Litespeed Ghisallo

Price Paid:  $1625.00 at ebay

Favorite Ride:
Tour of the Unknown Coast

Bike Setup:
Dura ace triple shifting, Dura ace 7800 brakes, Truvativ triple crankset, FSA Platinum bottom bracket, Litespeed Ti seatpost and seat, FSA RD-400 wheels, Speedplay X-2 pedals.

Summary:
I got this medium sized frame on ebay. I was riding a Look KG 281 and prior to that a Litespeed Natchez. There was not that much difference between the Natchez and the KG 281 as far as ride. The KG 281 was much more efficient (stiff). But the ride suffers with the 281. Now the Ghisallo is "The Ride", it is so comfortable, and so Lite. It feels even lighter than it really is because of its compact design. This bike is made for the long haul. I am looking forward to Centuries on this one. Titanium is so durable, I have a Litespeed Ocoee that I have had for 12 years that is as good as the day I bought it. In fact the Ghisallo uses tapered butted tubing, the same as I first saw on the Ocoee.

Strengths:
Lightweight, comfort and beauty. It also seems stiff enough, laterally. The curved chainstays really work absorbing the shock. I believe the front end absorbs a lot of the bumps because of the light gauge tubing.

Weaknesses:
Quite a bit of overlap between the tire and the toe of my shoe because of the short wheelbase. I have to adjust my slow speed riding style to prevent hitting my toes when turning. The bike is so light that descending down bumpy roads gets a little floaty. Rear end really gets light during front end braking because of the short wheelbase.

Similar Products Used:
Litespeed Natchez, Look KG281.

Price Paid:  $5000.00 at local bike shop

Favorite Ride:
Mount Evans

Bike Setup:
Litespeed Ghisallo frame
Campy Record Components
SLR seat
Look CX-6 pedals
Campy Carbon Seat post
ITM Millenium
Campy EURUS Wheels

Summary:
This is an amazing bike. It's comfortable on the road, very fast, and performs excellently as a time trial bike with aero bars added.

Strengths:
Extremely light weight, yet strong, durable and comfortable on the road.
Campy EURUS wheels are fast, light and very durable.

Weaknesses:
None

Similar Products Used:
Gios Compact Pro with Campy Chorus

Price Paid:  $0.00 at Hi Tech Bikes

Favorite Ride:
Palos Verdes, Newport Coast

Bike Setup:
Ghisallo (s) w/ Easton EC 90 fork
Ultegra group (39-53 w/ 12-25) but with a Dura Ace rear dr.
Litespeed Ti seatpost & Specialized saddle
Ritchey stem and BioMax bars
Syntace C2
Shimano 7700 wheelset
Shimano 858 pedals
Shimano Flite Deck cyclometer

Summary:
Incredible bike. Accelerates on flats and hills equally well. Can climb almost any hill in Palos Verdes in a 39-19. Only on Sunnyridge do I bail to a 39-23. Ride a lot along Pacific Coast Hwy. and can cruise into a cross wind easily at 23+. Am 5'5", 143 lbs so frame strength not nearly as important to me as someone who is close to 200 lbs. Overall ride is stiff and smooth enough for me. Ride approximately 4500+ miles per year.

Was considering the Agilis before I saw the Ghisallo on a blowout sale at Hi Tech that included choice of fork (Reynolds, Easton, Look). Would highly rec. this bike to anyone but would caution waiting until the Sep. (traditionally) blowout of Litespeed and Merlin frames (when I got mine) for the best price.

Strengths:
Climbs and accelerates quickly. Extremely light, agile, and strong. Compact frame is remarkably strong for its weight (1 lb 14.65 oz.). Wheelset is a dream; funny (though) seeing only 16 spokes per wheel.

Weaknesses:
Price, but I got a very good deal.

Similar Products Used:
Merlin Agilis, Trek 5200. Prior to this bike, rode a Medici Pro Strada w/ Dura Ace and Mavic Open Pro wheels.

Price Paid:  $0.00 at Newtown bicycle Shop

Favorite Ride:
anything with hills

Bike Setup:
Campy Chorus/Record, mavic Ksrium wheels

Summary:
Unbeliveable acceleration on flats and especially on hills. I was a little leary on the compact frame design - it looks so very different than a standard frame, but it simply works. Ride quality is quite nice even with the tight frame design.

Strengths:
Climbing, aceleration and ride.

Weaknesses:
Price for one. Minor anoyance is there isin't mutch clearance between seat tube and rear tire, can't run a high profile tire.

Similar Products Used:
Litespeed Vortex, Litespeed Classic