2007 Lemond Poprad Disc (Cyclocross)



Mini Review:

200 miles in two weeks of ownership.
Intended use: get me off my ass when it's nasty outside. I plan to race a few cross races this season as well. I'm not a die-hard cross guy... I just wanted a bike that was more versatile than a crit racing bike.

The following is a list of pro's and con's that matter to me.

Pro:
-Frame feels very refined when the going gets rough.
-Very "steel" feeling frame without unexpected amount of flex.
-Handling is lax compared to a road bike, which is great for low speed handling and negotiating tricky terrain. (Note that I recently partly with a Cannondale CAAD 8 road bike)
-Disc brakes are excellent in the rain and muddy conditions. They modulate better than rim brakes. Ultimately stopping power is greater (but limited by loss tire traction.)
-80% as fast as a road bike with 10x the versatility. (I never rode my CAAD8 "off-road" and generally avoided the rain.)
-I appreciate the elegance of the "brake-boss"less frame. Kinda of a fixed-gear aesthetic.
-Ability to use 45c fenders with 35c knobbie tires.

Con:
-Heavy setup compared to my road bike (about 22 pounds without fenders.)
-Cyclocross tires are hard work to spin on the road.
-Disc brakes add 1.5lbs over the rim brake version of this bike. I knew this at the time of purchase as I weighed both and I actively chose the disc brakes due to it's stronger performance in fall weather.
-My Bianchi Pista (steel) track bike is way stiffer in the BB area.
-Stock saddle sucks. My taint hurts and it's too cushy.
-The stock seatpost suck as much as the saddle. It's adjustable is 5 deg increments only... I can't get the angle that I need.
-This sh1t rusts.

Overall:
Favorite bike that I've owned to date. I have owned, raced and ridden $8000 downhill bikes, XC rigs, freeride rigs, track bikes and road bikes and if could have only one bike, I would choose this one.

Got a new toy of your own?