markwebb

Last summer my little sis scored a great find on eBay - a basically new not much used Litespeed Classic with all 10 speed Campy Carbon Record Grouppo.

I've been looking for a similar good deal for a second bike/cross bike. One I can ride off pavement or ride a 50 mile tour on. But I wanted a real good deal.

So on eBay today I see a new '06 Lemond Poprad. Well, it's got 80 miles on it. A bike mechanic owned it. He even raced and reamed etc the head tube and bb and did a few other improvements. He included the computer, saddle bag, tool kit, pump, bottle cages, etc. So I got a basically new mechanic prepped Poprad for only $850 shipped. Wow. Not as good a deal as my sister got on her Litespeed, but still pretty good.

I just need to buy some Kool Stop pads for it and I'll be ready for the 2007 riding season.

blandin

Great deal markweb! Of course I was wondering where the pictures were, so I did an eBay search and saw you just won the bike today - so congratulations. While I was there I captured the picture properties, so everyone can see your new ride.

55/Rad

The Poprad changes component specs almost every year. What group and wheels are on yours?

markwebb

The seller purchased new and disassembled to the frame, bb chased and faced, and head tube was reamed and faced. He then rebuilt all by a United Bicycle Institute Graduate. That may be his brother - I think his brother builds bikes. The wheels were properly tensioned and trued and rims were debadged.

They are supposed to be the stock Bontrager Select with Bontrager Jones CX 700x32 folding tires.

Hey 55 Rad and crew - I have been reading that's it's a good idea to replace stock pads with Kool Stops. What exact model shoes and pads should I buy? I don't know much about these Avid shortie Canti brakes.

fogrider

why change pads unless they're not stopping? or making noise...don't fix whats not broke.

markwebb

'cause in searching these forums it is like 100% consensus the stock pads with the stock fork suck big time.

haimtoeg

Depends what brakes you got, if it's from the gruppo maker chances are they stop pretty well. I am 230 pounds and my stock shimano brakes stop just fine. And, congrats on your new bike, looks beautiful!

BillyBob

I have the same bike. The pads must be adjusted perfectly or else the fork will buck when the brakes are applied.

55/Rad

The "Rad" in "55/Rad" came about because I owned a Poprad when I joined the forum. I had an '01 I believed - bought it used - and it was a sweet bike. Really sweet.

markwebb

Question for you more guys (or gals) that know more:

1) Where would you mount a Harris fork crown housing stop on the Poprad? I've heard they help reduce brake chatter. How do they mount?
2) For the brake pads, should I use threaded post brake shoes like the Kool Stop Mountain Salmon or Dual Compound Mountain for the Avid Shorty 4's?
3) If I wanted to ditch the front cantis altogether, what long reach brakes would work?

damocles1

Just change the pads out to some KoolStop salmon. I changed them on the Salsa and it made a world of difference. I'm using Avid Shorty Ti brakes, FWIW...

mike9903

I changed the stock pads out on my Reno with some Dura Ace pads and it was a world of difference. I also recently upgraded my wheels and I also noticed a huge difference in stopping power

BillyBob

I would consider the following:

1. Adjust the brake pads correctly. It does take some effort to figure out how to do it, but it is the cheapest option.

2. Install a v-brake on the front with a travel agent. I never had a problem with the back brakes so I would not change them out.

3. Tektro makes some very long reach brake calipers that would probably work although I have not tried them myself.

4. Install a disc fork and front disc brakes.

Eventually, I may try the v-brake route.

Do a search on brake chatter and poprad for a large discussion on this problem.

markwebb

Which type Kool Stops - threaded post Kool Stop Mountain Salmon ?

GoJavs

Dang! I almost went after that one and hesitated. Aaargh.

markwebb

I think they retail for $1,200 or more? If so, and it's as new as the eBay seller says, then it will be a good find. We'll see.

markwebb

I got bike but there is a slight problem - there is a small crease/dent on lower botttom of downtube just below Lemond decal. Like the seller was off road and hit something with bottom of down tube.

blandin

I know I am stating the obvious, but have you contacted the seller?

markwebb

Yes - seller has 100% posi feedback and is a mechanic. He got back to me very quickly. I'm going to take a pic tomorow.

blandin

That' very encouraging. Good luck.