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In the (Feed)Zone - Leader 722RS

2/3/2010

By: Mark Swartzendruber

Indeed, if you taka a look at the down tube, you’ll see the asymmetrical shaping distinctive to hydroformed tubing.

The bottom bracket cluster and head tube joints show the smooth TIG hand welding of the double butted junctions. Yes, I said hand welds.

The seat stays are traditional as you’d expect with a classic steel frame and conventional geometry.

The seat tube is lugged and employs the classic old school seat tube bolt to secure the saddle.

AUTHENTIC, FUN RIDE
LEADER 722RS
Steel is indeed real

I’ve wanted to do this review since November but with it being the weather turned to complete crap in Chicagoland around December 10 and I didn’t get the bike built up before the weather turned miserable, I’ve only been able to test this bike while having it tethered to the indoor trainer. While not an ideal testing arena, the indoor trainer sessions were at very least instructive as to the fact that this bike is VERY stiff, especially when compared against other steel frames I’ve had. With the rear drop outs in the mounts and the front wheel on the riser block, the frame sway is less than perceptible even when I’m jamming the pedals in a large gear.

When the temperature on 2/1/10 soared to 36 degrees in Chicago, I used the opportunity to roll the steel out on the mean streets of Chicago and up Sheridan Road through the North Shore suburbs. As the locals know, Sheridan Road – particularly in Winetka – is not far off of riding the Paderstraadt cobbles of Flanders. Craters, heaves, pot holes, cracks, gouges, uneven patching and all manner of imperfections of tarmac lay in wait to test any cycle material. The steel of the 722RS absorbs it all. Given that I’ve been racing on Aluminum and Carbon for the past 10 seasons, I’d forgotten how compliant and fun a steel frame is to ride. I hit one pothole on Sheridan Rd so hard that the impact wrenched my handlebars down about a half an inch, yet I didn’t get a jolt up my spine when the rear wheel tagged the crater on the way out. Lucky for me I didn’t get a flat tire either and was able to continue the ride.

I asked Sal Lombrosso, the owner of Leader Bicycle about the source of the steel tubing which provides its remarkable ride quality.

“The material is made by Eco/Founderland. They are the only contracted steel maker for Reynolds in Taiwan. The Eco name is popular in Europe and will soon be in the States. Eco is on par with Reynolds and Columbus. Another factor is the hydroformed down tube. Eco/Founderland is the only that makes it and Leader Bike is the first to use it.”

So, kids, this is NOT a cheap Chinese throw together bike. It’s built in Taiwan by a reputable factory that pushes out frames with European labels as well.

NUTS AND BOLTS

The bike requires a 1 1/8" standard headset, 27.2mm seat post, 68mm English bottom bracket, and 700c wheels. The rear spacing is130mm and the chain stay flare will allow for up to a 175mm crank arm. I built the bike up with a mix of SRAM’s RED (shifters, brake calipers) and Force (crank, derailleurs). I used the Velocarbon Pro alloy stem and bars and Leader’s carbon seat post. My 57cm frame weighs in at 20 lb with the heavy training wheels and 19.5 with the Zipp Team Issue aluminum clinchers. My bike came with a carbon fork with a steel steer tube, which adds some heft to be sure, but you can also purchase Leader’s full carbon fork to shed some weight.

This is not the next generation high tech super light stainless steel that Waterford is using in building the steel racers the sMACKs are riding. But then again, at $249 retail for the frame on Leader’s web site, you’re not paying for that technology. What you’re getting for that price is the foundation for a great back up bike, an enjoyable alternative for your easy days, a winter “mudder”, a training bike that will make your 15 lb race bike feel like a rocket when you throw your leg across it on the weekends. I can conjecture that doing hill repeats on a 20 lb bike is going to make my climbing a bit stronger this summer.

I believe that for commuters, this could be built into a fantastic commuter rig that WON’T weigh 30 lbs with fenders and components. I suppose one could built the 722RS up with a flat road bar, fenders and a tourist saddle and have a bomb proof commuter bike that would last a life time. The geometry of the frame is relaxed and comfortable, with a long head tube that can give a commuter a nice upright ride but I had no problem even with the longish head tube matching the bar height on my carbon and aluminum racing frames. Additionally, the geometry and tube sizing allows for plenty of clearance for fat tires up to 27mm. I’m rolling 25’s with it and there is room to spare.

CONCLUSION

The 722RS isn’t going to make anyone’s list of dream racing machines but for the person wishing to re connect with their cycling roots and enjoy the authentic ride quality of a steel bike for training, commuting or club centuries and low key rides, this bike will fill that role ably.

At the price point, you’re getting an able bodied, well built steelie that won’t disappoint you.

www.leaderbikestore.com

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