Litespeed Opinions, please

[SpokeValley]

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-Ul...item3cce9d129f

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

http://www.ebay.com/itm/litespeed-ti...item1c2fd3c8b4

Thanks gang.

[elliott]

2nd one is way overpriced.

And by way I mean he is asking like twice as much as its worth.

[markie]

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]

Originally Posted by markie

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]

Sorry for being harsh.

If you can, take your time and check back here often!

[Ken Robb]

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]

This one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Litespeed-Cl...7de9af8&_uhb=1

change stem and bar tape and you are good.

[Columbus SLX]

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]

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]

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]

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]

Ask about cracked rear dropouts they had a bad batch a while back I love my Ulimate

[axel23]

Litespeeds are wonderful. My wife's Classic is silky smooth, durable, and handling is flawless (with a carbon Reynolds fork).

[vav]

If this one fits, you should be PMing the seller:

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

Originally Posted by SpokeValley

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

Thanks, though...I've been watching.

[Aaron O]

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.