Does anybody ride this frame? I am looking for your thoughts. I used to ride a Zurich but the frame had broke and they are replacing with 2005 Malliot Jaune carbon/steel.

55/Rad has experience with these bikes. If you're getting the carbon/steel replacement for your all-steel frame, consider it an upgrade.

Its a step up from the Zurich.

I've never ridden one, but I did see one up close last weekend and chatted with its owner. I can tell you this - it is one beautiful, eye catching bike. If it rides as good as it looks, it will be one sweet ride.

They are sending you an '05 Spine Design MJ as a replacement to your older steel MJ?

From the perspective of price alone, that is an upgrade. And I personally like the feel of the ride a lot - but I also love my full steel MJ.

Want to trade it for a full carbon Trek 5500 - size 58?

You must post some photos.

55/Rad

Apparently they're replacing his older Zurich with a 2005 MJ. Yeah, I'd say that's an upgrade if I've ever seen one

Rad/55, how does the steel/carbon feel when compared with 853 steel? I test rode a Lemond w/853 (forgot which model....probably NOS) and it felt GREAT! I loved the way it soaked up the bumps & ripples. I think the new Lemond Steel bikes are made with Temper OX Platinum steel spine & a carbon cockpit (not really sure what that means). But in terms of comfort, are the new bikes just as comfortable as the older 853 steel bikes?

I've had 2 all-steel Lemonds and love them. They are everything you've read about steel and more. When I went looking for another project last year, I took extensive test rides on '04 spine design models - specifically the Zurich and the Tete.

I loved them both. Stiff, fairly light and responsive without being harsh. But unique to themselves and hard to describe in terms of how each material truly affects the ride.

I ended buying a used Tete frame which is another (long) story unto itself.

55/Rad

Hi.
First you have been most helpful on your responses. Thanks. Sorry the 5500 will be a bit small for me.
I am 6'3.

I have been waiting and waiting and waiting for a replacement frame and I think they finally got sick of me. The will be replacing the zurich with the Spine design MJ.

I was in the same situation as you my '03 steel Zurich cracked and they upgraded me to an '05 MJ and man it is a sweet frame. I have no complaints with it.