel for a bike in a mere few rides; but there is something about the intuitive feel one gets and I am not certain if its because I already invested in the Leopard, but the intuition is screaming - YEAH, FASTER!!) and not one spoke to me as did my ride today.

Here's the stats:
Fully equipped with Ultegra pedals, Astrade 8 computer, and two carbon cages on a 60 cm frame: 17.51 lbs on the digital scale at the LBS.

Frame Leopard Carbon

Fork Leopard Carbon

Handlebars Leopard Carbon

Handlebar Tape Cinelli Black

Stem Leopard Carbon

Headset FSA Integrated

Levers/Shifters Ultegra 10

Brake Calipers Ultegra 10

Front Derailleur Ultegra 10

Rear Derailleur Ultegra 10

Crankset Leopard Carbon

Bottom Bracket FSA Platinum Pro Ti

Chain Ultegra 10

Saddle Fi'zi:k Arione

Seatpost Leopard Carbon

Wheels Velomax Circuit w/skewers

Cassette Ultegra 10

Rim Tape Michelin

Tires Continental Attack and Force

Tubes Michelin A1

Crankset/BB Ultegra 10

Wheels Velomax Orion II

I have posted the pics... I tried to get a couple of full bike shots and a couple unique angles to show the detail in the paint.

Spin_Dr_Tio

More pics...

daytonian

Sweet looking ride. I bought a motorcycle with my students loans back in 97. Have fun.

wolfpack 

sorry to dredge this old thread up, but, i would like to know how the riding has been on the Leopard since you got it? can you post some more pictures?

Karen.

nostromo

Geez, just when you think you've seen all the names and frames out there out comes another one. Checked out the website, some very sweet frames and colours. Do post some pix and experiences with your bike.

bdcheung

the pictures aren't showing up!