Your Opinion of the Lynskey's???
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Newport, CA
Posts: 138
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Your Opinion of the Lynskey's???
Guys, still tossing the idea of an upgrade for next spring on a new bike. I have been looking at the Lynskey's & Deans, may still consider moots and have wrote off the Serotta's & Seven's as they pretty much priced them selves out of my market which I really don't think their any better or if all at better than the brands I'm looking at besides paying for their ego. What are your opinions on Lynskey so far since they have been back in the market?
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,418
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
A riding buddy just got a new Lynskey and he is knowledgeable about bikes, components, almost everything. I have only seen him on it once but I will ask him for details the next time that I see him, which has not been frequently lately.
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 120
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I received my Level 4 Custom about a month ago- it is the finest bike I've ever owned. The craftsmanship is flawless, the fit is perfect, the ride is unbelievable.
The whole Lynskey family is a pleasure to deal with and they really know what they're doing.
There is nothing to second guess on a bike like this.
The whole Lynskey family is a pleasure to deal with and they really know what they're doing.
There is nothing to second guess on a bike like this.
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Raleigh, NC
Posts: 8,900
Bikes: Waterford RST-22, Bob Jackson World Tour, Ritchey Breakaway Cross, Soma Saga, De Bernardi SL, Specialized Sequoia
Mentioned: 36 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 196 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
4 Posts
My mechanic who is extremely knowledgeable about bikes and owns about 30 of them is very impressed with Lynskeys. So much that he became one of their dealers. Lynskey, as you probably know, started Litespeed and was one of the first to manufacture ti bikes. I've seen several of his Lynskeys up close and they look very nice, but I am not wild about some of the paint jobs -- but that's a matter of taste and you can order what you like. Personally, I am most impressed with Erickson's from the photos I have seen on-line, although I've never seen one in person. My mechanic would be very PO'd at me if I ordered an Erickson, however, rather than a Lynskey. Fortunately I don't have to worry about being in the predicament because I don't need another bike and couldn't afford one right now anyway. Plus I've already got a ti bike (Merckx AX) that suits me fine.
#5
Erstwhile Trogon
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,032
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
My opinion - zero interest in Lynskey and Dean will break your heart. My ranking - Moots, followed by Eriksen with Lynskey trailing in a distant 4th.
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Wake Forest/Raleigh, NC
Posts: 422
Bikes: 2001 Fuji Track, 2006 Bianchi Giro
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
My mechanic who is extremely knowledgeable about bikes and owns about 30 of them is very impressed with Lynskeys. So much that he became one of their dealers. Lynskey, as you probably know, started Litespeed and was one of the first to manufacture ti bikes. I've seen several of his Lynskeys up close and they look very nice, but I am not wild about some of the paint jobs -- but that's a matter of taste and you can order what you like. Personally, I am most impressed with Erickson's from the photos I have seen on-line, although I've never seen one in person. My mechanic would be very PO'd at me if I ordered an Erickson, however, rather than a Lynskey. Fortunately I don't have to worry about being in the predicament because I don't need another bike and couldn't afford one right now anyway. Plus I've already got a ti bike (Merckx AX) that suits me fine.
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, USA
Posts: 1,737
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I've test ridden the Lynskey, Moots, Seven, IF, and Litespeed. Haven't ridden the others. Given none of the bikes I tested were built especially for me, I'd have to say that the Lynskey was an extremely nice ride, and the workmanship was on a par with IF and Seven. The Moots and Litespeeds were the biggest disappointment to me. The Moots, tended to wander a bit and look like little attention was paid to details in the construction. The Litespeed was too flexy a ride for me, and the welds were not as clean as the Lynskey, IF and Seven. In reading through the posts before mine, I'm reminded that everyone has likes and dislikes. Hence, you'lll be much better off if you can ride a few others to compare them with the Lynskey.
