mustardthang

So I am thinking of upgrading from my 2010 Trek 1.2 with Sora Components and a SUPER light aluminum frame
to a 05' Lemond Croix de Fer with the components listed below which blow my Sora components away but!
my problem is that it has a STEEL frame. I have read post saying that steel frames are much more comfortable
but I can care less about comfort, I just want speed! Advice anyone? Is steel of the past, are we in a time of
aluminum?

Headset - Aheadset, sealed
BB - TruVativ GXP external
Crank - Bontrager Race GXP / double 53/39 /
Front - Shimano 105
Rear - Shimano Ultegra
Brifters- Shimano 105 STI for Flight Control
Cassette - Sram PG950 11-26 9spd
Chain - Shimano HG73
Wheels - Bontrager Select wheel system
Tires - Bontrager Race Lite 700x25c, folding
Brakes - Cane Creek SC3 w/cartridge pads
Bars - Bontrager Select OS
Stem - Bontrager Select OS/ 17d
Saddle - Bontrager Race
Post - Bontrager Carbon

Pendergast

This Bike Radar review(under the full specs link) lists the frame weight of a 2010 Trek 1.2(appears to be size 56cm) as 1524 grams and the fork as 520 grams. That's not especially light for an aluminum frameset. https://www.bikeradar.com/gear/catego...ek-12-10-37746

Couldn't find the frameset weight of the Croix de Fer, but ran across a comment from someone with a 57cm 2005 Lemond Sarthe who said that according to Lemond customer service, that frame weighed 3.3 pounds and the fork weighed 371 grams. The steel used for both those frames is True Temper OX Platinum which can produce a very light frame for steel, but I'm still a little skeptical of that 3.3 pounds number. If those frameset weights are correct and the Croix is close in weight to the Sarthe, it could mean the Croix frameset is actually lighter than your Trek 1.2 frameset. With the higher level components, the complete bike is likely somewhat lighter. A pound or two in favor of one bike or the other isn't likely to make a noticeable difference in your speed though.






The geometry of Lemond bikes are somewhat different from most bikes, so making sure the fit is good for you is something to pay more attention to than material or weight.

jimc101

About 10 years ago for a few minutes, Aluminum is a mid range material for frames now, Carbon is where it's at; nothing wrong with Steel though.

For your potential new bike, it's 6 years old, and if ridden hard during it's life, would expect the groupset / wheels to be worn out, at least with your current bike, you know what it's done.

You have made no mention of will the Lemond fit, which is a big issue for any bike. I you want to go faster, ride more, the bike can only help so much.

mustardthang

Hey guys!

So I checked out the bike after reading your reviews on the bike and it was a good fit
but better yet it was a smooth comfortable ride! And the shifting on the 105 Ultegra is AMAZING!
I cannot believe how smooth it is! But it is in need of a definite tune up.
And yes it is a bit heavier, but I only feel it when I'm carrying it up to my 5th floor apartment but
it feels great on the road! Thanks for the tip guys!