Wildwood 

No one has corrected an earlier statement - at least i thought i read, don't see it now -

A larger frame size (61cm) will not usually allow for a wider tire than a smaller frame (56/57). If you want to run 28mm tires, better check the LeMond model and tire spacing. or get a Poprad.

RideMyLeMond

My newest bike (relative term) is a '97 LeMond Zurich that was originally setup with Shimano 600 (Ultegra STI) 8-spd and still is. I've replaced the crank with a 5700 50/34 and 6700 brakes. I'd love to get Shimano Ultegra ST-6700 Carbon 10 Speed Double Shifters 2x10 and Ultegra RD-6700A-GS 10-Speed Road Rear Derailleur Medium Cage and then run an 11-30 or even 32 cassette. This bike is so wonderful for all day riding... And when you stand on the pedals it responds very well. It isn't Carbon or Ti light, but I could always lose some lbs myself...

SlimAgainSoon

I ride a LeMond Zurich, circa 2001. 853 Reynolds steel with a carbon fork. This bike rides like a dream. Things got dreamier when I sold off the low-spoke Rolf wheels — to me, they rolled like wagon wheels — and threw on some 32-spoke wheels. Looks nicer, too. My only complaint was the paint ... rust developed on the underside of the top tube (from sweat dripping off my brow ... I live in the Deep South, and sweating is a fact of life). Had to get the bike repainted, so it is an undercover LeMond for now. If I could find some decals, I'd slap some on. I'm currently riding a 25mm tire on the front and a 32mm on the rear. I could run a 28 on the front, and I've done so in the past. It is, though, a tight fight. If the tire is taller than usual, it might rub the top of the fork when you hit a bump. Had that happen. This is my daily rider — I use it on my commutes (sometimes ride a different bike, with fenders and a dyno hub). One day I hope to get Greg LeMond to sign it. Wouldn't that be cool. I've never ridden a carbon-framed bike, so I can't make that dangerous comparison. All I can say is this bike is light, responsive and comfortable. The Lance/Trek story ... I hope that isn't true. A real heartbreaker. LeMond bikes were relatively popular when I bought mine. Not Trek-popular, of course, but you did see them in bike shops. Lance made many millions ... Greg LeMond, a true champion and a hero, goes out of business. Fugh!

SloButWide 

Velocals, $39.95

Bikedud

He came to the Atlanta area many, many years ago for a auto road race series and lead a ride down around Peachtree City. He was very gracious and blast to ride with. When he saw my Zurich, he said "Nice bike" and after the ride he signed it. He included his signature and the years of his tour wins. Unfortunately, it was signed in permanent marker and while I tried desperately to preserve it, I ultimately failed. Most, if not all of it has been removed over time. Fortunately, a few weeks later he or one of his representatives sent me an autographed Lemond jersey which I am quite fond of and still have on display.

Never did really jump on the Lance band wagon, nor am I a Lance hater. I have just always been a Lemond fan.

ptempel

I also had an early 2000's LeMond but Malliot Jaune, IIRC. I sent it in to be repainted and the painter said that there was a lot of rust in the bottom bracket shell area. He ended up brazing on a plate under it for support. I later on broke the seat tube right above the BB so think it was partly due to the extra heat from his work. But my point from this is try to pull the BB and check the shell area. I suspect that these frames can get condensation inside and there was no way for the water to escape the frame. I also wonder if putting a small hole in the bottom of the BB shell would help the water to get out. I still really liked that Reynolds 853 frameset and wouldn't hesitate to get another if I needed one. Would also size down to a 55cm instead of the 57cm that I had due to the top tube length.

