Litespeed Bicycles

Litespeed Athlete Bryce Walsh: Tour d'Afrique

2012-01-20T13:41:00.000-08:00

Bryce starts the Tour d'Afrique with his trusty Litespeed Cross frame heading the way.

Litespeed Fan Letter :)

2011-11-23T07:35:00.000-08:00

Instead of another blog about our bikes, our frames, or technology we wanted to take an opportunity to celebrate the biggest asset to Litespeed...YOU. We love our customers. We love biking. It really warms our hearts when we get letters like the one below. Thank you to everyone who supports Litespeed and shares our passion for our bikes. I want to thank Litespeed for building the best bike in the industry. I raced for years and have ridden countless miles averaging somewhere around 7500 miles a year. I've replaced my Dura Ace kits several times, but the frame is still in great condition. In my 10 years of racing and many more years of riding, my frame has never let me down.

Three years ago I was stricken with a condition called malignant hypertension. It’s like having high blood pressure on steroids. It led to kidney issues and just a few months ago a heart attack. After having the blockage repaired and some rest and recovery I am now 3 weeks into my cardiac rehab on my trusty Litespeed Ultimate. Your bike kept me on the road for all those years and my cardiologist believes my previous fitness level is the reason I’m still alive.

My machine is not the weekend warrior machine of the past. It is now the cardiac rehabilitation machine. Thank you for putting out a product that can take the abuse of miles of hard road riding and now give me the ability to recover for my family. God bless and thank you.

Fred

Sylacauga, Alabama

Pain Junkies: RAW (Race Across the WEST)

2011-11-23T06:12:00.000-08:00

Don Oliveria and his biking partner, David Huckobey, are planning on racing the RAW (Race Across the WEST) next summer. Start time is June 13, 2012.

RAW is one of the most challenging bicycle races in the United States. Unlike other well-known road races, like the Tour de France, RAW is not a stage race. RAW is a single stage. Once the clock starts in Oceanside, California it doesn't stop until the racer reaches the finish line in Durango, Colorado. RAW is the second longest endurance cycling race in the United States. The race is essentially a time trial - a race against the clock, sometimes referred to as the race of truth. The route is about 860 miles, passing through 4 states and climbing over 40,000 feet.

Don and David are raising money for the Wounded Warriors Semper Fi Fund. They are both active Marines. Don is training overseas on a Quintana Roo CD0.1 and a Litespeed C3.

"Our goal is $10,000! Very ambitious we know, but through the power of networking and mass communication we hope to achieve our goal for our Wounded Warriors through the Semper Fi Fund. The Fund www.semperfifund.org is a non profit organization that helps America's true heroes recovering from catastrophic injury. 100% of the donations go to help injured Marines.
We respectfully request two simple things:

First, you pledge to donate to the Semper Fi Fund!The easiest way to contribute is to go to our campaign page and donate securely online.

Second, you pledge to tell five people about our fundraising campaign and ask them to do the same.Via Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Blogger, etc.

Team Semper Fi (TSF) was established in 2006 by the Semper Fi Fund as an extension of the assistance that the Fund provides to those who are injured in combat and training. The idea for Team Semper Fi was inspired by those wounded Marines and Sailors who refused to let their challenges prevent them from competing in athletic events, and whose drive and determination was inspirational to us all"

Cohutta 29er is Across the Pond!

2011-11-22T08:12:00.000-08:00

First Look – Litespeed Cohutta 29er

Posted by Albert Steward | Thu 17th November

With the wagon-wheeled world of 29ers looking set to take the UK mtb market by force in 2012 you’re likely to see most manufacturers frantically trying to jump on the bandwagon. North America has pretty much accepted the advantages the larger wheel size straight from the inception and with sales of 29er bikes now far outweighing those of conventional 26” wheeled bikes in the States the ‘switch’ looks to have been firmly made and set. Without doubt 29ers are here to stay and 2012 looks to be the breakthrough year for them here in the UK.

