Researching CK built Lemond Paris Roubaix
11-24-21, 11:22 AM
#1
Junior Wingnut
Thread Starter
Researching CK built Lemond Paris Roubaix
Howdie folks, does anyone have an image of the titanium Clark Kent built full-suspension Lemond that actually shows the main pivot? The Mavic 631 is conveniently obscuring the whole bb area in every picture I've seen. I know it's a long-shot but figured it couldn't hurt to ask.
(Update: Well that was embarrassing... it was right under my nose! I could swear that image wasn't there before...)
Ok does anyone have any technical info on the rear shock used on that bike? I'm guessing it was a custom unit, but who built it?
Thanks!
(Update: Well that was embarrassing... it was right under my nose! I could swear that image wasn't there before...)
Ok does anyone have any technical info on the rear shock used on that bike? I'm guessing it was a custom unit, but who built it?
Thanks!
Last edited by 3dvvitch; 11-25-21 at 12:11 PM.
11-25-21, 12:10 PM
#3
Junior Wingnut
Thread Starter
*Facepalm* How many times have I looked at that page? Anyway, thanks for pointing that out!
11-26-21, 06:08 PM
#4
Ride, Wrench, Swap, Race
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Bikes: Cheltenham-Pedersen racer, Boulder F/S Paris-Roubaix, Varsity racer, '52 Christophe, '62 Continental, '92 Merckx, '75 Limongi, '76 Presto, '72 Gitane SC, '71 Schwinn SS, etc.
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The early pivoted swingarm suspension frames typically offered poor support to the rear axle, letting the wheel tilt left and right, which thus allowed the frame to flex laterally.
So the offset attachment of the shock to the seat cluster would appear to be a way to orient the seatstays more vertically, which directly supports the wheel to prevent sideways tilt/flex between the bottom bracket ant the rear tire contact patch.
Several of the early full-suspension mtb frames were similarly designed, even Specialized's Ground Control bikes, as well as BMC's.
Many other maker's frames (such as GT's LTS models) added a horizontal link to position the seatstays even more vertically, for less wheel tilt/flex, while also allowing for much greater suspension travel.
I bought one of Boulder's very rare Paris Roubaix model dual air-suspended bikes from the same era as this LeMond, after I lucked out on an Ebay auction and got the whole brand new $4k+ bike for just what the components were worth.
So the offset attachment of the shock to the seat cluster would appear to be a way to orient the seatstays more vertically, which directly supports the wheel to prevent sideways tilt/flex between the bottom bracket ant the rear tire contact patch.
Several of the early full-suspension mtb frames were similarly designed, even Specialized's Ground Control bikes, as well as BMC's.
Many other maker's frames (such as GT's LTS models) added a horizontal link to position the seatstays even more vertically, for less wheel tilt/flex, while also allowing for much greater suspension travel.
I bought one of Boulder's very rare Paris Roubaix model dual air-suspended bikes from the same era as this LeMond, after I lucked out on an Ebay auction and got the whole brand new $4k+ bike for just what the components were worth.
