Anyone know about these Leader frames
07-30-02, 12:56 PM
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Anyone know about these Leader frames
I noticed these road bike frames on Ebay - "Leader" with a alloy carbon blend (seat stays). Here is a picture, the selling price "buy it now" is $299, if you purchase the frame they will include a carbon fork for $99. Any insight?
Last edited by nikos; 07-30-02 at 12:58 PM.
07-31-02, 12:52 AM
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I'm sure its fine. One thing for sure, the graphics are ugly.
Nikos, I'm not sure if you are on some path of chasing your tail. I know you are selling your Talledega because you think its too small for a yellow, used bianchi or maybe this Leader?
I thiink you should just adjust the stem/seatpost of the talledega. It won't, contrary to your belief, mess up your legs or stretch you out too far. The way you have it set up is similar to the way racers set up their bikes.
Plus, none of the frames look nearly as good as your talledega. I think it's alot of effort for very little if any gain.
Now if you "think" you need it, one can justify anything. You have been comfortably riding that bike (shop fitted, I add) and you can't let people on the internet- who have never seen you, your bike or you on your bike judge what is right for you. My suggestions are to try to help with a cm here, cm there adjustment.
I feel as if you are throwing the baby out with the bathwater. Maybe I'm wrong but maybe you should think about what you already have before you throw alot of time, effort and expense when maybe a seat/ stem adjustment is all you need.
Nikos, I'm not sure if you are on some path of chasing your tail. I know you are selling your Talledega because you think its too small for a yellow, used bianchi or maybe this Leader?
I thiink you should just adjust the stem/seatpost of the talledega. It won't, contrary to your belief, mess up your legs or stretch you out too far. The way you have it set up is similar to the way racers set up their bikes.
Plus, none of the frames look nearly as good as your talledega. I think it's alot of effort for very little if any gain.
Now if you "think" you need it, one can justify anything. You have been comfortably riding that bike (shop fitted, I add) and you can't let people on the internet- who have never seen you, your bike or you on your bike judge what is right for you. My suggestions are to try to help with a cm here, cm there adjustment.
I feel as if you are throwing the baby out with the bathwater. Maybe I'm wrong but maybe you should think about what you already have before you throw alot of time, effort and expense when maybe a seat/ stem adjustment is all you need.
07-31-02, 01:23 AM
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Originally posted by RacerX
Maybe I'm wrong but maybe you should think about what you already have before you throw alot of time, effort and expense when maybe a seat/ stem adjustment is all you need.
Maybe I'm wrong but maybe you should think about what you already have before you throw alot of time, effort and expense when maybe a seat/ stem adjustment is all you need.
Obviously one school of thought, even among these professionals, is that you should have a smaller frame and longer seat post.
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07-31-02, 03:45 AM
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They are supposedly based out of San Diego. I am in San Diego until mid-August; I'll investigate, maybe I can visit their hub and gather some clues...
in the meantime, Google has revealed:
a 2-man relay team sponsored by Leader
Leader bike homepage (down at the moment).
Some of the deeper links to their site do work, but some of them are mislabeled (the link to the LD780 page, the frame you are curious about, mistakenly jumps to the LD775 description).
The poor English in them also raises eyebrows. Note the mis-spelling of "excellent" found both on their site, and also in a review by "someone that bought a leader frame off ebay":
Leader site, description of their carbon seatposts
versus
a "review" Note the similarity of English, and mis-spelled words.
another "review" Note again the poor English, mis-spelling, and recurring ALL-CAPS.
another, again with poor English:
If you meant to run a legitimate business, would you resort to writing artificial reviews of your products? If you meant to start a legitimate, long-term business, would you be so careless with typing and webpage creation? They could be a genuine enterprise, but these things DO raise suspicion in my mind...
Note, these were the only reviews of the product that I could find, both of them posted in 2002; and, San Diego is about 15 minutes from the Mexican border (which might explain the low $).
I hope I am not smashing an honest business with this cruelty. I mean to find out more by calling/visiting them, I'll let you know.
in the meantime, Google has revealed:
a 2-man relay team sponsored by Leader
Leader bike homepage (down at the moment).
Some of the deeper links to their site do work, but some of them are mislabeled (the link to the LD780 page, the frame you are curious about, mistakenly jumps to the LD775 description).
