Litespeed Ultimate

Price Paid:  $1600.00 at Gorham Bike & Ski

Favorite Ride:
U.S. Air Force Academy, CO

Bike Setup:
w/ ouzo pro, 3T stem & frame, dura ace triple, mavic ksyriums.

Summary:
what an amazing bicycle. I've ridden a very stiff aluminum frame for the past 10 years and needed a well deserved break. But as a big rider, 6'4" 198, I cannot afford to sacrifice ride comfort for perfomance. Litespeed ulitmate is the best of all worlds. Amazing, comfort ride and magical feel without sacrificiing the power and accelation. I do live in CO and need a bike that will climb and this climbs like a billy goat. Quick accelaration and unbeliveable handling. You will not be disappointed.

Strengths:
magical ride
rocket acceleration
beautiful frame
stiff as aluminum
go for it

Weaknesses:
not cheap
I hear about decals pealing, but have not experienced this.

Similar Products Used:
Cannondale R frames

Price Paid:  $2500.00 at Local dealer

Favorite Ride:
Any where I don't get killed

Bike Setup:
Full Dura Ace. Mavic CXP 30 with DA hubs. Look pedals. Cinelli Groove stem. ITM handlebars. Campy re

Summary:
I bought this frame to replace my old specialized Allez M2 pro, because it was hurting my back. I couldn't be happier.

This bike is so smooth, it is simply a joy to ride over rough roads (the only type in this corner of the world). I don't know if it is because of the Ti, tube shaping, or the Carbon/Ti seatstay; but I just can't imagine a bike having a more supple ride than this.

This bike is fast and temperamental. The faster I ride it, the nicer it feels. This is not a bike for the faint hearted. The cornering is very sharp. I took me about an hour to get used to the handling manners, but after that, It's exhilerating. This is definitely not a bike for gentle touring.

The bike at low speed, feels just a little unstable because of the short chainstays. It is not a problem at all, nor does it bother me. As you gain speed, the bike seems to ride as if on rails. This applies to cornering too. The faster you turn, the nicer and more secure it feels. Riding with no hands on the handlebar is tricky.

The bike is as solid as a bike can get. I'm 6'1, 220 lbs, and have a nasty tendency to torque my bikes tremendously. The bottom bracket does not flex at all. Even my ultrastiff aluminum bike flexed more than this one. This is really amazing considering the level of comfort that this bike provides.

Perhaps the most amazing quality, is acceleration. This bike just takes off like a rocket. There is a very noticable differnce compared to my old bike. Eventhough this is not the lightest frame out there, the climbing is superb. I believe the great feel of the bike is responsable for this more than the weight.

Finally, this is one gorgeouse bike. The craftmanship is superb. Internet pictures look nice, but you really have to look at one up close to really apreciate it. I'm training for my first season as a racer. This bike has made it a lot more enjoyable. I can't recommend it enough.

Strengths:
Amazing ride quality
Stiff BB
Out of this world handling.
Acceleration
Looks

Weaknesses:
Price.
Just a little unsatble at low speed.

Similar Products Used:
Specialized Allez M2 pro (replaced by the Ultimate)?