attilaboros

I am interested in purchasing a 1997 Litespeed road bike and am trying to get an idea of how much would a fair price be. Here's what it is:

1997 Litespeed Ultimate titanium frame
Ultegra group set
Spynergy Xaero wheel set
Selle Italia Flite leather seat
Litespeed LOOK carbon fork

Overall, the bike is in a pretty good shape. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thank you!

FastJake

I can't remember for sure but that wheelset might be crap.

Still, any Litespeed titanium framed bike is going to be over a grand. Pictures?

KonAaron Snake 

I think a grand is on the high end actually...and it doesn't have a top group. If I really wanted one, and it fit perfectly, sure...but it's not a steal. Ti bikes don't retain value well.

If this were a local deal, I would not go to a grand...maybe 600-700 (unless I just had to have it).

attilaboros

Here's a photo. I think..

gomango

I think that Aaron has this one in the correct range.

I like Ultegra but it brings very little extra to this package.

The stem is hideous but replaceable and the wheelset does little for me.

The frameset is likely in the $500 range or so.

bargainguy

Look Ergostem in quill? Long out of production, would bring $100-150 on its own.

Litespeeds of this era had a few QC / alignment issues esp in the rear triangle. Something to keep in mind if anything seems off, say a wheel that doesn't sit in the drops properly.

miamijim

Is it polished or brushed titanium? Polished is worth $2-300 extra

What size is it? Anything over 58cm takes a hit.

I'd be very, very concerned about the top tube seat tube joint, that jammed in post is doing no favors.

As a reference I sold my polished '97 Classic with Dura Ace for $1850 last spring.

gomango

Excellent price for you.

Litespeeds just sit there locally though.

We had a couple that sat through the spring and well into the summer on our local CL.

One of which a buddy and I split.

I took the Chorus 10 gruppo and he took the frameset.

We paid $825, just for reference.

KonAaron Snake 

Wow Jim - I should have you sell my bikes! I haven't been able to get that kind of cash on ti (Serotta doesn't count).

gomango

Another Litespeed Classic on our local CL for reference.

https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hn...294697014.html

97 Litespeed Classic 54cm - $500 (Excelsior)
Great project bike. Never crashed. Call for additional details and pictures.



Now if a Litespeed Appalachian ever shows up on our CL for less than $1,000 I would be highly tempted.

gomango

Good point on the Look.

KonAaron Snake 

My experience is that one or two valuable/rare parts won't raise standard value overly much on a complete bike (though they might help sell it more easily). If you want $$$ for an unusual part, you have to remove it and replace.

Chombi

Noticed that Ergostem too.....at least you might be able to adjust it so the bar setup wouldn't be sooooooooooo fugly, as shown on the pic you posted of the bike.....

miamijim

It has to be 'top tier' ti...not 'made by' ti...

bargainguy

Those look like Vector Pros, 14 front & 16 rear spoke count. I'm a huge fan and have a pair. If memory serves, hubs are Hugi tandem, which run very smooth.

thinktubes 

I had this issue with a 1998 Tuscany. Brand new bike - wheel was visually off-center. I though I was nuts. Blamed the wheel at first, but quickly realized that something was out of whack with the frame.

Contacted the dealer who offered to "bend it". Immediate demanded and got a full refund.

FastJake

Gaaaah!!! I may have to make a trip up there sometime to visit a friend. I've been after a Ti bike for years but they NEVER come up on the local C/L and decent frames seem to go for $700+ on ebay. Ideally I'd like a Ti frame/fork but Ti forks seem extremely rare. If they can make them out of steel, aluminum, and carbon fiber, why does my Ti bike have to have a carbon fork?

Poguemahone

I picked up a TI Lightspeed (Catalyst) frame for 350$ at Westminster two years back. Be patient.

gomango

Agreed.

I missed a Serotta Legend ti frameset at our swap three years ago by 2 cm.

Price was crazy low at $500.

attilaboros

I agree that the Ergostem has to go. And I'll need to replace the seat tube, too... It's jammed because I'm not tall enough for the bend to be visible. There are no alignment issues with the frame and it's polished. Size 57cm. It doesn't take 25mm tires or above. I am willing to pay $750 for it. Thank you everyone for taking the time to respond. Very much appreciated!

attilaboros

Bought the bike for $700 yesterday! Already replaced the Ergostem with a quill stem and a new seat post is on its way. The ride quality is remarkable. I put 140 miles on it since last Thursday and I love it. Pretty fast, too.

Thanks again everyone for the advice and assessment!

gomango

Great.

Have fun with it!

digger531

That bike in excelsior sold for $250 today. I tried to get it but wasn't fast enough.����

gomango

Somebody needed to oay the rent.

I thought about it as a loaner for guests and at $250 it would have been a fun bike for that purpose.