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4/8/2008- TREK files lawsuit to sever
ties with Greg LeMond and will stop manufacturing LeMond bikes-
Since 1995, Trek and LeMond had partnered to
design and build high-quality road bikes, many built in the USA. The early years
were fun & exciting, as the new line rapidly found its way and brought a
different flavor to the world of Trek. But the relationship began to sour when
Lance was going for his 3rd Tour de France win, and Greg was often quoted in the
media as having doubts that Lance was racing clean, based almost entirely upon
allegations, sometimes unfounded, always questionable, by author David Walsh.
This became a major distraction; many
customers felt that Greg was coming across with a whining attitude, upset that
another American might eclipse his TdF record. That did not help sell
bikes (Trek or LeMond). Finally, after many years of trying
to get Greg to focus on promoting his bikes, advocacy for cycling and "clean"
cycling in general (rather than what has appeared to be a personal vendetta
against Lance Armstrong), John Burke, President of Trek, declared that enough is
enough and filed a lawsuit to terminate the relationship.
Trek has shown all its cards publicly, including
timelines and details of the various ways that Greg breached his contract and
even a youtube video of
Trek President John Burke addressing the issue at a company meeting (giving
you an unusual, behind-the-scenes look at how a major bicycle company operates).
Below is my response, on a newsgroup, to someone asking why Trek put so much out
into the open, so fast-
Trek had/has a *lot* of
explaining to do. They have a whole lot of dealers with inventory of LeMond
bikes who want to know what's going on, and why. Doesn't it make sense for them
to put everything they can out in public, as quickly as possible? Beyond the
fact that dealers are *owed* an explanation (after all, we have a lot of
inventory $$$ on the line), it makes sense to
try and get back to business as quickly as possible and that, again, requires
that you answer as many questions as you possibly can, as fast as you can,
preferably before they're even asked. That's simply good business.
What's perhaps most admirable is the absolute secrecy about this decision. I'm
one of the more-curious dealers, always wanting to know what's going on behind
the scenes. And just three days ago I asked what the future status of LeMond is,
since I've openly questioned the wisdom of having a line whose namesake and
spokesperson is so intensely negative about the current cycling scene (it
definitely costs me sales). And I was told that LeMond remains a part of the
Trek family and will continue.
The claim that Trek didn't promote the LeMond brand as they should have, that
they didn't support it with product, is bogus. LeMond got a total redesign of
their frame (the min-max carbon) well ahead of Trek's new Madone design, and
they made a HUGE deal of it. They even flew a bunch of dealers back to Wisconsin
to ride the Trek 100 fund-raiser on the new machines. And they certainly put a
lot of energy into the website and catalog. Despite the fact that LeMond was
obviously a much-smaller brand than Trek, it appeared they received far more
than their fair share of resources in Wisconsin.
And yet, Greg just couldn't focus on delivering a positive message about
cycling. I don't know if he understood that many of the things he was saying
(true or not is almost irrelevant) were detrimental to sales. We had customers
who wouldn't even consider a LeMond because of Greg's musings in the press about
how everyone was doping and that he was essentially the last clean athlete in
the world etc.
The most-frustrating thing about all this is that virtually everyone who has
ever met Greg, or been to an event where he talked about his TdF experiences,
comes away incredibly impressed with the guy. He seems genuinely interested in
what you have to say. He's funny, engaging, and clearly loves the stage. And his
"bad peach" story is hilarious. He doesn't seem at all like the person in the
press who believes he would have won 32 tours if the world hadn't conspired
against him (the infamous "virtual" TdF victories). There's no hint of the
"victim mode" he is prone to when being interviewed. Not that he hasn't been
through some horrible things in his life! It seems that bad things tend to
follow him, like the business associate of Floyd Landis making the bogus phone
call, pretending to be someone from his past with a history of sordid memories.
From my standpoint, LeMond
could have been a phenomenally-successful bicycle line, if only Greg
hadn't decided it was more important to spend his time publicizing David Walsh's
allegations against Lance Armstrong in the media. That crusade unquestionably
cost sales of LeMond bikes, and possibly Trek bikes as well. Doping in
professional cycling is clearly a problem that needs to be dealt with, but
Greg's almost single-minded pursuit of Lance took on the appearances of a
personal vendetta more than a quest to clean up the sport.
Nevertheless,
Greg remains one of the GREAT cyclists of all time. That cannot be taken away
from him, nor taken for granted.
--Mike--
Almost forgot to add that none of this has any
effect on those who have purchased a LeMond bike made between 1995 and 2008.
Trek Bicycles will continue to honor all warranties on these bikes, regardless
of the outcome of the lawsuit.
Addendum 04/10/08- One thing apparent after re-reading the
various paperwork in these lawsuits is that it's likely Greg felt that he could
get Trek to capitulate to his terms without making anything public. As stated in
Trek's 4/08/08 filing, page 6, document #1, "Greg LeMond's statements are quoted
at length in a complaint that LeMond Cycling recently served upon Trek but has
not, to date, filed." It's likely that Greg's attorneys felt that including so
much about Lance Armstrong in the threatened legal action would serve as
incentive for Trek to keep things quiet. That's probably the reason Trek came
forward with everything, quickly removing any idea that they'd settle
easily, and eliminating the idea they have something to hide. Good from a PR
standpoint, and probably good legal strategy as well.