Tennessee based Titanium pioneers, Litespeed aren’t new the world of 29ers, and were in fact pioneers and early adopters of the new standard, having released the much acclaimed Obed hardtail in a 29er version way back in 2007. It was time when 29er’s were still very much considered a niche, flash-in-the-pan fad, let alone a 29er made from Titanium!

With knowledge and understanding of 29” wheel applications having moved on significantly since those early days Litespeed deemed it necessary to go back to the drawing board…

Litespeed are proud to present the brand new 2012 Cohutta 29er frameset. A highly adaptable and versatile 29er platform that’ll happily tackle both trail and XC race duties depending on the spec and flavour of the build.

Litespeed Titanium models are always given a Native American name as a nod to the heritage of the area in which they’re based (Chatanooga, Tennessee). The Cohutta, rather fittingly, shares its name with a grueling 100-mile endurance mtb race (http://www.newleafadventures.com/Cohutta.html/) and also a picturesque forest that spans nearby Georgia and Tennessee.

Stars’n’stripes – Litespeed Titanium frames always have and always will be handcrafted in their factory in Chatanooga, Tennessee.

The usual immaculate welds and attention to detail we’ve come to love and expect from Litespeed are ever present on the Cohutta.

The Pressfit 30 BB allows for either oversize 30mm crankarm axles, standard 24mm diameter (via the used of aftermarket adaptors) or even an aftermarket eccentric BB (to fit the 46mm ID) for single speed duties. The Press Fit 30 system is similar to the concept that Shimano is using – a nylon sleeve/cup holds the bearings and thus does away with the fiddly snap rings of the BB30 system. It gives you a nice big BB shell area for which to attach larger chainstays, downtube and seattube, no counter miters and lastly does not require a tolerance that is +/- .001" as the bearings don’t sit directly in the BB shell of the frame. Neat!

The heatube on the Cohutta is oversize too, but like the BB it’s not for looks and the reasons for speccing it are 100% functional. The headtube measures 1.5"/49mm ID which ultimately makes the Cohutta one extremely versatile bike (suitable for either 80/100/120mm forks); allowing for fine tuning of the headtube angle (if used with the recommended Cane Creek AngleSet ZS49/EC49), accommodation any steerer tube standard (1.5", traditional 1 1/8" or 1.5" - 1 1/8" tapered) and adjustment of stack height (whether you choose to run an internal/external bearings/headset cups).

In addition to increasing torsional stiffness of the entire front triangle, the 49mm ID headtube allows for total freedom with reagrds to headset and fork selection. The above chart should help with selection and setup for the intended use.

Such are demands on a 29er frameset so different from that of the smaller wheeled 26” cousin, the Litespeed engineers have pulled out all the stops and specced exclusive, specially selected and sized 29er-specific tubing for the Cohutta (TT, DT & HT) milled by Litespeed in Tennessee to give optimum ride and performance characteristics.

The mech hange is a non-replaceable but judging by the thickness of the dropouts we don’t think it’s going to be an issue!

With x4 sizes available there should be a Cohutta for everyone – big or small (above geometry chart based on sagged bike w/ 100mm fork).

Headtube Size: 1.5” internally butted (49.6mm internal diameter)
Seatpost Size: 31.6mm
Seatclamp Size: 34.9mm
Dropout: standard 9mm QR (non-replaceable mech hanger)
Front Derailleur Clamp: 34.9mm (top routed)
BB Size: Pressfit 30 (PF30) 73mm x 46mm internal diameter
Suitable Fork Size: 80mm / 100mm / 120mm

Frame Weights:
S – 2018 gr / 4.4 lbs
M – 2088 / 4.6lbs
L – 2160 / 4.7lbs
XL – 2182 / 4.8lbs

We’ll be building up a demo bike as soon as we’ve rounded up all the parts so keep your eyes peeled for reviews from the usual suspects over the coming months! To view/buy the Cohutta on the Evans website please click here.

For more images and details please visit the Litespeed website here.

The Cohutta is Under Review...

