I'm seriously considering buying one- and need input!

I used to have a Litespeed Veneto- A bike I really, REALLY loved. But, alas, I sold it. Not enough time to use it, the wife didn't ride, and I needed the cash... So I let it go. It's got a great new home in Canada now, But I really miss it.

Recently, I've gotten back in to riding a LOT more, and want to keep it up. I had been riding a Cannondale Caad3, not a bad bike, but nothing like the Litespeed. I am a Merchant Marine officer, and I work on a ship. I wanted a ride for when I was in port, and it fit the bill.

This fall, I replaced it with a Motobecane Century, which is a carbon fiber bike from Bikes Direct. I don't even want to open that can of worms, though... I know there are a lot of strong opinions on this forum about their bikes. I'm happy with it, though- It does what I need it to, and more, for a good price. It's transportation to me when I'm in port, and it ges me where I'm going, and is still a comfortable platform for longer rides... And it was cheap enough that I won't cry if a gantry crane drops a 6 ton hunk of steel on it in the shipyard (this was how the Cannondale met it's untimely end....)

I want to get a nice bike for home now. I live near Chattanooga, and Lynskey bikes are made there. I've only seen one in person, and I was floored- It was A BEAUTIFUL piece of machinery. As an artist, I could really appreciate it. But, looks are minor. I want to know how they ride.

I'm looking specifically at the Sportive model. My Litespeed had a more upright riding position, that I found to be very comfortable. Speed is not my top concern, nor is weight- I carry a few dozen extra pounds that I could shed, which would make far more difference than a gram or two here and there on the frame.

So- Has anyone ridden the Sportive? What are your impressions of it? How about Lynskeys in general? They appear to be great machines, and I've read many, MANY good things about them.

What about components? Lynskey seems to like SRAM, Though I've never had anything but Shimano (105's on the Motobecane, Ultegra on the Litespeed).

I think I might just have to get my name etched in this one, So I don't do something STUPID like sell it...

My R230 is the only bike I will never sell. I have no experience with the Sportive but am considering it for a Brevet bike. I have more SRAM bikes than Shimano. I like the 6700 I am currently running on the Lynskey but will replace it with Red in the spring. It is just a preference. I am not a SRAM shill.

I have a Lynskey-made Planet X. The Geo is very close to the Sportive. This was a budget build for me, I plan to keep the bike forever and upgrade the drivetrain & wheels as I go along. I already have installed a Ultegra SL compact that I use for hilly rides, this is a great looking crank that matches the Ultegra SL brakes.
The 50t & 39 t standard crankset pictured is ideal for flat rides near home. The two cranks swap-out in 10 minutes w/o any F-D adjustment needed.

The Sportive should be a great long distance bike. Stiff enough for climbing, yet comfortable.

I'm not familiar with the model you referenced but I've seen and tested several Lynskey bikes and they are as good as it gets in my opinion. They can do completely custom bikes and can put together a frame that fits you perfectly. I hope to have a lynskey someday.

I have a Lynskey R330 purchased 10/2009, with the intention of it being a "lifetime" bike. Campy Chorus 11 with Campy Eurus wheels. Love it!

Mike at Suck Creek Cycles there in Chattanooga is a friend of mine and recommended Lynskey. I'm glad he did as I've been really pleased. As far as I know, he's still a dealer for Lynskey. Nice guy -- will definitely steer you in the right direction and build your bike if you need that. If you go to his shop, tell him John from Mississippi says hi.

I've only used an older Ultegra and Chorus 11. Would like to try Sram someday just to see what it's like.

I really love my R320 Lynskey. Fit is perfect and the ride is as good if not better than my CF bikes. Easy to maintain. Will keep this one forever!! Can't say that about the CF bikes. They come and go...

If you give them a call, they might want be able to arrange a test ride.

BTW, have you seen the promotional specials on their website?

I saw one in person recently and it may have been the nicest Ti bike I've ever laid eyes on. Impressive.

There's really not much negative that you can say about Lynskey.

Oh, Man- All the pics are making me want it that much more...

Since I'm local, I'd be dealing directly with the factory, too, which I like. I sent an email looking for some info, and they already responded (on a Saturday!). I just wish I was home, rather than a few thousand miles away freezing my ass off on a ship. But, I've got to pay the bills, too- And set some aside for my new 'toys'...

I wish I could afford a fully custom one, but it looks like that will be a bit out of the budget range, at least for now... Perhaps I'll win the lotto between now and then, and money wont be an issue any longer!

-Andrew

Absolutely awesome bikes. i'm picking one up whenever my settlement comes from my bike wreck....

I picked up an R340 this past summer, absolutely love the bike, I can not say enough good about the bike & the company. They were the best purchase transaction I have ever dealt with. I would highly recommend dealing with them.

Anyone know the weight on the R340 frame?

lynskey bikes look gorgeous. i must be getting old.

I am getting a Ti frame for my next bike. The only stock Ti bike that fits me is a Merlin Cyrene but I can't find one in my size, so I will most likely need to go with another brand. Lynskey is at the top of my list but I would need to have a custom frame. Kish will build me a custom frame for $2,700 or I can buy a Habanero for $1,295.00.

The Habanero appears to be more bang for the buck. I would be getting more bling with the Lynskey, but are there any other differences?

Lynskey ovalizes the oversized down tube to stiffen the frame at the bottom bracket and headtube. The craftsmanship and welds at the headtube & BB is a work of art and provides a much higher degree of power transmission & steering precision, while allowing for a smooth ride with enough vertical compliance.

They are everything people said here and more. I own the Helix OS and it is the best bike I have ever ridden. You will not be disappointed in any bike in their stable. Also, their customer service is top notch.

This thread has me lusting after a Ti bike. Keep the pics coming!

After another day of drooling over the photos on the website, I don't think that I can resist any further... I Emailed them (on Sat Night), and they've already replied twice, on the weekend. I think I'm going to have to get one!

I've done a lot of reading on the web, and have not heard a SINGLE negative comment anywhere.

And, I have to say, they are some of the most gorgeous machines I've laid eyes on... Incredible workmanship, and attention to detail that really shows.

Now, If I can ever get off my ship for vacation, I can go check them out in person!

I'll have to decide on components now, too... Looks like they have a SRAM preference- Which I've never owned. But, since I'm perfectly happy with the Shimano 105's that i've got on my ride now, so I'm sure I'll be OK with the SRAM...

-Andrew

If the Ibis Fly Ti ever breaks, Lynskey it is. But I don't think I can kill the Ibis.

Thanks, I will consider a Lynskey for my next bike. Any idea of the price ranges for custom?

custom frames will run you like 5 grand. that's just the frame

Have been riding mine as my only road bike for almost 3 years now (previously had a cervelo R3 and SLT). It's been the best all around frame I've owned - coupled with an Edge Composites road 2.0 fork it is unbelievably stable descending and corners beautifully. I've ridden mountain passes, centuries, countless thousands of miles on it and hope to never have to buy another frame in my life. The fit is perfect, the ride is comfortable, the craftsmanship is outstanding. You really can't go wrong.

R320 (large frame)
Campy record/chorus mix
Thomson stem/seatpost
Fizik Antares
Deep V+WI H2+sapim cx rays
3T rotundo bars

New wheels on the way, although these handbuilts have been flawless for the past 3 years too.

I have a Merlin, which I love, and which has to be my lifetime bike, so I can't justify the Lynskey. But that doesn't mean I can't lust after it.

Ti bikes are just understated perfection.

Well, that is more than I will pay for a frame. There are a few Ti frame builders that will build frames in the $2,000 range. I think Seven is a little over $3,000.