Strengths: Unbelievable handling, climbing, and sprinting while very comfortable.
Very cool looking tubeset.
Weaknesses: The white stickers are an improvement, but I agree w/ the other reviewers, way too many. Took some of them off.
The Ksyriums are a little scary in high cross winds, but otherwise great wheels.
Bottom Line:
Well, I wanted this bike for a few years, and I have to say it was well worth the wait. The subtle frame improvements, and the 10 speed Dura Ace for '04 made it even more worth it. I loved my old C'dale for climbing/sprinting, but it HURT on rough roads or long rides, so I wanted to have a bike that was more comfortable, but didn't give up anything when climbing and sprinting. The Vortex fits the bill perfectly, and I couldn't be happier w/ my decision. I cannot believe the stiffness where it needs to be, while still extremely comfortable to ride over rough surfaces and longer rides. I don't know how the boys from Ooltewah do it, but it truly is unbelievable that it's such a great all around bike. It sprints great, climbs awesome, corners like it's on rails and still absorbs rough pavement and bumps. It is no wonder the Ti ride quality is described as "Magical" so often. Did I forget to mention how light it is? 17.3 lbs. w/ pedals bottle cages and computer on a 59 cm bike. But anyone can make a light bike, as illustrated in the pro peloton, it's making one that rides great all around, is comfortable, and will last forever that sets this bike apart. Most of us can't afford to replace frames as often as the pros do, so when we drop a lot of cash, it better last.
One thing I can't forget to mention is the service I got from Litespeed. I initially wanted a Ghisallo b/c I like the compact look, but they talked w/ me about my size (6'2", 180), types of riding I do, and riding style, and recommended the Vortex. He spent 30 minutes on the phone w/ me just to make sure I got the perfect bike for me.
Other reviewers have mentioned the cool factor w/ this bike, and I have to agree. You feel faster the moment you throw a leg over the bike, cause you know it is one of the best bikes( if not THE best bike) money can buy. You can feel the envy from those around you. Know I just need to get faster so I'm worthy to ride it!
Strengths: Looks, weight, comfort level. This is truly the magic ride of Ti people refer to.
Weaknesses: Cannot complain about the price, BECAUSE I KNEW WHAT IT COST BEFORE I BOUGHT IT, AND I BOUGHT IT ANYWAY. I hate it when people list price as a weakness.
Bottom Line:
I have had this bike for one month. I've also been having wet dreams for one month. Coincidence, I don't think so. Look, I don't have any idea how somebody could not love this bike. I rode an Ultimate for 3000 miles before owning this. Ultimate is one helluva a bike as well. This bike is "smoother". However, both bikes kick ass, and you couldn't go wrong with either one. Personally, I prefer the Vortex. Very cool asthetic features, smother, and I FEEL LIKE A TOTAL STUD WHEN I RIDE IT! How can you put a price on that? Bike is a great climber, sprinter, "sit and spin" kind of thing, you know, great all around bike.
Strengths: Even stiffer than last year, yet still soaks up the bumps very well. Bike seems to track a little better when I take my hands off the bars
Weaknesses: Only weakness is price. Even though mine was a warranty replacement, the company is claiming that the price will go up again.
Bottom Line:
Even though this is the section for the 2003 Vortex, I have just got my hands on a brand new 2004 vortex because of a warranty issue with my 03 that I owned. After one ride I can honestly say that the boys in Ooltewah TN took a bike that was a strong 9.5 and made it even better. This opinion is coming from someone that does not give out 10's. The main difference between the 03 and the 04 is the seat tube which now requires a 31.6mm seat post intead of the traditional size. Basically Litespeed has added an oversize seat tube and made it 8 sided towards the bottom to strengthen the bottom bracket even more, which was my only complaint about my 03. Everything else looks the same, except the stickers have been changed from yellow to a sleek looking white. Overall this bike is the closest to a ten I have ever ridden, and I look forward to racing on it next season.
Bike Setup: 04 Vortex Frame, Dura-Ace components with Ultegra bottom bracket(sealed unit much better that Dura-Ace), Velomax wheels, Reynolds carbon fork, zipp carbon bar, speedplay pedals, thompson seat post, TT Flite saddle, ITM millenium stem.
I got this due to a screwup by Litespeed/La Bicicleta on a 2002 Ultimate--they gave me the Vortex at the same price they were blowing out the 2002's so no complaining. Heath is great to work with. Awesome ride. Stiff, compliant--definitely smoother than my Ultimate & while not rock solid in the BB, it is more than stiff enough for me @ 230, 6'4. Beautiful finish, welds & I love the variable tubing. Will be my 20 year bike unless they do something in a carbon fiber stay (assuming the technology works). Geometry is much more comfy than the Ultimate.
Favorite Ride: La Canada to Azusa via San Gabriels
Price Paid:
$1900.00
Purchased At: La Bicicleta
Similar Products Used: 2001 LS Ultimate, 1999 LS Saber, 1998 Yeti Road Project, 2001 Curloo (what a POS that was), 1997 Zipp 3001 (still my race bike), 1990 Guerciotti Carbon (aka spagetti), 1985 Batavus Pro (my first love)
Bike Setup: Full DA, Time Avant fork, Hugi hubs, Time pedals.
Strengths: Nimble, responsive, no flex, comfortable, streamlined, light @17lbs with pedals & cages
Weaknesses: Litespeed seems to want to have their bikes look like a billboard with logo's of all sizes on every tube. Immediately took them all off except top tube. Now it looks "clean & mean"
Bottom Line:
Great acceleration when force is applied with no flex, especially when standing. Rear triangle is meant for speed, yet also absorbs the road. The 6.4 TI is stiff but sucks the road up making for a a comfortable ride.