The poor English in them also raises eyebrows. Note the mis-spelling of "excellent" found both on their site, and also in a review by "someone that bought a leader frame off ebay":
Leader site, description of their carbon seatposts
versus
a "review" Note the similarity of English, and mis-spelled words.
another "review" Note again the poor English, mis-spelling, and recurring ALL-CAPS.
another, again with poor English:
If you meant to run a legitimate business, would you resort to writing artificial reviews of your products? If you meant to start a legitimate, long-term business, would you be so careless with typing and webpage creation? They could be a genuine enterprise, but these things DO raise suspicion in my mind...
Note, these were the only reviews of the product that I could find, both of them posted in 2002; and, San Diego is about 15 minutes from the Mexican border (which might explain the low $).
I hope I am not smashing an honest business with this cruelty. I mean to find out more by calling/visiting them, I'll let you know.
07-31-02, 06:28 AM
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For what it's worth...
Leader is mainly a contract manufacturer for other bike brands. I kknow, for example, that Argon 18, a generally well-thought-of marque in Canada, has its CF bikes made by Leader. There are a whole lot of bikes out there that are Leaders under the paint.
Leader is mainly a contract manufacturer for other bike brands. I kknow, for example, that Argon 18, a generally well-thought-of marque in Canada, has its CF bikes made by Leader. There are a whole lot of bikes out there that are Leaders under the paint.
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11-12-03, 10:27 PM
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Originally Posted by velocipedio
For what it's worth...
Leader is mainly a contract manufacturer for other bike brands. I know, for example, that Argon 18, a generally well-thought-of marque in Canada, has its CF bikes made by Leader. There are a whole lot of bikes out there that are Leaders under the paint.
Leader is mainly a contract manufacturer for other bike brands. I know, for example, that Argon 18, a generally well-thought-of marque in Canada, has its CF bikes made by Leader. There are a whole lot of bikes out there that are Leaders under the paint.
Although I'm a bit late (a year?) I want to weigh in here.
I was in negotiation with the fine peeps at Leader Bike for around two weeks trying to get all the details worked out on the carbon fiber/aluminum road bike they offer (785R with full Dura Ace components). During this time I was also in communication with Getawaybikes.com regarding their Tommaso Ti road frame.
The Leader bike was selling for $2049.00 and they wouldn't budge on the price. I emailed Getaway Bikes and asked if they could match or beat the Leader Bike price on a fully assembled Tommaso Ti bike with Dura Ace Flight Deck components. Getaway gave me a great (and better) price so I decided to go with them. I informed the guys at Leader Bike that I appreciated all their help but I was going to pass on their bike (I did not tell them why). I got an email back from them IN ALL CAPITAL LETTERS which I assumed meant that they were yelling at me... Very poor netiquette.
When I called Getaway Bikes to place my order I found their customer service rep. to be very friendly and helpful (and there were no type-o's in any of the emails we exchanged). Leader Bike, on the other hand, had TONS of type-o's in their communications (not to mention getting "yelled" at) which left me wondering exactly what caliber of people I was dealing with.
As I type this my bike is in the process of being built and I'm pretty stoked. I'll be even more stoked when I get it!
Merry Christmas to me!!!
11-27-03, 01:33 AM
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Response from Leader Bike
Hello,
I could not help responding to the post by Thhaze. This is the second post he writes about Leader with the same message. We do not recall him ever wanting to place an order. Maybe Gateway put him up to this? To see someone take so much time in trying to make us look so good.
If anyone should have any questions about us please visit one of our dealers or go to our website www.leaderbikeusa.com you can find our address and telephone number there. We will be happy to answer any of your questions.
You are welcome to view product reviews @ roadbikereview.com our distributor leaderbikestore on eBay has a high positive feedback rating. This should answer any of your customer service questions.
Thank you for reading my post.
Happy Holidays,
Brian
I could not help responding to the post by Thhaze. This is the second post he writes about Leader with the same message. We do not recall him ever wanting to place an order. Maybe Gateway put him up to this? To see someone take so much time in trying to make us look so good.
If anyone should have any questions about us please visit one of our dealers or go to our website www.leaderbikeusa.com you can find our address and telephone number there. We will be happy to answer any of your questions.
