RFC

I've been looking for this one for a while -- 2001 Litespeed Ultimate:

Pb_Okole

I don't think that is a 2001. It looks alot like the one I had in the mid-late 1990s. It looks like it still has the curved seat tube and a welded seat collar. If I remember correctly,as of 2000, UCI rules made curved tubes illegal. To get around this rule the Ultimate had a straight seat tube that was cut out in the back and a curved plate welded into the cutout. It had the same net effect as the curved tube but was UCI legal. I actually had either a 2000 or 2001 Ultimate (can't remember exactly which) and it had this mod as well as a separate stainless or aluminum seat collar. I always had problem with my older welded seat collar on my 90s era Ultimate as it was hard to get it tight enough so that the seatpost wouldn't slip. It was one of the things that made me quit riding Ultimates until they came up with the new seat collar.

RFC

Actually, I had the same impression about the curved seat tube. The reflection is deceptive. Other pics from the seller show the cutout.

Pb_Okole

I still stand by my initial statement. The 2001 had a separate stainless or aluminum seat collar not the welded one in the photo. The bike in the photo is not a 2001. I had a bike just like in the photo with that exact decal set and it was a 1997 or 98 model. That photo clearly shows the seat tube curving and the welded seat collar. It can't be a 2001. Below I have placed some URLs from the Litespeed web site archives. These are PDFs of their catalogs from 1998, 1999 and 2000. They didn't have the 2001 listed. The 1998 catalog shows the Ultimate looking almost exactly like the one in your photo. In the 1999 catalog, you will see that was the year they went to the stainless steel seat collar instead of the welded one shown in your photo and the 1998 catalog. The 2000 catalog shows examples of the new cutout seat tube design as well as the new seat collar. I don't mean rain on your parade but everything I can see tells me you are getting a 1998 Ultimate not a 2001. I just want you to get what you think you are getting.

https://www.litespeed.com/archives/lscatalog1998.pdf
https://www.litespeed.com/archives/lscatalog1999.pdf
https://www.litespeed.com/archives/lscatalog2000.pdf

RFC

I stared at this photo as well. As I said, the cutout is present in other photos. But, either way, I'm happy. I will confirm when it arrives.

Pb_Okole

If you are happy that is what's important. I just didn't want you paying 2001 price for a 1998 frame. IF he is showing pictures of a frame with the cutout seat tube, then it is a different frame than the one in the photo. A look at the PDFs I linked to show the differences. The photo doesn't have all of the telltale signs of the cutout. I wish you the best of luck with your new Litespeed. I currently ride an 05 Tuscany and a 03 Ultimate and love them both. I wish I still had my 01 Ultimate as it didn't have the carbon stays that my 03 has. I like the all Ti frames and that is why I was thrilled when my wife bought me the Tuscany frame for my birthday a few years ago. I have ridden Litespeeds (mostly Ultimates) since about 1996 and have only seen them get better and better. I think the current Siena is one of the most versatile racing bikes out today. It is plenty stiff but still provides a nice ride. My Tuscany uses the same tube set as the Siena but in a level top tube instead of sloped. They stopped making it after 2005. Again, enjoy the new Litespeed and I hope you have as many years of enjoyment from it as I have had from mine.

Pb Okole

kpfeif

Why are curved seat tubes illegal?

RFC

Thanks for your sharp eye and comments. Let's see how this turns out. Without going into detail, the seller has provided me with good info. Let's see how it works out. In my biking evolution, I have wanted a Ti frame for a long time. This one, whether 2001 or 1997 seems to fit my needs.

BTW, I am familiar with the curved tube regulations. I have a couple of late 80's TT bikes with curved tubes. Really a riot to ride.

RFC

You are correct, Sir! The bike arrived and it does have the curved tube, so I'm guessing 1997-98. Nontheless, the bike is in great shape and the price was right. Actually, I didn't have a preference between the curved tube and the cut out. The collar holds well. Most importantly, it is a great fit and a great ride. What others say about the Ultimate quickness and acceleration is true.

Thanks

RFC

TurboTurtle

The decals are from '98. Beautiful polished frame! You're going to love it. - TF

Pb_Okole

Congrats on the new bike. Now ride it like you stole it!!

Boudicca

That is one hell of a glorious, understated bike. Just neat, nude titanium with a few inoffensive decals. Today's Litespeeds are most definitely not the same (and I speak as the owner of a somewhat too blingy for me 2007 Merlin)

Congratulations.