Litespeed Classic Triple

Price Paid:  $2800.00 at local dealer

Favorite Ride:
Litespeed Classic Triple

Bike Setup:
63cm Litespeed Classic (mirror-polished finish), Litespeed/EMS Carbon Fork, 2002 Shimano Ultegra Triple group, Shimano 42/53 chainrings, Shimano 11/23 9-speed cogs, 46cm-wide handlebars, 36-spoke 700c Mavic Open CD wheels, Conti 3000 folding clincher tires.

Summary:
Specs. of my 63cm Classic perfectly matched the specs. of a custom steel frame I was about to commission in late 1995. I had been on only aluminum frames from Klein and Cannondale to that point and was bowled over by the ride of a Ti Litespeed ridden at a bikeshow.

Price was very close so after discussion with the local dealer I ordered the Litespeed with an EMS Carbon Fork. I haven't looked back since.

Over the years, I have built this bike up myself using several different component groups including Campy Veloce Ergo, Shimano Ultegra STI and the latest, 2002 Ultegra Triple.

Although I rarely ride these days because of a career change, in the first 4 years of ownership I averaged over 6,000 miles per year on this machine. I experienced no problems with the Litespeed frame and EMS fork. Except for normal, expected component wear and the odd flat tire, it's been pretty wonderful.

Strengths:
Build quality is first rate and not unexpected for a company that has pioneered Ti welding and fabrication techniques. I've had several scary hi-speed pack crashes on this bike and although I got a bit bent up, the Classic was unscathed, except for the decals getting road-rashed off on one side.

Dealing with the Litespeed company itself has been vry enjoyable, when I've called or emailed for info on new models. Their people obviously enjoy what they do and take pride in the product.

Weaknesses:
None, that I can see. Some folks complain about pricing but I figure you get what you pay for.

Buying a nice bike like this one is sure cheaper than bass fishing. Priced one of those rigs, lately?

Price Paid:  $0.00

Favorite Ride:
the long ones

Bike Setup:
Ultegra, Spinergy SR3

Summary:
Surprisingly fine blend of handling, ride, stiffness, comfort. When I say stiff I don't mean aluminum super-stiff, but it is better than my steel bike, and I have the 63 cm frame, my steel is 62.

Very pricey, but this is really something different-it feels like steel+. I rode some nice steel bikes going into this, and although some were really fine, I think that I got what I needed with the Classic.

Strengths:
Light, stiff, handles really well, ride is very smooth, yet the bike is still agile, responsive, and communicative-except the fork. Steel is Real, and I love it, but the Ti is a step up in many ways for me. Mind you, I don't race this frame, they make others that will do that just fine.

Weaknesses:
I want a carefully engineered Ti fork. The carbon is just a bit dead for my taste, even though it is stiff, rides well, and steers well.

Similar Products Used:
Several high end steel bikes, Serotta steel and Ti, Seven