2011-10-20T09:57:00.000-07:00

Interbike 2011: 29ers Worth Riding

Written by Brian O'Connor on 21 September 2011

With so many manufacturers offering 29er hardtail mountain bikes, it can be difficult to pick one that is right for you. Just as demo days that many companies host around the country for the public, the Interbike OutDoor Demo, that occurs each year before the Interbike tradeshow, allows individuals involved in the bike industry to test the newest and latest rides on the market. Not all manufactures are present, but most of the major players are there alongside the little guys offering a fleet of bikes to ride on the trails of Bootleg Canyon outside of Boulder City, Nevada. Having had a chance to test numerous bikes, 29er hardtails were this writer’s choice to put trough the loops of loose, dry and rocky trails of Bootleg Canyon. Before you lay down your hard earned cash on a hardtail 29er, give any of these bikes a spin.

Favorite Aluminum 29er HT: BMC Team Elite 29 XO (TE29)
Why: This bike rolled smooth and fast through the trails, yet the aluminum frame did not provide a harsh ride that is commonly found on other bikes made of the same material. The geometry, along with the relatively light weight of the bike, produced a ride that seem to glide over the small jumps through the rocks with ease. This quick geometry did not produce a bike that was unstable on the descents – not once on any of the short, steep drops did the TE29 feel unstable.

Product highlights: Triple butted frame with tapered head tube, some Sram XO parts and Fox F29 fork
MSRP: approx. $3600

Favorite Carbon Fiber 29er HT: Felt Nine Series (carbon)
Why: Just as the BMC had their geometry dialed, so does Felt with their carbon fiber 29er frames. Most modern carbon fiber frames look similar with the smooth lines and light weight, but just as the old saying goes with regards to a book and its cover, the same can be said with regards to carbon fiber. Having ridden a few other carbon fiber bikes earlier in the day and not being impressed, the same was to be expected from the Felt Nine, but that was not the case. After the first few turns in the trail, it was obvious that this bike was different. The bike felt lively and very accurate in the turns, but was not too flexible, just soft enough to absorb some of the bumps on the trail. Just as was true with the BMC, the geometry of the Felt was not so steep and quick to make it feel unstable on the short, steep descents.

Product highlights: Carbon fiber, lightness teamed with quick geometry
MSRP: $2399 (frame); $2799-$5999 (complete)

Favorite Titanium 29er HT: Litespeed Cohutta
Why: Litespeed has designed the 2012 Cohutta around a 29er specific tube set which features a BB30 bottom bracket, 49mm head tube, oversized tubes and a curved down tube to clear the adjusting knobs on suspension forks. The frame has been designed to be more compact to help minimize the flex that can often occur with titanium. With some materials might translate to a harsher ride – this is not the case with the Cohutta. This bike is nimble through the turns, yet does not feel like a noodle when the pedals are hammered. The quick descents were not an issue with the geometry and the steep climbs were no match for the Cohutta as no noticeable power was lost from the pedals to the wheels. If the Cohutta did feel to quick or sluggish, the 49mm headtube allows the fork angle to be adjusted to customize to ride to your liking.

Product highlights: BB30 and angle adjustable 49mm headtube
MSRP: tbd, but is being sold as ‘frame only’

Best of the Bunch: The 2012 Litespeed Cohutta
Why: Of all of the hardtail 29ers that I have thrown a leg over, which includes a list much longer that this, the Litespeed got it right with the 2012 Cohutta. The tube set being 29er specific is truly dialed and make a frame that is a treat to ride – I was a bit sad to have to turn the bike back over to Litespeed.

Spin for Kids 2011

2011-10-11T11:13:00.000-07:00

Team Litespeed members are raising money for a wonderful cause this month. On October 23rd the 6th annual Spin for Kids will be held at Camp Twin Lakes- Rutledge, located 50 miles east of Atlanta.

Camp Twin Lakes is a network of camps providing life-changing camp experiences to thousands of children with serious illnesses, disabilities and life challenges. They collaborate with over 50 different non-profit community partner organizations to create customized programs that teach the campers to overcome obstacles and grow in their confidence and capabilities.

