Raleigh vs. Lemond?? Newby needing advice
09-19-05, 08:01 PM
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 1
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Raleigh vs. Lemond?? Newby needing advice
What up all, I will keep this as short as possible. I need opinions, clear and precise. I am looking to buy and am stuck between two bikes:
1) Raleigh Professional '03 (new)- Colombus Zona steel frame, Campy components, great price... or so I feel.
2) Lemond Croix De Fur '06- Platinum steel frame, complete Ultegra components, plus Speedplay pedals. Also great deal.
I am wanting opinions on the frames only. Benefits? Drawbacks? Dealer has me feeling like the Raleigh is a piecemeal frame and not worth the money? How do these compare? Is the ride worth the weight? What should I look at if wanting to consider Aluminum? thanks
1) Raleigh Professional '03 (new)- Colombus Zona steel frame, Campy components, great price... or so I feel.
2) Lemond Croix De Fur '06- Platinum steel frame, complete Ultegra components, plus Speedplay pedals. Also great deal.
I am wanting opinions on the frames only. Benefits? Drawbacks? Dealer has me feeling like the Raleigh is a piecemeal frame and not worth the money? How do these compare? Is the ride worth the weight? What should I look at if wanting to consider Aluminum? thanks
09-19-05, 08:26 PM
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: SE VA
Posts: 275
Bikes: Raleigh 2003 Professional
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I ride a Raleigh Pro 2003, and I love the frame. The acceleration/stiffness factor is fantastic. The lemond frames made me feel too streached out-but that's me. Colombus Zona is top notch steel, what'a the lemond frame, Reynolds 853?
As for weight, my Raleigh is only 20 lbs-so no complaints there, I'd have to have spent 3x the money to get a 15 lb bike, and since I'm carrying 5lbs extra in each thigh there's not much point in shaving 5lbs off the bike!
I'm a big campy fan as well, if you're used to (or attached) to one over the other, that's important to think about. What wheelset is on each bike?
As for weight, my Raleigh is only 20 lbs-so no complaints there, I'd have to have spent 3x the money to get a 15 lb bike, and since I'm carrying 5lbs extra in each thigh there's not much point in shaving 5lbs off the bike!
I'm a big campy fan as well, if you're used to (or attached) to one over the other, that's important to think about. What wheelset is on each bike?
09-19-05, 08:34 PM
#3
Banned.
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: In the stomach of a whale. :beer:
Posts: 5,543
Bikes: Lemond Fillmore, Cmofalge black baby
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I think Lemond uses Reynolds or True Temper depending on market factors, -availabilty etc...This year and last I think they were using TT -(yeah, american steel beby!)...My fillmore uses the TT OS 'platnum' -the miracle steel equivalent of 853 that somehow gets stronger at the joints from the welding process.
09-19-05, 08:41 PM
#5
Lets Ride
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Biking Country, USA
Posts: 1,102
Bikes: Trek 1200, Lemond Sarthe, Gary Fisher Tass
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I ride a Lemond steel bike and am a real big Campy fan. So buy both - just kidding. 
Bike fit is going to be and should be of top importance to you. No matter how good a deal if the fit is bad for you it is not a good deal for you. And oh buy the way - in your case the bike you want may feel like it is the best fit. Your head will play those kinda games with you for sure so maybe get some professional advise on the fit even if you have to maybe pay someone for it.
Secondly, I feel the wheel selection is the next big important factor.
Bike fit is going to be and should be of top importance to you. No matter how good a deal if the fit is bad for you it is not a good deal for you. And oh buy the way - in your case the bike you want may feel like it is the best fit. Your head will play those kinda games with you for sure so maybe get some professional advise on the fit even if you have to maybe pay someone for it.
Secondly, I feel the wheel selection is the next big important factor.
09-20-05, 09:43 PM
#6
Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 8
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I am now looking at a '06 Croix de Fer. Being a "newbie" I was looking at Treks and Cannondales. Rode a r700 today and was not happy at all with the ride. Think I'll definately look at the steel LeMond...
09-21-05, 03:06 AM
#7
Lets Ride
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Biking Country, USA
Posts: 1,102
Bikes: Trek 1200, Lemond Sarthe, Gary Fisher Tass
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by perm331
I am now looking at a '06 Croix de Fer. Being a "newbie" I was looking at Treks and Cannondales. Rode a r700 today and was not happy at all with the ride. Think I'll definately look at the steel LeMond...
