Bike Review: Leopard CL1
08-10-07, 04:16 PM
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Bike Review: Leopard CL1
I tried getting some info on Leopard Cycles a few weeks ago and had no luck. I got recommendations elsewhere and went ahead and bought a CL1. It came a few days ago set up as follows: Full carbon frame, fork seat post, stem. Easton aluminum handlebars. Fizik Arione saddle. Easton Circuit Wheels (Velomax hubs). Full SRAM Rival component group.
Customer service-wise, Leopard was amazing. I dealt with them over email, and never once did I wait longer than an hour for a reply. They were always very helpful, and really aided in the decisions I had to make over frame size, stem length, etc. etc. They were excellent help in ensuring that I got the right size bike. It took about 2 weeks until I received the bike, mainly due to custom painting and assembly, but they kept me informed throughout the process about where it was and what was going on.
The bike arrived fully assembled (aside from seat tube/seat/handlebars) and basically ready to ride. All I had to do was put on pedals, adjust handlebars and seat, and check derailleurs, bolts, etc. etc. Basic preventative maintenance. They definitely did their job - no major issues here.
Once I got out on the road, I really couldn't believe the difference. I have been riding a Quintana Roo Trueno for a few years now - due to triathlon roots - and I had no idea I would be able to tell the difference as much as I could. Whether it was geometry, frame material, weight, I don't know - but I do know that it was a far more comfortable ride than I am used to. The Easton Circuit wheels are extremely stiff. The bike accelerates very well, and handles better than I am used to. It climbs very smoothly - I started at the very back of my usual group on a hill that usually destroys me, and blew past them all with ease. The SRAM Rival components - a group that I was very unsure about - shift smoothly and intuitively. Basically, I have nothing bad to say about this bike as of yet.
Once I've taken it on a few more rides and really tested it I'll post again, but after my first ride on it (around 20 mi, give or take), I am very, very happy. Judging by my experience so far, I would recommend Leopard to anyone who asked me.
Customer service-wise, Leopard was amazing. I dealt with them over email, and never once did I wait longer than an hour for a reply. They were always very helpful, and really aided in the decisions I had to make over frame size, stem length, etc. etc. They were excellent help in ensuring that I got the right size bike. It took about 2 weeks until I received the bike, mainly due to custom painting and assembly, but they kept me informed throughout the process about where it was and what was going on.
The bike arrived fully assembled (aside from seat tube/seat/handlebars) and basically ready to ride. All I had to do was put on pedals, adjust handlebars and seat, and check derailleurs, bolts, etc. etc. Basic preventative maintenance. They definitely did their job - no major issues here.
Once I got out on the road, I really couldn't believe the difference. I have been riding a Quintana Roo Trueno for a few years now - due to triathlon roots - and I had no idea I would be able to tell the difference as much as I could. Whether it was geometry, frame material, weight, I don't know - but I do know that it was a far more comfortable ride than I am used to. The Easton Circuit wheels are extremely stiff. The bike accelerates very well, and handles better than I am used to. It climbs very smoothly - I started at the very back of my usual group on a hill that usually destroys me, and blew past them all with ease. The SRAM Rival components - a group that I was very unsure about - shift smoothly and intuitively. Basically, I have nothing bad to say about this bike as of yet.
Once I've taken it on a few more rides and really tested it I'll post again, but after my first ride on it (around 20 mi, give or take), I am very, very happy. Judging by my experience so far, I would recommend Leopard to anyone who asked me.
08-10-07, 04:19 PM
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Where the heck are the pics!!!! 
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08-10-07, 04:22 PM
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As soon as I figure out how to get my camera working I'll post them, I swear!
08-10-07, 04:26 PM
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in the mean time...
https://www.leopardcycles.com/CL1.php
hot damn those are sexy. and not hideously expensive considering full carbon and the kit they come with.
https://www.leopardcycles.com/CL1.php
hot damn those are sexy. and not hideously expensive considering full carbon and the kit they come with.
08-10-07, 04:43 PM
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08-10-07, 10:52 PM
#9
Ride it like you stole it
Not saying you are or aren't but here is the definition:
shill
A person engaged in covert advertising. The shill attempts to spread buzz by personally endorsing the product in public forums with the pretense of sincerity, when in fact he is being paid for his services.
Who are you shilling for?
Ignore the n00b, he's just here to shill.
shill
A person engaged in covert advertising. The shill attempts to spread buzz by personally endorsing the product in public forums with the pretense of sincerity, when in fact he is being paid for his services.
Who are you shilling for?
Ignore the n00b, he's just here to shill.
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08-11-07, 08:21 AM
#10
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Hahaha, not this guy - I wish! I work for the Marine Corps and don't get paid nearly enough... I just rode my new bike for the first time and thought I'd post since I was really happy with it and couldn't really find any solid reviews on the forums about Leopard when I was looking a few weeks ago.
