Litespeed Hyperion

Price Paid:  $1699.00 at Colrado Cyclist

Favorite Ride:
Tour of the California Alps (aka Death Ride)

Bike Setup:
Stock (full Ultegra, Spinergy X-Aeros). Replaced the saddle and bar tape - obviously worn out after so many miles.

Summary:
Bought the bike in October 2002, have about 5000 miles on it. Done several centuries, and four double metrics (including two Death Rides). Planned to ride around the bay with a buddy yesterday (193 miles) - but a CRACKED FRAME foiled my plans. He went solo (he's a stud). The frame is a 61cm; I'm 6'2" and 170 lbs.

5 for value... but 1 overall since the fame cracked. Might revise that up if warranty works out well.

Strengths:
Stiff, light, responsive and comfortable. 61cm is 18.0 lbs w/ pedals. Great components for the price. Great wheels.

Weaknesses:
Cracked frame. Bike was never crashed and is well maintained. Wheel set has never needed truing after 5000 miles!

Otherwise, a little twitchy on fast descents (50+), as expected with steep/aggressive geometry.

Similar Products Used:
My '85 Bridgestone T-400 (weighed 30 lbs!)... and I test road several Kestrel, Trek, Specialized.

Price Paid:  $1400.00 at Skunk River Cycles,

Favorite Ride:
Lakeshore Drive, Chicago

Bike Setup:
2002 Litespeed Hyperion Full Ultergra group, Rolf Vector Comp wheels, stock seatpost and saddle, and SPD-SL pedals.

Summary:
For a bike that retails at over $2600, I got a great deal on this bike. Its everything you expect from a high end road bike...especially a litespeed. It super fast and equipped with full ultergra. Its super light and amazingly stiff.

Strengths:
componentry, price, paint job, Carbon-Ti seatstay.

Weaknesses:
paint chips easily but not so much if you take care of it.

Similar Products Used:
Trek, Cannondale

Price Paid:  $1900.00 at REI

Favorite Ride:
3 bears, Orinda, CA

Bike Setup:
standard except vredestein tires that run at 140 psi

Summary:
this bike is almost the epitome of all that you would expect from a $2000+ bike. it has everything; lightning fast acceleration, good vibration damping and great handling, except........the paint seems unable to remain attached to the frame. i am so unhappy with the paintwork, it has now become a major issue. Apart from that, the bike rocks.

Strengths:
handling, lightweight, componentry, looks.

Weaknesses:
paint, paint, paint.

Similar Products Used:
cannondale

Price Paid:  $1600.00 at Private Party

Favorite Ride:
Old Historic Columbia River Highway

Bike Setup:
Full Dura-Ace group, Ritchey WCS stem, handlebars, and seatpost. Pro Max Flite Selle Italia saddle, and an upgrade to the Spinergy Xaero "Lite" wheelset.

Summary:
When I researched a bike, I wanted a light frame, but didn't want to go all carbon. The lightweight combination of aluminum, titanium, and carbon made the Hyperion a favorable choice... and I'm glad I did. Granted, I bought it used and it had already been upgraded to Dura-Ace. But then I replaced its heavy seatpost and stem. You have to keep the bike clean after those rainy rides (due to its tendency to want to chip) and remember to wax the frame often for protection - but the stiff, light ride is one of the best I've ever ridden - I'm a Litespeed believer, for sure!

Strengths:
The frame is unique, light, and stiff. It's got neautiful paintjob (always gets comments from other riders!). The bike just wants to go fast - great for racing or those quiet Sunday rides over mountain hills.

Weaknesses:
Heavy seatpost is like an anchor (when pulling it out, you'll also be amazed at how LONG it is). Paint does chip, but whatever... Everything else is just a matter of preference.

Similar Products Used:
Trek, Schwinn, Specialized

Price Paid:  $1700.00 at Colorado Cyclist

Favorite Ride:
"The Long Valley" in Durango

Bike Setup:
USE alien seatpost, Flite gel saddle, Michelin Pro Race tires, Look 396 Pedals. Everything else stock.

Summary:
Spent a lot of time looking for an Ultegra bike and after debating whether to build a bike or buy one stock, Went with the Hyperion for the price. With an upgrade of the post and saddle I have a great climber for under 2g. Spinergy wheels have been fine. I coast past many other riders. May get another set soon and keep the Spinergy's as training wheels. Too bad about the 2003 having watered down components. Having the Ultegra was a big selling point.

Strengths:
Price, Weight, Looks

Weaknesses:
Paint chips, Seatpost is a brick.

Similar Products Used:
Trek, Specialized, Giant