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‘01 Lemond Zurich- did I pay too much?

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‘01 Lemond Zurich- did I pay too much?

Old 05-15-20, 09:44 PM
  #1  
force10
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‘01 Lemond Zurich- did I pay too much?

I found this Zurich in my size (55cm) in what I thought was good condition and paid $400 for it.

Very good paint, no frame rust, very light rust on chain and cables. Apparently had been in storage since almost new after less than a years use.

From what I can tell it is in pretty much original condition. Currently set up with triple crankset, but also came with all parts necessary to convert to a double (front & rear derailleurs, chain, crankset and bb).

Figured I could put new brake pads, tubes and tires on it and get my LBS to give it a tuneup and I should be in business. LBS manager told me that I overpaid by $150, the wheels are crap and need to be replaced, stem is dangerous bc only 2 bolts holding cap on, all cables need to be replaced, as well as the chain and cassette and that I should buy tools and do it myself rather than pay them to do it.

I’ve changed tires, tubes and pads before and that is about it. Wondering if I’ve made a mistake here...

Am I better off passing this on? Is there anything else I might find if I start digging in? To be honest, I am not certain I want to go bombing down hills on a bike I’ve put together.

Thanks for your thoughts.
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Old 05-15-20, 10:30 PM
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$400-$450 is the going rate for lemond zurich frames from that era. it's a smooth ride and worth the build. lbs mgr thinking it would be $250-$300 is smoking the good stuff apparently.
no frame rust and if the frame/paint is in good shape, along with extra parts...sounds like you got a deal. if you don't feel like building it up or want to flip it, shouldn't have any issues.
if it were a 58, 59 or 60cm, i'd say send it to me. i had a lesser frame (buenos aires 2002) with full shimano ultegra from lemond during that era and it was super stable (especially descending)
and a great ride. never felt comfy riding a bike no hands for long stretches (and haven't since) until i owned that lemond buenos aires. super underrated. still using some of those ultegra parts.

Last edited by diphthong; 05-15-20 at 10:49 PM.
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Old 05-16-20, 06:11 AM
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You did fine...an '01 Zurich is a very nice ride. I'd be surprised if all the parts you mention (that the LBS said need to be replaced..after all that's where they make their money) really need to be replaced.

If you'd like to pass it on..if you're anywhere close to me..I'd take it.

edit..oh..and if the LBS mgr thinks he can buy a Zurich in decent shape for $250.. I'd like to see him do it..that's unicorn territory.
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Old 05-16-20, 06:43 AM
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19 year old bike is going to require significant maintenance, its how it works. Best to do it yourself, with youtube and the internet, you should be able to do fine. $250 Zurich would be a very good find.
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Old 05-16-20, 07:45 AM
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Okay. Thanks. I feel better now.

as far as the build/refurb, I am going to need some hand holding and advice. I assume there is a better subforum for that? I'm comfortable searching YouTube for how-to but it would be great if anyone knows of a refurb/build thread. I'm not even certain what to look for as far as some of the replacement parts...

I guess some photos would help but I'm new here and can't post any yet.

Finally, I should note that lbs was not trying to take my money - I was hoping to have them do it and they kinda sent me on my way. I guess it would be pretty $$$ to have them do the deferred maintenance required?
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Old 05-16-20, 09:29 AM
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Yes, if you're trying to save money, don't have the LBS do anything just yet.

Under normal circumstances, I'd recommend going to a co-op or finding a friend who can help you through the process without doing it for you. That's a little problematic today, but if you know someone who can show you in person, that's the best way to learn, and that's where I'd start, taking all necessary precautions.
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Old 05-16-20, 06:11 PM
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Originally Posted by force10
Okay. Thanks. I feel better now.

as far as the build/refurb, I am going to need some hand holding and advice. I assume there is a better subforum for that? I'm comfortable searching YouTube for how-to but it would be great if anyone knows of a refurb/build thread. I'm not even certain what to look for as far as some of the replacement parts...

I guess some photos would help but I'm new here and can't post any yet.

Finally, I should note that lbs was not trying to take my money - I was hoping to have them do it and they kinda sent me on my way. I guess it would be pretty $$$ to have them do the deferred maintenance required?
Every LBS is different. I had one tell me that ANY bike over five years old was obsolete, and not worth fixing. Since my newest bike is 30 years old, I left and haven't been back.

And some do just the opposite. To justify $$ service, they will greatly INFLATE the value of your bike. So it can go either way. Regardless, its just one opinion. They are welcome to theirs and I am welcome to mine.
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Old 05-16-20, 08:46 PM
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Why in the name of all that's holy do we have no pictures yet**********???? At least some before shots...😃
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Old 05-17-20, 08:34 AM
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Originally Posted by bargainguy
Yes, if you're trying to save money, don't have the LBS do anything just yet.

Under normal circumstances, I'd recommend going to a co-op or finding a friend who can help you through the process without doing it for you. That's a little problematic today, but if you know someone who can show you in person, that's the best way to learn, and that's where I'd start, taking all necessary precautions.
I agree having someone to show me would be ideal. Unfortunately, the folks i ride with are like me - have kids and struggle just to find time to ride.

