Litespeed 2000 Vortex

Price Paid:  $3400.00 at Colorado Cyclist

Favorite Ride:
Triple Bypass, CO

Bike Setup:
Full Dura Ace

Summary:
No question, the finest bike I've owned. Largely due to the fact that it fits me perfectly, but excellent in all aspects otherwise as well. I got a great deal at the end of the season, but knowing what I do, would pay more again if I had to buy another Vortex.

Strengths:
Light and responsive; it leaps when you you push! Climbing is a joy!

Weaknesses:
I'm still looking for one.

Similar Products Used:
Cannondale, Vitus, Klein, litespeed

Price Paid:  $2550.00 at Pricepoint

Favorite Ride:
fulshear

Bike Setup:
campy record 9spd. Dura ace cranks,cass,calipers,ritchey WCS bar,deda newton stem,rolf sestriere whe

Summary:
This bike is extremely comfortable but not by any means flexy. Great acceleration when sprinting. It is a stiff bike but is just dosen't feel fast to me. I rode my friend's Klein Quantum Race and it feels fast. So i bought a Pinarello Prince and I love the balance of stiffness and comfort. It feels fast but the stiffness does not beat you up. So, i used the vortex(more comfort)for trainning since i put more miles during trainning rides.

Strengths:
light weight, lifetime,comfort

Weaknesses:
cracks on decals

Similar Products Used:
Quattro Assi,Trek 5500, Pinarello Prince,Klein Quautum Race.

Price Paid:  $4000.00 at Colorado Cyclist

Favorite Ride:
West Yellowstone Loop

Bike Setup:
Dura Ace, Ksyrium SL, Serotta carbon seatpost, TTT Prima 199 bars, Flight Deck, Ouzo Pro fork, Vitto

Summary:
Definitely the finest road bike I have ridden. No weaknesses.

Strengths:
Incredible ride quality. Fit (for me) and build quality are top notch. Very light and will last a long, long time.

Weaknesses:
Expensive - look on Ebay or wait for Colorado Cyclist's sales. Considering the longevity and quality, however, this is absolutely worth the price of admission. There is a little toe overlap with the front wheel. That's about it.

Similar Products Used:
Trek 5200 OCLV. Sorry Lance, but the Litespeed's a better ride. Litespeed Arenberg: a little flexy, OK for smaller riders.

Price Paid:  $5500.00 at Julio Bicycles -- Chapaqua, NY

Favorite Ride:
Vermont Mountains -- 60 miles

Bike Setup:
555mm top tube, Campagnolo Record 10 speed, 53/13 x 13 -- 29, Look HSC fork, Bars, stems ITM millenium, chris king no thread headset, thomson elle seatpost, spynergy spox wheels, vittoria pro-team tyres, speedplay titanium pedals

Summary:
an incredibly quick, responsive, comfortable bike, makes long rides easy

Strengths:
superlight, very comfy for long rides, makes uphills so much easier, great control, dream bike

Weaknesses:
price makes it hard to buy one for your girlfriend so she doesn't complain about her 26lb ike

Similar Products Used:
Look, Cannondale

Price Paid:  $5263.00 at B&J Bicycles, San Antonio

Favorite Ride:
Evans Rd (switchbacks)

Bike Setup:
55cm frame; Look HSC fork; Campy 10 spd. 2000 gruppo, long cage rear d, 13-29 cassette, 172.5 cranks, threadless aheadset; Speedplay Ti pedals; Rev-X Spox R1s; Michelin Axial Pros 700x23; Terry Fly Ti saddle; Ritchey Pro HBs, Cinelli tape; TTT Forgie stem, ti cages.

Summary:
This bike IS the bottom line. As set up it weighs 16.9 lbs.
and could possibly go lighter with a little tweaking of tires, etc. However, with the R1 wheels it is extremely comfy yet not mushy. Responsive? To think "sprint" is already to be doing it. Superb for long distance events and should last forever. Finish is bright brush. (Why add the weight of paint; it can't rust even in salt water!) The Vortex has made me a better rider. Would you let such a bike gather dust in your house? Save your dimes and get your dream bike. THIS IS IT!

Strengths:
Superb workmanship, LIGHT, strong, can't rust.

Weaknesses:
Price puts it in the "Ultimate Dream Bike" category. Save up for it, it's worth it.

Similar Products Used:
Masi Gran Criterium, was top-of-the-line, now old.