#10
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Newport, CA
Posts: 138
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#11
Junior Member
Titus & Lynskey
my LBS specializes in high end builds and repairs. he has many high end frames in the shop. When I discussed it with him before making a decision he mentioned both Titus and Lynskey as his top picks for titanium. I picked Lynskey and expect delivery in Dec.
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Cleveland, OH
Posts: 87
Bikes: 2005 Specialized Allez Comp, 1970-ish Reynolds 531 Gitane Tour de France
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
If you're going Ti, Lynskey is as good as any, better than lots. Litespeed and Merlin are both owned American Bicycle Group now, and their dealer relationships are not the best. Plus, since Litespeed was sold to them, that's when a lot of that lack-of-detail started coming in. But for a high-end Lysnkey, you get whatever you want in styling and paint, and for less cookies than a Seven or Moots. Why not?
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Nor-Cal
Posts: 368
Bikes: Seven Cycles (Ti) Litespeed (Ti) Cannondale CAAD8
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
terry b, I would also like to hear about what you have to say about the Dean bikes. I have seen the Lynskey's and the workmanship is up there with the Serotta's, Seven's, Moots and all the overpriced brands. Gotta say their welds are very clean and smooth!
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Torrance, CA
Posts: 3,059
Bikes: Homebuilt steel
Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2180 Post(s)
Liked 419 Times
in
332 Posts
Dean is unreliable from a delivery and get-what-you-order standpoint. Nice bikes if you are not in a hurry...and they pay attention to what you order.
Regarding Lynskey, the rear dropouts have a great deal of material removed for some reason (styling maybe), and their spindly nature are a concern to me (if you were to get chain suck since they may get damaged).
Regarding Lynskey, the rear dropouts have a great deal of material removed for some reason (styling maybe), and their spindly nature are a concern to me (if you were to get chain suck since they may get damaged).
#15
Senior Member
I've test ridden the Lynskey, Moots, Seven, IF, and Litespeed. Haven't ridden the others. Given none of the bikes I tested were built especially for me, I'd have to say that the Lynskey was an extremely nice ride, and the workmanship was on a par with IF and Seven. The Moots and Litespeeds were the biggest disappointment to me. The Moots, tended to wander a bit and look like little attention was paid to details in the construction. The Litespeed was too flexy a ride for me, and the welds were not as clean as the Lynskey, IF and Seven. In reading through the posts before mine, I'm reminded that everyone has likes and dislikes. Hence, you'lll be much better off if you can ride a few others to compare them with the Lynskey.
Litespeed make about six different models. One bike is not likely to be indicative of the whole line-up. What model did you ride? Plus how neat the outside of the weld is gives you no indication as to whether or not there is good weld penetration.
#16
elitist jerk
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Blow - hio
Posts: 4,187
Bikes: CAAD9
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
If you're going Ti, Lynskey is as good as any, better than lots. Litespeed and Merlin are both owned American Bicycle Group now, and their dealer relationships are not the best. Plus, since Litespeed was sold to them, that's when a lot of that lack-of-detail started coming in. But for a high-end Lysnkey, you get whatever you want in styling and paint, and for less cookies than a Seven or Moots. Why not?
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Nor-Cal
Posts: 368
Bikes: Seven Cycles (Ti) Litespeed (Ti) Cannondale CAAD8
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Dean is unreliable from a delivery and get-what-you-order standpoint. Nice bikes if you are not in a hurry...and they pay attention to what you order.
Regarding Lynskey, the rear dropouts have a great deal of material removed for some reason (styling maybe), and their spindly nature are a concern to me (if you were to get chain suck since they may get damaged).
Regarding Lynskey, the rear dropouts have a great deal of material removed for some reason (styling maybe), and their spindly nature are a concern to me (if you were to get chain suck since they may get damaged).
About the dropouts, they offer the option of a solid dropout with no cutouts if you want! I called them and talked to them about the dropouts as there was another thread mentioning the concerns on that and they said the cutouts does not have any effect on the stiffness on strength of the frames. Have you looked at the Serta’s with the all Ti seat stays? Their cutouts are all most about the same!
