Look forward to seeing that in a couple of days!
I'm wondering if the a-c on the forks is a little low maybe...?
I'm wondering if the a-c on the forks is a little low maybe...?
1992 Litespeed Mountain
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Barnefield
Retrobike Rider
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Very nice Litespeed buildup Jeroen! I really like it!
Thanks! I have to say I 'm pretty happy with this bike. Can't wait for the next retro ride to use it here in the Netherlands but I might take it our for the weekend here on the local trails. It's going to be a rider.
If anyone knows an original Litespeed ti fork with the same finish, please let me know. I know they are rare but I believe this should be fitted. Additionally, I'm after a true Record O.R. rear mech to further complete the other components and a real Litespeed Ti seatpost in 27.0 would be great. The current seatpost is a Syncros Ti which is not too bad though but I like to further build it up with Litespeed bling.
If anyone knows an original Litespeed ti fork with the same finish, please let me know. I know they are rare but I believe this should be fitted. Additionally, I'm after a true Record O.R. rear mech to further complete the other components and a real Litespeed Ti seatpost in 27.0 would be great. The current seatpost is a Syncros Ti which is not too bad though but I like to further build it up with Litespeed bling.
Re:
Not much to update from a build point of view, I think it's pretty much finished. I've used it a few times now, last time was at the Mountainbike museum x-mas retro ride.
This is one of those bikes on which you instantly feel comfortable. The titanium is not overly flexing, in fact I would compare the feel very similar to that of a high end steel frame, such as Tange Prestige Ultralight. Based on other reviews I was afraid that the rear end would show some flex, but this frame is remarkably stiff in the rear stays. In fact it's the front end where the flex is, the titanium Litespeed steerer and stem provide a lot of flex, but it's not annoying. I think it's also the combination with the lightweight Tange fork that makes the front end behave like this.
The Record O.R. gruppo is a bit of a difficult matter. It took me some time to get the gears properly set up, but after some miles I noted they are not yet perfect. Shifting feel is no nonsense, it works well but is not as smooth as Shimano. With an XT or XTR set, you only have to think about a gear change and then you're there, straight in the right gear. The Record O.R, especially under pressure, sometimes provides you with a misshift. Just a little bit more attention needed when the heat is on. I like the front shifter very much. Contrary to XT thumbies, they have some indexing, pre defined micro steps that makes small adjustments easier. The brakes are fantastic. They are great to set up and in terms of stopping power and modulation superior to any Shimano canti I know.
After a muddy ride:
Not much to update from a build point of view, I think it's pretty much finished. I've used it a few times now, last time was at the Mountainbike museum x-mas retro ride.
This is one of those bikes on which you instantly feel comfortable. The titanium is not overly flexing, in fact I would compare the feel very similar to that of a high end steel frame, such as Tange Prestige Ultralight. Based on other reviews I was afraid that the rear end would show some flex, but this frame is remarkably stiff in the rear stays. In fact it's the front end where the flex is, the titanium Litespeed steerer and stem provide a lot of flex, but it's not annoying. I think it's also the combination with the lightweight Tange fork that makes the front end behave like this.
The Record O.R. gruppo is a bit of a difficult matter. It took me some time to get the gears properly set up, but after some miles I noted they are not yet perfect. Shifting feel is no nonsense, it works well but is not as smooth as Shimano. With an XT or XTR set, you only have to think about a gear change and then you're there, straight in the right gear. The Record O.R, especially under pressure, sometimes provides you with a misshift. Just a little bit more attention needed when the heat is on. I like the front shifter very much. Contrary to XT thumbies, they have some indexing, pre defined micro steps that makes small adjustments easier. The brakes are fantastic. They are great to set up and in terms of stopping power and modulation superior to any Shimano canti I know.
After a muddy ride:
Finally I found an original Litespeed seatpost in the right size:
http://www.ebay.nl/itm/381736431163?_tr ... EBIDX%3AIT
This one was the first one for sale in more than a year, glad I got it. So the Syncros 2nd generation titanium can find a new home, slowly this bike is turning into an all Litespeed / all Campagnolo build.
http://www.ebay.nl/itm/381736431163?_tr ... EBIDX%3AIT
This one was the first one for sale in more than a year, glad I got it. So the Syncros 2nd generation titanium can find a new home, slowly this bike is turning into an all Litespeed / all Campagnolo build.
When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Re:
Latest update on one of my favourite rides: I finally found and fitted a proper Record O.R. rear mech (thanks Giom!), which was one of the last missing pieces. Not that I don't like the Icarus rear mech, but it had a small crack in it, as with many Campy rear mechs, so having it replaced with this one feels good and looks even better.
Now, the quest continues for a proper Litespeed titanium fork. None have been for sale in the last 500 days at least, are they really this rare? If anyone can point me towards someone who owns one and might consider parting with it, it's much appreciated..!
Latest update on one of my favourite rides: I finally found and fitted a proper Record O.R. rear mech (thanks Giom!), which was one of the last missing pieces. Not that I don't like the Icarus rear mech, but it had a small crack in it, as with many Campy rear mechs, so having it replaced with this one feels good and looks even better.
Now, the quest continues for a proper Litespeed titanium fork. None have been for sale in the last 500 days at least, are they really this rare? If anyone can point me towards someone who owns one and might consider parting with it, it's much appreciated..!
youngsspeed
Mountain Cycle Fan
Re:
Very nicely done.
Very nicely done.
