Leader LD-736R Road 58cm
Shimano Ultegra 20speed 12-25 cassette 175mm crank
Carbon Seatpost and Stem
Deda aluminum bars
Bontrager Race Lites
Fizik Arione saddle
Time RXS Carbon pedals
Cateye Double Wireless CC-CD300DW Computer

http://home.earthlink.net/~iamtheedge/images/CIMG0157.JPG
http://home.earthlink.net/~iamtheedge/images/CIMG0158.JPG
http://home.earthlink.net/~iamtheedge/images/CIMG0160.JPG
http://home.earthlink.net/~iamtheedge/images/CIMG0161.JPG
http://home.earthlink.net/~iamtheedge/images/CIMG0162.JPG
http://home.earthlink.net/~iamtheedge/images/CIMG0167.JPG
http://home.earthlink.net/~iamtheedge/images/CIMG0168.JPG
http://home.earthlink.net/~iamtheedge/images/CIMG0169.JPG
http://home.earthlink.net/~iamtheedge/images/CIMG0170.JPG
http://home.earthlink.net/~iamtheedge/images/CIMG0171.JPG
http://home.earthlink.net/~iamtheedge/images/CIMG0172.JPG
http://home.earthlink.net/~iamtheedge/images/CIMG0173.JPG
http://home.earthlink.net/~iamtheedge/images/CIMG0179.JPG
http://home.earthlink.net/~iamtheedge/images/CIMG0183.JPG


(I couldn't find a cool, new, white garage door like everyone else photos their bike in front of, so I went for the ghetto-look garage door. Apologies for the picture quality and/or content...I'm practicing with a new camera)

Spec'd and ordered from Leader's (in San Diego, CA) website and shipped to my door in 100 pieces. I went to a LBS recommended for the mechanics (Manuel) and the owner, Ted Ernst, for build-out and professional fitting afterwards. Refer back to the thread about asking a bike shop to build-out your bike that you didn't buy there....they are hapy to do it. Ted has had a bike shop in Manhattan Beach since 1960.

Here is a little about Ted: http://easyreader.hermosawave.net/news1999/july08/SportsTed%20Ernst.html

Ted created a little race in Manhattan Beach, CA in 1962 called the Manhattan Beach Grand Prix: http://www.mbgp.com/2004mbgp/overview.htm (this year's race is next weekend.)

I was told he'd spend 2 hours with me to get the bike and I fit as one and then have me come back in a few weeks (60 days or so) and do it again...no charge. Ok, I'm in!

Sure enough, he spent 2 hours with me. I gotta tell you, if I have 1/10th the passion and excitement, knowledge and expertise about anything other than just having regular bowel movements and fighting off alzheimer's at 75 years old like Ted does about life and especially cycling, I'll be a happy m'fer. Ted rocks the house and is one of the most genuine and funny dudes ever. He has all the tools, carpenter levels and protractors, measuring devices and skills imaginable. There is no stress or strain on any part of my body while I am on the bike....AWESOME. He even measured my bike from stem to stern and wrote down all the lengths and angles on a chart and gave me a copy, put one in my personal file at the shop so when I come back for a re-fit or change the bike in anyway we know from where we started. He rides a Calfee Custom Carbon and sells Bianchis, KHS, Corima, Look, Merlin and few other high-end bikes in the shop...it is newly re-opened and is going to be geared more toward racing than anything....of course, being in Manhattan Beach he has the requisite beach cruisers and some mountian bikes.

I was charged, of course, for the build-out and the personal fitting, but to show a little more love and support for my LBS I bought a seat bag, two tubes, tire levers, CO2 cartridges and inflator, a Topeak multitool and some Hammer Gels from them before I left to complete the whole package. I'll be back to that shop for anything related to my bike.

First ride tomorrow....I couldn't be more stoked.

Sweet, what computer mount is that?

the mount came with the computer. i got the computer on ebay for $100.

Beautiful.

A nice wide aero fork would work wonders for aesthetics.

beautiful bike man, and sounds like a quality LBS.

thanks!

A nice wide aero fork would work wonders for aesthetics.


i knew there was something that was missing....you nailed it. it would go well with the wide downtube.

thanks.

