cholly

So I picked up a used excellent condition (besides clean and lube, add new stem and bars, pedals I had laying around) 2008 Lemond Etape (entry level Trek/Bontrager I believe) for cheeaap. Compared to my 2021 Contend AR3 it's a rocket, responsive, fun to ride, and not harsh. Lemond has 25's and AR3 has 32's. The Lemond is a size larger, and there are definitely different geometries -- but the AR3 feels like a complete slug compared to the Lemond! And the Lemond is lighter too!

I'm not one to get into the weeds on bikes -- but any thoughts on wht such a 'discrepency?'

Thanks!

Trakhak

For some reason I've never understood, bikes with a higher center of gravity (i.e., bigger bikes, usually) always felt faster to me. Something about their geometry, I guess. I was usually no faster on them, though. Feeling fast and being fast---two different things.

Iride01 

Lighter bikes tend to be more fun to ride. In general, they will accelerate faster and you might notice more of a surge with every pedal stroke you are putting your best effort into. Your Lemond might be giving you a better position for you with respect to where you sit in relation to the crank for the particular amount of lean to the bars you have. The bar reach on the Lemond probably stretches you out a pretty good bit more and some will like that better than having a good bend in the elbows with the bars closer.

The Giant Contend also isn't intended to be a high performance bicycle. It's just supposed to be a decent all around bike.

70sSanO

I've been riding an old Cannondale Criterium that I haven't been able to replace. It is a size too big for me, but the longer top tube (I have a long torso) does make stretching out easier without a stemming it out The super steep head angle (74.25*) does make feel fast and so responsive. It is not light, but downhills are pretty exhilarating. But then again, at my age, my 3 wheel scooter can give me a thrill.

John

shelbyfv

Good you found one you like.

mstateglfr 

Some guesses-
- 25mm tires pumped up to a high pressure will feel faster than 32mm tires pumped to modern lower pressures, regardless of if they are actually faster or not. There is an endless analysis of why on forums, blogs, youtube, podcasts, etc if you want to get into the science of why.
- The tires on your Giant are not heavy/slow and you feel sluggish because you are using sluggish tires. Get some fast rolling light/supple 32mm tires and compare again.
- Your Giant's frame, fork, and wider tires mute vibrations more than the LeMond and feeling fewer bumps/less feedback can give the perception of being slower or sluggish.


What you should actually do is get a powermeter and ride a course at a constant power output with both bikes on the same days/in the same conditions(wind, heat, blah blah). That will tell you which bike actually beats the other.
Or, you should do none of that and just ride the bike that makes riding the most fun since this is a hobby and it should be fun.

bargainguy

The AR3 is a gravel / all-rounder bike. The Etape is a racing bike.

For bombing around at warp speed on paved roads, yeah, the Etape will be a lot more fun. It was designed to be.

The minute you leave pavement, the AR3 is the champ. Designed to tackle rough terrain and keep you on the bike at the same time.

The AR3 will never have the get-up-and-go of the Etape, and the Etape will be limited to paved roads for the most part, whereas the AR3 is multi-surface capable.

If the Etape is a revelation for you, then welcome to the club! We tend to like old road bikes here, so plenty to dive into if that's your thing.

cholly

Thanks to all for the input -- you guys rock..... Funny how this all works.

Jughed

The Lemond is fast because it has a fast name.

wheelreason

LOL. My SL Merckx was one of my least favorite bikes...

RH Clark

Mine is fast because it weighs 18 lbs. and is made of steel. It really is a smooth ride though even on 23's.

Jughed

you should be faster then me on my Lemond.

The name has to be worth at least 10 watts.