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Submitted by
Adam Young
a Triathlete
from London, UKDate Reviewed: July 11, 2003
Strengths: Classy ride and handling
Fantastic finish and detailing
Understated looks
Finest rear end since J-Lo
I'll still be riding it in 20 years timeWeaknesses: Quality costs
Too many decals (fortunately they're easily removed).Bottom Line: 6Al-4V titanium. You've read it rides great (it does), you've read it's stiff and light (it certainly is), you've heard it looks lovely in the flesh (oh yes), they say it lasts forever (my bank manager hopes so). But after living with such a frame for a few months, you're left with one resounding impression - this material is unbelievably tough for it's weight. From handling the bike and cleaning it (and stroking it!), you get the impression it's completely bullet proof, like it's made from solid stainless steel. You feel like you could fire a few shotguns at it, leave it at the bottom of the sea for a few decades; dig it out from the sea bed, give it a quick wipe down with a bit of soap and it'll be as good as new. But pick it up, and it still only weighs 1kg, unbelievable stuff. Having something so beautifully finished, solid, light and tough gives an incredible feeling of quality. Translation: for "6Al-4V Ti" read "unobtanium"
As you'd expect from Litespeed the finishing is immaculate, and I think the new shaped tubing and curved seat stays look really classy too. My only complaint is the ridiculous quantity of decals, which make it look like a cigarette packet. Fortunately you can remove a few with nail varnish.
The bike rides a little more stiffly than I thought it might (I didn't get that impression of flex that many people do the first time they ride Ti), large bumps still come through pretty hard but small imperfections are very well damped and there's almost no road buzz at all; just as advertised. The handling feels very nicely balanced, and the steering sharp and accurate. The compliance of the frame really benefits the handling, where there's almost no skipping over mid corner bumps. The rear end feels incredibly well damped, absorbing bumps without giving anything back. It tracks ridiculously accurately whatever the road surface is like. I've found myself relaxing, looking further up the road, and just pedalling over whatever's there.
This is the sort of product that transcends traditional value = performance / price. There's no way it's worth £4000 (say it quietly); a £4000 car is much quicker after all. However, it's possesses a seductive mix of classic refined design, bang up to date technology and ruthless performance. If you like bikes, and appreciate great design, I think you'll pay a lot of money for that.
I am 190cm (6'2") and 72kg (158lbs), own a 59cm 2003 Vortex, and have ridden 2000 miles on it between Easter and July 2003. Mostly steady rides and shorter 2 hour tempo rides for Ironman base training.
Favorite Ride: Anything hilly with beautiful scenery
Price Paid:
$3900.00
Purchased At: 53-12 Colchester, UK
Bike Setup: Campag Record group, Reynolds Ouzo Pro forks, Royce Ti BB, Deda Newton bars & stem, Ksyrium Wheelset, Use1 Carbon seatpost, Selle Italia SLR saddle, Speedplay Ti pedals. 6.5kg with my Zipp 404s on.
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