How is this?

How is this?

i dig it!

whats the weight on it? i was thinking of getting a leader bike because of its no frills design and it uses my fave element. AL

whats the weight on it? i was thinking of getting a leader bike because of its no frills design and it uses my fave element. AL


i forgot to ask the shop if they had a scale. i'll find one and weigh it but it is very light.

The front end looks a bit odd. I think it's a combination of stem angle, shimano shifters, and the skinny fork.

The aero fork didn't help. I'd think just a standard straight blade fork would be fine.

I'm also not sold on the seat tube. I notice it's "aero" but uses a standard post. All that says to me is extra weight.

I do like the finish though. I have something very similar on a mountain bike.

I think the flip of the stem would make a hug difference on that frame. (aesthetics once again.)

Nice ride. My buddy uses a leader frame for his TT bike. Also like your pedals, I have the same ones and absolutely love them! A nice change from my looks.

Nice ride. My buddy uses a leader frame for his TT bike. Also like your pedals, I have the same ones and absolutely love them! A nice change from my looks.

thanks for your opinion on the pedals. i hadn't read many opinions about them eventhough they always rate highly everywhere i looked. i like them.

update: the bike is working flawlessly except for the fizik arione which i have replaced with 4 saddles trying to find one that doesn't murder my taint. only 300 miles so far, all of which i put on in the last month. working for a living and not having time to ride sucks....but i fixed that problem.

the bike is fast, stiff and climbs like a mule even if i don't yet.

also, i took it down to my lbs that built it and had them weigh it: 19lbs with pedals and computer.

not bad.

i could lighten it if i wanted to but i don't see the need. i have a motobecane carbon immortal pro that i just recently bought, new in the box, off of craigslist. i am going to strip it down and rebuild with campy as my super weight-weenie bike...just for kicks.

i'll post that build-up and ride in a separate thread for those that care.

Admit it: you had that one coming.



Seriously, that's a nice ride for the cash. Even if it has Shimano. I like Meathead's photochopped-in fork, it looks right on there. Is this gonna be your all-round racebike, just general road riding, or what?

you can "meh" it if you want. i don't mind.

i bought it because i knew i wouldn't see another one on the road like it. to me, it is all about the engine anyway and i'd rather make myself a strong rider than have a more expensive bike that i can't justify, as an engine, turning the pedals. as long as the frame and the wheels are stiff then i'm happy with it. i'd like to change the fork soon, too.

it is my first bike and yes, i will turn it into my all-around racer. the moto i will turn into my climbing/long-ride/century bike.

i'm also about to buy a track bike for the velodrome. my lbs is more of a race shop than a typical all-around bike shop and has a couple of lines on prototype frames that aren't avaliable to general public on which they will make me a deal. think corima and aluminum, for example.

also, i'm about to flip the stem since my cycling fitness is coming up to par; asthetically it will look correct. i don't like the stem either but for the fit at the time it was/is correct. i've also mounted red 23 tires instead of the black 20s that you see above...it improves the look tremendously.

you can "meh" it if you want. i don't mind.

i bought it because i knew i wouldn't see another one on the road like it. to me, it is all about the engine anyway and i'd rather make myself a strong rider than have a more expensive bike that i can't justify, as an engine, turning the pedals. as long as the frame and the wheels are stiff then i'm happy with it. i'd like to change the fork soon, too.

it is my first bike and yes, i will turn it into my all-around racer. the moto i will turn into my climbing/long-ride/century bike.

i'm also about to buy a track bike for the velodrome. my lbs is more of a race shop than a typical all-around bike shop and has a couple of lines on prototype frames that aren't avaliable to general public on which they will make me a deal. think corima and aluminum, for example.

also, i'm about to flip the stem since my cycling fitness is coming up to par; asthetically it will look correct. i don't like the stem either but for the fit at the time it was/is correct. i've also mounted red 23 tires instead of the black 20s that you see above...it improves the look tremendously.


