Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Bicycle Mechanics
Reload this Page >

Litespeed Classic Frame Break - any advice?

Notices
Bicycle Mechanics Broken bottom bracket? Tacoed wheel? If you're having problems with your bicycle, or just need help fixing a flat, drop in here for the latest on bicycle mechanics & bicycle maintenance.

Litespeed Classic Frame Break - any advice?

Old 07-01-07, 03:10 PM
  #1  
Just ride.
Thread Starter
 
roadbuzz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: C-ville, Va
Posts: 3,259
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Litespeed Classic Frame Break - any advice?

My Litespeed Classic Ti frame broke, right at the drive side chainstay-dropout weld. It's a '99 (pre ABG), I'm the original owner. Just curious if anyone else (preferably Litespeed owners) have been through this and have any advice or suggestions.

TIA
roadbuzz is offline  
Old 07-01-07, 03:29 PM
  #2  
Extra Medium Member
 
redtires's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Erie, Co
Posts: 1,880

Bikes: Fezzari Empire; State 6061 Allroad gravel; Scott Spark; Specialized Status 140

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 25 Post(s)
Liked 26 Times in 17 Posts
Well, first of all, don't worry to much. There is not a manufacturer out there that has not had a frame break before. The guys who started Litespeed have actually been working with titanium since the first days of the skunk works airforce program. Litespeed built a couple of frames for us back in the early nineties, and I broke one of them, it was fixed in like a week. Just call them up, they're warranty should take care of everything.
redtires is offline  
Old 07-01-07, 03:29 PM
  #3  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,653
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 380 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 106 Times in 80 Posts
I would be on the phone to Litespeed. IIRC the frames are lifetime guarantied. Roger
rhenning is offline  
Old 07-01-07, 03:47 PM
  #4  
Over the hill
 
urbanknight's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 24,340

Bikes: Giant Defy, Giant Revolt

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 987 Post(s)
Liked 1,186 Times in 681 Posts
https://www.litespeed.com/2007/warranty.aspx?all=t
__________________
It's like riding a bicycle
urbanknight is offline  
Old 07-01-07, 04:29 PM
  #5  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Posts: 33,656

Bikes: '96 Litespeed Catalyst, '05 Litespeed Firenze, '06 Litespeed Tuscany, '20 Surly Midnight Special, All are 3x10. It is hilly around here!

Mentioned: 39 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2026 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1,095 Times in 741 Posts
If you are the original owner and you have the sales receipt or, better yet, registered the warranty when you bought the bike, you are covered by Litespeed's Lifetime Warranty. They will repair the frame at no cost.

However, you must have your paperwork in order. A friend bought a Litespeed about 1996 and the LBS promised to fill out the warranty card and send it in. They didn't and he didn't keep the sales receipt. When the chainstay broke after over 50,000 miles, Litespeed refused to repair it under the warranty.
HillRider is offline  
Old 07-01-07, 06:02 PM
  #6  
Senior Member
 
Old Hammer Boy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Utah
Posts: 1,082

Bikes: Trek, Cannondale Tandem, Surly LHT

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I met a guy a few months back who had exactly the same weld failure on his LS. He wasn't the origional owner, so he took it to a very qualified welder. I saw the weld, I couldn't tell it from a factory weld and it is holding up very well. Shouldn't be a problem.
Old Hammer Boy is offline  
Old 07-01-07, 07:34 PM
  #7  
Roadkill
 
byte_speed's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: East Tennessee
Posts: 858

Bikes: 2002 Lightspeed Classic; 2010 Pedalforce RS

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I have a Litespeed Classic, also, I would be interested to hear how this goes, how long it takes, etc. Hope it turns out well for you.

I would also be interested in seeing a picture of the break, if you happen to have one.
byte_speed is offline  
Old 07-01-07, 07:36 PM
  #8  
Just ride.
Thread Starter
 
roadbuzz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: C-ville, Va
Posts: 3,259
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
I'm the original owner, registered the bike (have a letter from Litespeed acknowledging the fact), and original receipts. Just don't know if the new owners are as good as the Lynskys. On the downside, instructions require working through a dealer. Currently, the nearest dealer is 70 miles away.

