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View Full Version : Litespeed Opinions, please

SpokeValley
02-08-2013, 03:58 PM
I've been wanting to get a nice Litespeed and there are two of interest on the bay.

You opinions are welcome; especially the prices.

This frameset is nice:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Litespeed-Ultimate-frameset-56cm-1997-model-polished-titanium-XLNT-cond-/261164438175?pt=Road_Bikes&hash=item3cce9d129f

This one's a little rougher but still...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/litespeed-titanium-classic-road-bike-55-56cm-/121061492916?pt=Road_Bikes&hash=item1c2fd3c8b4

Thanks gang.
elliott
02-08-2013, 04:09 PM
2nd one is way overpriced.

And by way I mean he is asking like twice as much as its worth.
markie
02-08-2013, 04:17 PM
Yeah, what is the fork on that second bike? It has very few scratches, except that it is covered in scratches.

I am not sure why you are fixated on litespeed, but I have seen much nicer bikes on this forum, but for much less money. I guess not many of them were litespeeds (mostly something better : ) )
SpokeValley
02-08-2013, 04:27 PM
Yeah, what is the fork on that second bike? It has very few scratches, except that it is covered in scratches.

I am not sure why you are fixated on litespeed, but I have seen much nicer bikes on this forum, but for much less money. I guess not many of them were litespeeds (mostly something better : ) )

I kind of mispoke, I'm really looking for a nice Ti bike and litespeed surfaced.

Thanks, though...I've been watching.
markie
02-08-2013, 04:33 PM
Sorry for being harsh.

If you can, take your time and check back here often!
Ken Robb
02-08-2013, 04:38 PM
I had a Litespeed and it was OK. I had a Serotta Legend and it was terrific.
Of these two I prefer the geometry of the Classic but it looks like the components are pretty beat and the fork is probably aluminum.

The stupid-short chainstays of the Ultimate would be a deal-killer for me.

I would look here for a Serotta ti bike.
vav
02-08-2013, 04:44 PM
This one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Litespeed-Classic-Titanium-Road-Bike-56-CM-Large-Campagnolo-Record-8-Speed-/350708734712?pt=Road_Bikes&hash=item51a7de9af8&_uhb=1

change stem and bar tape and you are good. ;)
Columbus SLX
02-08-2013, 04:46 PM
I have a 2000 +/- Litespeed Catalyst, and it does two things beautifully: climb, and take a beating. I've used it for D2R2, and it's awesome for that kind of thing.

The dull finish on mine is boring to look at, but it doesn't get scratched up like the polished options you have there. It just stays matte.

It does have some flex so it doesn't sprint well, but more modern Ti solutions rectify that with better design.
LouDeeter
02-08-2013, 04:53 PM
I've ridden both the classic and the ultimate, over ten years ago. As I recall, both were nice riding bikes. The shaped tubes of the ultimate made me think it was a better bike, but I don't recall much difference in the ride. If they fit, either should be fine.
Peter B
02-08-2013, 05:15 PM
IMO they're both overpriced. I sold a 2000 Classic w/ full DA 9 sp in very good condition for $900 in 2006. It was a good bike and priced about right when it sold. They haven't appreciated in the intervening years.

Be patient, watch the classifieds here or post a WTB and you'll do better than either of those listings.
BikeTech
02-08-2013, 05:24 PM
I own a circa 1996 polished Litespeed Ultimate, virtually the same as the frame you are interested in. Absolutely love the frame, and as a bonus, the polished finish is an attention grabber. It may be a little overpriced, but making an offer to the seller couldn't hurt.
cnighbor1
02-08-2013, 05:39 PM
Ask about cracked rear dropouts they had a bad batch a while back I love my Ulimate
axel23
02-08-2013, 07:19 PM
Litespeeds are wonderful. My wife's Classic is silky smooth, durable, and handling is flawless (with a carbon Reynolds fork).
vav
02-08-2013, 07:57 PM
If this one fits, you should be PMing the seller:

http://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=123230



I kind of mispoke, I'm really looking for a nice Ti bike and litespeed surfaced.

Thanks, though...I've been watching.
Aaron O
02-08-2013, 08:12 PM
I really like Merlins - and they seem to be very underpriced for the quality. I'd be on the lookout for a nice mass. Merlin and I'd upgrade it to campy 10.
JER3
02-08-2013, 09:57 PM
I really like Merlins - and they seem to be very underpriced for the quality. I'd be on the lookout for a nice mass. Merlin and I'd upgrade it to campy 10.

+1 - Always thought Merlin ExtraLight was the cat's meow. I eventually ended up with a Ti Legend though and quit looking for road bikes...
gpl916
02-08-2013, 10:17 PM
+1 - Always thought Merlin ExtraLight was the cat's meow. I eventually ended up with a Ti Legend though and quit looking for road bikes...

+1- I LOVE my Extralight and would not sell it for $750.

gl
VA-Scooter
02-08-2013, 10:42 PM
I have a 1997 Ultimate. The decals are different on mine but the frame looks the same. I did everything on this bike for 15 years-Century rides,crits,road races & it seemed to do well on all. I think mine was an early 97 media bike. It was given to me by David Lynskey straight from his garage & has no serial # that I can find. He had been riding it for about a year when I got it. I finally got around to showing my appreciation by purchasing a 2012 CX with disc from him. They made great bikes back then & I love my new one also.
mitchel@century
02-09-2013, 01:56 AM
I have the Ultimate and I love it. Great for hill climbing. I also have a Tuscany, which has served me well.
For $700, I'd say buy this one, but it has the 1" headtube. I don't know why, but I prefer the Litespeeds newer than 2001 with the 1 1/8 steerer
I don't think you can go wrong with titanium. It'll last forever.
pcxmbfj
02-09-2013, 07:59 AM
In the mid 90"s the Litespeed Ultimate was "Bicycling" magazines readers poll most desired bicycle.
I bought the shop owners '93 closeout a few years later and rode it till 2010. Rode mostly offroad and never found a carbon frame to keep till the Specialized '08 Tomac.
Currently is in the stable as a singlespeed because it is worth more to me than I could sell it for.
Replaced by a modern Lynskey and a Tarmac but mainly because of fit.
Black Dog
02-09-2013, 08:29 AM
There is nothing wrong with litespeed and their latest generation (2008-Present) of Ti is outstanding. I would not sell mine for anything. Try and Archon or Icon and you will be amazed.

http://i900.photobucket.com/albums/ac209/BlackDogryka/Bike/file_zps15b85287.jpg
LJohnny
02-09-2013, 11:20 PM
I have this 54cm '98 Ultimate in my stable. Nice riding bike. I don't find it harsh. This one indeed has a 1" headtube, with a nice Look full carbon fork.

Little has changed since I took this pic in '07 after building it with Campy 10. Only the tyres, seat, seatpost are different. It now has a Brook Swallow seat and a silver Nitto seat post.

http://forums.roadbikereview.com/attachments/components-wrenching/78095d1170303255-campy-brake-cable-ferrules-mia-ultimatebuilt.jpg