The routes will take riders through rural Northeast Georgia and the historic towns of Madison and Rutledge. Five courses will allow riders of various skill levels, from the occasional rider to the experienced cyclist, to participate in this exciting event. This year, we will feature 5, 27, 47, 62, and 100-mile rides. All routes are fully supported with premium rest stops, SAG wagons, and motorcycle escorts.

If you would like to donate to this worthy cause, please click here: http://bit.ly/oReO5v

More information can be found at: http://www.spinforkids.org/

Pro Triathlete Charisa Wernick's Archon C3

2011-08-04T06:49:00.001-07:00

Litespeed FUN!

Because one can never have too many bicycles, I somehow managed to acquire another new toy...

My new Litespeed Archon C3 - ready to roll...

And since early-morning-self-portraits-while-riding are fun, I figured I would share them.

Profile Design makes some really awesome drop bars.

The bike climbs well.

And takes me to places like this...

Enjoy the ride!

Litespeed C1R in 3D Series: Field Notes with Bryce Walsh

2011-07-28T07:44:00.000-07:00

One Man, One Bike

Ultracyclist Bryce Walsh recently went from training and racing with two bikes—an Independent Fabrication XS and a Cervelo P3C—based on the terrain and type of race to exclusively using a new Litespeed Archon C1R. The transition has made him quite content so far. “Litespeed has been so good for this season,” Bryce says. “The Litespeed gives me aerodynamics, but I don’t feel like I’m bouncing around and getting beat up as bad. I’m getting the best of both worlds.”

While training and endurance racing on the Race Across AMerica (RAAM) circuit, Bryce racked up more than 70,000 miles on his IF—more miles than many people ever put on their cars. Before he began, he knew his neck muscles would log all of those miles, as well.

The IF allowed him to not only get the perfect fit, but to also gain a more upright riding position that would place less stress on his neck. “I figured if I’m going to spend that much time on a bike training and racing,” Bryce says, “it better be a healthy bike.”

Ultimately, Bryce said he was trying to avoid the dreaded “Shermer’s Neck.” The condition occurs when a cyclist’s neck muscles give out anywhere from 300 to 1,000 miles into a race, and he or she must use a crude device to hold it up. The painful ailment is named for Michael Shermer, an Ultra Cycling Hall of Famer who succumbed to the agony during the first Race Across AMerica in 1982.

Michael co-created the race—first called The Great American Bike Race—and unwittingly had the medical condition named after him when his neck gave out 500 miles from the finish. “I’ve seen guys use everything from PVC piping to duct tape to hold their necks up,” says Bryce. (For our viewing pleasure or viewing pain, rather, Bryce provided this picture of racer Alberto Blanco in this year’s RAAM with a case of Shermer’s Neck http://twitpic.com/5en87s.)

Bryce bought his Cervelo P3C specifically for the Ed Rudolph Velodrome in which he was attempting to set the 1000K Outdoor Unpaced Track Record with the UltraMarathon Cycling Association (UMAC). He set the record at 33:01:03:99 in August 2008. “I bought the bike so I could be as aerodynamic as possible,” he says. He then ended up using the bike for additional 24-hour races that were flat, but he says he was definitely less comfortable than when he was on the IF.

The Litespeed Archon C1R, however, offers the right combo of comfort and aerodynamics thanks to the bike’s unique AeroLogic technology. AeroLogic is Litespeed’s incorporation of aerodynamic elements into frame design without the penalty of excess weight. We’ll talk more about the C1R’s AeroLogic aspects in an upcoming installment of Bryce’s C1R in 3D Field Notes with a bonus interview from Litespeed’s Brad DeVaney.

We’ll also discuss with Bryce what components he has on his Litespeed Archon C1R and why and catch up with him on a training ride in Wisconsin, where he’s been working on his climbing in preparation for Race Across Oregon, which takes place in late July. “This summer I’ll really be putting the Litespeed to the test,” Bryce says. Bryce also recently qualified for the Paris-Brest-Paris, in August. Congratulations, Bryce!

