Gunnar-LeMond-Marinoni-Marin
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Alexandria, VA
Posts: 66
Bikes: Olmo Millenium
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Gunnar-LeMond-Marinoni-Marin
Newbie here about to be fit measured for a new road bike. My current choice list for purchase are the steel models (Roadie, Zurich Maillot Jaune, Piuma and Treviso) of the above makers. I'm also open to other suggestions. If possible, I intend to test ride all. Bike will be used for long, fast, hard rides as cross training to supplement a big (5'11 230#), long torsoed rider's marathon training and possibly for duathlon events. In context of the above, anyone care to pass on their views on the relative build qualities and ride characteristics of the above frames? Thanks for your insights and help.
Last edited by strider; 09-04-03 at 10:23 PM.
#2
human
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: living in the moment
Posts: 3,562
Bikes: 2005 Litespeed Teramo, 2000 Marinoni Leggero, 2001 Kona Major Jake (with Campy Centaur), 1997 Specialized S-Works M2, 1992 Specialized Rockhopper
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
i ride a marinoni leggero. one of my buddies rides a piuma. another one rides a 7-year-old squadra. marinoni makes amazing bikes. i know of no one who has one who has ever complained about anything.
i'm sure all of the other models are great bikes, but my heart goes to marinoni.
i'm sure all of the other models are great bikes, but my heart goes to marinoni.
__________________
when walking, just walk. when sitting, just sit. when riding, just ride. above all, don't wobble.
The Irregular Cycling Club of Montreal
Cycling irregularly since 2002
when walking, just walk. when sitting, just sit. when riding, just ride. above all, don't wobble.
The Irregular Cycling Club of Montreal
Cycling irregularly since 2002
#3
The Cycling Photographer
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Orange, CA
Posts: 1,404
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I'm currently riding a Lemond Maillot Jaune, and love it... I wanna say that the Zurich and MAillot Jaune are the same frame, both 853 pro steel, and I'm pretty sure the same dimensions... The maillot Jaune is usually built up with DA, and the Zurich with Ultegra.... My MJ has Ultegra, and it is all good with me... Remember that fit is most importanta (as I'm sure everyone will tell you on here) The Lemonds do seem to favor people with Longer torsos such as youself... check them all out...
Jeff
Jeff
#4
OregonStateBike-GoBeavs !
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Beaverton, Oregon
Posts: 15
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I also currently ride a Lemond Maillot Jaune, and love it also... The Lemonds do seem to favor people with Longer torsos such as youself... I am 5'11 and 240 and ride a 55CM and it fits me great !
Do yourself a favor and buy a used Maillot Jaune ! I did and saved about $1K and got a great bike with low miles, look on
EBAY and have a local shop (of your choice) check the bike out before you buy !
Jim
Do yourself a favor and buy a used Maillot Jaune ! I did and saved about $1K and got a great bike with low miles, look on
EBAY and have a local shop (of your choice) check the bike out before you buy !
Jim
#6
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Alexandria, VA
Posts: 66
Bikes: Olmo Millenium
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally posted by velocipedio
[B]i ride a marinoni leggero. one of my buddies rides a piuma. another one rides a 7-year-old squadra. marinoni makes amazing bikes. i know of no one who has one who has ever complained about anything.]
[B]i ride a marinoni leggero. one of my buddies rides a piuma. another one rides a 7-year-old squadra. marinoni makes amazing bikes. i know of no one who has one who has ever complained about anything.]
#7
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Alexandria, VA
Posts: 66
Bikes: Olmo Millenium
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Jeff and Jim... Thanks for the info. I've confirmed that the MJ and Zurich have the same frame but different groups. Have spotted some MJs but no Zurich's in my area. Learned that both models will be going to a steel and carbon frame in 2004. May have to go with what is available in my size after I get measured or look for used. No responses from Gunnar or Marin owners. I wonder if that's a sign??
George
George
#8
SLJ 6/8/65-5/2/07
I plan to build a LeMond MJ in the relatively near future as I'm going to plunge on a modern bike. My body specs are almost identical to jknotz and I also will use a 55cm. I don't see how you can go wrong there.
Don't know much about Marin at all but Gunnar comes out of Waterford and there's alot of endorsement right there. I doubt you'll have any quality problems.
www.roadbikereview.com is a great resource or checking out reviews of bikes.
