2/21/06 update (Month 7 for those keeping track)

As of today, both UBC and I are still waiting on the frame to be manufactured by Litespeed. Matt Conto of Litespeed assures me that it will be the first bike that is made in the next run. That was three weeks ago. I must admit I am starting to worry.

The Caad8 did remarkably well on a century two weeks ago. I was the third bike across the line. That qualified me for a spot on the Peleton for the Race Across Florida. Maybe the Karma is with the Caad8? I have since named it "Spanky". Last 10 miles were over a causeway into a 30 MPH headwind. Our leadgroup went from 20 to 3 pretty quickly. Funny story: I am still new to road racing (go figure). Coming in to the finish, I was in the lead by about 100 feet. Two blocks to go. I was so tired that I slowed at a stop light. Lack of attention or old habit? The two guys behind me sprinted and beat me across the line. I was within 10 feet of glory....

Live an learn.

ViperZ asked about the clamp. We all thought about milling it down, however Litespeed was against this. The clamp is not all that substantial. It might have cracked. Litespeed said there was no way to make a clamp as an intergral part of the seat tube. Shame.

Jimbalaro. I looked on the website for Litespeed frame specs a while ago. It appears the stock 63 Ulitimate has a longer chainstay than the 61. Maybe that has changed recently? Based upon my visual inspection, the 06 Vortex is the same bike as the 06 Ultimate except for the chainstay length.

For the curious, the Caad8 bottom bracket is VERY stiff. A very nice feature for a 210lbs rider.

BTW thanks to all BF members for the "emotional" support during this trying time.