Here's the break. In the pic, it's held together pretty tightly by the chain, etc., but the break is complete. I can pull it open. Hope they fix it, and quickly!
Attached Images
File Type: jpg
Litespeed Break.jpg (25.1 KB, 135 views)

Last edited by roadbuzz; 07-01-07 at 07:57 PM.
roadbuzz is offline  
Old 07-02-07, 06:37 PM
  #9  
Fun in the tub, no ring!
 
mrbubl's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 126
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
If you want to repair without sending it back to the manu find a local welder that deals with aircraft frames or does one off production and, of course can weld Ti. I had a frame repaired at the bottom bracket, a crack above the original weld.

Turned out great and was <$50 out the door.
mrbubl is offline  
Old 07-02-07, 06:55 PM
  #10  
Just ride.
Thread Starter
 
roadbuzz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: C-ville, Va
Posts: 3,259
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Originally Posted by mrbubl
If you want to repair without sending it back to the manu find a local welder that deals with aircraft frames or does one off production and, of course can weld Ti.
Good idea. Shipping will cost more than that, plus 4+ weeks turn-around. I will investigate.

FWIW, I called Litespeed today. No real help, reiterated what I read on their web-site, that I have to go through a dealer. I asked the local shop where I bought (Performance, no longer handle Litespeed) if they could help. Shop manager got the Litespeed phone # and said he'd call and find out. Haven't heard back from them yet.
roadbuzz is offline  
Old 07-03-07, 11:41 AM
  #11  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,616
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Originally Posted by mrbubl
If you want to repair without sending it back to the manu find a local welder that deals with aircraft frames or does one off production and, of course can weld Ti. I had a frame repaired at the bottom bracket, a crack above the original weld.

Turned out great and was <$50 out the door.
My understanding is that the Ti welding process is highly technical. It might be hard to find someone local who has the equipment and know-how. Basically the welding has to take place in a vacuum or in an enclosure containing an inert gas. Manufacturers of titantium products can afford the specialized equipment needed to do so. But not likely your ordinary welding company. (https://www.welding-advisers.com/Welding-titanium.html).

I have a Litespeed Classic, so your post caught my attention. If it were my bike, it's a no-brainer where I would be sending it for repairs. The folks who built it in the first place.

Bob
Bobby Lex is offline  
Old 07-03-07, 04:55 PM
  #12  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Posts: 33,656

Bikes: '96 Litespeed Catalyst, '05 Litespeed Firenze, '06 Litespeed Tuscany, '20 Surly Midnight Special, All are 3x10. It is hilly around here!

Mentioned: 39 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2026 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1,095 Times in 741 Posts
Originally Posted by mrbubl
If you want to repair without sending it back to the manu find a local welder that deals with aircraft frames or does one off production and, of course can weld Ti. I had a frame repaired at the bottom bracket, a crack above the original weld.

Turned out great and was <$50 out the door.
The problem with this is that it will immediately and completely void any warrant in the future. If Litespeed repairs it the lifetime warranty remains in effect. If anyone else does it, kiss any future warranty work goodby.
HillRider is offline  
Old 07-03-07, 07:16 PM
  #13  
Fun in the tub, no ring!
 
mrbubl's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 126
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
All of the tubes are filled with argon to displace the oxygen and make the weld pure. I watched it done and it was very cool to watch and the guy was an artist with a torch. I can send you a pic if you PM me if you would like to see it.
mrbubl is offline  
Old 07-14-07, 05:28 PM
  #14  
Just ride.
Thread Starter
 
roadbuzz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: C-ville, Va
Posts: 3,259
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Well, as it turned out, there were no readily-accessible ti welders.

