Submitted by
Larry Meyer
a Recreational Rider
from
Date Reviewed: June 19, 2011
Strengths: Comfort, handling, ride.
Weaknesses: None.
Bottom Line:
I love this bike. I was riding a Specialized Roubaix, which I liked. But this bike rides like a demon, the descents are amazing, the stability on the road is terrific. Plus, this is a hand crafted beautiful machine.
Strengths: Plush ride,stability,out of saddle spints,long days in the saddle
Weaknesses: A touch heavier than carbon fiber,but it has long out lasted any carbon bike I have owned
Bottom Line:
EASILY THE BEST BIKE BIKE I have ever owned, it excels in all aspects of cycling it sprints and descends particularly well. The 6/4 ti along w-the bikes geometry really make the bike go when you step on the gas. I also own a system six and a six13 which both climb and sprint well but the unwavering stability of the palmares are unbelievable!
Strengths: This is the nicest bike I have ever owned. Fast, stable, sprints, climbs. I did over 8k on this bike this season and it still cleans up as nice as the day it was new. I've never owned carbon, and all the guys I ride with seem to show up with new bikes every other year- many due to frame warranties. I bought this bike to last as long as I care to ride her.
Weaknesses: None. Best. Period. If you can find one of these used, you'd be wise to ditch that carbon crap and step up!
Bottom Line:
Bought this with full dura ace 9 setup. Mavic Open Pro rims. Sold a '04 Litespeed Firenze. Upgraded to the best from Litespeed for nothing.
Strengths: Quality of construction, road feel, and overall comfort. The paint did get a chip but Litespeed sent me a free bottle of touch-up paint.
Weaknesses: None whatsoever.
Bottom Line:
I came across a used Palmares in 2004. After reading the reviews here I sold my Merlin and bought the Palmares. As a large rider (6'2" and 240 lbs) i did flex the Merlin some and thought that the Palmares would provide the extra stiffness. I was right! The Palmares is a flat out incredible ride. No flex at the BB in or out of the saddle. Tracks absolutely perfect. I went on a 2 year assignment to Switzerland and brought it with me. Many of the towns I have ridden in have cobblestones and the mix of a carbon fork and seatpost and 6/4 Ti frame soaks them up. It is also nice to have a Ti bike in bad weather. Cleans up perfectly. Overall one of the finest bikes I have ever ridden. It is a shame Litespeed discontinued. Heard it was very expensive to make with all of the various shaped tubes. Regardless, this bike will be in my stable for a long time. Thank you Litespeed!
Similar Products Used: Merlin XLC, Merlin Extralight
Bike Setup: Full Campy Record 10 speed, Mavic Ksyrium SLs with Conti 4000s. Eastom carbon post and Reynolds Ouzo pro fork.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
akarilo
a Recreational Rider
from Tulsa, OK, USA
Date Reviewed: February 21, 2003
Strengths: Very solid feel, very comfortable. Masterpiece construction.
I've wanted a Litespeed forever but was concerned about the flex of Ti. I am 6'3, 215, and like to climb. I knew it would take an Ultimate or Palmares to provide enough lateral stiffness to satisfy. I came from the stiffest bike on the planet (`94 3.0 Cannondale 63cm), ouch!
Needless to say, the Palmares was everything I hoped it would be. It corners amazingly, it's plenty stiff when out of the saddle, yet very compliant when seated. As stated earlier, I've wanted a Litespeed forever, and beleive me, it didn't dissapoint.
Weaknesses: With 300mi on the ODO, I have yet to find any weaknesses. Honestly I don't anticipate any either.
