Litespeed 2000 Ultimate

Price Paid:  $2600.00 at Colorado Cyclist

Favorite Ride:
Bridge-to-Bridge Century in NC

Bike Setup:
See previous writeup - Ultegra w/ Mavic Cosmos

Summary:
I was in the same boat as the previous review--not planning on buying at the moment but couldn't pass up the great deal at Colorado Cyclist. Mainly riding a Trek 1500 Aluminum for 12 years - BIG difference in these two bikes. I honestly had to look to make sure I didn't have low air pressure when I'd hit bumps...the TI does that good of a job of soaking up the bumps and no flexing with my 190 lbs mashing the cranks! Hills melt away under this bike and the comfort on long rides is outstanding - I was a little concerned about the short chainstays making the ride harsh but they don't, it just helps it accelerate like a rocket while still soaking up the vibration and bumps. I know if I ever get another road bike it'll be a Litespeed - great bike for road racer or the average rec rider.

Strengths:
Ride quality and Ultegra gruppo reliability.

Weaknesses:
Mine- I'm replacing my two Cannondale Mtn bikes with a Litespeed!

Similar Products Used:
Trek Aluminum & OCLV, Cannondale CAAD3.

Price Paid:  $2600.00 at Colorado Cyclist

Favorite Ride:
Any ride, I can make home in one piece.

Bike Setup:
3TTT Forgie stem and bar,American Classic seat post, selle gel flite saddle,Mavic cosmos wheels,2001

Summary:
This is one of those End of the year specials from Colorado Cyclist. I really wasn't even thinking about a new ride, my '97 Klein Quantum race 8sp was doing just fine but then, one those darn CC catalogs shows up at the house and well the rest is history.
The Bike has been Great!! a few minor issues with the wheels rim tape,and some of the components needed adjusting right away but that's what I exspected.
The bike came with their package components which, were not that bad a choice, 3TTT Forgie stem and bar,American Classic seat post, selle gel flite saddle,Mavic cosmos wheels,2001 Ultegra Flight Deck ready,Reynolds Ouzo comp fork and Michelin tires
I have put about 1600 miles on it since july 01/01 and it has been just great ride
I really must admit it rides really no better than my Klein but I always felt that the klein was just to delicate for everyday use and I like the fact that TI is pretty much maintenace free. I was told not to buy this bike because it was primarily a Crit bike because of the Geometry but I have had it on 2 century's and loads of 100k's and it is just fine for this 185lb rider. I did have the head badge fall off on one of my rides ( it was just glued on) thank goodness none of my co-riders had noticed so I picked it up (like picking up your ego) and glued it back on and it aint comming off!
The bike handles great, very precise, on many steep decents Ive gotten this bike up to about 40+ and it tracks right on line,without a hint of vibration or pulling.
I like the bike alot, probably overkill for this rec rider but ya gotta love it..

Strengths:
Ti, What can yo say 0 maintenance

Weaknesses:
I can't think of any!!!!

Similar Products Used:
klein Quabtum Race

Price Paid:  $3600.00 at Supergo

Favorite Ride:
Palomar Mt

Bike Setup:
2000 Campy Record, Spinergy Xaero wheelset, Veloflex Pave tires, Chris King HS, Reynolds Ouzo Pro carbon/carbon fork, Litespeed Ti seatpost, Speedplay X2, ITM bars, 3T stem, and Selle Italia SLR saddle.

Summary:
I bought this frame on closeout from Supergo for $1,500.00 which brought the total price to $3,600.00 with the Litespeed Campy Record build kit. The wheels were upgraded as soon as Spinergy came out with the Campy hubs on the Xaeros. Without the price break on the frame I would have over $5,000.00 in this bike. In hindsight, I would still have bought it for that price.

This bike is extremely stiff for sprinting but the titanium w/the Spinergy Xaero wheels really soak up most of the road vibration. No bottom bracket flex. Handles well with quick steering and very stable for descents. Perfect all around bike for anything from a quick 30 miler to a double century (STP). Unless I total this bike, I may never need another since it is better than I will ever be.

I would recommend this bike for anybody that wants the best bike out there. It does everything well and will last forever.

Strengths:
Stiffness, durability, handling and smoothness.

Weaknesses:
none

Similar Products Used:
Litespeed Blade, Cannondale R1000, Eddy Merckx EX Pro Titanium (built by Litespeed)

Price Paid:  $5000.00 at Colorado Cyclist

Favorite Ride:
East side St. Paul/Stillwater Hills

Bike Setup:
Dura Ace, Ksyrium wheels, King headset, TTT Forgie stem with TTT220 bars, Time pedals.

Summary:
Ordred a custom frame (61cm w 56 top tube) to replace my 95 Ultimate. Incredible improvement.

Strengths:
Stiff bottom bracket, no flex. Smooth and very responsive ride. Fast and climbs incredible. Cannot say enough good about this machine.

Weaknesses:
None I have discovered.

Similar Products Used:
95 Ultimate, 99 Cdale R2000, 99GT Force.

Price Paid:  $4800.00

Favorite Ride:
Bend and Outside Looo

Bike Setup:
Ultimate, Campy Record.

Summary:
The absolute best bike I've ever owned. Well worth the money and the bike will give you years of enjoyable riding. I can't help to smile everytime I ride this bike.

Strengths:
Great ride, climbs great and fast acceleration on the flats. This bike does it all.

Weaknesses:
None

Similar Products Used:
None