LeMond Zurich
12-02-03, 12:34 AM
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LeMond Zurich
At the suggestion of a reply I got from an earlier post, I recently test-rode an '04 Buenos Aires and loved the ride. I'm still far from buying because there are quite a few more bikes I'm going to try first-Bianchi Vitara, Bianchi Vigorelli, Trek 2300 (FUN FUN FUN!) My question is, for $300 more, I can get full Ultegra and upgraded wheels on the Zurich over the BA. Is it worth it? BA is top of my price range, but I could stretch if it's worth it. I haven't yet had a chance to do a side by side ride off. Looking forward to that, too. Other suggestions welcome.
Thanks.
Thanks.
12-02-03, 07:35 AM
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I have a 2000 Zurich and love it.
I you stay with a LeMond, I would try get the Zurich for $300. Full Ultegra will have better shifting and last longer and better wheels are cheaper with a bike. Upgrades are expensive.
I you stay with a LeMond, I would try get the Zurich for $300. Full Ultegra will have better shifting and last longer and better wheels are cheaper with a bike. Upgrades are expensive.
12-02-03, 09:27 AM
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Only 105 components on the BA that are Ultegra on the Zurich are the front derailleur and bottom bracket - not sure that's worth ~$300. The Bontrager wheels on the BA don't need upgrading IMO unless you're very heavy or plan on racing.
12-02-03, 12:10 PM
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I'd go with the Zurich... That ultegra is a nice system... I've never ridden 105, but I hear it's pretty decent... if you can swing $300 more, then do it... you'll be much happier in the long term !
Jeff
Jeff
12-02-03, 03:13 PM
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Originally Posted by D-Man
At the suggestion of a reply I got from an earlier post, I recently test-rode an '04 Buenos Aires and loved the ride. I'm still far from buying because there are quite a few more bikes I'm going to try first-Bianchi Vitara, Bianchi Vigorelli, Trek 2300 (FUN FUN FUN!) My question is, for $300 more, I can get full Ultegra and upgraded wheels on the Zurich over the BA. Is it worth it? BA is top of my price range, but I could stretch if it's worth it. I haven't yet had a chance to do a side by side ride off. Looking forward to that, too. Other suggestions welcome.
Thanks.
Thanks.
The springs on the Dura-Ace are much better and last longer than Ultraga's, but the operations is about the same. With Ultrega to 105, the operation is not as smooth, and the drop off in durability is a bit steeper. All in all, for $300 bucks, is just the front derailleur and bottom brack worth it? If you figure that the bearings will be a lot better and, therefore, last longer, I would say yes, definately.
I started researching road bikes last May with an intent on buying next May. I have been steeped in literature, rides, anecdotes, real-world experiences. I started out wanting a full 105 bike. Then I tested a few of them and a few Ultrega bikes, and it was no contest. I am now looking at a full Ultrega bike, with the Zurich and Trek 5200 at the top of my list. If I could fall into an extra $1,000, I would jump to the Maillot Jaune or 5500 for the Dura-Ace 10 speed system.
12-02-03, 03:19 PM
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Go with the Zurich. I have a 2003 Zurich and love it. In 2003 the frame is all 853 vs. 853 and lesser tube mix on the BA. The 2004 appears to have the same frame for both but the Zurich has the Race Lite 110 Carbon fork and the Race Lite wheels vs. the Bontrager Select. Those two items plus Ultegra vs. 105 are worth the extra $. I had allways been a 105 advocate until I got the Ultegra and there IS a difference. Good hunting and riding.
__________________
LeMond Zurich(2003), Winwood Carbon Post, Fizik Arione Saddle, Speed Play X-2 pedals, 3T More Carbon Bar & Giant Carbon Stem, FSA Super Light 53/39 Crank Set.
LeMond Zurich(2003), Winwood Carbon Post, Fizik Arione Saddle, Speed Play X-2 pedals, 3T More Carbon Bar & Giant Carbon Stem, FSA Super Light 53/39 Crank Set.
12-02-03, 08:35 PM
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Thanks to all who have offered advice. You have basically confirmed my hunch about the full Ultegra vs. Ultegra/105 mix. Plus, I believe the BA has 105 brakes as well. The BA is a great bike, but I think I can dig a bit deeper for the Zurich. If I stick with LeMond, I will definitely shoot for the Zurich. I'll keep you posted........
12-02-03, 08:41 PM
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D-Man, I'm glad you tried the LeMond, and found the ride as comfortable as I did. (It was my recommendation in your earlier post to look at the Buenos Aires.)
If you can step up $-wise, I'm sure you'll be happy with the Zurich, too - but the BA was enough bike for me, at a better pricepoint.
If you can step up $-wise, I'm sure you'll be happy with the Zurich, too - but the BA was enough bike for me, at a better pricepoint.