You are welcome to view product reviews @ roadbikereview.com our distributor leaderbikestore on eBay has a high positive feedback rating. This should answer any of your customer service questions.
Thank you for reading my post.
Happy Holidays,
Brian
12-01-03, 08:18 AM
#9
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Remember Guys, its simply aluminum tubing, It's not an expensive material, nor is it hard to work with.
fetishcycles.com sells a frame made of Columbus Airplane tubing w/carbon rear stays for $400 Colnago sells a frame made of the same Materials for over $1200.00 Sure the Colnago has nicer welds and paint but $800.00 worth?
If you can handmake a frame from Columbus Airplane and sell it for $395, Surely Leader can manufacture reliable 7005 series generic aluminum frame for $100.00 less
fetishcycles.com sells a frame made of Columbus Airplane tubing w/carbon rear stays for $400 Colnago sells a frame made of the same Materials for over $1200.00 Sure the Colnago has nicer welds and paint but $800.00 worth?
If you can handmake a frame from Columbus Airplane and sell it for $395, Surely Leader can manufacture reliable 7005 series generic aluminum frame for $100.00 less
12-01-03, 09:32 AM
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Yah, I'd say check out Fetishcycles.com and email them they offered me a bargain, they might do the same. Their prices just jumped on their high-end stuff, but the low-end Al/CF frame is still real cheap.
Last edited by pinky; 12-01-03 at 09:38 AM.
02-20-04, 12:33 AM
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Dear Fetish Spokesman,
Get your facts straight. Easton, Altec, Deda, Etc. all use 7005 Alloy.
From Leader website:
https://www.leaderbikeusa.com/info/about.htm
7005 Aluminum
7005 aluminum is slightly stronger than 6061 so it can mean slightly lighter frames. We use 7005 aluminum for several of our frames because it is so light and stiff.
FROM COLUMBUS AUTHORIZED DEALER:
https://www.sanobike.com/columbus.htm
Airplane
Airplane is derived from a 7005 alloy and offers extreme Iightness together with high resistance and stiffness. Airplane allows the manufacture of frames intended for competitions where extreme performance Is required.
If anyone has any questions please contact me.
Brian C. Tel. 619 425 6452
Get your facts straight. Easton, Altec, Deda, Etc. all use 7005 Alloy.
From Leader website:
https://www.leaderbikeusa.com/info/about.htm
7005 Aluminum
7005 aluminum is slightly stronger than 6061 so it can mean slightly lighter frames. We use 7005 aluminum for several of our frames because it is so light and stiff.
FROM COLUMBUS AUTHORIZED DEALER:
https://www.sanobike.com/columbus.htm
Airplane
Airplane is derived from a 7005 alloy and offers extreme Iightness together with high resistance and stiffness. Airplane allows the manufacture of frames intended for competitions where extreme performance Is required.
If anyone has any questions please contact me.
Brian C. Tel. 619 425 6452
02-20-04, 09:33 AM
#12
Tiocfáidh ár Lá
Nikos,
I can vouch for Leader. I own a 785r ultegra machine and it is absolutly beautiful. pics here: https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...&page=38&pp=15
I spoke via e-mail and phone to a guy nammed Sal who I think runs the company. They sized me up perfectly to the bike and even threw in some extra upgrades for free. The customer service was outstanding and I woodent wory aboute a few misspelled e-mails
I was in the market for a modern racer and spent 6 months getting one. I really wanted a DeRosa but the price range was way out. I test rode DeRosa, Lemond, Treck and many more. I was a bit squeemish about buying on line with out a test ride. But at my LBS's basically if they did not have it in stock then you got no test ride anyway and maby you don't like the lbs stock. So I saw Leader months earlier and thought about it later, called them did research, even posted here at one point. Made the decesion to buy and I am 100% satisfied. Especially for the price. Plus they have life time warrenty on frame and a crash replacement warrenty where you can get the frame at cost. Cannot beat it IMO...
EDIT: OK Now I see this is a revived old post maby you have a new bike by now??? If it is a leader let me know what you think...