Don't know much about Marin at all but Gunnar comes out of Waterford and there's alot of endorsement right there. I doubt you'll have any quality problems.
www.roadbikereview.com is a great resource or checking out reviews of bikes.
__________________
“Life is not one damned thing after another. Life is one damned thing over and over.”
Edna St. Vincent Millay
“Life is not one damned thing after another. Life is one damned thing over and over.”
Edna St. Vincent Millay
#9
Zippy Engineer
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: IN
Posts: 1,801
Bikes: Bianchi 928, Bianchi Pista Concept 2004, Surly Steamroller, 1998 Schwinn Factory Team Homegrown, 1999 Schwinn Homegrown Factory, 2000 Schwinn Panther, Niner EMD9
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Gunnar makes great bikes. I rode one all last year and loved it. We had a good amount of customers on their bikes and I have yet to hear a complaint. If you ever find yourself riding in Southeast Wisconsin you'll see a fair amount of Gunnars. Also, you can get a color of the month that is a Waterford paintjob (read: amazing quality and neat colors) for no extra charge. If you want a 1-1/8 headtube for a Gunnar you will have to pay extra, though.
#10
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Alexandria, VA
Posts: 66
Bikes: Olmo Millenium
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally posted by Waldo
If you want a 1-1/8 headtube for a Gunnar you will have to pay extra, though.
If you want a 1-1/8 headtube for a Gunnar you will have to pay extra, though.
By the way, educate a newbie here. What are the pros and cons of the 1" vs 1-1/8" head tubes? Thanks!
#11
Back in the Sooner State
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Norman, OK
Posts: 2,572
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Have you looked at Orbea's steel frame? Triple butted with carbon seatstays. Not sure how the geometry compares to what you're looking at, but it's worth a look. Beautiful bikes.
#12
Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: NJ
Posts: 8
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I gotta put in my vote for Serotta. I have an older Special Nova X and it's a great ride. You should check out the CSi (I prefer lugged frames) or the Colorado III. Good luck on whatever you choose.
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: n.w. superdrome
Posts: 17,687
Bikes: 1 trek, serotta, rih, de Reus, Pogliaghi and finally a Zieleman! and got a DeRosa
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 15 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 9 Times
in
9 Posts
I concur with GoSteel (as I also have Nova X).
However CSi is a great ride but getting very expensive, has
faux headtube lug (in 1 1/8 steerer) and steel fork is
upcharge. For the $ of the CSi I'd look at a Kirk or Vanilla.
OF the 3 above, go with the Marinoni, classic Italian design/heritage with the sensibility of CDN$.
Marty
However CSi is a great ride but getting very expensive, has
faux headtube lug (in 1 1/8 steerer) and steel fork is
upcharge. For the $ of the CSi I'd look at a Kirk or Vanilla.
OF the 3 above, go with the Marinoni, classic Italian design/heritage with the sensibility of CDN$.
Marty
__________________
Sono più lento di quel che sembra.
Odio la gente, tutti.
Want to upgrade your membership? Click Here.
Sono più lento di quel che sembra.
Odio la gente, tutti.
Want to upgrade your membership? Click Here.
#14
Senior Member
A lady on another forum just finished the PBP ride on the Marinoni she got this year. I believe they did an extensive measuring, then built the frame to those measurements. I don't think the other brands will do that for you.
My Lemond Zurich rides nice, but if I hit the Lottery, I'm building up an old Trek 420 steel frame from the mid-90s. It's a 25 pound bike, but building up from the bare frame would give me a quality bike with a sweet long distance ride.
My Lemond Zurich rides nice, but if I hit the Lottery, I'm building up an old Trek 420 steel frame from the mid-90s. It's a 25 pound bike, but building up from the bare frame would give me a quality bike with a sweet long distance ride.
#15
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Alexandria, VA
Posts: 66
Bikes: Olmo Millenium
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Thanks Impreza Drvr, GoSteel, lotek and Dchief. The Orbea and Serrota will bust my budget. I finally heard from the US Marinoni rep and he is ending some info on pricing and purchasing in the US. Long Rider I'll check out the Bianchi's.
Got fitted today and based on geometry a 56cm Gunnar and 55cm LeMond will work for me. The problem will be finding an 03 LeMond Zurich or MJ. According to the LBS that fitted me and sells LeMonds, LeMond will not have an all steel model in their O4 lineup.
