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Litespeed

Wolfman

Speeding Up
Jul 31, 2007
631
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I know there are quite a few titanium lovers in TCC, so thought I would just flag up this article I read about the new entry level Litespeed that's been released.

http://reviews.roadbikereview.com/blog/litespeed-launches-new-lower-price-titanium-road-frame/

I don't know what others here will think, but I find this "lower price" model a lot more attractive than some of the other Litespeed models out there, and it has a very nice simplicity minus some of the sprays that often accompany these bikes. It is also light, at 1.17kg.

Looks like a very stylish runner.

This website also has an interesting video of the finishing process for titanium frames. A true craft.

http://www.bikeradar.com/road/news/...peed-offer-lower-priced-titanium-frames-20673
 
You mean you don't like the timeless looks of the Ribble Sportive Racing? :)

Actually, I've long longed for a Litespeed, and while I can't afford one now, this could be my foot in the door to Titania. Thanks for the heads up, Lee!

Deej
 
Great deal! Titanium cleaning tips

I see many similarities with my own ti...Taiwan OEM?? Entry level or not...this is an incredible price and look at the weight...for titanium this is quite an achievement! If I had to chose between this 16-man frame and a carbon frame costing double, I'd resolutely go for this Litespeed frame without hesitation! The "nude ti look" is also great...combinable with the gaudiest stuff around! Thanks Lee for the info!

By the way Lee, how do you keep your own ti frame so shiny and clean? I use strips of Scotchbrite and polish like those guys on the Litespeed video. After I'm done with the polishing, I spray with silicon oil (for added luster and prevention of oily fingerprints) and wipe the frame clean and dry with a soft piece of cloth.
 
By the way Lee, how do you keep your own ti frame so shiny and clean? I use strips of Scotchbrite and polish like those guys on the Litespeed video. After I'm done with the polishing, I spray with silicon oil (for added luster and prevention of oily fingerprints) and wipe the frame clean and dry with a soft piece of cloth.

Gosh, afraid to say that it is only soap and water. However, I did notice that in the hard to reach places such as the area where the rear derailleur attaches to the frame that the bottom corner has gone a kind of dull grey. I will definately try some scotchbrite on this. Thanks very much for the advice Tom.
 
Planet X bikes have been selling two Ti bikes (Pro Road & Sportive) for year now. They are almost identical in price (at today's USD-Pound exchange rates) to the new Litespeed Xicon. Lynskey makes them for Planet X. The original owners of Litespeed.

Personally, if we are talking metal I would take the steel Colnago Master X-Light. So very very pretty.

Philip
 
no bling, but your $'s go a long way

big Ti fan here (have 3). If someone is interested in lower cost Ti, suggest looking at Motobecane. I don't have or endorse these, but the price is defn right... These prices are for complete bikes...

Ultegra SL equipped - $1999 http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/lechamp_slti_09.htm

Ultegra equpped $1699 http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/lechamp_ti_09.htm

Duraace equipped $2399 http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/lechamp_teamti_09.htm

These guys do a Ti cross bike and probably one of the lightest racing hardtail mtn bikes around (sub 20lbs) for incredible prices....
 
I think I've also caught the Ti bug... prices are generally outrageous but nevertheless I've spent the last month ogling expensive titanium bikes on the internet. When the gf asks why I'm spending so much time on the computer I have to tell her it's porn :confused:

So Trad - special thanks for the links ! Will have a good look over the Motobecane gear. I've been looking at a few manufacturers and - apart from the price - one particulary takes my fancy:
http://www.enigmabikes.com/index.php?_a=viewProd&productId=26

The only possible problem is size... will address this in another thread...


Right then. More internet time ahead of me ...
 
I think I've also caught the Ti bug... prices are generally outrageous but nevertheless I've spent the last month ogling expensive titanium bikes on the internet. When the gf asks why I'm spending so much time on the computer I have to tell her it's porn :confused:

Looks like another Deejesque stealthy purchase is on the horizon - this could almost be a thread in itself... the "how did you get away with buying such an expensive bike thread?"

The only possible problem is size... will address this in another thread...

This Enigma looks like a very fine specimen indeed; but I see what you mean, should you get a 54 or 57? Is this sizing range relatively common? I guess we're the same heightwise and I'm on a 56 which is fine for me, but I'm not sure which one I would opt for, probably the 57. Will leave that to you old chap ...

By the way Todor, that creaking sound that was coming off my bike was simply down to lack of lube on the casette. Since then, no sounds at all.
 
Congrats on finding source of the creaking sounds. Must have felt awesome to have a quiet ride combined with silky smoothness of Tiagain....
 
Motobecane !

Thank you Trad ! Now I know where my own ti comes from...my VLAAMS is identical to the smallest detail !
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Philip...the Master X-light....has been on my shopping list for several months now. Very pretty-looking.

Steve, the Enigma surely looks like a bike you will enjoy for the rest of your cycling days...you are right to be extra careful about the right size. Better order on the smaller side I'd say...you can always adjust with a longer stem and/or an offset saddle post. Vice versa does not work.
 
Been keeping an eye on the Litespeed Siena as well as the Tommasini Tecno and the Cinelli Vigorelli
 
Steve, the Enigma surely looks like a bike you will enjoy for the rest of your cycling days...you are right to be extra careful about the right size. Better order on the smaller side I'd say...you can always adjust with a longer stem and/or an offset saddle post. Vice versa does not work.

Thanks Tom, yes, that's what I'll ask the guy as well. Alternative is to go with a compact frame which also looks good (and is slightly cheaper!). In any case, I just want the bad dreams to go away ...
 
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