Litespeed 2000 Appalachian

Price Paid:  $0.00 at the Pedal Pusher

Favorite Ride:
the Iron Cross in Michaux state forest

Bike Setup:
See review summary and note that I did swap out the ultegra cantilevers for Tektro V's with more stopping power.

Summary:
I own the Blue Ridge version tourer I have converted to a crosser. Exactly the same bike as appalachian they no longer market. I run a LX mtn derailleur and the balance is still Ultegra. It has Mavic Open-pro wheels running on Kenda Kross Supreme tires. I also run Tufo pro cross tubular clincher rear in the winter. It allows me to be able to stick and go on
even glare ice. I do pair it with a studded front cause that wheel is the one I want to be sure sticks. It works superior to a mountain bike in snow as it knifes through snow and sticks to ice. It also is extremely comfortable in the vertical compliance department but does not exhibit any lateral flex under acceleration. With a switch to touring tires it handles 200 mile rides on the road very well. I have also been able to negotiate all my mountain bike rides with no trouble since I added the bartop aux brake levers which allow me to descend steep trail with control. The Kenda Kross tires also work smoothly on macadam and with monster grip on grass/loose dirt/gravel

Strengths:
in addition to above it has a lifetime warranty and sheds road salt in the winter commuting unlike steel/alum.

Weaknesses:
The price unless you can get it way below retail.

Similar Products Used:
I owned and raced a cannondale 800 crosser that hurt on rugged terrain. This has totally solved that issue!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have also ridden a
Kona Jake the Snake . Also the best cross bike I can't afford probably ever is the Serotta Ottrott in cross format. Ride one of his Ottrott's if you get a chance ever in your life and you will understand what I mean even on just a road version out for a mile spin.

Price Paid:  $1049.00 at Chain Wheel in Littl

Favorite Ride:
home from work

Bike Setup:
See above.

Summary:
Purchased the frame with straight blade chromoly fork. Built up with Ultegra triple, Mavic MA3s (love em'), moustache bars, Durace bar-end shifters, 28c tires, etc. I frumped around with a nice steel frame for a while, then rode in hard rain for about 40 miles without fenders. Big mistake. Rust immediately! I love steel, but regardless of the promises from the great frame craftsmen who use steel, rust is an issue in the South. This Litespeed frameset is very stable, stiff enough, carries medium-weight commuter loads very well, is aligned perfectly, has very well thought out geometry, is smooth, and is a full 2lbs lighter than my steel steed. I also own a Tuscany, so maybe I am biased toward Litespeed and titanium. They seem to work very well for me. If you commute or enjoy light touring, I do not think you could do better than the Appalachian, if you can find one.

Strengths:
Everything listed above.

Weaknesses:
Way, way too expensive. I purchased at bargain basement price, and still complain. I predict that the better bicycle manufacturers will soon price themselves out of business. 4-6K for a bike?? Also, some will make the absolutely idiotic mistake of selling complete bikes only. Lets hope they come to their senses very quickly.

Similar Products Used:
Tuscany, Woodrup, Landshark (I really miss this one), Cannondale, Paramount, various italian steel framesets, no carbon yet.

Price Paid:  $1800.00

Bike Setup:
Shimano, cooks, all the good stuff

Summary:
The frame has great feel, performs well off-road and well enough on-road. The front-wheel tends to wander if you don't keep a bit of weight on it No bottom bracket flex that I can feel. The fork on the 2000 model is hand-forged chromoly...I heard that the 2001 model,which uses a 1 1/8 head tube uses a production fork...so you may want to ask before purchasing. I love this bike and you can get a great deal on the 2000 models. However, I would never have paid the list $3200 for it.

Strengths:
None

Weaknesses:
None

Similar Products Used:
None

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