I can vouch for Leader. I own a 785r ultegra machine and it is absolutly beautiful. pics here: https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...&page=38&pp=15
I spoke via e-mail and phone to a guy nammed Sal who I think runs the company. They sized me up perfectly to the bike and even threw in some extra upgrades for free. The customer service was outstanding and I woodent wory aboute a few misspelled e-mails
I was in the market for a modern racer and spent 6 months getting one. I really wanted a DeRosa but the price range was way out. I test rode DeRosa, Lemond, Treck and many more. I was a bit squeemish about buying on line with out a test ride. But at my LBS's basically if they did not have it in stock then you got no test ride anyway and maby you don't like the lbs stock. So I saw Leader months earlier and thought about it later, called them did research, even posted here at one point. Made the decesion to buy and I am 100% satisfied. Especially for the price. Plus they have life time warrenty on frame and a crash replacement warrenty where you can get the frame at cost. Cannot beat it IMO...
EDIT: OK Now I see this is a revived old post maby you have a new bike by now??? If it is a leader let me know what you think...
02-20-04, 06:22 PM
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I bought a Leader bike frame a couple years ago, and I was very pleased. the only problem with it was the paint chipped very easily. But I repainted it and it was an amazing bike. It was actually stolen, so I will miss it. But it cant be beat for the price.
08-31-04, 07:44 PM
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I have a 785R with the upgrade for about two months and I believe it is a great frame with graet components. I was trying to understand your email that I am replying to and it seems that Leader is buying the tubing or frames from the company you refer to. To me it does not matter. The welds are perfect and it handles great at any speed. I am curious though as to who makes the frame. I also bought my wife a 735R and she has the same views about the frames quality and handling.
08-31-04, 08:56 PM
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My friend has the all aluminum frame. Great price for the DA components, but he does complain that the frame is very stiff and not too comfortable. His steel bike got wrecked and so he bought this one.
I guess with the carbon stays you're looking at, it should only get better. But most important is the fit. If you're in San Diego, call their offices and ask to visit them to take a look at some sizes...
I guess with the carbon stays you're looking at, it should only get better. But most important is the fit. If you're in San Diego, call their offices and ask to visit them to take a look at some sizes...
09-01-04, 05:03 AM
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Two monthes ago I called Leader about their bikes and asked for their "best price" on the 735. They were very short with me and not very customer friendly. Maybe I just caught the person on a bad day, but it didn't matter to me. I never called them back.
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09-01-04, 07:46 AM
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Next time you want to search for rider impressions on a frame just use the search feature on roadbikereview.
That would have given you these pages:
735TT
735R
780R
715R
That would have given you these pages:
735TT
735R
780R
715R
09-01-04, 07:51 AM
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I guess their best price is the low regular price. I know a messenger who has been riding one for a few months, he really likes it. He got it fully built for very little $.
11-07-04, 09:36 PM
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I own 2 leader bikes, the 716R and the new 2005 780R model. I love them both and have had no problems with either of them. The customer service at Leader has been nothing but oustanding.I wouldn't hesitate to refer them or buy again in the future.
11-07-04, 10:11 PM
#21
Former Hoarder
Originally Posted by atmnlv
I own 2 leader bikes, the 716R and the new 2005 780R model. I love them both and have had no problems with either of them. The customer service at Leader has been nothing but oustanding.I wouldn't hesitate to refer them or buy again in the future.
55/Rad
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11-08-04, 12:32 AM
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Originally Posted by atmnlv
What is so interesting 55/Rad?
-mark
11-08-04, 01:31 AM
#24
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Originally Posted by geneman
methinks he suspect an alterier motive.
-mark
-mark
11-08-04, 09:04 AM
#25
Former Hoarder
When a 2+ year old product related thread gets resurrected for no apparent reason by a first-post newbie singing the praises of said product, then it looks suspicious that maybe said newbie has an ulterior motive.
Now, re-read the entire thread - especially the part about Leader's customer service. If you were the owner of Leader bikes, would you want this reputation? If you ran a somewhat shady operation, would anyone put it past you to convince a friend or employee (you?) to come here and try to change the public opinion?
I have nothing against Leader or you and I hope I am wrong. I'm just stating what it LOOKS like.
55/Rad
Now, re-read the entire thread - especially the part about Leader's customer service. If you were the owner of Leader bikes, would you want this reputation? If you ran a somewhat shady operation, would anyone put it past you to convince a friend or employee (you?) to come here and try to change the public opinion?
I have nothing against Leader or you and I hope I am wrong. I'm just stating what it LOOKS like.
55/Rad
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