blandy

Hello All- For the past 10 years, I've ridden a motobecane fantom cross cyclocross bike. Aluminum frame, carbon fork. I actually really like this bike. However, After training quite hard the past several months and recording rides on Strava, as well as participating in LBS group rides, I feel that I may need to step it up from a "beginner" bike to something a little nicer. My thought? Carbon.

I came across this bike, seems like a really good deal. My exact size- and carbon wheels? Durace and Ultregra? Why wouldn't somebody buy this? I called my LBS, who used to carry Litespeed. They of course said to stay away from Litespeed now as they aren't built like they used to be (of course, they suggested a lower spec carbon bike for only $1500 or so). So, any thoughts on this one?

PS, I have dibs if you guys say go for it!

Also, I can't post links. Make sure to add .html at the end

minneapolis.craigslist.org/dak/bik/6203291948

wachuko

Can't comment... but I can share the link and photos from the listing while is valid... And no relation to the seller...

https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/d...203291948.html

Litespeed C3 full carbon 2013 excellent condition, pedals look, crankset DURACE 53/39, ULTEGRA 10 shift ratio 11/25, wheels Carbon fiber, seat fizik. The bike is ready to ride. super comfortable. Size 56 M/L

blandy

Thank you kindly!

Doge

$1500 is reasonable. It is not a steel.
That said Litespeeds are supposed to be Ti.

kbarch

If you really like that style and that's the way you want to go, more power to you. Maybe not a bad deal, and if you don't need to spin up the hills and wind doesn't give you much trouble, you should be fine with such a bike.

However, my impression: more sizzle than steak (and it needs new bar tape again!). It's rather flashy and aero, and while technically "standard," it has more aggressive gearing than most recreational bikes these days. Check out the wear and tear - it may be cleaned up when you go to look at it, but if it wasn't well maintained, you may have to spend a few bucks to get it in shape.

Wested

Holy bottom bracket, batman!

blandy

Yeah, I'm not a huge fan of the huge decals on the bike frame and wheelset, but carbon frame and carbon wheels may have clouded my vision a bit! The reviews that I read mentioned aggressive saddle to bar drop as well and how it's a bit greater than usual.

Here is some info from a review:
the medium has got 13.5cm headtube, it's a bit aggressive compared to most "ride a century" bike, I think my drop is over 9cm. that is with a 3cm spacer.
- it has got a short wheelbase 9XXmm range. the front wheel may hit your shoe. (toe overlap), so need more care when taking off. Don't try to negotiate the metal posts at the park at 1mph, easy to trip on the wheel and fall. but that's not what the bike is made for.. from what I've found, longer wheelbase is more stable for climbing.
- You have to cut the seatmast just right, but you probably know that. Or you can buy an adjustable mast from Litespeed
- comes with 40cm handle bar which is narrow and aero on the straight not quite enough leverage to inspire good handling... with the the stock handlebar on steeper slopes past 8% it was twichy until wider bar was installed.
- carbon finish is so-so when you look close
- had an unknown creaking noise in the beginning that had me going nuts and LBS couldn't figure out, but has gone away.
- stock wheelset is cheap but servicable.
- due to seatmast shape, need a creative solution to install tail light if you need to ride in the dark, and special consideration for workstand.

I thought that perhaps this bike would be a cheap way into a nicer carbon bike, but perhaps I should keep looking for a nicer ride from a more reputable manufacturer.

tarmacgreg

I would look elsewhere, personally.

Danny01

I say keep looking

tagaproject6

Go check it out and see if it fits. For $1000, that's not a bad deal. Litespeed is pretty reputable and have had quite a following with their titanium bikes.

San Pedro

+1

FWIW, some people find narrow handlebars more comfortable, like me.

BluFalconActual

For what it's worth, Nashbar is having an additional 30% off sale on their bikes. You can get a Ultegra carbon bike for 1279 or a 105 for under a grand.

blandy

Thanks for the info all, I think I'll check it out and see how it fits/rides/looks. I'm not in a rush to buy- so I'll keep an eye on what else pops up on Craigslist around MPLS area.

rubiksoval

That bike looks good, and for 1000 bucks is a decent deal, minus the wheels. The wheels look fake to me.

But it is 10 speed, and as such I'd look for a different bike (especially with the wheels).

Dirt Farmer

What he/she said.

I don't think it's a bad deal, if you're into this kind of bike.