Steel has been real for me since 2000 when I sold my Klein Quantum and got a Voo Doo Rada. Since then, I’ve upgraded to another steel frame Gunnar Roadie in 2007. Steel has offered me comfort and performance at a value that far exceeded my expectations. Then early this year, I caught the carbon bug. I looked high and low to see what my options were and wasn’t too satisfied with the immediate options. Then I called Lynskey to see if they had anything interesting, and they had something that fit my bill. A semi-compact road frame, near to identical geometry with my Gunnar, double/triple butted ti frame that was a pound lighter with a curved seat stay for additional compliance. Suffice it to say, my search was over. I was lamenting not getting a Merlin when it was independently owned by Merlin before its acquisition.
Lynskey is made by the same family who launched Litespeed and was sold to a bicycle conglomerate. After serving its non-competitive clause, the Lynskey family returned to what it did best, building one of the best titanium frames in the business under their family name.
I ordered a R230, with a spec weight of 1202 g (2.65 lbs). The first frame came in at 1356 g (2.98 lbs). I called Lynskey up to inquire about the weight difference out of curiosity, and they ended up offering to take the frame back and rebuilding one for me to match the spec weight. Few months later, I got my replacement weighing in at 1251 g (2.75 lbs) which was their new spec weight for the model I ordered. One thing they clarified was the weight of the frame is without the derailleur hanger, seat post collar, head badge and bolts, etc. Bottom line, I appreciate bicycle makers to own up to their own standards they set. Lynskey did that.
Here are photos of the build followed by my ride impressions. 
The Lynskey frame is ready for the build. I know it will be at least a pound lighter, since the Gunnar comes in a pound heavier than the ti frame. Only the build will tell.
The Gunnar will do it’s part and become the donor bike to the Lynskey. Drivetrain, shifters, brakes, wheels. The rest are new parts. Time to build. The requisite King headset is already installed.
All the necessary parts are transferred to the Lynskey. Now cables and housing, necessary adjustments and I should be good for the morning. It’s been a long night.
But Paul came over and watched and kept me company. He took pictures of the entire build. If you want to see, check the links below. Lots of photos.
The Lynskey build is cometed at 5am. Yes. I know. But I had to finish.
Gunnar weighed in at 18.98 lbs. Lynskey weighed in at 17.18. The difference is 1.8 lbs. I knew I was at least going to lose a pound minimum, but the actual weigh in was a pleasant surprise.
At the intersection on Redwood Gulch and HWY 9. Initial ride impressions: the Lynskey has a nice ride, softer than my steel Gunnar, yet not forgetting it’s still on the road. Ti comfort is quite an experience. The connection from handlebar to head tube to down tube is superb. Now the front end feels like one piece, moving without delay. Easton SLX bar has a nice dampening effect on road vibrations and the ergonomics is just right. Lastly, pre-lubed Dura Ace housing and cable set works wonders for Sram. Descent was very stable and well controlled. Didn’t push the speed since HWY still had wet patches.