09-21-05, 03:08 AM
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Orlando, FL
Posts: 2,794
Bikes: litespeed, cannondale
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
At the price point you are looking at, both bikes are going to be better than good and the frames will be good. Generally, in that situation your preference is more important than any minor differences in quality in the bike crowd. So pick the bike that seems to fit the best, ride the nicest and handle best. Of course, it often boils down to going with the bike with the neatest looking color. If you feel good about how the bike looks than that is a very good thing. It is nice to look at your bike as you are getting ready for a ride and feel good about it.
09-21-05, 07:24 AM
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2002
Posts: 1,452
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I have the '06 Lemond CdF. I actually ordered the '05 (for the awesome blue/yellow combo), but '05 production stopped already. So, I got the '06.
Just to let you know, it's not all Ultegra. It's Tiagra/105/Ultegra combo.
Brakes = Tiagra
FD = 105
RD = Ultegra
Brifters = 105
For some reason, LeMond stopped using 853.....instead, the CdF is made from True Temper OX Platinum Steel. Feels pretty damn good to me.
Just to let you know, it's not all Ultegra. It's Tiagra/105/Ultegra combo.
Brakes = Tiagra
FD = 105
RD = Ultegra
Brifters = 105
For some reason, LeMond stopped using 853.....instead, the CdF is made from True Temper OX Platinum Steel. Feels pretty damn good to me.
09-24-05, 11:01 AM
#12
acciaio is real
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Earth (for now)
Posts: 1,109
Bikes: Yes, bicycle(s) I own!
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Here's some background on the Raleighs:
The '02 and '03 Raleigh Professional and International frames are not "piecemeal" frames, (whatever that means?). They're excellent Columbus Zona steel bikes that were built to Raleigh's specs and welded and painted in Taiwan/China, (BTW, the welds and paint job are excellent IMHO). The Pro & Int'l were exactly the same frames, except for the paint jobs - black & champagne for the Pro; white, blue, & red for the Int'l. The Pro came with Chorus group, the Int'l had Daytona/Centaur.
I'll guarantee that if these same frames were painted with the "Orbea", "Cinelli", "Torelli", or "Carrera" logos for instance, they'd be fetching much higher prices. But you can pay an extra $800. or so for a "name" if you'd like.
I think these bikes were the "steal of the decade", because they were produced when Campy and Columbus products weren't so insanely priced, before the dollar took its nosedive against the euro. At the time, Bob Roll test rode the Pro and gave it a nearly perfect review. Here's another review from June '02 Bicycling mag:
The '02 model differed from the '03 in that the '03 came with a separate seat post clamp instead of the integrated clamp on the '02, and the '03 had an improved fork. Also, the price went up in '03 to either $2200. or $2400. MSRP (I forgot which), but sported Campy Proton wheels instead of Alex Equations.
Raleigh also offered the "Team" model for '02/'03, which was Columbus Airplane aluminum with a Carve fork, Carve CF seat stays, Record groupset, red & black paint. They made only 250 of the Team's and each was serial-numbered. The Team, Professional, and International made up their "Heritage" series.
One of the best things about these Pros & Int'ls is their geometry. Classic Italian. Raleigh did it right, and they ride and handle wonderfully. (See geom chart)
The only downsides IMO was that they only came in 6 sizes, and they stopped making them.
You're crazy if you don't grab one while you can. My 56cm. '03 Pro is not for sale!
The '02 and '03 Raleigh Professional and International frames are not "piecemeal" frames, (whatever that means?). They're excellent Columbus Zona steel bikes that were built to Raleigh's specs and welded and painted in Taiwan/China, (BTW, the welds and paint job are excellent IMHO). The Pro & Int'l were exactly the same frames, except for the paint jobs - black & champagne for the Pro; white, blue, & red for the Int'l. The Pro came with Chorus group, the Int'l had Daytona/Centaur.
I'll guarantee that if these same frames were painted with the "Orbea", "Cinelli", "Torelli", or "Carrera" logos for instance, they'd be fetching much higher prices. But you can pay an extra $800. or so for a "name" if you'd like.
I think these bikes were the "steal of the decade", because they were produced when Campy and Columbus products weren't so insanely priced, before the dollar took its nosedive against the euro. At the time, Bob Roll test rode the Pro and gave it a nearly perfect review. Here's another review from June '02 Bicycling mag:
Raleigh Professional
Raleigh restores luster to an old name.
By John Peters
Price: $2,020
Buy It If: You want a great all-around road machine.
