LeMonde Zurich, Reynolds 853, Rolf wheels - comments?
John Davies
really like the features of the '99 Zurich. I haven't ridden one yet, but I
would like some feedback on the tubing. I ride mostly on kind-of-rough
country roads - tar strips and patches here and there, with steep hills. I
want the smooth ride of a steel frame, but I also want to haul ass. How
compliant is the 853? The fork is an Icon carbon, I think. Would this be a
good combination?
I understand that the frame geometry of the LeMondes is a bit unusual. For
casual riding should I get too concerned with this, or will the typical
fitting process compensate for the frame geometry enough that I shouldn't
worry about it?
Also, the '99 has Rolf wheels. I understand there were some problems in the
past with these - can someone elaborate? What advantages do they have over
conventional wheels (more aero?) and do they stay straight under mild abuse?
I would also like some recommendations for other production steel bikes,
Ultegra triple equipped, in the $1600 to $1800 price range, for fast sport
riding (no racing or touring).
Thanks in advance for comments.
Joe Joey Joe Joe, Jr, Shabadoo
>
> Hi, I'm pretty new to bikes and am shopping for my first real road bike. I
> really like the features of the '99 Zurich. I haven't ridden one yet, but I
> would like some feedback on the tubing. I ride mostly on kind-of-rough
> country roads - tar strips and patches here and there, with steep hills. I
> want the smooth ride of a steel frame, but I also want to haul ass. How
> compliant is the 853? The fork is an Icon carbon, I think. Would this be a
> good combination?
The Zurich's I've ridden were very nice and comfy. But for my body
shape, I find the top tubes are typically a little on the long side.
But I've got a goofy body, so what are you gonna do?
The Icon carbon fork isn't the greatest thing in the world, but hey,
it's better than most alloy forks you get at this price point.
> Also, the '99 has Rolf wheels. I understand there were some problems in the
> past with these - can someone elaborate? What advantages do they have over
> conventional wheels (more aero?) and do they stay straight under mild abuse?
I think the only problem with Rolf's in the past were that they were
super costly, regardless what others might have you believe. They may
have had problems with their first generation (I think I have the second
gen wheels) but I can't speak for them. I've got a set of the Vector
Pro's. I really like them; they are light and stiff, and contrary to
what others would have you believe, they are strong. I'm almost
approaching 200 pounds here, and have been using my Rolfs for everyday
riding, not just racing (because I don't race). Even with a thin 20mm
tire, the ride isn't overly harsh (but then again, I've got a carbon
bike). And haven't had to true them either.
The "more aero" claim is lost on me. I don't buy into that. But the
wheels are LIGHT, which I do notice.
But the Rolfs that come on the Zurich are not the pros. They are the
new Vector Comps. I only took a cursory glance at them. First off,
they don't come with Hugi hubs, I think they are Trek generic hubs. And
I don't remember if the rims had machined sidewalls or not. The
bearings were noticeably rougher and the wheel was a little heavier than
my Pro's, but still pretty nice. I wouldn't be too surprised if they
were strong.
As a side note, I was in a car accident riding my Rolfs on my Aegis last
month. The fork snapped, but the rolfs were pretty straight, except for
a dented rim in the front.
> I would also like some recommendations for other production steel bikes,
> Ultegra triple equipped, in the $1600 to $1800 price range, for fast sport
> riding (no racing or touring).
If it was my money, I would be considering the Zurich. It's a nice
bike. And very classy looking this year, too. It's a great value
considering that you get a 853 frameset, a full Ultegra 9 gruppo, and a
set of not necessarily off the shelf wheels. Although the welds aren't
that pretty, somebody once explained that this was the nature of 853.
The way I look at it, it's a tough value to beat.
--
Joe Joey Joe Joe Junior, Shabadoo
http://members.xoom.com/weegie/
jpk...@xxxexecpc.com
value for the $$. I have been very happy with it and have absolutely
no regrets. This summer I looked forward to getting up at 5:15 am to
ride my Zurich.
The 853 is more compliant over rough roads than my prior bike, an old
Motebecane Jubilee Sport. I have nothing else to compare it to. I
can say that even on rides with many rough patches, I still feel
relatively comfortable.
Re the geometry, I am averagely proportioned, perhaps slightly high
waisted, and it feels very right to me. To be fair, I have not ridden
many higher end road bikes (wish I could), so I do not have much to
compare it to. Remember the Lemond seattubes are measured center to
center, so they are not as long in the top tube as it might otherwise
seem. I would suggest going for a long test ride on any right sized
Lemond to see if the geometry works for you.
On Fri, 25 Sep 1998 19:30:23 -0700, "John Davies"
<jdavie...@premier1.net> wrote:
>Hi, I'm pretty new to bikes and am shopping for my first real road bike. I
>really like the features of the '99 Zurich. I haven't ridden one yet, but I
>would like some feedback on the tubing. I ride mostly on kind-of-rough
>country roads - tar strips and patches here and there, with steep hills. I
>want the smooth ride of a steel frame, but I also want to haul ass. How
>compliant is the 853? The fork is an Icon carbon, I think. Would this be a
>good combination?