Addendum 04/11/08- I just came across an article from Outside
Magazine, July 1994, titled "I'm Not the Next Greg LeMond. I'm the First Lance
Armstrong." A very interesting read that might tell you a bit about the egos
involved.
You can read it here. Meanwhile, emotions run hot & heavy. This is the sort
of thing that really gets you scratching your head. It would probably make more
sense if I stayed quiet, as we're a business and I doubt that it's likely
something I say on this matter will increase sales, but highly possible I could
give pause to those who believe Greg is being unfairly persecuted.
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All remaining '06/'07 LeMond bikes
on sale!
(complete listing in the table near the
bottom of this page) |
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But first, the fine print:
#1: No mail order sales. No
how, no way, period. The LeMond dealer agreement prohibits them, for
very good reasons (including the need to be properly fit, have the bike
assembled, and have a place to go back to if anything's not quite right).
Your local dealer is a very valuable asset.
#2: Pricing is limited strictly to stock on
hand. No special orders at these prices; the idea is to
move bikes from our inventory to your tail end, so we can clear space for
new product as it becomes available.
#3: We use the FitKit to measure everyone who
purchases one of these bikes and fit them accordingly. We
will swap stems out at no charge, providing it doesn't require re-cabling
the bike (which it normally doesn't). We also offer a free
30-day check, 10% discount on accessories purchased at the time you buy
the bike (unless the accessories are already on sale), and free minor
adjustments for as long as you own the bike. That means you can bring
it in at any time for a minor brake or gear adjustment, and we'll do it while
you wait, free! We like doing this, since you're usually buying stuff
in the store while we're taking care of your bike. But please note
this isn't a regular tune-up. If your bike needs more work than we can
quickly perform, you'll have to leave it for a regular servicing, for which
there will be a charge.
#4: Check the
tables at the bottom of this page to see if the bike you want
exists in a size that might fit. As the sale goes on, we'll have less
availability of sizing. If it doesn't show up in the tables, it's not
in stock. Even if it does show up, it still might have sold since the
table was updated. If you want one of these bikes, best to move
quickly!
#5: No
long-term layaways (over two weeks) or hold deposits on any of
these bikes. |
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| Breakfast
with a Champion! Friday morning 1/7/00
was a special treat for many of our staff, as Greg LeMond dropped in
for breakfast. Later he dropped by the store to sign some
autographs (and a few bikes & frames), and we've got to say he's
about the nicest guy you could ever meet. He passed the test,
so we've decided it's OK for you to buy one of his bikes from us! |
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Before looking at the bikes, a quick word about frame
materials and LeMond bikes in general. If you're looking for an
unbelievably stiff ride, and want to feel every bump in the road as if
there's nothing between your tail end and the asphalt, a LeMond is not for
you. Greg LeMond has always favored bikes that are comfortable to
ride, and achieves this both with materials & designs that have extremely forgiving
ride qualities and with a geometry that gives his bikes a relaxed,
comfortable feel. |
GREAT
CLOSEOUTS! |
| BIKES
BELOW INCLUDE ALL SALE-PRICED MODELS AND BLEMS |
| Brand |
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Year,
Size & Model |
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Sale
Price |
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Save |
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Location |
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Our
#/weight |
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FRAMESETS |
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FRAME SIZE 57cm- fits approximately 5ft 9- 5ft 11 |
| LeMond |
2004 |
VICTOIRE CLSSC FS TI 57CM |
|
1,299.99 |
1,300 |
both |
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1438701101 |
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TRIPLE-CHAINRING
ROAD BIKES |
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FRAME SIZE 49cm- fits approximately 5ft 3- 5ft 5 |
| LeMond |
2007 |
VERSAILLES T SL/BLU 49CM |
|
1,699.99 |
140 |
Rdwd Cty |
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1732550701 |
18.69 |
| LeMond |
2003 |
ARRIVE TRPL YEL 49CM |
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1,799.99 |
730 |
Los Altos |
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1332750701 |
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FRAME SIZE 53cm- fits approximately 5ft 5- 5ft 7 |
| LeMond |
2007 |
ZURICH T SILVER 53CM |
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2,199.99 |
240 |
Rdwd Cty |
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1732650901 |
17.85 |
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4/ 7/2008 |
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IMPORTANT SIZING NOTE! LeMond bicycles measure very differently
from TREKs. LeMonds all measure from the center of the crank to the center of the
top-tube/seat-tube junction. This means that a 49cm LeMond Tourmalet is
about the same size
as a 52cm TREK 1200, which is measured from the center of the crank to the very top of the
seat tube collar.
LeMond Corporate Website An
interesting website with a lot of info on Greg Lemond and just a little bit about his
bikes as well! |
Please note one of the BIG differences between our specials and other shops...we have LOTS
in stock and a great selection of sizes! We sell so many road bikes that we have no
trouble rationalizing big purchases when opportunities present themselves, even when it
means they might stick around for awhile. Visit Chain Reaction in person and you'll
discover that we really love road bikes...which shouldn't be too surprising for a pair of
shops located in one of the greatest areas of the world for road cycling!Important!
Bicycles can only be sold in our stores, not through the mail (or Internet). Click here if you're interested in why. Last updated
04/12/08
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