The bike Litespeed has been waiting to create for over 21 years, a bike possessing technologies born from relationships with NASA, pro cyclists, and the most discriminating enthusiasts. We ha...
Favorite Ride: River Place-620-bee caves(upto 360)-bee caves-620-river place (46 miles)
Bike Setup: 55 cm standard frame (red color), easton fork (red), SRAM Red components (11-28) except for chain (dura-ace) and Zipp Vuma-Quad 50/34 cranks, reynolds anatomic ouzo pro handlebar, arundel bottle holders, reynolds DV46 clinchers (2004), Continental 4000 tires, Dura Ace pedals, Moots +6 titanium stem - 100mm.
Weight of bike is 15.6 lbs. Can get to 15.2 with Reynolds MV32UL wheels!
Summary: Awesome bike. Excellent power transfer - no fatigue after my weekend 46 mile rides. Hills seems to vanish, head winds are cut like knife on butter. After 300 miles, I can tell, this bike is a winner (I do 4K miles a year typically). Power transfer is immediate - and climbs like a mountain goat. It is very stable during descents.
I bought this bike after my Litespeed Ultimate's carbon seat stay junction with titanium bond weakened. I am just sad I waited this long. While Ultimate is a sweet ride - Archon is just several steps above.
It is good lots of folks are ga ga over carbon - that way Archon can remain a hidden gem!
Strengths: Excellent power transfer - no fatigue. You are as strong at the end of the ride as you are at the beginning - never had this with my Ultimate or Ghisallo or Treks. And it springs forward when you apply force!
Have test ridden my usual routes with R3 (from Competitivecyclist's week long demo program) and Trek Madone from Mellow Johnny's - rental for couple of days.
Bike Setup: SRAM Force
FSA Light Cranks
Bontrager XXX Clinchers
Speedplay
Easton fork and seat stem
Ritchey stem
Specialized Toupe Saddle
Summary: This has got to be the best built titanium bike ever. I've owned and ridden may bikes over the last 30 years, including steel, aluminum, alum/carbon and titanium. Unmatched in appearance, high tech, performance, and of course that legendary Ti ride. Summed up in one word; Exquisite! I'm a 185 lb racer/sprinter. I torque the hell out of frames. At 14.75 lbs(with pedals), this American made steed does everything well.
Strengths: Legendary ride, performance, build quality, U.S. made. Wild tube shapes. Feels like a carbon bike, w/o the harsh ride.
Weaknesses: None.
Similar Products Used: Litespeed Ultimate
Fondriest (four) Alum to Carbon
Trek
Cervelo P3
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Bike Setup: Campy Record carbon, Zipp 404's, E3 handlebars, Look Keo Ti pedals, Litespeed seat post, FSA stem, Garmin 705,
Summary: Demo'd one of these back in the spring and was bowled over. COuldn't wait to get my hands on one but, waited till pricing came down. 4500.00 for frame alone was steep but now there are some bargains to be had. This is an incredible bike and with pricing coming down everyone should own one!!
Strengths: Stiff as rock when hammering yet still absorbs road vibrations. Unbelievable dampening properties. Looks awesome with acceleration and handling to match.
Weaknesses: Pricey
Similar Products Used: Tuscany, Six/13, Caad 9
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