Litespeed Prices...Explain
 

So I've started to consider going with one of the litespeed's, but that's not what I'm talking about. My question is, why is the re-sale value on these bikes so low. I've found several offers on craigslist and ebay (the buy now's) for these bikes, used...3k less than what they originally went for. For example, a litespeed classic w/ full DA and 2 sets of mavics for 1,200. If your lucky, you might be able to find a higher level cervelo used for 1-1.5k off. Since I dont re-sell my bikes, i honestly could give a **** about it...in fact, it only makes me happier because its that much cheaper to buy. I've even found used cannondale's and treks, to have a smaller depreciation. The only thing I can think of is the "carbon age?"

Ti frames are pretty durable, might be a good idea to purchase used if they are cheap in your area.

the bikes originally didn't sell for MSRP...

Correcto mundo. Ti frames are 3 years out of fashion. Carbon is the new black. LOL, if you like the ride of the bike, or are short of funds, they can be a great deal. Some of the Ti bikes ride like steel, but are lighter, and THEY DON RUST. enjoy

I ride an '04 Litespeed Sienna. It has carbon seat stays (which they moved away from . . . newer models are pure Ti), and it is a very well put together bike. Stiff enough for climbs, and dampens out the rough stuff pretty well. It is also very light. However, I don't know if Ti would be that great for a bigger rider. I am only 5'4", and for me, almost ANY frame is stiff. My guess is the larger frames might be a bit more flexible.

Your guess would be incorrect. I have an 06 57cm Tuscany, an 08 Icon in large and an 03 57cm Ultimate. All of these bikes are plenty stiff for me and I am 5'11" and 195 lbs. I am a sprinter type and any one of these frames is plenty stiff for the criteriums I usually ride. The Icon is one of the best frames I have ever ridden and I have ridden a lot of bikes since 1980.

This myth that ti is flexible is a holdover from the days when they built ti bikes with skinny round tubes to mimic steel bikes. The large diameter and swaged tubing used today can produce a frame as stiff as just about anyone would need. Few would say that today's aluminum bikes are flexy but if you ever saw a Vitus al frame from the early 80s you would know the definition of frame flex. The same could be said for the early carbon frames. Again, they tried to mimic the looks of steel bikes and used small diameter tubes. As you would expect, they lacked in the stiffness department.

Titanium is just not the "hot" frame material out there right now because it will weigh a bit more than a carbon or aluminum frame of similar size and stiffness. As much as I weigh, a pound or so of frame weight is not holding me back in the least. I appreciate ti for the steel like ride, ease of maintenance and durability. I'm OK with them being a little bit heavier. They are still four pounds lighter than my Eddy Merckx MX Leader built with Columbus MXL tubing and that is one of the sweetest riding bikes to ever grace the tarmac.

Buy ti.

1) Ti frames are no longer trendy. It's all about carbon now.

2) When you get that high end, the re-sale value goes way down because very few people are interested in spending $3000 on a USED bike. Most people with that kind of budget prefer new, even if it isn't as fancy as the used boutique stuff.

ALL bikes sell used for significantly less than they did new...ti or carbon or unobtainium...they depreciate quickly. Also, check out the components on the used bike...the goodies were probably swapped out for lower grade stuff...wheels, brakes, etc.

Finally, no one gets "sold" ti today...those who knowthe benefits of Ti seek it out and purchase a ti frame by choice. Carbon bikes are "sold" by the bushel at bike shops everywhere...they have a huge price range. Ti bikes are high end.

I ride an 08 Sienna...I consider it the Lexus of road bikes.

Hmmmm, I was just going to say the opposite. I'm shopping for a used Ti road frame that I can build up into something over the winter. My impression is that brand-name Ti frames (Litespeed, etc.) hold their value better than other types of frames (though they still depreciate a *lot*, as do all bikes).

I just built up an 04 Litespeed as my city bike. Put a 30degree stem on it, platform pedals, took off all decals on the frame and wheels. It's awesome.

Used prices are dictated by fashion, not function.

Do people seriously make bike purchase decisions based on "resale value"???? I didn't think such a concern existed....where's the Kelly Blue Book for cycling???

Actually I'm hoping Ti will make a comeback and my old Clark-Kent Ti frame will fund my retirement. :roflmao2:

My Ti bike will be in my will. I bought it to ride it forever. Fashion had nothing to do with it.
FWIW however, it is NOT as stiff as my carbon bike. It just isn't.

Most "used" bikes, of every brand, sell for big discounts on E-Bay and Craig's list. If someone is going to buy a bike from a stranger, they expect a big discount, for taking the risks of a hard-to-spot problem, or the risk that the bike is stolen.

And, try to trade-in last year's bike at a shop. Many shops refuse to take trade-ins. Other shops will give you 50% of list price for a bike that is six months old...every brand, every type of bike.

And, that's wonderful for those of us who like bargains. A 1988 bike with Reynolds 531 frame and fork, and all Shimano Ultegra drivetrain, brakes and wheels can be found for $200 in virtually "like new" condition, if you are willing to hunt long enough. You get a bike that rides like a $2,000 bike, for a 90% discount.

grouch of the forum or not......he's not wrong here.

I bought that Classic w/the two sets of wheels mentioned in the first post off Craig's... for what it is worth.

But the question is, how do you like it?

I think the real answer to your original question is .. how old is the bike?
If I'm not mistaken, the classic was made from the mid 90's to 2004.
fact is, I like mine and built it with the intention of keeping it for a while.
I was a little concerned about carbon and crashing when I decided on the ti. I got hit by a car on this bike, had no damage at all to the frame. I wonder if carbon would have faired as well.

Ti is, as the kids say, "the shizzle."

Because that's what people are willing to pay.

Or was this some kind of trick question?

Dude, I recently sold my Litespeed made Eddy Merckx old school 1 inch head set for $1,000 it was 10 years old...Ti is awsome but the cost to buy new is Nutz....Carbon just is so cheap..I did luv that bike and the newer stuff is sooooosweeeeet Just 3K for a bike that would cost ya 2K if carbon..Oh well

Custom-sized frame?

Have you ever seen the video from the rednecks over at Litespeed? These frames are built in Chattanooga, TN. I kid you not in the video instead of showing the strength of titanium with a proper strength testing device....they run over the tubing with a Dualie Pick-up truck. I'd have a hard time shelling out the kind of cash a litespeed costs to these guys. Besides if you are gonna get Ti you should go with Seven or Serotta.

here's the link to the video:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...62681682291899

It is amazing!
 

I have ridden a few bikes... everything except carbon fiber. My first state road race was in 1983. The fashion in cycling can outweigh the function? So about two decades ago I put a self imposed moratorium on bikes over $500. I broke it a while back but still am the retro guy in the hood. I did this years state on all steel with seven speed downtube. The only race I really care about is a killer KOM outlaw race. I justified getting this sweet litespeed, pampered w/few miles and a boat load of parts for a great price because of this race along with the "fashion of the day" CARBON (plastic)... Long live fashion (titanium is now affordable) .
More quickly... I got my litespeed (2002 Classic w/ 2005 decals) w/two sets... for $1000 and find this southern made bicycle frame outstanding.