I like it, it's a nice looking ride...DEFINITELY need to flip the stem though...I like it though..kind of a stealthy black look....:thumbsup:

The meh was a joke about you always jumping in on PG posts with a "meh." that's why you "had it coming." :)

Good to hear you liking the 736R frame. I have a 730TT I built up and am going to use for this year's tri season. It started as a multi-sport, but I decided to go full aero/tri on it. I like it a lot, and could certainly see building out another Leader frame in the future. I have a Felt F65 for normal road (and possible racing) duty now, and have found the joints and welds on the Leader to be far superior (aesthetically at least). Love my Felt, but feel so much prouder of my Leader!

The meh was a joke about you always jumping in on PG posts with a "meh." that's why you "had it coming." :)


i know. :p

Good to hear you liking the 736R frame. I have a 730TT I built up and am going to use for this year's tri season. It started as a multi-sport, but I decided to go full aero/tri on it. I like it a lot, and could certainly see building out another Leader frame in the future. I have a Felt F65 for normal road (and possible racing) duty now, and have found the joints and welds on the Leader to be far superior (aesthetically at least). Love my Felt, but feel so much prouder of my Leader!


i wouldn't have a problem building out another leader frame either.

i thought about building out the 735TR for a track bike but the only color is blue and the only sizes are 51 and 61. the 61 has a 600mm top tube which is too long for me.

Our new 07 735TR frame will be out mid this week. It comes in black only. availible sizes are 51, 53, 55, 58, and 61cm. All to the top of the seat tube. We will also have the dedicated aero fork at 28 rake for track use only. Seat angle for this frame is 75 degree. 100% true track geometry. Down tube is 80mm full aero like Cervelo, Etc. This is an extremelt stiff track frame. Go to www.leaderbikestore.com to order on Thursday or after.

Brian

Here is a review posted by truesport.com

http://www.truesport.com/Bike/2007/tech/leader010507.html

There is a 5% discount coupon in this link.

Brian

sweet. that deal is hard to ignore.

That new 735TR looks super sweet but I just picked up a 735TR track frame this past Nov. at the SD Velodrome swapmeet. Arrrrgh. I got such a good deal on my framethat I'm having it custom painted. I sure like that flat black though. Here's a pic. Please excuse the eclectic parts mix on the frame as I am the process of dailing in my position.

Nice bike. Ride it the way you feel comfortable. Enjoy...:)

Taking a look at these bike and is it me or are these bikes really long with the TT....

I have noticed that many of the Leader frames appear to be made by Kinesis.The Leaders do have longer top tubes than average which is an attraction for me.All of the Leader frames are a good value, but the new full carbon is very tempting. The graphics are what deter me-too large and garish.The older Leaders had more restrained and attractive graphics.

We do not use Kinises. I will not debate on size or who we have designed and make frames for (other companies). We did once part own Two factories. Our company overseas was Leader Bicycle Co Ltd. based in Taiwan the other in China. We first opened for business in the USA year 1999, Asia year 1992. Today Leader designs all frames in house in San Diego. We then have our partners overseas make our frames to our specifications. We also have staff on hand in the factory inspecting all frames bound for Leader and our other OEM customers. We have high quality control. Leader invests in molds as well as product testing before it is put into large production. Go to www.leaderbikestore.com and see how many models we have. You are welcome to read our reviews here on Road Bike review section. We advertising here on this site. To all our thousands of customers who own Leaders, thank you for making us the company we are today.

Currently we are working on a new high end bicycle company. The new brand is called Bloodline. Frames will run from $200 to $600 a pc. This brand will be marketed online and through LBS. We will be using special Non chip, and non scratch paint. Stronger than powder coat. We want to surprise the market so I can not say more but watch sometime around February for it. It will cover all the hardcore urban markets that leader is not participating in.

Thank you for reading this post.

Leader Bike
205 W 35th St.
Suite J
National City, CA 91950
Tel 619 425 6452
contact@leaderbikeusa.com

Brian

http://www.truesport.com/Bike/2007/t...der010507.html

I have noticed that many of the Leader frames appear to be made by Kinesis.The Leaders do have longer top tubes than average which is an attraction for me.All of the Leader frames are a good value, but the new full carbon is very tempting. The graphics are what deter me-too large and garish.The older Leaders had more restrained and attractive graphics.

