Litespeed Atlas

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
Well Litespeed did honor their warranty on the Atlas (which I erroneously thought had carbon chainstays). Unfortunately the quality of the replacement frame they sent (Litespeed Orion) was just as flimsy. I'd have to say that I am not to impressed with the quality of Litespeed products I have now ridden. The warranty was made good on the first bike and I'm still waiting to hear from them about the second. Like Tommy Boy said,"I can take a sh*it in a box and mark it guaranteed".

Price Paid:  $1300.00 at colorado cyclist

Bike Setup:
campy centaur

Summary:
Yep, cracked chainstays. Looks like the company must get this a lot as the 2003 frame has aluminum chainstays instead of carbon. That alone should tell you they've had some problems with the design. If they honor the warranty in a timely manner all will be forgiven. If not I will place a voodoo hex on Litespeed.

Strengths:
Smooth ride, until it broke. Campy components are sweet.

Weaknesses:
Cracked carbon chainstays after only 6 months.

Similar Products Used:
Now I'm beating around on a trek 1000 until we get the warranty straight on the atlas.

Price Paid:  $0.00

Bike Setup:
Does it really matter if the frame is'nt in one piece

Summary:
Atfirst I really liked this bike. I've put on 'bout 4500-5500 miles on it. Today it cracked at the chainstay... Now I get to see just who good the warranty dept. at Litespeed is!

Strengths:
Nice bike untill the tube failed. Other than that I really liked it, road well!

Weaknesses:
IT BROKE!!!

Similar Products Used:
Fort cross bike, Litepeed Ocoee,CADD4

Price Paid:  $800.00 at LBS

Favorite Ride:
anywhere out of the city

Bike Setup:
Full ultegra, Thomson Elite seatpost, Fizik Vitesse, Rolf Vector Comps (training wheels), Speedplay X2, Bontrager Race Lite Road Bar & Stem (31.8)

Summary:
Also have the limited Orion paint (bought as frame/fork), and have same complaints about chipping, but the paint job is awesome! (Well, if you like orange anyway).
Otherwise, the bike is stiff, pretty comfortable on long rides, and reliable. Moves well when I stand to accelerate, and has good energy transfer for sprinting.
The carbon rear triangle is good for dampening road vibration, but does seem to be a bit heavier.

Strengths:
Stiff, good in sprints, acceleration, and handling. Very good overall ride. Really happy with my choice!

Weaknesses:
Chip resistance, weight.

Similar Products Used:
Seven Axiom ti, Cannondale

Price Paid:  $0.00 at Bike Express Danbury

Bike Setup:
Complete Dura Ace, Moots Ti seat post, ITM Millenium bar & and Stem.

Summary:
Purchased the limited release Orion, same as the Atlas but with a different paint job. The bike is very comfortable and stiff enough (61 cm). Unfortunately the paint chips easily and the right chain stay broke. I have been without a roadbike for over 5 weeks while Litespeed evaluates the frame.

Strengths:
Nice comfortable ride.

Weaknesses:
Paint quality. Frame design (chainstay cracked). Litespeed customer support. Unless you have a spare bike to use while yours is being evaluated by Litespeed,don't buy a Litespeed product.

Similar Products Used:
Cannondale CAD 4, not exciting but it gets the job done. Specialized S-works, great ride, excellent product support (unlike Litespeed) Bianchi.