Yesterday I took a 2005 Lemond Sarthe (full Campy) out on a test ride, and I think I'm in love. That said, I'm wondering if there's another Lemond that is better suited to my style of riding. I'm currently riding a Trek 1000C (my transition bike from fifteen years of hybrids). I plan to use the bike to commute to work and a long ride or two on the weekend. Once I get in the groove (hopefully by Memorial Day), I'll be averaging 100+/week. I'm not a racer by any means, and given my imminent eligibility to join AARP :eek: , I'm all over the comfort factor. Oh, my LBS wants $1200 for the Sarthe, whadda think?

I think you should go for a Tete and throw a custom paintjob on top.

Who saw that coming? :)

The Sarthe is a great bike - most Lemonds are - as long as the geometry suits you. Might also look at the Croix de Fer or any of the Spine bikes.

55/Rad

I went from a 1200c to a Maillot Jaune. The Lemond left me feeling streched but I've compensated with a shorter stem. If you decide to pull the trigger on the Sarthe make sure the bike shop spends the time to fit you properly. Mine didn't, and it's so far away from my house that I did it on my own.

steel frame, campy components-if it fits and you like the ride there isn't much not to like. just test ride as many bikes as you can before you pull the trigger, if you can.
if you can't you can be pretty confident the sarthe is a proven value.