Got fitted today and based on geometry a 56cm Gunnar and 55cm LeMond will work for me. The problem will be finding an 03 LeMond Zurich or MJ. According to the LBS that fitted me and sells LeMonds, LeMond will not have an all steel model in their O4 lineup.
#16
Zippy Engineer
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: IN
Posts: 1,801
Bikes: Bianchi 928, Bianchi Pista Concept 2004, Surly Steamroller, 1998 Schwinn Factory Team Homegrown, 1999 Schwinn Homegrown Factory, 2000 Schwinn Panther, Niner EMD9
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Strider-the 1.125" headtube is nice for aluminum steerers as with them a larger diameter tube allows you to thin the material wall out to optimize strength and weight (and stiffness). This was, and continues to bem more pertinent for the MTB world (witness the new 1.5 "standard"). With carbon steerers, you actually end up a bit heavier. Lemond still will have a steel frameset available for 04, but you are correct that there will not be any complete bikes. Lemond is out of 03 steel bikes in many sizes, and with 55 being a common size, it could be difficult to scare one up.
Our shop also deals in Bianchis and they've got some sweet steel bikes as well. The tubesets in your price range are similar to what you'd find on the Gunnar, so expect similar ride qualities.
Our shop also deals in Bianchis and they've got some sweet steel bikes as well. The tubesets in your price range are similar to what you'd find on the Gunnar, so expect similar ride qualities.
#17
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Alexandria, VA
Posts: 66
Bikes: Olmo Millenium
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Thanks Waldo. Your insights have been very helpful. I learned today that Gunnar will be modifying their tube sets in 04 models, going from being round to a round/oval shape with the oval at the ends. I assume this is to provide greater strength and rigidity. The Gunnar dealer expects to have them in about two weeks. He has an 03 Roadie in my size at another store. I'm going to try a test ride to see how it will compare to the 04 model. The same dealer also handles Bianchi so I'll check those out as well. Thanks again for your help.
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Ashford,Al
Posts: 175
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I really like the gunnar.Very nice and smooth riding frames.I bought one not to long ago.However ride the gunnar and the lemond and see what fits YOU better.
#20
Newbie
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 1
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Hi,
I ride (used to ride) a Marinoni Piuma Plus; one test ride after shopping for 6 months and I was hooked. I bought it, then recently t-boned a cop illegally traversing a 4-lane roadway on an alley, but that's beside the point.
Point is: Sammamish Valley Cycle in Redmond, WA. (425-881-8442) sells Marinoni's; there's another guy in the Boston area too.
Good Luck, you'll love whatever Marinoni you choose...
I ride (used to ride) a Marinoni Piuma Plus; one test ride after shopping for 6 months and I was hooked. I bought it, then recently t-boned a cop illegally traversing a 4-lane roadway on an alley, but that's beside the point.
Point is: Sammamish Valley Cycle in Redmond, WA. (425-881-8442) sells Marinoni's; there's another guy in the Boston area too.
Good Luck, you'll love whatever Marinoni you choose...
#21
Resident PIA
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: City of Oaks, NC
Posts: 847
Bikes: Gunnar Roadie, Look 765 Optimum, Spesh Aethos
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 211 Post(s)
Liked 355 Times
in
185 Posts
Originally Posted by Waldo
Gunnar makes great bikes. I rode one all last year and loved it. We had a good amount of customers on their bikes and I have yet to hear a complaint. If you ever find yourself riding in Southeast Wisconsin you'll see a fair amount of Gunnars. Also, you can get a color of the month that is a Waterford paintjob (read: amazing quality and neat colors) for no extra charge. If you want a 1-1/8 headtube for a Gunnar you will have to pay extra, though.
The Roadie has been redesgined for 05 with a semi compact geometry resulting in weight savings in the headtube area, along with Waterford stay's and a new for 05 straight blade steel fork is available.
My Custom color 05 (French racing blue) should be here in about a week.
It's a nice modern design in steel.
__________________
--
Shad
I knew where I was when I wrote this
I don't know where I am now...
05 Gunnar Roadie Chorus/Record
67'er
--
Shad
I knew where I was when I wrote this
I don't know where I am now...
05 Gunnar Roadie Chorus/Record
67'er