Litespeed Bikes For Sale
Shop new & used Litespeed Ultimate bikes and framesets at TPC - The Pro's Closet. Find reviews, specs, weight info, prices and size charts on various models and popular years. Read our Litespeed Ultimate Quick-Take Review below.
Bikes are meant
to be used.
Litespeed Bicycles mastered titanium early on, and their bikes are (you guessed it) light, fast, and strong. Bonus points? They’re one of few brands with deep roots in the American Southeast.
Litespeed Road Bikes
Litespeed road bikes are forever. Classic rides stand the test of time. The Tennessee ti’ titans mastered the metal before building bikes that got stickered up as Merckx, Peugeot, and more.
Lightspeed Mountain Bikes
Titanium is stronger than dirt, lighter than steel, doesn’t dent like aluminum, and doesn’t fracture like carbon. It’s a harsh milieu, but Lightspeed titanium thrives.
Lightspeed Gravel Bikes
It took a measured approach to build Litespeed gravel bikes. Combining deep road experience and titanium’s resiliency, Lightspeed gravel was born. Because unpaved roads are still roads.
2023 Litespeed Ultimate Disc Review - A TPC Rider's Quick Take
The Litespeed Ultimate road bike is a remarkable pro-level performance race bike, standing out with its handcrafted titanium frame. It inherits a prestigious legacy, introduced as Litespeed's premier 3AL-2.5V titanium race bike, known for its exceptional handling and stiffness. Over the years, the Ultimate has evolved, embodying the pinnacle of technological advancements in bicycle design. The Ultimate brims with heritage and pedigree in the 1980s with victories in the USPRO National Championships.
Pros
- Lightweight design: the Ultimate has a lightweight yet robust titanium frame. The 3AL/2.5V frame, along with a butted bottom bracket and head tube, contribute to an average weight of just 1,323 grams for a medium-sized frame.
- Aerodynamics and stiffness: featuring an Aeroform design with bladed seatstays, the bike offers both vertical compliance and aerodynamic benefits. The Litespeed-specific truncated airfoil downtube and quadrilaterally-formed top tube enhance stiffness and precision handling.
- Superior comfort and compliance: despite its stiffness, the Ultimate maintains comfort over long rides, a characteristic of the titanium material used. The thin, swept seatstays offer enhanced comfort and contribute to the bike's aerodynamics.
- Customization options: the bike offers a variety of custom paint upgrades and component options, allowing riders to personalize their bikes to their preferences.
- Durability: titanium's durability makes the Ultimate a lasting choice, retaining its new look with minimal maintenance.
Cons
- Price: high-quality materials and craftsmanship come at a higher cost, making the Ultimate a not-so-insignificant investment.
- Limited brand recognition: while Litespeed is known for its quality, it may not have the same brand prestige as other high-end titanium bike makers.
- Weight difference in models: there is a notable weight difference between the T1SL and the Ultimate models, with the T1SL being lighter. This might be a consideration for those who prioritize ultra-lightweight bikes.
- Paint durability concerns: for models with painted frames, there are concerns about the longevity of the paint finish, as it might be prone to chipping and flaking over time.
Bottom Line
The Litespeed Ultimate road bike is a technologically sophisticated high-performance race bike that balances light weight, aerodynamics, stiffness, and comfort. Its titanium construction ensures durability and a unique ride quality, suitable for professional racers and avid cycling enthusiasts. While the price tag is a little steep, the brand might lack the cachet of some other titanium frame manufacturers. The Ultimate is a testament to Litespeed's commitment to quality and innovation. For those seeking a top-tier, customizable road bike with a rich heritage, the Litespeed Ultimate remains an exceptional choice.
