Lynskey

[MartinYorkshire]

I am seriously considering buying a Pro 26 to build a weenie bike.

Does anyone own a Lynskey. How do they compare to Moots and Merlin?

I cant quite decide what to do..

 

[Harryburgundy]

Mmmm...now then...how do I put this politely...mmm...can't.

Are you talking about the 2010 Pro 26 with those twisted tubes.
What a piece of sheet!

Okay...all I am doing is looking at the pictures, but somewhere in the back of my mind I hear voices saying...modern Lynskey=crappola

Oh gee..just had another look.....made me feel ill. Look at those chinoiserie drop-outs...and the not-very-good welding.

Of course, that's just my humble opinion

I don't think they are in the same league as Moots

 

[MartinYorkshire]

Twisty tubes are what I liked about them

Moots look...boring, except the sloping top tube and they only do that in up to 16" :/

 

[Harryburgundy]

Twisty tubes are what I liked about them

Moots look...boring, except the sloping top tube and they only do that in up to 16" :/

Well my mate swears by his bi-axially ovalised downtube on his Litespeed Tanasi..but I can't see what the twisted tubes bring to the Lynskey

One mans meat etc

 

[MartinYorkshire]

I thought Litespeed were "lower" end? Im basically looking for a bike to last until I die type of thing.

 

[Harryburgundy]

I thought Litespeed were "lower" end? Im basically looking for a bike to last until I die type of thing.

:shock:

I'm far from an expert on these things, but my tuppence worth goes a bit like this...and I havn't had any coffee yet so it might be a little incoherent.

Merlin are/were the Godfathers of titanium frame production up to 1998..when they were sold and Rob Vandermark and the like then set-up Seven.
I would consider the 97 Merlin XLM as the finest Ti frame....ever.
Litespeed was founded by Lynskey
I'm not sure of the exact year that Litespeed were sold to American Bicycle Group (who also own Merlin since 2000)...but like Merlin, I don't think they are the same since. I reckon Litespeeds golden era was around 00/01/02 ish when they produced beautiful frames.
My mates Tanasi is one...6/4 Ti ovalised/ten-sided etc tubes and lovely drop-outs etc etc etc..and I think the most expensive frame available at the time. I don't think anyone makes 6/4 ti frames anymore due to the expense...but I'm sure a custom builder would. Deep pockets required.

I'm unsure of Moots history, other than it was founded by Kent Eriksen who now has his own custom frame business.

Hopefully someone can fill in some info. regarding modern Lynskey.

If I had the money, and was in the market for a Ti frame, my choice would depend on specification required.
If you want longer travel FS and disc mount etc..I would knock on the door of Moots/Kish/Eriksen
If I was fine with V brakes and 80mmish up front...97 Merlin...everyday of the week.

But this is just my humble opinion of course...based on no logic whatsoever

 

[Kestonian]

I have a 2007 Moots FS and a 1996 Merlin Mountain (the XLM is proving elusive, but I SHALL find one)

Craftsmanship on the Moots is off the charts. Simply unbelievable. It is a thing of beauty.

Don't get me wrong, the Merlin is awesome, but the Moots, to me, is a cut above.

When I bought the Moots I looked at a Litespeed Sawanee and Merlin full susser at the same time and the Moots made them look cheap. I don't know how, but it did. I seriously went into the shop expecting to come out with a Merlin or a Litespeed.

That Lynskey, I have to say, does not do it for me.

 

[Defiant]

did you ever consider Potts?
http://www.stevepottsbicycles.com/index.php

or Black Sheep?
http://www.blacksheepbikes.com/

or my favorite Jim Kish?
http://www.kishbike.com/services.htm

 

[MartinYorkshire]

This is great info guys. I had looked at Eriksen briefly but none of the others you mentioned.

I just wish Moots did something a little more eyecatching, if that makes sense?

Harry, your opinion sounded perfectly logical to me pal.

 

[llamedos]

I've got 2010 Pro 29 Lynskey ....... it's bloody lovely !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!