jmfdone

Does anyone have one? Thinking about buying one (new 2007 model) and would be curious to know if anyone has one and if so how much they like it.

Thanks

markm109

I own a '98 Lemond Alp D'Huez that is in perfect condition and I ride several days a week. The new bikes are not the same as the classic Lemonds. They have put carbon in the bikes rather than 100% steel and they have started using compact geometry.

Only the Sarthe remains a true classic Lemond in my opinion. And you will need to watch the number of spokes in those wheels - I like at least 32 count for strength.

The problem is being a clyde, carbon is questionable and certainly will not last as long as steel.

You can get classic Lemond bikes on ebay and other used places. I bought mine 2 years ago off eBay for $350. It was ridden only a couple of times by the previous owner. When I got it, there wasn't a scratch on it. I put new tires and tubes and handlebar tape on it and the second year the bottom bracket need to be greased. Other than that it ran like new and I've put over 1,500 miles on it.

fifthcircle

I don't understand why some folks think that the carbon fiber bikes are "questionable"? I agree that carbon may not last as long, but that is most likely because in a crash, it may break. Carbon fiber is now being used to make aircraft fuselages. If it was questionable as a material, the FAA would've never let that happen. I think that CF bikes got a bad rap in the early years of production.

I am picking up an 06 Buenos Aires this week. I have ridden almost all the Lemond's under 2 grand. If I had more money, I would get the new (all carbon) Versailles. It rides very nice and is lighter than any other I tested. I did ride the Sarthe, and loved the feel.

I think with a Lemond, you can't go wrong. I am very impressed with all of their bikes.......but I don't know much. So take my thoughts with a grain of salt

jnatiw

I have a 2006 Tourmalet (off topic slightly, sorry). Although I now wish I had purchased a steel frame bike, I really love the Tourmalet. My friends (who have been riding much longer than I) are always impressed with how much bike I got for my money when I bought it.

KingTermite 

I don't have any personal experience, but a co-worker I used to work with (before I transferred out to PNW) rode one. I know she loved it to death.

jmfdone

thanks everyone. think i may buy it tonight.

UtRacerDad

I ride a 2006 Versailles, I love the bike, the bigest difference between the one you are looking at and the one I ride is that the newer ones use aluminum instead of steel along with the carbon fiber. As for the ride it is great, very comfortable and there is no flex in the bottom bracket or crank. I did however upgrade the wheels, the ones that came stock wouldn't stay true. I now have 36 spoke classic wheels and have had no problems at all so far.