Post Your Titaniums
#3026
Senior Member

Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 137
Likes: 42
From: Silicon Valley, CA
Bikes: 2020 T-Lab X-3 w/GRX Di2, 2018 Trek FX-5S with GRX/Xt 1x drive train
So in all, yeah, I’m stoked on the X3 and think it’s great! I have the bead blasted finish with matte paint up front, which is something new for me, but I’ve grown to appreciate it; folks are often uncertain what the material is, thinking at first it may be carbon fiber.
Nice paint choice BTW. My color of choice is blue so I got blue, plus polished, plus blasted design (Vector). It's a pain from a cleaning standpoint. If I had to do it again I would have gotten their "Hue" finish (painted fork & seat tube, polished logos and brushed everywhere else.) then used stem, seat post and cages to add more color in.
#3027
Thread Killer

Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 13,140
Likes: 2,162
From: Ann Arbor, MI
Bikes: 15 Kinesis Racelight 4S, 76 Motebecane Gran Jubilée, 17 Dedacciai Gladiatore2, 12 Breezer Venturi, 09 Dahon Mariner, 12 Mercier Nano, 95 DeKerf Team SL, 19 Tern Rally, 21 Breezer Doppler Cafe+, 19 T-Lab X3, 91 Serotta CII, 23 3T Strada
Yes it's a Carbon fork.
Nice paint choice BTW. My color of choice is blue so I got blue, plus polished, plus blasted design (Vector). It's a pain from a cleaning standpoint. If I had to do it again I would have gotten their "Hue" finish (painted fork & seat tube, polished logos and brushed everywhere else.) then used stem, seat post and cages to add more color in.
Nice paint choice BTW. My color of choice is blue so I got blue, plus polished, plus blasted design (Vector). It's a pain from a cleaning standpoint. If I had to do it again I would have gotten their "Hue" finish (painted fork & seat tube, polished logos and brushed everywhere else.) then used stem, seat post and cages to add more color in.
My finish has taken me some time to figure out care for as well. I wouldn’t say it has been a pain, but caring for blasted Ti and matte finish paint are both different from a typical gloss paint finish. I’ve found my Ti really likes a wipedown in WD40 lube. It removes water spots and gives a nice, even appearance. And unlike a brushed finish, there’s no simple way to remove scuffs and scratches.
#3028
Thread Killer

Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 13,140
Likes: 2,162
From: Ann Arbor, MI
Bikes: 15 Kinesis Racelight 4S, 76 Motebecane Gran Jubilée, 17 Dedacciai Gladiatore2, 12 Breezer Venturi, 09 Dahon Mariner, 12 Mercier Nano, 95 DeKerf Team SL, 19 Tern Rally, 21 Breezer Doppler Cafe+, 19 T-Lab X3, 91 Serotta CII, 23 3T Strada
Thanks for the reply!
After speaking with T-Lab's CS I agree with the R3 Omni recommendation.
I'm definitely not indifferent on cost & was all set on Litespeed until I came across this thread, the T-Labs I saw in this thread caught my eyes (I'm a big fan of design/esthetics).
Would love to hear your thoughts on the above in bold, I'm new to the bike world!
After speaking with T-Lab's CS I agree with the R3 Omni recommendation.
I'm definitely not indifferent on cost & was all set on Litespeed until I came across this thread, the T-Labs I saw in this thread caught my eyes (I'm a big fan of design/esthetics).
Would love to hear your thoughts on the above in bold, I'm new to the bike world!
I’m glad you spoke directly to T-Lab. In my dealings with them, the were open, friendly, and super helpful…like beyond expectations helpful. It really colored my impression of the company as a small firm which really appreciates the people who ride their bikes.
Clarifying the comments you asked about, I was just referring to diverse appeal of an established, well-known brand compared to a young, upstart brand. You know, like how when something goes from being an undiscovered gem to being a mainstream darling, it’s not the same kind of cool anymore. That said, Litespeed’s chops in the Ti game are unassailable; I want to be clear about that. T-Lab are comparative nobodies, the underdogs, but I think doing some cool, innovative stuff.
#3030
Senior Member

Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,086
Likes: 332
From: Treasure Coast, FL
Bikes: 2014 Cannondale Supersix EVO 3, 2015 Trek 520, 2017 Bike Friday Pocket Rocket, 2022 Moots Vamoots Disc RSL
#3031
Newbie
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 18
Likes: 7
Ah, I think I get where you’re coming from now.
I’m glad you spoke directly to T-Lab. In my dealings with them, the were open, friendly, and super helpful…like beyond expectations helpful. It really colored my impression of the company as a small firm which really appreciates the people who ride their bikes.
Clarifying the comments you asked about, I was just referring to diverse appeal of an established, well-known brand compared to a young, upstart brand. You know, like how when something goes from being an undiscovered gem to being a mainstream darling, it’s not the same kind of cool anymore. That said, Litespeed’s chops in the Ti game are unassailable; I want to be clear about that. T-Lab are comparative nobodies, the underdogs, but I think doing some cool, innovative stuff.
I’m glad you spoke directly to T-Lab. In my dealings with them, the were open, friendly, and super helpful…like beyond expectations helpful. It really colored my impression of the company as a small firm which really appreciates the people who ride their bikes.
Clarifying the comments you asked about, I was just referring to diverse appeal of an established, well-known brand compared to a young, upstart brand. You know, like how when something goes from being an undiscovered gem to being a mainstream darling, it’s not the same kind of cool anymore. That said, Litespeed’s chops in the Ti game are unassailable; I want to be clear about that. T-Lab are comparative nobodies, the underdogs, but I think doing some cool, innovative stuff.
#3033
Advocatus Diaboli

Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 9,143
Likes: 1,736
From: Wherever I am
Bikes: Merlin Cyrene, Nashbar steel CX
Ah, I think I get where you’re coming from now.
I’m glad you spoke directly to T-Lab. In my dealings with them, the were open, friendly, and super helpful…like beyond expectations helpful. It really colored my impression of the company as a small firm which really appreciates the people who ride their bikes.
Clarifying the comments you asked about, I was just referring to diverse appeal of an established, well-known brand compared to a young, upstart brand. You know, like how when something goes from being an undiscovered gem to being a mainstream darling, it’s not the same kind of cool anymore. That said, Litespeed’s chops in the Ti game are unassailable; I want to be clear about that. T-Lab are comparative nobodies, the underdogs, but I think doing some cool, innovative stuff.
I’m glad you spoke directly to T-Lab. In my dealings with them, the were open, friendly, and super helpful…like beyond expectations helpful. It really colored my impression of the company as a small firm which really appreciates the people who ride their bikes.
Clarifying the comments you asked about, I was just referring to diverse appeal of an established, well-known brand compared to a young, upstart brand. You know, like how when something goes from being an undiscovered gem to being a mainstream darling, it’s not the same kind of cool anymore. That said, Litespeed’s chops in the Ti game are unassailable; I want to be clear about that. T-Lab are comparative nobodies, the underdogs, but I think doing some cool, innovative stuff.
#3034
Thread Killer

Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 13,140
Likes: 2,162
From: Ann Arbor, MI
Bikes: 15 Kinesis Racelight 4S, 76 Motebecane Gran Jubilée, 17 Dedacciai Gladiatore2, 12 Breezer Venturi, 09 Dahon Mariner, 12 Mercier Nano, 95 DeKerf Team SL, 19 Tern Rally, 21 Breezer Doppler Cafe+, 19 T-Lab X3, 91 Serotta CII, 23 3T Strada
I guess it’s more typical for metal fabricators to use threaded/BSA, is that what you mean by counterintuitively?” That may be true, but both the T-Lab and the Breezer are uncommonly excellent frames, showcasing design elements most metal frames either ignore or attempt to address in different ways. The Venturi, for example, is built with stiffness paramount, and in addition to an oversized (for steel) and shaped downtube, also uses short, oversized, asymmetric chainstays, both elements requiring BB width beyond BSA spec.
As I understand it, the problems with pressfit (creaking, bearing drag) are really specific to carbon fiber frames, where it’s quite difficult to meet the tolerances required for roundness and alignment due to the nature of common construction methods with the material. Machining metal does not present the same problems, so pressfit is not an issue there.
As for why T-Lab don’t offer T47, I can only guess that there is no benefit to doing so. They’re maxing out BB shell width, in relation to q-factor, with 386, allowing them to do the tube shaping and chainstay widths they want (for stiffness and tire clearance). T47 is an external bearing format, so in order to maintain the q-factor, they’d need to reduce bb shell width, losing real estate for shaped tubes and clearance spacing. I suppose they could engineer around that in some way perhaps, but at what costs and compromises to gain nothing? I’ve not spoken to T-Lab about it, so that’s just my take.
#3036
Ride more, eat less

Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,167
Likes: 947
From: Philla PA, Hoboken NJ, Brooklyn NY
Bikes: Too many but never enough.
What is the reason for the handlebar rotation & brake lever placement?
I see similar handlebar rotation & brake level placement on other road bikes, too.. but never could figure out the reason.
I see similar handlebar rotation & brake level placement on other road bikes, too.. but never could figure out the reason.
#3037
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 69
Likes: 46
Previous owner setup which I'm puzzling too. I think could be the top tube a bit short for him. I'll try to revert it to normal standard placement. Bought it yesterday, test rode today, not comfortable with that handlebar position at all. For some reason the Serotta Legend Ti top tube tends to be short, any Serotta expert here can chime in the design geometry of the Legend Ti?
#3038
Thread Killer

Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 13,140
Likes: 2,162
From: Ann Arbor, MI
Bikes: 15 Kinesis Racelight 4S, 76 Motebecane Gran Jubilée, 17 Dedacciai Gladiatore2, 12 Breezer Venturi, 09 Dahon Mariner, 12 Mercier Nano, 95 DeKerf Team SL, 19 Tern Rally, 21 Breezer Doppler Cafe+, 19 T-Lab X3, 91 Serotta CII, 23 3T Strada
Previous owner setup which I'm puzzling too. I think could be the top tube a bit short for him. I'll try to revert it to normal standard placement. Bought it yesterday, test rode today, not comfortable with that handlebar position at all. For some reason the Serotta Legend Ti top tube tends to be short, any Serotta expert here can chime in the design geometry of the Legend Ti?
#3039
Senior Member

Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 5,187
Likes: 1,936
Kwantani, the Legend series frames had a "square" design, meaning the top tube equaled the seat tube on sizes 56 and up. I worked at a stocking Serotta dealer for a number of years and rarely had to go custom to get a longer top tube. Race frames, ie Italian frame design influence, typically have a longer top tube. Using a 57cm as reference the Serotta has a 57cm TT in the Legend series. A "race" frame may well have a 57.5 to 58 TT. The 57 Legend has a head angle of 73.
Back when I raced a Miyata Team frame the ST was 56 and the TT was 56. Fairly standard design back then. Again, if you have been riding a frame with a longish TT the Legend Ti might feel short, but it really isn't anything out of the norm.
Back when I raced a Miyata Team frame the ST was 56 and the TT was 56. Fairly standard design back then. Again, if you have been riding a frame with a longish TT the Legend Ti might feel short, but it really isn't anything out of the norm.
#3040
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 549
Likes: 42
From: Minneapolis
Bikes: Moots Vamoots RCS, Serotta Ti, Felt F55, Surly Ogre
Just built this 2000s (unknown date) Serotta Legend completely off parts from another (failed) build. Probably wouldn't have gone with as much black but that's what I had on hand. Picked up the frame from TPC and luckily the prior owner had already shaved down the quill adapter stem to a normal height.
Full Ultegra build, random other bits picked up off eBay.
Sadly living in Minnesota means that winter is here but my few test rides (still not dialed in) up and down the street were absolutely glorious (coming from a mostly aluminum frame). Very excited for next year and spring riding.
Full Ultegra build, random other bits picked up off eBay.
Sadly living in Minnesota means that winter is here but my few test rides (still not dialed in) up and down the street were absolutely glorious (coming from a mostly aluminum frame). Very excited for next year and spring riding.
#3041
Full Member

Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 442
Likes: 146
From: Franklin, TN
Bikes: 2016 Cervelo R3 & 1999 Litespeed Tuscany
Just built this 2000s (unknown date) Serotta Legend completely off parts from another (failed) build. Probably wouldn't have gone with as much black but that's what I had on hand. Picked up the frame from TPC and luckily the prior owner had already shaved down the quill adapter stem to a normal height.
Full Ultegra build, random other bits picked up off eBay.
Sadly living in Minnesota means that winter is here but my few test rides (still not dialed in) up and down the street were absolutely glorious (coming from a mostly aluminum frame). Very excited for next year and spring riding.