#18
Erstwhile Trogon
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,032
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Because of the countless internet tales of woe regarding Dean, their ability to deliver anywhere near to on time, problems with specific custom requests and their unwillingness to pick up the phone when one calls in frustration.
I have heard so many of the stories that there is no way I would consider them a candidate to build a bike for me. Even stories from repeat customers who have developed a relationship with the owner who promised them better service the second time around and then went right back to their old ways.
I have seen their bikes on several occasions and they do look nice. But do a search on RBR and see what you find. I've never seen a "Dean is so great they delivered the perfect bike on time" testimonial.
I wonder how they stay in business.
#19
base training heretic
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 716
Bikes: Cervelo P3C, many Litespeeds
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
About the dropouts, they offer the option of a solid dropout with no cutouts if you want! I called them and talked to them about the dropouts as there was another thread mentioning the concerns on that and they said the cutouts does not have any effect on the stiffness on strength of the frames. Have you looked at the Serta’s with the all Ti seat stays? Their cutouts are all most about the same!
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Cleveland, OH
Posts: 87
Bikes: 2005 Specialized Allez Comp, 1970-ish Reynolds 531 Gitane Tour de France
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
There just seems to have been a little less... "finesse" as compared to what they used to be. Several specimens we had in the shop had somewhat cheap looking decals and graphics applications (which I know doesn't change how well the frame is made or how it rides, but...) But in fairness, their very latest offerings seem to be trying to raise the bar back up again. So... I suppose in the Ti market there are many great choices, and it all likely comes out in the wash.
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 251
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I was in the same position as you, Seven and Serotta and IF were way beyond me. Kish, Dean, DeSalvo were all affordable, went with DeSalvo. Love it. A DeSalvo or Kish will be as good as any other custom builder, a touch more affordable, though I think they may take a bit longer, so Lynskey will win that one.
#22
Inebriated Ninja Hatters
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 294
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Lynskey's prices are getting closer and closer to a comparable Seven. While the novelty of being an exclusive Lynskey owner has passed, their frames really are amazing. The LBS I work at has done a dozen custom Lynskey's and not one of the customers has had any complaints. That being said, the prices are rising quickly, so don't procrastinate too long.
I'm unfamiliar with the rest of them, but have heard the quality of the ride from Moots described as passionate sex.
We get interesting regulars at the bicycle shop.
I'm unfamiliar with the rest of them, but have heard the quality of the ride from Moots described as passionate sex.
We get interesting regulars at the bicycle shop.
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,418
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
"I have 2007 Level 3 House Blend. It’s a great bike with a phenomenal ride for the level of performance provided. My last bike was a 2004 Litespeed Vortex. The Lynskey is about the same weight, with a far better ride. Overall, it also feels much more stable when out of the saddle and in high speed descents. I thought I would lose performance with the change from 6/4 Ti to 3/2.5 Ti, but the bike feels faster. Lynskey does a phenomenal job with tube butting and shaping to get the most out of it. You can’t go wrong!"
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Anywhere the government sends me...
Posts: 930
Bikes: Too many...
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Own or have owned: Dean (x2 Ti constanza and Ti/Carbon Vador) , Moots (VaMoots), Omega (Radius), IF (Ti Crown Jewel), and most recently a custom Lynskey L3. All had their merits and some drawbacks but the Lynske is the closest to perfect I've owned. My first Dean, and my Moots were nice but pigs in terms of weight. I also didn't like the Moots geo. My Vador was way light but gave up too much stiffness. My IF was also HEAVY and way too stiff laterally, my Omega is moderate in weight, rides, nice and would be my fav if not for my Lynskey. It's light, stiff, and handles like no ones business. My only complaint is the slight toe overlap. Not a major issue but a sacrifice I was willing to make for the handling. Prior to buying my Lynskey I was on the ropes b/w them Strong and Eriksen. Those would be my top 3. Lots of people like KIsh but I'm not a big fan of his welding style.