Road Cycling - Litespeed Bicycles

Hey, me again here, asking you all for your opinions. I've seen the different bicycles from Litespeed. If any of you have seen the superb Litespeed Vortex, a frame of 6Al/4V titanium, not a bad frame if you look at it this way. Any people who have tried it before? I have read many reviews on it, including the previous years model. Tell me your opinions on it if you have any, and any opinions on the other Litespeed bicycles. Titanium sure is great, is there any opinion on their aluminium 'children'?

Here's the picture of the Litespeed Vortex:

http://www.litespeed.com/english/road/vortex_img/vortex_06.jpghttp://www.litespeed.com/english/road/vortex_img/vortex_14.jpg

Originally posted by oxologic
[B]Tell me your opinions on it if you have any, and any opinions on the other Litespeed bicycles.
This is a trick question, right?

Litespeeds are beautifully-made, no-compromises bikes. Aside from some reservations I know some people had about the whippiness of the Ghisallo ultra-light frame, I've only ever heard positive things about Litespeed.

There's not much to say except that these are very, very nice bikes.

Oh my, this is definitely no trick question at all. I live in Singapore,
and though the cycling community here is rather big, there are not many professional cyclists here. Thus, I have little to learn from the people here, definitely not about Litespeed since the price is rather steep. I really wish to learn more from you people since you people live all over the world, have a bigger professional cycling community over there and would definitely know more. Hope to get more replies. Thanks!

Are you planning to become a racer, or just want a good all around bike?

I've been riding a Litespeed Classic (55cm, 3/2.5 Ti) for almost a 1.5 years and have no complaints. I haven't tried a Vortex but I'm sure it's excellent. The 6/4 Ti comes at a premium... I expect the main benefit is to sprinters, riders requiring larger frames, or heavy, powerful riders. In my opinion, and all other Ti LS owners I know, you won't be disappointed by quality or workmanship. But like any bike, it's only as good as the fit. Try before you buy.

I don't have any knowledge or experience regarding their Al bikes... I just think it's peculiar that they've named several Al models, and none of the titanium models, after Titans! :confused:

With that kind of bike, I can sleep with her, or better still she can stay in my bed, I I sleep in the couch, what do you say amigo:D :D :D

I would kill for a litespeed vortex (well maybe not)....but I would run down my block naked for 2 hours to get one....wow she is one sweet looking bike. Hey, if you got the money for it then I would recommend for you to get it. I wouldn't pass up a bike like that.

I've been riding a Litespeed Classic (57cm) all Ultegra that I bought on a end of year sale by mailorder four years ago. I was apprehensive about a mailorder bike, but I did a thorough check on dimensions and had been riding for over 25 years. I knew what I wanted and needed. Also the order taker on the phone was a road rider in Colorado and was very patient walking me through all the choices on bars, stem, crank length, etc. I did need a slightly shorter stem and they have a policy of letting you switch out parts and return them within 30 days.

I've never regretted the purchase. It has the feel of steel, durability, I don't have to worrry about paint scratches (I happen to think that Titanium should be left bare) and it has a great ride. I did go with the Classic that has traditional European geometry and is not too quick like some Criterium bikes can be.

The only think that is a downside to Ti is that it hard to justify to the spouse that I will ever need a new bike. When I mention that I want another bike for long-distance loaded touring I get a funny look and a "What are you crazy?";)

I have a 2001 Litespeed Tuscany and love it. :love:

I have a friend (bike shop service manager) who has a 2000 Litespeed Vortex. He loves it and I drool all over it when we ride together.
I have another friend with a 1999 or 2000 Litespeed Ultimate. He loves it and can't say enough wonderful things about it.

Litespeed makes excellent bikes!! :beer:

Like RoAdRaGeR, I too would do some really wild and strange things to get a Vortex, because $5500 is out of my price range. :cry:

Aren't you worried about it being stolen since there are so few Litespeeds where you live?

You were talking about puting a suspension fork on a Litespeed in another thread.
Surely you aren't going to put it on a Vortex?!
That would be a sacrilege! :cry:

One thing I noticed about the Lightspeeds (and one of the reasons I looked elsewhere when buying my new bike) is the top tube is relatively short on all their road bikes (unless you have them build custom).

Their "standard" geometry wouldn't work for me.

Be sure to understand the geometry of the bike before buying, of course.

My .02.

Originally posted by Cat2
One thing I noticed about the Lightspeeds (and one of the reasons I looked elsewhere when buying my new bike) is the top tube is relatively short on all their road bikes

My .02.

That's alot more than $0.02, Cat2! Proper fit is crucial.

Incidentally, Lightspeeds are extremely popular in San Diego.

:) I ride a Litespeed Classic 57 CM Ultegra Triple. I have put 1081 miles on it in the last three months. It is an absolutely wonderful machine! I put 12,000 miles on a Cannondale R600 in the last 3 years and the Classic is superior in every way. Titanium delivers a far smoother and more comfortable ride. I ride pretty rough roads and the difference is really significant. I could not afford the Vortex but I can't imagine how it would not be as great to ride.

Go For it!

You are the Music while the Music lasts!

Hey, thanks all for ur replies. I'm sure that I'll get my Vortex late this year. I really can't wait for it to ride to me(if it can that is). Been away for some time though.

Another thing : Trust me that I would not put a suspension fork on the Litespeed Vortex. HEHE;)

Originally posted by oxologic
Hey, thanks all for ur replies. I'm sure that I'll get my Vortex late this year. I really can't wait for it to ride to me(if it can that is). Been away for some time though.

Another thing : Trust me that I would not put a suspension fork on the Litespeed Vortex. HEHE;)
way to go "Oxologic", with that kind of bike you'll be the envy of town

HAHAHAHAHA

Well, I had to laugh at what you said Orguasch. If you know where I'm living in, you probably won't be saying that. That's Singapore my dear! They probably don't know how to appreciate a Litespeed, won't even have heard of it before. Hopefully the sexy Vortex can get them to take a second look at the bike and really drool over.

Well, if you're buying it in Singapore, be sure to get the real thing and not a CP Ti clone. ;)

Will do, will buy the real thing!

Can't possibly buy something that don't feel right, right?