Strengths: Looks, handling, Litespeed name, an all around work horse.
Weaknesses: Paint chipped really easy ... that bugged me big time. Another reason to go Ti: no paint!!
Bottom Line:
This bike was my introduction to litespeed. I wanted to go from steel to something lighter. I also wanted to try out compact geometry. I will always look back on this bike and sigh. I wish I would have kept it. I sold it to get a Litespeed Ti bike (2005 Siena). This is an awsome bike to test the Litspeed waters. A great climber, stays comfy all day long!
Strengths: The compact geometry feels great. I was looking for full Ultegra, but the FSA Energy crank is comparable, and the 105 front derailleur will do just fine. Black Mavic Cosmos wheels look slick, and may receive an upgrade in the future. With the carbon seatstays, the ride is very smooth. The stock bike weighed in just a tad over 17 lbs without accessories or pedals. The black and silver color scheme over the slightly oversized aluminum mainframe is very slick. All in all, I feel this was a smokin' deal for a bike with these specs. Plus I'm supporting the boys from good 'ol Chattanooga... and some Taiwanese.
Weaknesses: None that I can find just yet. Would have liked a carbon seatpost, but for the price...
Bottom Line:
Picked this up as a replacement to a 2000 Trek 5200 USPS that had lost its mojo. From the first demo ride, this bike felt like it wanted to move. Moving from a late-80s steel Specialized and the 5200, the compact geometry was a cool new feel. The bikes looks good, feels like a rocket, and was well-priced. What's not to like? See the strengths section below.
Favorite Ride: 67 towards Ramona to Highland Valley Rd.
Price Paid:
$1395.00
Purchased At: LBS
Similar Products Used: Test rode quite a few others:
2005 Scattante R650
2005 Specialized Allez Cro-Moly
2005 Specialized Allez Comp
2004 Specialized Allez Comp
2004 Specialized Allez Pro
2004 Specialized Roubaix Comp
Yup, I started to like the feel of the compact Specialized frames. Riding a trek for the past 4 years, I wanted to try something different, and less expensive. Initially liked the 05 Allez Comp, but not the triple. Found the 04 version at Hi-Tech Bikes, who were blowing it out along with the Capella. Rode the 2 side by side for a couple of hours on 2 back-to-back days. I hit some good hills nearby to give them a workout. Both had a similar feel with the compact geometry. The components were basically a wash -- the carbon seatstays on the Litespeed were offset by the carbon/Zertz post on the Allez Comp. The bikes were priced within $50 of each other, and I ultimately went with the Litespeed since it just felt like it wanted to move everytime I got out of the saddle, and the top tube was a cm. longer. Bring on Ventoux!!
Looking to buy a Vela and was wondering how does everyone like their bikes? How is the compact frame? Is the bike holding up? How does it ride?
Thanks... Read More »
Fist of all thanks toall that helped me with prtas and fitting and thanks to Gary @ GVH bikes for a great deal.
I was trying to build the a nice, decent bike on a budget that rod Read More »
I have a NEW 2004, UNRIDDEN, LITESPEED CAPELLA bicycle FRAMESET which includes the FRAME, FORK AND INTEGRATED HEADSET. I was hoping to try to sell it. Any interest or advice? Read More »
[COLOR=Red][SIZE=4][SIZE=3][FONT=Tahoma]I have a NEW 2004, UNRIDDEN, LITESPEED CAPELLA bicycle FRAMESET which includes the FRAME, FORK AND INTEGRATED HEADSET. I was hoping to try Read More »
HI. I'm not too familiar with aluminum Litespeeds. I've ridden my friends compact Ti sienna. Comments and thoughs on a Capella would be appreciated. My frame of reference is early Read More »
