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Lynskey Helix review
- Price Paid:$0.00
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User rating:(4.5)
- Would buy again from this company: Yes
- Used product for: 5 months
- # of logged workouts: 0
"The day my new Lynskey Helix arrived I eagerly pulled the frame from the shipping container. The quality of the construction was immediately evident. The welds were the best I have ever seen on any metal frame bike. The photos on the website just do not do this frame justice. I was also very glad to have chosen the hand brushed finished with the etched graphics. The finish is impeccable and the etched graphics are subdued and elegant. The guys in the bike shop stopped and stared at the unique twisted Helix frame. The seat post was as equally impressive. The finish is identical and the carbon cradle design made the seat installation tricky but the angle adjustments a breeze.
The real proof came after the first couple of shakedown rides. Once the Helix fit perfectly I started to test its limits. I had previously tested other Ti frames that had so much flex the rear tire would rub the inside of the rear triangle under a heavy sprint. Keep in mind I weigh 225 pounds and can generate huge power numbers from a standing start. I started with caution on my newly built work of art. The choppy Tucson roads melted under the frame smoother than any carbon frame I have ridden. At the first stop light I jumped at the chance to press hard laterally on the Helix. I stood up and laid the bike over and really pressed into the pedals. The rear triangle did not seem to move one millimeter. As soft and supple as the frame rides on rough roads it is equally as impressive laterally. For all my trying I could not twist that rear triangle in the slightest. Next the hills arrived and I dropped a couple of rings and stood up again. Not a budge from the frame. My only complaint about this bike is it wills me to go faster than my legs are capable of. As I am not a Pro level rider or even a Cat 3 rider this bike is definitely faster than I am. I take that back I do have a second complaint: I don’t have enough time to ride! My new Helix is the most enjoyable bike I have ever been on.
Working in a bike shop that does not carry Lynskey got me a few jeers from co-workers; until they too experienced the expertise of the Helix. Now they are all asking how to order one too. I know I was a bit of a pain during the ordering process but Mike Viertel was gracious through the whole ordeal. My overall experience with Lynskey was just like all the other Testimonials, great."jsttri
Ease of use
Everything fit perfectly the first time. There were no problems during the build.
Quality of Construction
The welds and finish are immaculate! The frame only took six weeks to get. The finished product could be hung on the wall as a work of art.
Fit
By doing all the measurements before hand (twice) the frame should fit perfectly with no issues. It was typical that the first four or five rides were shakedown rides to get the fit perfect.
Comfort
The frame does not ride like a typical Ti frame. There is no "tail wag" when sprinting like other (Litespeed) race frames. When you hit a hard bump the frame soaks it up properly. However, when you stand up and sprint hard the frame is as laterally stiff as any high end carbon frame.
Adjustability
As this is a frame only build up it is endlessly adjustable. They even offer custom sizing for the very short or very tall riders.
Durability
This is Ti! If you wreck it and crack it, send the frame back to Lynskey and they will repair it for a nominal charge. This is a lifetime investment of a bike.
Value
This is Ti! The price is not for the faint of heart. As this is the last road frame you will ever need to buy you can tack on an extra $2k for the Ti experience over that fragile carbon ride.
Appearance
Now this category needs a "6". The frame is hand brushed and the decals are etched (sand blasted) in the metal. The addition of the Ritchey WCS carbon kit and SRAM Red groupo make this a stunning head turner. I get looks and the always curious question of "what kind of bike is that?"
Customer Service
Mike at Lynskey put up my constant pestering while the bike was on order. The man is a saint.
Performance
Another category that needs a "6". After test riding a couple of other Ti bikes and some very high end carbon bikes I rolled the dice on the Lynskey sight unseen. Great gamble.
Strengths
Build quality, asthetics, ride quality, the "Wow!" factor
Weakness
Price, OUCH
- 2 people use
- 0 workouts logged
- 1069.43 miles / 61.81 hours logged
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Ease of installation
This comes as a frame only and you need to have expert bike mechanic experience to construct this bike. This does however let you spec the bike to your liking.