Yeah, the TT is long. It's a 60cm top tube . I was a little concerned since I'd be racing on the velodrome but I prefer a long top tube on my road bikes (I'm 6'2"). It's current setup with a 130mm stem feels good. I can't wait for Tues. night racing at the Velodrome in April!

I'm going to get my Leader 735TR painted. Would it be possible to get a new set of decals?

we get many customers asking for this. problem is we make the decals in many sizes and in Asia. We keep them in the painting factory. We are looking into getting some in stock in the futue. We get some customers like yourself requesting this. especially when they want to use team colors. There is a guy here on the site that makes them. do a search. he should be posting on this site.

Brian

I just wish these bikes came with the TT a bit shorter. You tall guys are just so damn lucky....:)

http://home.earthlink.net/~iamtheedge/images/flipped%20stem.JPG



it feels good, too.

http://home.earthlink.net/~iamtheedge/images/flipped%20stem.JPG



it feels good, too.

. . . when you need 'em. Still looks good!

Where's the stem police . . . .. . . when you need 'em. Still looks good!


:confused:


i said i flipped it.

Nice Bike!!! What do you think about the wireless cat eye? I hear there is a delay, does it bother you? I can't decide between wired and wireless.

Nice Bike!!! What do you think about the wireless cat eye? I hear there is a delay, does it bother you? I can't decide between wired and wireless.


i dig the wireless cateye but i haven't taken the time yet to get educated on ALL the functions yet. it is setup properly though and tells me cadence, etc.

i haven't experienced a delay (?)...tell me about it....

I’m doing a little research on computers w/cadence. I’m interested in the wireless units, however, I read somewhere on this board, or another board, that the wireless had an annoying delay, particularly with the cadence. I noticed yours so I thought I’d ask to see if I could get a consensus. I’ll probably get one anyway the cabling can be a little annoying as well.

i've never seen a delay in the cadence function.

i got the wireless for $100 on ebay 6 months ago.

Our new 07 735TR frame will be out mid this week. It comes in black only. availible sizes are 51, 53, 55, 58, and 61cm. All to the top of the seat tube. We will also have the dedicated aero fork at 28 rake for track use only. Seat angle for this frame is 75 degree. 100% true track geometry. Down tube is 80mm full aero like Cervelo, Etc. This is an extremelt stiff track frame. Go to www.leaderbikestore.com to order on Thursday or after.

Brian


brian,

the website doesn't have the new 735TR frame on it yet.

<p>they will be posted within one to two days.</p>
<p>here is some info on the new 735TR:</p>
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<col width="80" span="8" />
<tr height="23">
<td height="23" width="80"></td>
<td width="80">Effective</td>
<td width="80">Head</td>
<td width="80">B.B</td>
<td width="80">Top</td>
<td width="80">Head</td>
<td width="80">Stand-</td>
<td width="80"></td>
</tr>
<tr height="23">
<td height="23">Size</td>
<td>seat</td>
<td>tube</td>
<td>Drop</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>Tube</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>Reach</td>
</tr>
<tr height="23">
<td height="23">&nbsp;</td>
<td>tube</td>
<td>angle</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>Tube</td>
<td>Length</td>
<td>over</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
</tr>
<tr height="24">
<td height="24">&nbsp;</td>
<td>angle</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>Height</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
</tr>
<tr height="23">
<td height="23">51</td>
<td>76&deg;</td>
<td>74&deg;</td>
<td>-70</td>
<td>533.3</td>
<td>100</td>
<td>769.2</td>
<td>419.4</td>
</tr>
<tr height="23">
<td height="23">53</td>
<td>75.5&deg;</td>
<td>74&deg;</td>
<td>-70</td>
<td>546.4</td>
<td>120</td>
<td>788.4</td>
<td>422.8</td>
</tr>
<tr height="23">
<td height="23">55</td>
<td>75.5&deg;</td>
<td>74&deg;</td>
<td>-70</td>
<td>555.1</td>
<td>130</td>
<td>798</td>
<td>429.1</td>
</tr>
<tr height="23">
<td height="23">58</td>
<td>75&deg;</td>
<td>75&deg;</td>
<td>-70</td>
<td>578.8</td>
<td>150</td>
<td>820.1</td>
<td>441.8</td>
</tr>
<tr height="24">
<td height="24">61</td>
<td>74&deg;</td>
<td>75&deg;</td>
<td>-70</td>
<td>598.8</td>
<td>170</td>
<td>839.4</td>
<td>446.4</td>
</tr>
</table>

