You accept the undeniable advantage that aerodynamic design gives you, but you like to race on the road, and aerobars are a no-go for mass-start races. The Litespeed Archon C3 gives you all the aerodynamic advantage you crave, but in a road-friendly package. Shimano Ultegra drivetrain and controls, combined with a BB30 FSA crankset ensures all the power you put to the pedals turns into speed.
Strengths: Smooth, Great power transfer, and takes a turn at high speeds.
Weaknesses: I give out before the bike does.
Bottom Line:
This bike is really light and fast. Very stable when going down the mountains. I have hit 58 MPH and felt comfortable enough to let go of the handle bars. You can ride this bike for hours without feeling fatigue. I'm 6'1" 230 lbs and have never had a problem with the bike.
Strengths: Ti absorbs the big bumps. Small road chatter neutralized nearly as good as carbon, better than any other Ti. Ti 6/4 TT & 3/2.5 combo pulls it off well. Paint job on Ti looks awesome!
Weaknesses: 3 years of riding, packing, shipping & handling showing its punishment on fragile paint-job. In need of a touch up kit.
Bottom Line:
Wow! 3 years, and about 16k miles now. 195 lb sprinter / crit racer. This bike is truly amazing! Stout for crits, cornering and sprinting. Unbelievably comfortable on centuries / lowest fatigue of anything ever ridden by far. Solid climber w/ no noticeable flex. Best descender I've ever ridden. Litespeed wanted an all-around bike with the Archon, and I think they got it. This is longest I've owned any bike. I simply love to ride it everyday! 3 years and honeymoon still not over!
Weaknesses: cost a bundle. but what price for perfection
Bottom Line:
This is a warrenty replacement for a firenze that cracked on the BB shell. Ride is smooth. When climbing or sprinitng the BB area is rock solid. Rough roads are a breeze.The combo of the frame,saddle and carbon post is soft enough to sleep on. Super lite feel but confident and true on fast descents.
Similar Products Used: 2009 Specialized Allez,2005 Litespeed Firenze, 1990 Univega Superstrada, 196? Falcon San Remo.
Bike Setup: Med 54cm, EC90SL fork, Easton stem, Easton EC 90 post. ITM super 330 bar, Selle Italia SLK saddle, Williams 30 wheelset, Forte Carbon peddles, Full Ultegra Groupo
Strengths: Stiffness, acceleration, durability of Ti.
Weaknesses: Expensive.
Bottom Line:
I have only put about 150 miles on my 2010 Archon so far, because I just built it up over the weekend. I have found it to be the most responsive and fun to ride road frame I have ever ridden (35 years of riding). It feels as if every pedal stroke is shooting you forward. I have been told that this is only a perceived effect and that it does not translate into higher speeds, however I'm not convinced this is true. I seem to be able to push bigger gears than I was ever able to do on my Litespeed Catalyst or Ghisallo Ti frames. In my opinion, the Archon is a rocket. Based on the three road Ti bikes that I have owned, I find the Archon to be superb ride.
Strengths: Excellent power transfer - no fatigue. You are as strong at the end of the ride as you are at the beginning - never had this with my Ultimate or Ghisallo or Treks. And it springs forward when you apply force!
Weaknesses: none.
Bottom Line:
Awesome bike. Excellent power transfer - no fatigue after my weekend 46 mile rides. Hills seems to vanish, head winds are cut like knife on butter. After 300 miles, I can tell, this bike is a winner (I do 4K miles a year typically). Power transfer is immediate - and climbs like a mountain goat. It is very stable during descents.
I bought this bike after my Litespeed Ultimate's carbon seat stay junction with titanium bond weakened. I am just sad I waited this long. While Ultimate is a sweet ride - Archon is just several steps above.
It is good lots of folks are ga ga over carbon - that way Archon can remain a hidden gem!
Have test ridden my usual routes with R3 (from Competitivecyclist's week long demo program) and Trek Madone from Mellow Johnny's - rental for couple of days.
Bike Setup: 55 cm standard frame (red color), easton fork (red), SRAM Red components (11-28) except for chain (dura-ace) and Zipp Vuma-Quad 50/34 cranks, reynolds anatomic ouzo pro handlebar, arundel bottle holders, reynolds DV46 clinchers (2004), Continental 4000 tires, Dura Ace pedals, Moots +6 titanium stem - 100mm.
Weight of bike is 15.6 lbs. Can get to 15.2 with Reynolds MV32UL wheels!
I would like to get some info on the ride feel of the Archon and Xicon Ti bikes. I have been wanting a new bike and have been looking around and "found" Litespeed.
How does the Read More »
Just ordered a 2011 Litespeed Archon C1 with SRAM Force for $1900 from Competetive Cyclist. Original price was $4299.99. Can't beat the price for a complete bike!!
Here's a link Read More »
Hey guys,
Just purchased a 2011 Litespeed Archon C1 Sram Force at [url=http://www.realcyclist.com]Road Bikes, Frames, Completes, Bicycle Parts and Bike Accessories from RealCycl Read More »
We supply all models of bike, we are dealer of offer this bikes with great discounts.
They are brand.
2011 Cervelo P4 Red Triathlon / TT $3000
2011 cervelo s3 $2,000
2011 Read More »
Does anyone have a piece of the seat post they cut off laying around, i am looking for a 2cm piece, from a C1 or C1R. I bought a used frame, the seat is the correct height, but if Read More »