Full Ultegra build, random other bits picked up off eBay.
Sadly living in Minnesota means that winter is here but my few test rides (still not dialed in) up and down the street were absolutely glorious (coming from a mostly aluminum frame). Very excited for next year and spring riding.

Great looking bike! I thought you Northerners were from sturdy stock. I don't see any snow on the ground so get out and ride it!

#3043
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 549
Likes: 42
From: Minneapolis
Bikes: Moots Vamoots RCS, Serotta Ti, Felt F55, Surly Ogre
#3045
Thread Killer

Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 13,140
Likes: 2,162
From: Ann Arbor, MI
Bikes: 15 Kinesis Racelight 4S, 76 Motebecane Gran Jubilée, 17 Dedacciai Gladiatore2, 12 Breezer Venturi, 09 Dahon Mariner, 12 Mercier Nano, 95 DeKerf Team SL, 19 Tern Rally, 21 Breezer Doppler Cafe+, 19 T-Lab X3, 91 Serotta CII, 23 3T Strada
#3046
Member
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 43
Likes: 24
Bikes: 2001 Litespeed Ultimate, 1997 Ibis Szazbo, 2021 Lynskey R300/Di2
Hope it your Litespeed comes out perfect, can't imagine anything else.
#3047
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 119
Likes: 48
From: So Cal
Bikes: Pinarello; Canyon; Lauf
Congratulations, The Ultimate disc looks fantastic. I hope it meets all your expectations, Litespeed has a fairly good rep in the bike industry. I too was looking at the Ultimate Disc, hoping to continue my brand loyalty so to speak. I have an 2001 Litespeed Ultimate in excellent condition, with a mix of Ultegra and Dura Ace. Now that I'm much older, I find the Geometry very classic and pretty aggressive not to mention I've actually shrunk in height go figure.. So, instead of droppin the coin on a Litespeed which I definitely wanted, I placed an order for a Lynskey R300 went with Ultegra Di2, HED wheels, and some Ti pieces stem and seat tube. Expected delivery 12/27/21 fingers crossed it happens. Litespeed charges Tax for out of staters, and shipping, plus they were 1000.00 more for the same basic build, I may regret it but I've heard so much good about Lynskey.
Hope it your Litespeed comes out perfect, can't imagine anything else.

Hope it your Litespeed comes out perfect, can't imagine anything else.

I spec'ed the Ultimate Gravel with Di2 GRX, Spinergy alloy wheels (it was lighter than the carbon model), top tube storage mount, and the T47 BB shell option. I looked at Lynskey but opted for Litespeed for a lighter frame and (IMHO) slightly better looks.
Please post pics and your thoughts when you get your Lynskey R300!
#3048
Ride more, eat less

Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,167
Likes: 947
From: Philla PA, Hoboken NJ, Brooklyn NY
Bikes: Too many but never enough.
#3049
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 464
Likes: 36
From: Fort Wayne, IN
Bikes: No. 22 Bicycle Great Divide, Lynskey R260, Salsa Colossal Ti, Litespeed T5, Lynskey Peloton, Bianchi Vigorelli, CAAD 10, Giant FastRoad CoMax 1, C-Dale Quick 1
You will love your Lynskey. fyi, you won't see any "David Litespeed" signatures on a Lynskey. lol
#3050
Member
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 43
Likes: 24
Bikes: 2001 Litespeed Ultimate, 1997 Ibis Szazbo, 2021 Lynskey R300/Di2
In 2001 when I bought my Litespeed Ultimate, I was going back and forth over whether to purchase from a Vendor called Airborne I believe, or Litespeed.
In the end I choose Litespeed hand made USA. I just couldn't see giving money to china. I pictured some guy sitting in renovated missile silo welding up bikes being sent to USA and the chinese gov getting all the profit. Sure their people need work and I'm sure the Airborne bikes were all good they have very good craftsman But, in the end I want to support our country It's part of that "feel good" feeling ya get when riding.
Sorry for the rant, I have high expectations for this bike never had DI2, never had hyd brakes, I'm use to traditional skewer style dropouts for the wheels, so it should be real interesting. Never have I run tubeless but I think I just might set these wheels up for tubeless again going to be interesting, supposedly got another 6 weeks hopefully the supply chain bs won't hinder the delivery date.
Last edited by texbazII; 11-25-21 at 02:47 PM.





