[cehowardraleighGS]

From what I understand, the Litespeed Classic was made from 1996 to 2004.

Are all the Classics the same? I know there was a 1 1/8 headset change in 2001, but other than that, are they all the same??

 

[rx-79g]

No, there was all sorts of variation. Tube diameter, dropouts, cable guides, braze ons.

 

[cehowardraleighGS]

No, there was all sorts of variation. Tube diameter, dropouts, cable guides, braze ons.

Thanks for the reply. I am aquiring a 1996 Classic. Just want to see what the changes were from 1996, to 2004, the last year.

Looks like it is homework time... Plus, I am a newbie too...

Thanks again,

 

[rx-79g]

Litespeed has old catalog PDFs on their site. They're big - right click; save target as.

 

[HigherGround]

I have the 2000 Classic. If you want any specific feedback about ride quality, or things along those lines,feel free to send me a PM.

 

[DrD]

I'm bored - so here goes from the catalog, anyway -

1997 - lost Ti-6-4 BB shell, added welded shift bosses, changed seat stays, small geometry changes, all use 4.3cm rake forks, a little heavier (quarter pound for most sizes)

1998 - top of seat tube is sculpted/curved instead of flat, chainstays lengthened

1999 - added integrated cable adjusters at head tube

2000 - new dropouts (with the cutout as an "L"), curved chain stays, engraved BB shell (with "Litespeed" written on it), slightly longer wheelbase, slightly lighter, fork rake change from all 4.3 to 4.5 (small frames) or 4cm (larger frames)

2004 - seat collar (instead of integrated bolt), clamp on front der., dropouts don't have "L" anymore, biaxially ovalized downtube, think it has an 1 1/8" head tube as well

 

[brucew]

FWIW, I acquired a '96 Classic (56 cm) earlier this year as a frameset only. I'm very happy with it. Not quite the "snap" of some of my other bikes, but it rides nice all day long, and handles well, especially on dirt and gravel.

I was just tickled on vacation this summer to find I wouldn't have to drive it out the 4½ miles from my cabin to the pavement. Rode about as well as my CX bike, allowing for the differences in tires between them, of course.

Oh, and I think the Classic dates back to 1994.

 

[cehowardraleighGS]

I called Litespeed and gave them the serial number. They verified that the bike I am aquiring is a 1996 Litespeed Classic.

However, the stem looks different then the one in the 1996 Catalog .

 

[DrD]

Oh, and I think the Classic dates back to 1994.

1991, actually! They had the classic, the tachyon, and the Ultimate

 

[davidka]

I have a 1996. Every tube on the bike is cold-worked and tapered except the BB shell and head tube. After 1997 they steadily lost detail and tube working.

 

[brucew]

I called Litespeed and gave them the serial number. They verified that the bike I am aquiring is a 1996 Litespeed Classic.

However, the stem looks different then the one in the 1996 Catalog .

Stems are replaceable parts. Hell, mine had no stem at all when I bought it. Doesn't change the fact that it's a '96 Litespeed Classic. The frame and what you hang off it are two different things.

 

[cehowardraleighGS]

Stems are replaceable parts. Hell, mine had no stem at all when I bought it. Doesn't change the fact that it's a '96 Litespeed Classic. The frame and what you hang off it are two different things.

I have seen your Classic, and the one I am getting is exactly like yours 1996 Classic except about 2cm taller.

Can't wait!!

 

[cehowardraleighGS]

Finally, I had it tuned at my LBS and oh boy!! .

This bike rides like I am on a cloud!!

 

[brucew]

Nice. Decals are different than on mine.

Had mine out yesterday for the first time in two weeks. (It's been raining and I haven't put the fenders on it for the winter yet.) It is a nice riding bike.

What's up with the white balance on your camera?

 

[cehowardraleighGS]

Nice. Decals are different than on mine.

Had mine out yesterday for the first time in two weeks. (It's been raining and I haven't put the fenders on it for the winter yet.) It is a nice riding bike.

What's up with the white balance on your camera?

The ride is AWESOME, and way, way over my head.

The reason the white balance is off is because it is a mickey-mouse camera!!

 

[billyq]

It was said in a post that the 97 litespeed classic "lost it's Ti-6-4 BB shell" what was it replaced with? good or bad?
The reason I ask is I recently purchased a 97 classic and trying to find out all I can. I have a 'clicking' or some kind of sound only when going up steep hills with slow cadence, I changed BB bearing, still there. I suspect BB flex, (if I even know what that is???) I am not big (5'10", 150 lbs, so maybe not flex???) What is your take?

 

[billyq]

97 Litespeed Classic BB

You commented in a post that the 97 litespeed classic "lost it's Ti-6-4 BB shell" what was it replaced with? good or bad?
The reason I ask is I recently purchased a 97 classic and trying to find out all I can. I have a 'clicking' or some kind of sound only when going up steep hills with slow cadence, I changed BB bearing, still there. I suspect BB flex, (if I even know what that is???) I am not big (5'10", 150 lbs, so maybe not flex???) What is your take?

 

[HigherGround]

It was probably replaced with a 3/2.5 ti bottom bracket shell (the same alloy as the rest of the frame)... but that's speculation on my part. 6/4 ti is a stiffer alloy, but harder to work with. Plenty of frames have used 3/2.5 ti bb shells without problems, so I doubt that is the source of your clicking noise. It may even be originating from the pedal spindle, rear wheel quick release, or some other part that is difficult to track down.

 

[DrD]

Did you check the chainring bolts? those will click when loose. I doubt changing to 3-2.5 made a difference in performance - flexing at the bottom bracket isn't actual torsion of the shell, I don't think - it probably has more to do with the strength of the seat tube and down tube... pedals will also click when the bearings are worn, as noted above - also, make sure you aren't hitting the cable end from the front derailleur with the crank

 

[cehowardraleighGS]

I am trying to get a original TI stem for the 1996 Litespeed Classic..I guess that is like trying to find a needle in a haystack..

Looks like I will have to bite the bullet and get one from Litespeed...;(