I'm newish to the area where i love and don't know of a co-op. There was one in Philadelphia where i used to live... In any event current circumstances indeed complicate matters. The LBS is backed up for over three weeks in maintenance in part bc everyone has decided to ride bikes all of a sudden.
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Old 05-17-20, 08:36 AM
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Originally Posted by Chad991
Why in the name of all that's holy do we have no pictures yet**********???? At least some before shots...😃
I'll be happy to as soon as I have enough posts. 👍
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Old 05-17-20, 09:34 AM
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A steel frame Lemond for $400 is a fair deal
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Old 05-17-20, 10:22 AM
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Originally Posted by force10
Okay. Thanks. I feel better now.

as far as the build/refurb, I am going to need some hand holding and advice. I assume there is a better subforum for that? I'm comfortable searching YouTube for how-to but it would be great if anyone knows of a refurb/build thread. I'm not even certain what to look for as far as some of the replacement parts...

I guess some photos would help but I'm new here and can't post any yet.

Finally, I should note that lbs was not trying to take my money - I was hoping to have them do it and they kinda sent me on my way. I guess it would be pretty $$$ to have them do the deferred maintenance required?
Why not replace the tires/tubes and brake pads, then lube the cables and check to see that the derailleurs and brakes function adequately and the wheels are fairly true with no loose spokes, then ride the bike (google sheldon brown for questions on any of this). Replacing the parts mentioned (except wheels) is rudimentary, but will require that you procure tools (allen wrenches, crank puller, chainwhip, cassette tool, etc). Also, you'll save a bundle by purchasing the parts yourself. Can't see why the stem is unsafe unless it is aftermarket since there were thousands built that way, but check the forums.
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Old 05-17-20, 10:57 AM
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Originally Posted by force10

I’ve changed tires, tubes and pads before and that is about it. Wondering if I’ve made a mistake here...

Am I better off passing this on? Is there anything else I might find if I start digging in? To be honest, I am not certain I want to go bombing down hills on a bike I’ve put together.

Thanks for your thoughts.

Dont overthink it, its just a bike. (Saying this respectfully)

A youtube video can probably have you adjusting brakes adequately in little time. As long as the front end is not loose, just go ride it
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Old 05-17-20, 02:03 PM
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2000 Lemond Zurich

I picked this 2000 Zurich up a couple years ago at Ray Bourque's estate sale. He hardly rode it. It is a 9 out of ten. I paid $225 for it. For me this bike has some mystical quality. It just seems perfect. I have been offered $800 for it but turn it down. I have many collectible bikes but this is by far my favorite. It's not just another bike.
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Old 05-17-20, 02:42 PM
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Originally Posted by force10

Wondering if I’ve made a mistake here...

.
You paid $400 for a nice bike that needs some standard maintenance ($150 for parts?)

If you look at 'completed listings' for 'Lemond Zurich' on ebay it looks like several people paid $200 or so more than you plus $100 shipping for a similar 853 steel Zurich.

Looks like you did ok.

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...&LH_Complete=1

$599 + $100 shipping for this one a few days ago.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/60cm-Lemond...8AAOSw6WlesZy0
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Old 05-17-20, 05:08 PM
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I think you got a decent deal, especially since you have all the spare parts to convert it to a double drivetrain. I also have a 2001 Zurich. I found mine as a frameset a few years ago. It's a very sweet riding and handling frame, as long as it's a correct fit for you. Take your time getting it tuned and adjusted, and you'll have a blast with it. Good luck.
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Old 05-17-20, 06:00 PM
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Nice bike..
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Old 05-18-20, 08:41 AM
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Sounds like the LBS manager is trying to oversell you on a few things. Wheels may need a true if there aren't any cracks etc. Will likely need new tires/tubes. Stem is unlikely to be dangerous if it's torqued correctly.

Sounds like a lot of fearmongering to get you to buy more parts.
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Old 05-22-20, 10:32 AM
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Originally Posted by Chad991
Why in the name of all that's holy do we have no pictures yet**********???? At least some before shots...😃

Looking down seat tube








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Old 05-22-20, 10:40 AM
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Those extras alone start fetching good money! I love my Buenos Aires, great bike.
Enjoy the ride.
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Old 05-22-20, 12:33 PM
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Originally Posted by force10

Looking down seat tube








that is a really nice looking bike!!!
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Old 05-30-20, 09:30 AM
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Yes it is a really nice looking bike. Looks like a great deal to me!

Dave
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Old 01-03-21, 12:52 PM
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Just picked up the same one. Nice.
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Old 01-03-21, 06:31 PM
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$400 is a reasonable price for all that. Be good. Have fun.
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Old 01-03-21, 06:35 PM
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Originally Posted by force10
I found this Zurich in my size (55cm) in what I thought was good condition and paid $400 for it.

Very good paint, no frame rust, very light rust on chain and cables. Apparently had been in storage since almost new after less than a years use.

From what I can tell it is in pretty much original condition. Currently set up with triple crankset, but also came with all parts necessary to convert to a double (front & rear derailleurs, chain, crankset and bb).

Figured I could put new brake pads, tubes and tires on it and get my LBS to give it a tuneup and I should be in business. LBS manager told me that I overpaid by $150, the wheels are crap and need to be replaced, stem is dangerous bc only 2 bolts holding cap on, all cables need to be replaced, as well as the chain and cassette and that I should buy tools and do it myself rather than pay them to do it.

I’ve changed tires, tubes and pads before and that is about it. Wondering if I’ve made a mistake here...

Am I better off passing this on? Is there anything else I might find if I start digging in? To be honest, I am not certain I want to go bombing down hills on a bike I’ve put together.

Thanks for your thoughts.
Good deal; in NY metro I'd call it a bargain in described condition.
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