Forget It If: You think steel is hopelessly old school
This renaissance machine recaptures the prestige and aura Raleigh had back in the day. I remember the first time I saw Andy Hampsten, who would become the only American to win the Giro d'Italia, racing atop his Raleigh road machine. Yep, back then the Raleigh heron on the head tube meant it was a serious machine. But somewhere along the way the heron's feathers faded until it was only a shadow of its predecessors. The Professional, one of three in the Heritage series, makes the Raleigh name mean something again.
My first ride on the Professional destroyed the fear that Raleigh might be trying to cash in on its heritage with just a graphics package. This is the real deal. State-of-the-art steel and Chorus 10-speed keep the retro theme while offering top-notch perfor-mance. Low spoke-count wheels and the 1.175-inch steerer keep it current, and you get often-forgotten touches like a pump peg, chain hanger, front derailleur hanger and reinforced bottle and seat collar braze-ons--the best of the past. And the price gives you the same warm, fuzzy feeling you get when the Starbucks barista slips you an extra shot of espresso and you walk out the door with more juice than you paid for.
7 Words About This Bike: Classic. Solid value. Refined. Sleeper. Campy. Fast.
Frame: TIG-welded Columbus Zona steel Megatube, front derailleur braze-on, pump peg, chain hanger.
Weight: 19.9 lbs. (59cm)
Sizes: 47, 50, 53, 56, 59(tested), 62cm
Fork: Columbus Link Carbon w/chrome-moly steerer.
Component Highlights: Campagnolo Chorus 20-speed grupps, 39/53 chainrings, Centaur 12/25 cassette and brake calipers; ITM Mantis bar and stem; Sella Italia ProLink TA saddle; Equation wheels; Vittoria Rubino 700x23c tires.
Contact: Raleigh USA
253/395-1100
https://www.raleighusa.com
Raleigh restores luster to an old name.
By John Peters
Price: $2,020
Buy It If: You want a great all-around road machine.
Forget It If: You think steel is hopelessly old school
This renaissance machine recaptures the prestige and aura Raleigh had back in the day. I remember the first time I saw Andy Hampsten, who would become the only American to win the Giro d'Italia, racing atop his Raleigh road machine. Yep, back then the Raleigh heron on the head tube meant it was a serious machine. But somewhere along the way the heron's feathers faded until it was only a shadow of its predecessors. The Professional, one of three in the Heritage series, makes the Raleigh name mean something again.
My first ride on the Professional destroyed the fear that Raleigh might be trying to cash in on its heritage with just a graphics package. This is the real deal. State-of-the-art steel and Chorus 10-speed keep the retro theme while offering top-notch perfor-mance. Low spoke-count wheels and the 1.175-inch steerer keep it current, and you get often-forgotten touches like a pump peg, chain hanger, front derailleur hanger and reinforced bottle and seat collar braze-ons--the best of the past. And the price gives you the same warm, fuzzy feeling you get when the Starbucks barista slips you an extra shot of espresso and you walk out the door with more juice than you paid for.
7 Words About This Bike: Classic. Solid value. Refined. Sleeper. Campy. Fast.
Frame: TIG-welded Columbus Zona steel Megatube, front derailleur braze-on, pump peg, chain hanger.
Weight: 19.9 lbs. (59cm)
Sizes: 47, 50, 53, 56, 59(tested), 62cm
Fork: Columbus Link Carbon w/chrome-moly steerer.
Component Highlights: Campagnolo Chorus 20-speed grupps, 39/53 chainrings, Centaur 12/25 cassette and brake calipers; ITM Mantis bar and stem; Sella Italia ProLink TA saddle; Equation wheels; Vittoria Rubino 700x23c tires.
Contact: Raleigh USA
253/395-1100
https://www.raleighusa.com
The '02 model differed from the '03 in that the '03 came with a separate seat post clamp instead of the integrated clamp on the '02, and the '03 had an improved fork. Also, the price went up in '03 to either $2200. or $2400. MSRP (I forgot which), but sported Campy Proton wheels instead of Alex Equations.
Raleigh also offered the "Team" model for '02/'03, which was Columbus Airplane aluminum with a Carve fork, Carve CF seat stays, Record groupset, red & black paint. They made only 250 of the Team's and each was serial-numbered. The Team, Professional, and International made up their "Heritage" series.
One of the best things about these Pros & Int'ls is their geometry. Classic Italian. Raleigh did it right, and they ride and handle wonderfully. (See geom chart)
The only downsides IMO was that they only came in 6 sizes, and they stopped making them.
You're crazy if you don't grab one while you can. My 56cm. '03 Pro is not for sale!
Last edited by Wurm; 09-24-05 at 11:36 AM.
