Lionel's Titanium Bicycle
2002 Airborne Zeppelin 54 cm Frame Specifications
(All pictures can be clicked for a larger image in a separate window)

April 6, 2004. Lionel found a bargain on ebay.

After much research and several test rides, I decided that a titanium frame would be most suitable for me, preferring the responsiveness and durability over carbon. I also needed a smaller frame than my old steel bike, due to changes in pedal and cleat designs. Although accustomed to the classic look, a compact design (sloping top tube) gives me more clearance for my knees. The Zeppelin also has a rear triangle that is very small, providing extra stiffness for pedaling and I like the look. Titanium does not need paint, but the previous owner painted the frame and fork and the color varies from blue to green depending on the light and angle. January 2005 it got a new paint job done by a professional. Also for 2005, the all carbon Zipp 404 wheels save about a pound in a very critical area.

Ready to race with Zipp 404 tubulars. 16.8 pounds. 28 spoke Campagnolo wheels with clinchers for training.
Top View with computer. Computer sensors.

Computer Mount details

2004 Configuration below
Ready to race with Rolf Vector Pro tubulars. Just under 18 pounds. 28 spoke Campagnolo wheels with clinchers for training. About 18.5 pounds.
Angle view. The saddle is nearly split in two. This adds flexibility for a more comfortable ride; cooler too.
Detail of the rear triangle junction. Looking down at the heart rate monitor.
Slender front view. The rear view shows the curved stays.
With clip on bars and forward saddle for time trialing in Canada. Steep, short stem gets arms lower. Top view of clip on bars.

Frame: Airborne Zeppelin 54 cm 2002, Titanium
Fork: Reynolds Ouzo Pro, Carbon fiber
Headset: Ritchey Scuzzy logic
Stem: Ritchey WCS, Aluminum
Handlebars: Deda 35.5 cm, Aluminum
Seatpost: Easton EC70, Carbon fiber
Saddle: Selle Italia SLK
Cranks: Campagnolo Record, Al 172.5, 53x39
Bottom Bracket: Phil Wood Titiatnium
Shift Levers: Campagnolo Record, Carbon
Shifters: Campagnolo Chorus, Al
Brakes: Campagnolo Chorus, Al
Pedals: Coombe
Wheels:
  Racing: Zipp 404 24/18 oval spokes on all carbon rims; Tires: Tufo S3 21mm 220g rear, Tufo light 19mm 195g front, 11x23 Campagnolo cogs.
  Training: Campagnolo record 28 spoke clinchers, Michelin Carbon tires (23 rear, 20 front), 11x23 Campagnolo cogs
  Spare racing: Rolf Vector Pro tubular 16/14 bladed spoke, Tufo S3 tires, 12x23 American Classic cogs
Computer: Polar S720i Heart Rate Monitor w/Speed, Cadence and downloadable recording


So far it is everything I hoped it would be.

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