rfctx

Just bought a used 57cm 2004 LeMond Zürich for my son ... not sure if this was a good idea.

I have been trying to get my son (15 year old) to ride for some time ... like most of his life! The other day he pulled my road bike out and put it on the stand ... started cleaning and lubing my machine. Then he asks about bike shorts - shoes etc. ... he is over 6' 1" and is a very athletic build so he can kind of keep the stuff on. Dons my kit and starts to ride my bike.

All this is really a surprise to me. So I picked up (just now) a used Zurich of craigslist, which is chipped and scratched up, but I think in ok mechanical shape. It is just not my method to jump at stuff without a lot of thought. I know time will tell, just was thinking if some of ya’ll have had a similar experience?

The Weak Link

Well, my son is a far better cyclist than I am. He also has a nicer mountain bike than I do.

I wish he'd become a roadie because then I'd have a reason to go to bike races (because I'll never ride in one myself).

billydonn

I haven't had that experience but, assuming you didn't pay a really big price or empty the college fund, I think the possible reward is well worth the risk. I would not buy a ton of expensive bike clothing for hm for awhile though.

The 04 Zurich is a nice ride... just bought one myself in fact. At 6' 1" the lad may be on the upper limits of the 57 though... depends on his dimensions. Let us know how it turns out.

Louis

Sounds like you're gonna have to keep the LeMond for yourself; and go buy yourself some new kit as well.

But seriously, if you can ride with him now, it'll be worth any amount of money you spend. I wish I had ridden with my sons when they were that age.

BluesDawg

Enjoy the chance to ride with your son while you can. If the wheels and components are good, you can transfer them to a frame that fits him better. 57cm is probably a little small for him now and will certainly be too small after his next growth spurt.

stapfam

So what's the Ulterior Motive? The only thing that can make teenagers take an interest in anything is if it is a download of The latest music from their favourite Groups- Or Girls.

Has he just noticed one of the girls at school in her tight Lycra?- or has there been an influx on females into the local cycling club?

Look beyond the obvious-

kr32

Excellent point. It has to be girl related...doesn't it?

NOS88

I don't see how you can lose in this situation. If he rides, especially the occasional one with you, that's fantastic. If he doesn't then there's another bike in the household, which seems as it should be.

BigBlueToe

My son started riding my wife's bike at age 15. I hadn't gotten him a new bike since he kind of lost interest when he hit middle school. Great, I thought, and bought him his own bike, similar to my wife's (since he liked it so much.) Unfortunately, soon after he got his driver's license and stopped riding entirely. Lately, however (he's 20 now) he's gone on a few rides with me, and talks about wanting to take a long tour someday. I'm a long-time tourer and he's heard me talking about them his whole life. His cousin wanted to try a tour when he graduated from college, so I set him up with my old tourer and panniers. He rode from Vancouver to San Francisco. My son heard his stories too.

Maybe there's hope.

wobblyoldgeezer

How could it possibly be a mistake?

Kid wants to share your interest - nothing but good. You buy him a bike - nothing but good. It's a Zurich, many people's best ever choice - nothing but good.

And the future - you share some rides together - nothing but good. He takes to it, wants to choose his newer one maybe in a slightly closer size because he's getting into the sport - nothing but good.

Or he likes the rides on the Lemond but develops other interests, you have the few rides together in common and a Lemond in the stable - nothing but good
Enjoy every bit of it - safe, to you both

jppe

Good bike and good motive so all is good. I suspect it was a good deal so you have a little wiggle room for adjustments. You might need a longer seat post and stem (120-130) but you can probably make the 57 work just fine. I'm 6' 1" as well (but not getting taller) and I can ride a 57 with some tweaks. Are the cranks 175 or 172.5? I would think 175's would be better but either can work.

TromboneAl

This one?
Lemond1.jpg
Lemond2.jpg

BengeBoy 

This sounds like a very positive move.

My own son didn't bike much once he got past middle school, but when he went off to college suddenly asked for a bike. Instead of getting him a new cheapie bike that might get stolen, he and I shopped around on Craigslist and bought a really wonderful late 80's Panasonic touring bike for $300 (a little overpriced, but it was in perfect condition). For the first time, in the summer before he left for college, we started riding together a bit. He didn't take the bike to school w/him his freshmen year, but the next summer we went on several rides together again. He took the bike back to college, and got to know the guys at the campus co-op. Fast forward to now -- he's helped his girlfriend buy a used bike at a thrift store, and I've been advising them on repairs and maintenance, long distance. He and his GF now ride their bikes on short jaunts into the countryside when they have a break from classes.

So - great move, hope your son enjoys it.

billydonn

My, that is a handsome bike there!

tom cotter

While in their teens i shared my passion for riding with my kids. But, between videogames, cars, and the opposite sex way too much competition. Two years ago I got my early twenties eldest son to try biking. I gave him a tried and true Trek 520 that i wasn't using. Now he's got a better mountain bike than i do, rides it all the time, and can kick my ass with it as well! The 520 is coming back to live with me as it served its purpose well! He's making noises that he wouldn't mind getting a hold of my Zurich. We'll see! I've created a monster! A good thing!

Kojak

I'd make that investment in a heartbeat. If he loses interest.... craigslist can provide, and craigslist can make disappear.

t4mv

It's always a good idea, how can it not be (teenage girls, aside)? I started taking my boys out when they were 3 & 4 (tandem w/ child stoker kits) and the older one is now 16 and is a decent rider. When he got big enough to ride one of my bikes I pretty much changed some parts on it so it was better suited to him. When he finally outgrew it, I built up a Madone for him. It's a worthwhile investment because he's likely to keep cycling into adulthood and besides, I can always draft off him when we go on rides together.

stapfam

Have to admit that I would love my daughters to get out on the bikes. Have to make do with my Son-in-Law instead. But last year he started riding one of my good bikes. I didn't mind but it had to be set up for him. Too much of a faff to keep changing it back to my setup so I just happened to go to the LBS and sawa bike that would do for a few commutes that I do each month. For what it was- it was cheap and although I ride a 51- this was a 54. But I can ride it with just a few mods to it. Hopefully won't have to as he needs the fitness training and exercise more than I do.