Phil_gretz

I'm afraid that it's been widely written about, testified and corroborated. Sorry about that...

heysmellthis

hi im looking at a few Lemonds on cl. and a Klein quantum race in "mint condition". i bike to get where im going and i dont make much mulah. the Lemonds are $400-$550 and the Klein is $400 this post makes me feel more comfortable ill be seeig the Klein today and the Lemonds tomorrow but i'm leaning more to the Klein. could you offer any advice on old bikes and all? im 243 and dropping weight fast and the Klein has those stock Rolf wheels on it but the Lemonds have those few spokes fancy wheels too so ill have to replace wheels either way. any way just here at work oh the main lemond is a cross styl bike i think its Poprad?? i think.

postdove

Hi,

My first post here, not sure if this is the right group. My 2002 steel Tourmalet finally started showing its age. Tiagra 9-speed shifters became shaky and not precise. Looks like Shimano Sora is the only available 9-spped option for brifters. On the other hand can easily go for 10-speed Tiagra or Apex. 11-speed would be problematic, as my Neuvation wheels are not compatible. The $2K question, is it worth? Thank you.

McBTC

... a newer rear wheel is <$200

DanBF

I have a 1997 LeMond Zurich too. It is stock and can handle Continental Gatorskin 28mm tires just fine.

jamesdak 

Never a reason not to update a Lemond. They are wonderful frames. With Ebay out there you should be able to find some good replacement 9 speed brifters just fine.

My 2003 Tourmelet was rebuilt with Ultegra and Dura Ace parts and is a wonderful ride.

NormanF

I used to have a Lemond Zurich. The top tube is very long and made me feel stretched out. If I had to do it all over again, I would go down a size.

NormanF

Incorrect. You can fit up to 700 X 30 on a Lemond Zurich without any difficulty. But it has no room for any larger tires so if you want 700 X 32, you're out of luck.

Loose Chain

This.

An alternative to a Lemond, if you cannot find one is a Centurion Ironman Expert or Prestige. Good luck getting 25s on those either.

exmechanic89

Kinda off topic, but I just wanted to say I agree very much with this sentiment.

Bikedud

Respectfully disagree. On my 98 Lemond, I have tried Michelin, Continental, Vredestein, Challenge , Clement and others. At best, they barely clear the bottom of the fork crown which causes abrasive action as the tire picks up sand, debris, and other forms of detritus. Will they fit? Yes. But for me the lack of any real clearance is not acceptable.

Jarrett2

I had no idea LA imposed his power to hurt Lemond like this. Terrible story.

I hope that one of those giant entities that are suing LA for millions throws a couple of bucks Lemond's way afterward.

Kars 

Wanted to share my new acquisition. Bought a zurich 2001 as I could not resist even wearing a covid mask did not stop me. This is my first lemond.


Probably overpaid a bit but hope to ride the hell out of it. The seller drove far to meet me which was probably worth about $60 in itself. It is shown as received. I found out the right hand shifter is not working. Hopefully flushing it out will solve that. I would have preferred the model with triple front crank. Does anyone know if the ultegra front derailleur will shift a triple?

diphthong

back in the day, bought a new 2002 buenos aires (full ultegra, 853 reynolds) which was $1299 if i remember correctly. the new zurich ran about $500 more.
didn't realize just exactly how good i had it as i was a fairly new rider. kept it for about a year and a half and transferred components to a newer frame and
sold the lemond buenos aires frame. i purposefully have a small place so that i can't keep more than 3 bicycles...if i end up moving to a larger place, a
2000-2002 zurich is at the top of my acquisition and building list.

diphthong

looks like it's in great shape. jelly. enjoy!!

delbiker1 

I have two Lemonds, 2001 Tourmalet and 2003 Poprad. The Tourmalet is one of the 2 bikes I most often ride these days. I like the Poprad a lot but mine is a bit too big for me. I almost bought a Zurich frame last week. I am also interested in acquiring an Alpe D'huez. Ideally, I would find a frame/bike in 53/54 and trade or sell my 55 cm Poprad.

penquin

I have a 2000 Tourmalet that probably had the same generation of Tiagra. I put a new Tiagra 10 speed group on it and it transformed the bike. The new Tiagra is pretty darn good and nothing like that older generation. It's noticeably lighter now too.

As I've gotten older, the longer top tube has been less comfortable. I compensated with a shorter stem and zero degree setback seat post and I'm back in business with it again. Love the bike and reading this thread makes me want to pick up another LeMond. I really need to stay off these forums. It's a bad influence.

diphthong

right?!

force10

Does anyone have a photo of clearances with a 28 mm (or larger)
tire on a 2001 Zurich?