labman

I have a chance to pick up a leftover Arrivee for about $1650. The shop said the MSRP was over $2600. Is this correct? Has anyone here ridden this bike before? I was wondering how the ride quality is. I know the components it is spec'd with are not the best, but this still looks like a pretty good deal.

55/Rad

The Arrivee is a very nice combination of Ti frame with an Ultegra/105 mix. It's lower on the Lemond line for Ti bikes for the component mix and in a lot of ways reminds me of the Trek OCLV 5000/5200 models which are more affordable. It's still full 3/2.5 Ti as opposed to the spine design mixes that are on the newer Lemonds.

While I haven't ridden this particular model, I do own 3 Lemonds ('04 TdC, '98 MJ & '02 Poprad) and can testify to how nice they are. The Lemond geometry simply "fits" me better with it's longer top tube.

The $2600 MSRP is probably right and the sale price is a good one for an '03 (yellow with the red banners) or better for an '04 (raw Ti appearance). The 05's are on their way and I've been hearing about prices dropping everywhere on leftover inventory, so it may be a good time to call around.

55/Rad

TXCiclista

Purely subjective here, but if you're a "Lance fan" you might consider boycotting LeMonds. LeMond (the guy) came out and said straigt-up he thinks Lance is doping; that there's no way he could what he's done w/o it...

Just my $.02 worth...

labman

Point well taken, it was a stupid thing for Lemond to say, but I still like his bicycles. I'm already boycotting French wine, you can't boycott everything.

TXCiclista

haha

growlgames

You know, it's funny you mention this, because, while I very much like the bike in question (go buy it, by the way, its fun to watch people freak out when they figure out Lemond makes a Ti bike), I almost wanted to get rid of it in protest to GL when I read that. If you are a well respected former TdF winner, speculation is something you just shouldn't do. But, Lemond is owned by Trek, and Trek gives Lance a big wad of money, so I guess the $ spent on a Lemond gets to Lance anyhow. I just wonder what Lemond's problem with Lance is....

labman

Simple jealousy I think...

TXCiclista

It would be interesting to see if Trek perhaps unloads the LeMond brand. Not sure that will ever happen, but I'm gonna be interested to see what happens after the TdF...

Diesel

The Lemond Arrivee is a nice bike. From my understanding the frame is straight gauge 3.25 ti as opposed to the Victoire of the same year being double butted.

RyanR6

There is local guy selling this bike, and I am interested in any opinions on it. I currently do not own a bike, but am actively looking and learning. He states the bike is lightly used, and is a 57 size frame, I am about 6'2'', 210lbs. He is asking $1250, I haven't yet contacted him as I'm looking for opinions first.
Thanks,
Ryan

55/Rad

I stand by my almost-2 year-old-opinion above. Except for the fact that I no longer believe Lemonds are the perfect geometry for me.

55/Rad

RyanR6

Thank you. What is your opinion on the price? I checked ebay and that wasn't much to compare to, just one recently sold frame. I also have no idea what titanium rides like, which is why I'm looking for opinions.
Ryan

timmyquest

I've never ridden a TI frame either, but i do know a bit about the metal. It's liter and stronger then steel...having said that, i would imagine they would be pretty darn nice to ride!

55/Rad

It's hard to say without knowing the condition but it's in the ballpark of a fair price, given it's a 3 year old bike.

Does it fit you?

Serpico

what does this have to do with ANYTHING?!? this guy is looking at spending countless hours and thousands of miles on this particular frame--and your feedback is "Lance roXorz d00d--Lemond sUX".

who cares?? Lemond (the person) has basically NOTHING to do with these frames, NOTHING

RyanR6

I don't know if it fits me or not yet. It should be close, I am about 6'2'' and 210lbs, and other bikes I've looked at are in the 56-60cm range. I just have no idea how to value a bike like this. I wasn't even considering titanium because brand new it's out of my budget. If this is a nice bike, it fits me, and is a good value, I will have to consider it.

Thanks,
Ryan

growlgames

I am your size (6'2" 205) and have this bike in this size. Longer then standard top tube makes it possible; very nice, stable bike. Plush ride. Had it for 3 years now? Wow, that went fast! I am more torso then leg though, so YMMV...

RyanR6

Thanks for the info, I appreciate it. Anything I should look for in particular if I decide to check it out? I haven't had my email to the seller responded to yet, but in the ad he says showroom condition, was going to be used for racing but never did.

martdwyer

Well what do you think now ? ( checked out this old post on arrivee since one is on sale on cl and came across these ancient opinions kinda like steel bikes will never be replaced )

frquenttrvlr

Found this old thread and had to reply. I have been riding my 2003 Lemond Arrivee (53 cm) now for 14 years. The Ti gives a great ride, the geometry is really comfortable. It has not had its original Bontrager Race wheels for about 12 years. I currently have a pair of Rol D'Huez wheels on it. And I get lots of compliments on the "classic" bike.


Oh...in reference to some earlier posts in this subject. Lemond was right! I hope those who critized Lemond didn't pass on the Arrivee just because they though Lemond was a jerk for saying Lance doped!

Scarbo

Interesting zombie thread. Good find.

That one guy gave up drinking French wine on behalf of Lance. Poor soul. I'd rather cut off one of my ears than do such a thing.

jamesdak 

My how the world had changed.

TXCiclista

So very, very true.

jamesdak 

No lack of Lemonds in my house!

StephenK

Great necro thread, like a time warp with the Greg disparagement. I hope the OP bought the Ti Arrivee. It's a nice frame that will last against stress fractures and corrosion.