Lemond bicycle

[cycledreams]

Hi there,

I'm interested in buying a Lemond bike second hand for £350. Does anyone have info/thoughts about the following?

Here is the some info from the seller:

"54cm Lemond Alpe d'Huez. Reynolds 853 Steel rolling on new Mavic Aksium Wheelset and Yksion tyres. 9 speed 105 derailleurs and chainset. Basic pedals and saddle fit for sale. Everything working perfectly as it should and such a smooth ride. Currently have it set up with nitto B604AAF Promenade Bars but happy switch it back to the original bars and 105 shifters if you prefer (they’re in great condition)"

I would certainly opt for the drop handlebars. I'd use the bicycle for general commuting in London, and some longer rides (but nothing too serious).

Let me know your thoughts! Any questions I should ask?

Thanks!

 

[si_c]

Looks good, for £350 it's probably worth it for the frame alone.

I'd check to see if the fit is reasonably good and then check all the welds for signs of damage or cracks, the only real concern I would have would be the forks - they look to be carbon so check around the join between the steerer tube and the fork crown - if it's an alloy steerer tube there could be bonding issues or cracks there and check for any sign of delamination of the carbon on the forks themselves.

Overall if it looks in good condition it's probably a candidate for a component refresh - upgrade the brakes and shifters to something more modern and better performing and it'll be a great bike.

 

[Jameshow]

Looks nice 853 is top of the range tubing
Check for small dents as it's very thin walled.
Check forks as above too...
Mavic wheels are ok but nothing special.
Some Dura ace wheels would really set it off.
Old 105 is ok and suits the frame imo.
Price about right is condition is good £250 if poor
£500 if mint..

 

[Dogtrousers]

Price looks OK as mentioned above and it looks like a nice bike.

Depending on your style, it may not be an ideal commuting bike. Commuters tend to (but don't have to) be bulletproof things with mudguards, but that's something of a matter of personal style, how long your commute is, where etc.

 

[Big John]

How heavy are you? Low spoke count front and back. I've made the mistake of using wheels with too few spokes in the past. You can always change the wheels though 👍

 

[si_c]

Price looks OK as mentioned above and it looks like a nice bike.

Depending on your style, it may not be an ideal commuting bike. Commuters tend to (but don't have to) be bulletproof things with mudguards, but that's something of a matter of personal style, how long your commute is, where etc.

I probably wouldn't have wanted to use it as a commuter, it's a bit too nice for that and as you note the lack of mudguards will definitely be an issue. It would be a lovely nice weather mile eater though - should be nice and comfortable for doing longer rides on in summer.

 

[cycledreams]

Thanks everyone, I think the bike looks great. It's being sold by a bike mechanic so I'm sure it'll be well looked after. Will check the frame and forks. The bike is sold with mudguards. Not sure whether I'll be able to mount a rack (ideal for commuting!) Otherwise I love the look of it.

 

[cycledreams]

How heavy are you? Low spoke count front and back. I've made the mistake of using wheels with too few spokes in the past. You can always change the wheels though 👍

I'm 66 kg

 

[ColinJ]

I'm 66 kg

You should have no problem with any parts due to that weight!!

I did break an Aksium spoke once but I was almost double your weight at the time.

 

[cycledreams]

You should have no problem with any parts due to that weight!!

I did break an Aksium spoke once but I was almost double your weight at the time.

Fingers crossed!

 

[Smokin Joe]

Assuming all is ok with it, I'd consider that a steal for £350.

 

[Jameshow]

Thanks everyone, I think the bike looks great. It's being sold by a bike mechanic so I'm sure it'll be well looked after. Will check the frame and forks. The bike is sold with mudguards. Not sure whether I'll be able to mount a rack (ideal for commuting!) Otherwise I love the look of it.

Bit too nice a nice to commute on tbh..

Something a bit more robust frame and wheels would be better preferably with disc brakes..

 

[biggs682]

I like the Lemond range of bikes always well finished and they tend to fetch a good price

 

[Gillstay]

Nice, looks a wise buy eso with mudguards to make it properly useful.

 

[cycledreams]

Just to be clear: pretty much the only cycling I do is commuting. So this will be my only bike! I had a lovely Orro Terra bike, which I bought new, but it was sadly stolen. This will be a lovely replacement. Thanks all