Check back often for Bryce’s C1R in 3D Field Notes. We’ll be posting videos from his Oregon and P-B-P race, as well as his training adventures. Plus, we’ll include more info on bike design, comfort, performance, nutrition and more. Pedal on! Learn more at Litespeed.com

Cycling Weekly Features the 2011 Archon C1R

2011-05-20T08:56:00.000-07:00

The UK's Cycling Weekly featured the 2011 Litespeed Archon C1R in their May 19th issue. As the flagship model in Litespeed's Archon C-series, Cycling News praised the C1R for its improvements over the 2010 Archon C1 and its real world aerodynamic workings which are wind tunnel-proven.

Not the first time the Archon C1R has turned heads at Cycling Weekly, click here to see more photos.

UK cyclists should head to Evans Cycles to see the 2011 Archon C1R for themselves. In the US and everywhere else, find your local Litespeed dealer here.

Litespeed C1R in 3D Series: Field Notes with Bryce Walsh

2011-05-18T11:26:00.000-07:00

Ultra cyclist Bryce Walsh just won the Calvin’s Challenge, a 12-hour race held each spring in Springfield, Ohio. Bryce—who is also a coach for Vision Quest in Chicago—trains and races exclusively on the new Litespeed Archon C1R. We caught up with Bryce after his win to see how the bike performed on the reportedly windy ride.

Litespeed: While the Calvin’s Challenge certainly isn’t the longest race you’ve completed, it’s been somewhat of a challenge for you. What has been the issue in previous years and what led you to victory this spring?

Bryce: I always do terrible at this race so that made it tense. In previous years I’ve either gotten a flat right away or have stopped to take a bathroom break at the wrong time. Also, the race is fairly flat; there are barely any climbs and that tends to favor the bigger guys who can just kind of power through it. But the C1R was great. I averaged about 21 mph for 12 hours in really harsh wind.

Litespeed: You’ve recently converted from two bikes—an Independent Fabrication built for comfort and a Cervelo P2 used for time trials and flat races—to using just one, the Litespeed C1R. How has your training and racing changed now that you exclusively use the C1R?

Bryce: This thing [the C1R] has been really comfortable, but it is also just as aero [as the Cervelo]. It feels like I’m not getting beat up as bad as I did on the Cervelo. I am pretty excited about my experience with the C1R so far and [as well as] at the Calvin’s Challenge and am looking forward to checking out how it will work on future flat races.

Litespeed: Bryce, you seem to have gotten into ultra cycling almost by accident. What’s the pull for you?

Bryce: I did start the whole thing backwards. I used to be a tourist. I’d pack up my bike, visit a country and ride across it. Then a friend mentioned brevets. From there I started getting a little faster, and I learned there were all of these really long races. I’ve always been an endurance athlete. Even as a runner, I’ve always preferred the longest race I could find. At the end of each year, I set a goal and if I hit that goal it triggers another thing that I’ll let myself do. It’s taken me all over the world!

Litespeed: So what has been your favorite race and destination so far?

Bryce: The Race Across Switzerland took me across something like 12 of the highest passes in Austria, Switzerland and Italy. That was really cool.

Litespeed: Where are you heading this year?

Bryce: I’ve got a 24-hour race in Michigan in June. And my goal race this year is the Race Across Oregon, which is about 530 miles. Then it’s the PBP [Paris-Brest-Paris], which is 750 miles, and the LOTOJA in Wyoming at about 207 miles, which in reality is a short race for me.

Litespeed: So this all begs the question: What are your goals for next year?

Bryce: I’d like to do the Tour d’Afrique. It begins in Cairo and ends in Cape Town and it’s spread out over four months. Then when I get back I’d have less than a month before the Ride the Divide [The Great Divide Mountain Bike Race]. The record is 17 days and 23 hours, but I have no idea how long it will take me. That will be a new adventure for me. I’ll have to carry everything I need. Nobody is going to be there to hand me a water bottle. I’ve also got the ultimate goal to go back to RAM [Race Across America], but I am not going to do it until I can do 500 miles in 24 hours. I’m inching my way up. My best one so far is 479.

Litespeed: Well Bryce, we’re confident your determination and hard work will get you there, and we’re all excited to watch you attack these races this season and the exciting ones on your docket for 2012. Thanks for taking time out of your training schedule to catch up with us.