>
>I understand that the frame geometry of the LeMondes is a bit unusual. For
>casual riding should I get too concerned with this, or will the typical
>fitting process compensate for the frame geometry enough that I shouldn't
>worry about it?
>
>Also, the '99 has Rolf wheels. I understand there were some problems in the
>past with these - can someone elaborate? What advantages do they have over
>conventional wheels (more aero?) and do they stay straight under mild abuse?
>
>I would also like some recommendations for other production steel bikes,
>Ultegra triple equipped, in the $1600 to $1800 price range, for fast sport
>riding (no racing or touring).
>
CV2572
At the risk of starting a flame war, I thought the whole idea of "frame
compliance" and "wheel stiffness" has been dispelled. Bicycle comfort has far
more to do with fit and weight distribution and tire selection/pressure than
anything else.
853 is pretty high zoot stuff, and builds a strong, light frame.
As for the Rolf wheels ... just do a Dejanews search for the poop on them
(pun intended). More hype than substance but, hey, if you're more into image
than practicality .....
All other things being equal, I'd swap the wheels for something a little (ok,
alot) more traditional.
Robin Hubert
EDWIN DELOSSANTOS
rides. The Conti GP 3000 didn't hold up (torn sidewalls) and the
replacements (Vredestein Fortezza's) got cut up too easily. I am now using
Michelin Axial Super Comps and found two cuts in the rear (in less than 20
miles of riding). I'm thinkg of going with the Specialized Turbo Team tire
with the kevelar belt.
Anyway, the Zurich was my first high end investment (from a Trek 1000
aluminum) and you will not be disappointed. Good luck!!
Wseliger
I was in your position about a year ago and opted for the Zurich (1998). One
of the reasons I got the Zurich instead of the Maillot Jaune was I didn't want
the high-zoot and possibly high-maintenance, etc. wheels of the MJ although I
really wanted the Campy Chorus. I've only put 2,500 miles on it this year (on
Chicago roads), but I love it so far.
I also considered a Waterford, but couldn't justify the expense at this point
in my life.
I don't know that there are many (if any) differences between the '98 and '99
Ultegra. I would look for a 1998 Zurich (but ask or the Flitedeck in advance
if you're considering it - my bike didn't come flitedeck equipped).
I would steer away from the Rolfs, because if you have problems with them you
won't be replacing just the rims, but the whole wheelset. With the regular
Ultegra-equipped hubs I can keep the spokes and hubs and rebuild on whatever
rims I choose to my hearts content. Of course, a dealer may not give you a
decent deal on trading them in, so you'll have to factor that in. The wheelset
that came with my bike (Mavic Open Pro, Ultegra hubs, and 14/15) has held up
very well considering I'm a Clydesdale - no truing at all and straight as the
day they left the showroom.
The other 853 off the rack bikes I've seen are the Schwinn Peloton and the
Paramount. Both of these are Ultegra, but the Peloton is about $1400-1500 and
I've seen the Paramount for $2300 if my memory serves me. I know the Paramount
is a lugged frame (built in the USA maybe). I don't know about the Peloton
(possibly a TIG'd foreign built frame?, but it seemed like a great deal).
Good luck,
Bill Seliger
In article <QlYO1.58$94.18...@news.premier1.net>, "John Davies"
<jdavie...@premier1.net> writes:
>Subject: LeMonde Zurich, Reynolds 853, Rolf wheels - comments?
>From: "John Davies" <jdavie...@premier1.net>
>Date: Fri, 25 Sep 1998 19:30:23 -0700
John Davies
I tried out a Cannondale R1000, which I liked but found a little stiff. I
also rode a Klein Quantum Pro which I LOVED, but could not afford. It was
also too stiff for my taste, but when I win the lottery I will buy one to
ride on smooth roads or for short blasts. I did not want to wait for a new
105 equipped Quantum, and I wanted the Ultegra anyway. I tried a Silk Road
500 just to see how the suspension fork felt and was not at all impressed.
It felt very bouncy unless locked out.
I originally thought a 55 would fit ok, but it turned out to be waaaaay too
long. I rode a 53 and that's what I bought. The seat post had too much
setback (1 1/4 inches) to allow me to get the seat quite far enough forward,
so I swapped it for a Trek post that comes on the Klein Stage, with very
little setback. With the seat aaaaall the way back it fits great and I have
room to move it forward if I get aero bars later.
I have ridden about 35 miles on 2 trips since I got the bike. The ride is
marvelous - smooth and precise. The roads are pretty crappy around my area
and it does not beat me up at all. I took a steep twisty descent with much
more confidence than on my slick tired mb - the bike did not hop around at
all and tracked very well. The Ultegra controls work faultlessly. I think
with the Rolf wheels and the red/ white paint it is a real head turner. I
hope I can keep it from getting ripped off. I will transport it only inside
my Sub with the dark windows.
RUMSPEC
You could always buy the frame and fork on the Zurich!! That way you could
avoid the Rolf Wheels. The only problem I have with my Zurich is the headset
won't stay tight. Some dealers will trade them in though, the Rolfs that is.