Price Paid:
$2000.00
at Javelina Cycles Model Year:
2006 Favorite Ride:
Rosarito to Ensenada MEXICO Bike Setup:
All carbon frame & fork. Full ULTEGRA package. Came with a Fizik Aliante saddle. Ergonomic bars. Kyserium Elite rims with Mavic hubs. Installed Crank Bros Quattros. Triple - which is what makes this bike special for me. Few carbons out there with a triple (no cartilage left). Summary:
I'v had a soft spot for French bicycles since cycling across Iowa on RAGBRAI on a LeJeune Champion du Mon' in the 1970's. 30 years later, this French kitten caught my eye at Javelina Cycles (Phoenix AZ). I'd been slogging along with a pedestrian alu frame with carbon stays & fork.
The X-LITE is a dream. Smooth, responsive, stiff but not harsh. The full ULTEGRA package is silky smooth. On our typical morning ride, I pick the 1 mile false flat to sprint. By the end, I'm huffing. With the X-LITE, I'm faster and have more to give at the end. This bike is fabulous. On the first test ride at the store, it was like corraling a runaway Veyron. If Lapierre (a TDF sponsor) is in your city, ride one, then compare to others. You'll return for this French kiss. (This is the 2006 model and I bought as new old stock - retails for $3400.)
FOR ME -- IT'S ABOUT THE BIKE! Strengths:
STIFF BUT EASY ON THE CORPUS. SMOOTH. COOL LOGO GRAPHICS RUNNING FROM THE HEAD TUBE INTO THE FORK. Feels comfortable on first ride. Weaknesses:
The Hutchinson Top Speed tires are not equal to the bike's stature. Should have a carbon stem. Similar Products Used:
FELT, Scattante, Cannondale, CIOCC, Lejeune, Mizutani, Huffy, Western Flyer
| 
5 of 5
5 of 5
