Litespeed Sirius

Price Paid:  $3000.00 at HP Bike Works

Favorite Ride:
Kona coast

Bike Setup:
I speced it with Duraace components, and Mavic Ksyrium Elite wheels. I decided to put my light U.S.E. suspension seat post on it to smooth things out in back; did I mention I commuted 20 miles a day? Michelin tires, litespeed's matching fork, Shimano 747 pedals, and an ultra ergonomic 2 piece saddle.

Summary:
I commuted with it during the week and rode at least 3 good rides a week, so I wanted a solid, light, comfy bike. My good buddy and bike shop owner suggested a Calfee or Litespeed Sirius, knowing my riding habits; namely my tendency for 60+ grinds, the happiness I get dropping triathaletes and the grueling climbing I adore so much.

Strengths:
This bike fit the bill perfect, the carbon/Ti stays absorb bumps soo well I found myself cruising around on smooth dirt roads for fun. The lightness and stiffness allowed me to do my solo 60 Milers full steam ahead, wind or no wind. The frame strength meant I didn’t have to baby it over speed bumps, more like how high and fast I wanted to launch over them.

Weaknesses:
The headset never felt tight; standing, holding the brakes, there was always some play. The compact frame made the seat post length excessive, but added to the comfort I suppose.

Similar Products Used:
Griffen Vulcan (Ultegra groupo)

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
I built this frame up with the new Ultegra 10 speed, Deda, Mavic, etc.
Weight was good coming in at 8kg for Medium frame.
The first time I rode it, as I cycled across a rough patch on the road I was certain I had a puncture as the road shocks were absorbed so well: the carbon stays are NOT hype, they really work.
Climbing it can only be described as superbe. The combination of the very stiff chainset and stiff frame really give you the feeling that all your power is being transmitted to the road.

Strengths:
Light
Stiff
Comfortable
Affordable
Nice full carbon fork
Cool paint-job

Weaknesses:
Frame alignment wasn't 100% spot-on, perfect - I had to file away paint in the rear dropout to get the rear wheel lined up properly, though once that was done everything was sweet.

Price Paid:  $899.00 at Mission Cyclery

Favorite Ride:
Any road ride

Bike Setup:
Full Campy 10s gruppo except for wheels which are Mavic K's. Deda bar and stem.

Summary:
I bought the Sirius as a frameset to replace other frames that I had. I have to say this frameset is phenominal. I love the way it feels when climbing - my climbing has actually improved. It is also very comfortable but stiff when I stand up and push a big gear. I have no regrets and I like riding it so much that my other bike - 2002 Pinarello Prince is still hanging in the garage. Got the bike to 16.4 lbs with pedals.

Strengths:
Light,quick, stiff.

Weaknesses:
Paint seems a bit brittle especially at the dropouts.

Similar Products Used:
Pinarello Prince,Cinelli Starlight,Scattante Airplane, Several Cannondales.

Price Paid:  $0.00 at RiverCityBicyles

Favorite Ride:
Los Chorros

Bike Setup:
Campy Centaur

Summary:
It is super light. I really enjoy the feel. It is a lot smoother than complete aluminum bikes. And the geometry (sloping) is fantastic. You can really feel the diference on the mountains.

Strengths:
Light and Responsive

Weaknesses:
MADE IN TAIWAN. ALL OF LITESPEEDS ALUMINUM BIKES ARE MADE IN TAIWAN. For that price you can buy a De Rosa.
Cheap Seat Post.

Similar Products Used:
Le Mond (Zurich)

Price Paid:  $1799.00 at Bikepark, London

Favorite Ride:
Anything with lots of climbs

Bike Setup:
Campag Centaur 10 group
ttt forgie stem / bars
Campag Proton wheels

Summary:
Ordered an '02 Antares, long story but ended up with an '03 Sirius frame with '02 Antares kit on it. First thing that hit me is the weight,or lack of it. Although 5'11" I bought a large as on the M/L I had to fip the stem to get enough height at the front - no probs but looks wrong IMHO (road bikes should have 0 deg rise stems). With Look PP396 pedals it is about 18lbs. Climbing and acceleration are excellent. Other major point is comfort - do believe the hype - the carbon/ti curved seat stays do the bizz, fast 50+ milers on typical appalling UK roads give no aches or pains, comfort is as good as my old 531 frame, yet stiffness is good too (at least for my puny 150lbs!). Looks very contemporary - tiny little compact frame and totally wild paint job. Paint and decals seem good quality, though early days. Handling very good, fast but not to the point of twitchyness. I don't race myself but would imagine this bike would be spot on for racing, especially crits.

Strengths:
Looks
Light weight
Comfort from carbon/ti stays
Handling

Weaknesses:
Quite expensive but a comparitively cheap way to get a Litespeed!
Cheap seat post

Similar Products Used:
1995 Ribble 531 with Campag Mirage