LeMond Sarthe

I did it. I bought that 2007 Sarthe that I was looking at. Here's the low-down on the bike.

I'm very excited about it.

There was something wrong with the front brake, so they swapped my Shimano 105 brakes out for Cane Creek SCR-3 brakes. The shop claimed they are comparable, so hopefully that is true. I think the black looks a bit better than the silver, anyway.

I also looked at the Alpe D'Huez, also a LeMond bike, with a carbon fiber 'spine' and the rest aluminum. It was the same price, and also a very smooth ride, but most of the components were a step lower (I guess because the carbon fiber is more expensive). I'm glad to have Ultegra on the rear derailleur.

I think this is the perfect bike for me. I'm not too concerned about steel being a bit heavier and not as stiff. Those are things that would be nice if I thought I was going to race. But since I'm buying a bike for distance riding, I'm happy to give up the stiffness and weight for a more comfortable ride.

Plus it's a sweet classic looking bike. I like the 2007 better than the new blue 2008 style, too.

Time to get in shape!

back in business

I was starting to think I might have to push back my plans for the cross-country ride, but after talking to my friend last weekend, I am much more excited about making it happen.

I finally found a place close by that carries the LeMond Sarthe. I talked to one of the guys there over the phone and he rode one all last year. My real question for him was how big of a difference there is between steel and aluminum bikes. He said it's noticeable. I've heard opinions both ways, but I trust this guy's opinion the most because I know he rode a steel bike.

So the plan is to go give the bike a spin and see how it feels. They might have a 2007 model that is my size and is on clearance for $1400 (I think).

my dad's bike

My dad ended up buying the Raleigh Supercourse 2007, which is a full-carbon frame. I checked it out, and was tempted to get the same, but I think I'm still leaning toward the LeMond Sarthe.

I read in a review that the Supercourse was a very stiff ride, which was surprising to me, since I thought carbon was supposed to be the most forgiving frame (for absorbing road vibration). So I read up a little on carbon frames in general, and it seems that carbon fiber frames can be made to be as stiff or flexible as the manufacturer wants. So a carbon fiber frame doesn't necessarily mean that the ride will be smooth or rough.

So with that, I decided to keep looking. I just need to find some time to actually make it to a store, and not just look online..

aluminum vs. steel

I'm now leaning more towards the LeMond Sarthe. I've heard enough people say to stay away from aluminum for long trips, and there aren't many steel frames around anymore, it seems. I'm not sure why I haven't been very interested in carbon; I guess I'm too old-school.

bikes

I am in the process of buying a bike. I am a mountain biker, and have never owned a road bike, so I'm starting from scratch. At REI I've been looking at the Cannondale Synapse.

It seems that if you talk to 5 different people about what bike to get, you will get 5 completely different opinions. One guy is saying the Synapse is the best bike for me, but the next guy (same store) says to stay away from aluminum and get a carbon or steel frame, for shock absorption. Some people say to get a touring bike, and stay away from the 'racing' bikes. I get all kinds of opinions.

I've heard that LeMond has good bikes. Maybe I'll try out the Sarthe.

I'll have to test ride a bunch of different bikes, and hope one stands out.

why

I remember starting a blog back when they were relatively new, and it went nowhere. Why am I starting again? Simply because I hope to use this to document my goal/dream of cycling across the US, from the West coast to the East. I've wanted to do it since High School, and it's starting to appear slightly achievable for the first time. So here goes...