<p>they will be posted within one to two days.</p>


It's not posted yet. I guess I'll have to purchase that Schwinn Madison after all.

sorry for the delay:

http://www29.instantestore.net/merchant13651/pd_ld_735tr.cfm

Our new 07 735TR frame will be out mid this week.

Sorry, but seeing full aluminum dropouts on track bikes makes my skin crawl. I don't envision those things lasting more than a few cog changes...

Also, the dropouts probably ought to be parallel to the ground. Don Walker, et al. have some interesting things to say about "adjustable geometry" track frames.

Thank you for the comments.

We have been making dropouts in alluminum for a while now. NO PROBLEMS

We use CNC cut dropouts.

Everything we design here in San Diego is made to our specifications. Weather it be time trials, road racing, and Track they are specific and well thought out. This is Leader's fourth generation track frame.

Brian

You know, that beach front looks awfully familiar. I'd almost say either Newport or Santa Monica, but I've been living in Northern California for 6 years now, so maybe my memory is fuzzy.

I am Teh Sedge will be able to fling poo and make his getaway on that stagecoach...very nice ride, brother.

You know, that beach front looks awfully familiar. I'd almost say either Newport or Santa Monica, but I've been living in Northern California for 6 years now, so maybe my memory is fuzzy.


redondo beach looking north through hermosa, manhattan up toward santa monica.

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f57/wahoolee/leaderrearptzipp2.jpg


the front wheel should be here today or tomorrow.

She is very elegant....

my "go fast" bike is now finished.


http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f57/wahoolee/leader404sa.jpg

I like her a lot!

sweet. Mine won't look that good, but I'll post pics when I get the bike and assemble it, hopefully this Friday night.

Nice bike I am the Edge! What size of frame did you get? I'm confused on the sizing chart on the leader site. I am 5'9" with 32 inch inseam. And may i ask again the name of the LBS that you go to for fitment and instalation? How much did they charge for everything? I'm in los angeles 90200 area. I would like to go and see your LBS.
Wish i could test drive an Leader bike, it would be nice to ride one before buying it.

I'm in the market for a new bike, my choices are cervelo soloist, kestrel talon or Felt 4.
The leader looks nice too that's why i'm kinda insterested on it now.

it is a 58 which has a 585 top tube length, stand-over height on my bike was just over 33"...i'm 6'0" with a 34.5" inseam measured by standing with my feet 8 inches apart, against the wall and putting a ruler under my crotch and measuring from the floor to that point.

i'd guess you should get the 55cm.

my lbs is Ted's Manhattan Cycles in Manhattan Beach. manny is the mechanic there, he built it for me for $120 and Ted spent over 2 hours on the fitting with me for another $120. best money i've ever spent; i'm about to go back for a follow-up fitting since i've changed several things on the bike and i'm about to start racing. manny does an excellent job building bikes and has since built a second bike for me. he will also lace up wheels for you. they sell bianchi, look, calfee, khs but not trek, specialized or cannondale.

it is stiff....i'm 190lbs and i don't flex it when climbing and out of the saddle. i do a lot of climbing seated to put more power into my legs, the leader wants to accelerate forward on each stroke. it is even faster and stiffer with the zipps and the harshness is dampened with the carbon seatpost and the zipps.

i'd buy one of their track frames and build it up if the dropouts were horizontal.

The top tube will be too long for you using the 55cm c-c. go with the 52cm c-c. use a 172.5mm crankset and a 100mm stem. the 52cm frame has a 55.5cm top tube length.

Brian

Thanks for the quick response I am the Edge. I will check out ted bike shop one of this weekends. Thanks Leaderbike for clearing up the right size for me.