Thoughts on Litespeed
06-23-08 | 09:05 PM
#27
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,639
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Well, I have owned 3 Litespeeds and still have 2 of them. I traded in my 2002 Vortex on a LS Solano which is essentially a 2001 Tuscany. I had issues with the integrated headset cups on my Vortex which was fixed but preferred my Solano because of the traditional hs. I also have a Lynskey designed LS Classic from 1997. All have great workmanship and are comparable to any ti frame out there.
The new Icon and Archon are really nice bikes and both can be built up light without too much effort. There is a feeling a ti bike has that CF cannot give you. I own 2 CF bikes as well, but my ti bikes are the ones I'd grab in a fire. Although the ti probably could survive a fire, hence the benefits of ti.
The new Icon and Archon are really nice bikes and both can be built up light without too much effort. There is a feeling a ti bike has that CF cannot give you. I own 2 CF bikes as well, but my ti bikes are the ones I'd grab in a fire. Although the ti probably could survive a fire, hence the benefits of ti.
06-23-08 | 09:19 PM
#28
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,570
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You got to be kidding! That kind of statement is what gives people the wrong idea. This is like "someone I know knows this other person that had their CF fork suddenly fall off."
Do you think pro's would risk their careers and even life riding something unsafe? Most don't ride CF bars because it's difficult to tell on the course the extent of damage in a crash with CF bars. So that's why most ride with Al bars.
Do you think pro's would risk their careers and even life riding something unsafe? Most don't ride CF bars because it's difficult to tell on the course the extent of damage in a crash with CF bars. So that's why most ride with Al bars.
carbon = weak = disposable
Ti>Carbon
Reference
https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycling/425626-shabbasuraj-s-official-carbon-discussion-thread.html
06-24-08 | 05:54 AM
#29
My idea of fun
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 9,920
Likes: 59
From: Gainesville, FL
Bikes: '06 Litespeed Tuscany, '02 Kona Lavadome, '07 Giant TCR Advanced, '07 Karate Monkey
You got to be kidding! That kind of statement is what gives people the wrong idea. This is like "someone I know knows this other person that had their CF fork suddenly fall off."
Do you think pro's would risk their careers and even life riding something unsafe? Most don't ride CF bars because it's difficult to tell on the course the extent of damage in a crash with CF bars. So that's why most ride with Al bars.
Do you think pro's would risk their careers and even life riding something unsafe? Most don't ride CF bars because it's difficult to tell on the course the extent of damage in a crash with CF bars. So that's why most ride with Al bars.
The first one was in a sprint, the guy managed to barely keep the bike upright as the right drop came off in his hand.
The second was when a guy was climbing brasstown bald and his left drop came off in his hand. Thankfully he was climbing, and not descending.
The third was in a race. A buddy of mine had his left bar snap in half.
The fourth was after a race in Georgia. A bike was knocked over by some wind and the bars snapped.
In all cases galvanic corrosion was a major culprit in the failure, probably caused by sweat. But the lesson here is just because they're aluminum, don't believe your bars can't fail -- replace that tape every six months and check the bars when you do it.
06-24-08 | 05:58 AM
#30
My idea of fun
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 9,920
Likes: 59
From: Gainesville, FL
Bikes: '06 Litespeed Tuscany, '02 Kona Lavadome, '07 Giant TCR Advanced, '07 Karate Monkey
I've got a litespeed tuscany and it's great as an all around, do everything, bike. My only real gripe is that the tuscany is a bit flexy in the bottom bracket, and my 180lbs of love can notice that in a sprint, so I ride CF when I'm racing (or spirited group rides).
If you're looking for an "all day" bike, there's plenty of ti bikes out there that will fit the bill quite nicely. And you could probably pick up something used for cheap.
If you're looking for an "all day" bike, there's plenty of ti bikes out there that will fit the bill quite nicely. And you could probably pick up something used for cheap.
06-24-08 | 07:17 AM
#33
Ho-Jahm
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,228
Likes: 0
From: Manchester, NH
Aluminum will dent, but not always sacrifice the integrity of the frame. However, cracks will continue to grow whether they're in carbon, Ti or Al. This is because the tips of the crack create very strong stress concentrations, which magnify whatever stress is applied past the materials strength.