The latest as of today: Litespeed is willing to work with the local Performance shop to handle the return. They no longer sell Litespeed, the manager says (paraphrasing), 'you bought it here, we want to take care of you.' He/they rock. It took a while to get everything worked out, partly because it happened the week of the 4th, and a lot of people at ABG (Litespeed) were on vacation. Now, it's just a matter of time, I hope. Meanwhile, my CX/commuter is serving double duty with the help of a wheelset with skinny tires.
roadbuzz is offline  
Old 08-15-07, 03:25 AM
  #15  
Just ride.
Thread Starter
 
roadbuzz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: C-ville, Va
Posts: 3,259
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Final update. Performance called on August the 5th to say they'd gotten the frame back. I was out of town, and picked it up a week later. It honestly looked like a new frame. Completely spotless. They replaced all decals, all removeable pieces had been replaced (BB cable guide, down-tube cable adjusters, headbadge, even the bottle cage bosses and bolts). The only way I was sure it was the same frame was the serial number. After two evenings, it's all back together. Later today it'll go out for a test drive.
roadbuzz is offline  
Old 08-20-07, 07:21 AM
  #16  
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 14
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
worked on a few of these "lite speed"bikes........very bad frame alingnment!
mr.tool is offline  
Old 08-20-07, 07:25 AM
  #17  
Senior Member
 
cyclezealot's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Fallbrook,Calif./Palau del Vidre, France
Posts: 13,230

Bikes: Klein QP, Fuji touring, Surly Cross Check, BCH City bike

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1485 Post(s)
Liked 73 Times in 64 Posts
Now here is a little disappointment to one day owning a Litespeed. Titanium, I thought the strongest metal and almost impossible to break. ? But, servicing sounds like a snap and the problem repairable.
cyclezealot is offline  
Old 08-20-07, 08:07 AM
  #18  
Call me The Breeze
 
I_bRAD's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Cooper Ontario
Posts: 3,702

Bikes: 2004 Litespeed Siena, 1996 Litespeed Obed, 1992 Miele (unknown model), 1982 Meile Uno LS.

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Liked 7 Times in 4 Posts
Originally Posted by roadbuzz
They replaced all decals
Yeah, they did the same on mine both times it was in for warranty (for the same problem) It's a shame, since I'd spent much time and effort removing the old ones. You'd think if a customer sent in a bare frame... then perhaps that's the way they might like it back!
I_bRAD is offline  
Old 08-20-07, 08:08 AM
  #19  
Call me The Breeze
 
I_bRAD's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Cooper Ontario
Posts: 3,702

Bikes: 2004 Litespeed Siena, 1996 Litespeed Obed, 1992 Miele (unknown model), 1982 Meile Uno LS.

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Liked 7 Times in 4 Posts
Originally Posted by cyclezealot
Now here is a little disappointment to one day owning a Litespeed.
You missed the boat. Litespeed is done. The "litespeed" you're after is now made by Lynskey.
I_bRAD is offline  
Old 08-20-07, 08:30 AM
  #20  
Senior Member
 
cyclezealot's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Fallbrook,Calif./Palau del Vidre, France
Posts: 13,230

Bikes: Klein QP, Fuji touring, Surly Cross Check, BCH City bike

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1485 Post(s)
Liked 73 Times in 64 Posts
I did miss the boat. So will it continue to be the same basic bike.
cyclezealot is offline  
Old 08-20-07, 08:40 AM
  #21  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Posts: 33,656

Bikes: '96 Litespeed Catalyst, '05 Litespeed Firenze, '06 Litespeed Tuscany, '20 Surly Midnight Special, All are 3x10. It is hilly around here!

Mentioned: 39 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2026 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1,095 Times in 741 Posts
Originally Posted by I_bRAD
Yeah, they did the same on mine both times it was in for warranty (for the same problem) It's a shame, since I'd spent much time and effort removing the old ones. You'd think if a customer sent in a bare frame... then perhaps that's the way they might like it back!
A bottle of Acetone and a rag will make short work of the decals if you want them off.

To the OP: maybe they really did send you a new frame and just stamped the same serial number on it.
HillRider is offline  

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.