Hey all,

I have a decision re two bike, both the same price and in new condition. Please let me know your thoughts on which is the best option. I have not raced for years and want to purchase the one bike to see me happy for a few years.

Lemond Reynolds 853 all steel frame (team frame) with carbon forks, with Ultegra 10 speed, other components are all FSA - carbon cranks, seatpost, ti saddle and wheelset (sorry can't recall the model).

Bianchi Virata (2005 model) with Ultegra 9 speed. Stock bike so it's the steel frame with the carbon rear and fork. Has the mavic krysium wheel set. Otherwise they are stock Bianchi componenets.

The big deal to me is the Lemond is full 10 speed with upgraded components, but not sure of the wheel set. Where as the Bianchi is only 9 speed with stock components, but has the mavic wheels (which I hear good things about). Frames, your opinions?

Thanks for all responses!
ridebike.

No brainer. get the Lemond

That's a sweet frame. THe stock wheelset was a rolf vector comp, which is a really nice light durable set-up. I rode one ofr a while, and really liked it. I am six feet and 210 and I went for something stiffer in the end, but that Lemond is a still a great ride.

You don't state the exact Lemond model but a quick look at the websites shows different geometry between the bikes. For example - in a size 57, the Bianchi TT is 56, Lemond 57.5; seatube angle on Bianchi is 74deg, Lemond 72.5deg. The best bike is the one with the best fit and feel and these two bikes may be more than a little different.

10 speed is newer than 9 speed and should get a slight edge, but if you haven't been riding much lately, 9 speed will be more than adequate for a while.

Thanks for the responses. I did ride the lemond and it felt good. I'm not sure of the model (maybe older Zurich) but it's entirely steel. Nothing really stock as it's all been built from the frame. I think this is the one I'll go for. Back to genuine steel.

If the Lemond fits you, go for it. THe 853 Zurichz are great!!! THey do have a long top tube and they are not for everyone.

but if you haven't been riding much lately, 9 speed will be more than adequate for a while.

9 speed is plenty good enough for anyone, period. If you have a chance to get 10 speed, great. But it's nothing to loose sleep over. :)

Reynalds 853 is a great tubeset. It's a classic, and comfortable ride. If the wheels that come with the Lemond are not great, you can always upgrade at a later date.