Bryce: You’re welcome. I’ll keep you posted as to how things are going by sending frequent Field Note reports. It’s going to be a wild summer, but I’m excited to really see what the C1R can do!

Check back often for Bryce’s C1R in 3D Field Notes from his races around the country and across the globe. We’ll also be posting additional items for the C1R in 3D Series w/Bryce Walsh including video interviews with Bryce on training, bike design, race destinations, performance, comfort, nutrition, and the C1R’s unparalleled Aerologic technology. Happy riding! Learn more at Litespeed.com.

Trisports University Features the Litespeed Archon C3

2011-05-09T07:44:00.000-07:00

Trisports University is a new, educational, editorial effort by Trisports.com to inform athletes about the products available in the marketplace. One of the first bikes reviewed is the 2010 Litespeed Archon C3. Readers will enjoy a finely dissected look at each feature of the Archon C3 frame, commentary on the rest of the Archon C-series (C1 and C2), and an education on carbon fiber.

Be sure to check out the full article titled The Old Dog’s New Trick by Tom Demerly at:
http://university.tri-sports.com/2010/07/20/the-old-dog%E2%80%99s-new-trick/

Enjoy the excerpt from the review below about the Archon C3 features, from tapered steerer front for stiffness to the cobble-comfort, ride-tuned rear. It is apparent that no detail was overlooked in the crafting of this bike. From The Old Dog’s New Trick:

The rear triangle on the Litespeed Archon C contributes significantly to the racy performance under acceleration and pave’-taming ride quality. The unique asymmetrical chainstays on the Archon C’s improve sprint and acceleration by moving material to the areas that need it most during a sprint or attack. The right (drive side) chainstay is significantly deeper at 51mm deep where it leaves the bottom bracket. On the rider’s left (non-drive side) the chainstay is only 36mm deep, providing lighter weight and less material where it is not needed. It also provides compliant ride quality. It’s a difference you can feel and, combined with a unique fork design, makes for a platform that is particularly responsive to hard pedal input. This is an attacker’s bike with adequate comfort to stay with the breakaway.

For more information about the Archon C3, please visit the Litespeed website at www.litespeed.com.

Litespeed-BMW on the Podium-Roswell Recap, 2/3 Race

2011-05-04T11:57:00.000-07:00

Enjoy the race report from the Historic Roswell Criterium category 2/3 race. Loaded with racers and super-competitive, congratulations to Litespeed-BMW racer Benjy Coil for earning third place.

125 riders stood on the start line of a fasts, tight cornered course, and this being one of the largest races in the southeast, as well as one of the USA Crits Superweek races, it all seemed to add up to some palpable pre-race jitters.

Since the race is on the national calendar, there were many guys up from Florida, who are always notoriously strong in the Spring, yet not as accustomed to the rolling hills as we are, as well as everyone and anyone from all over the Southeast. Point being, the field was packed and ready.

From our team, Nick, Calvin and Benjy started the race. Most of the other guys opted to enter the Pro/1 race later in the evening. The 2/3 event, as always, was fast right from the start. Throughout the race there were small groups of 2 or 3 that kept shooting up the road only to be quickly caught. The most active were clearly the 3 Hincapie Development riders who constantly attacked and were always in the each of the good moves. Benjy was able to ride steady near the front of the pack, but really was not feeling very strong, kind of an off day. Also, there were numerous crashes and sketchy moments. With around 8 laps to go, three riders were looking smooth together and getting further up the road. No one in the front really wanted to give a big effort to chase. Benjy felt as if he only had one all out effort in the tank, thus he chose to wait for the field sprint. Maybe the group of 3 would be caught by then?

As the gap slowly came to a close, on the final lap, we caught a rider who had just been dropped from the break. Benjy came into the final turn, a bit too forward in second position, and could see the two riders ahead. Inexplicably, the guy ahead of in first position started to soft pedal and swivel his head around (that’s called “blowing up”)! At this point, Benjy’s hand had been dealt. He had to go around then and was able to hold a long sprint to take the field sprint for 3rd place. One on the Hincapie kids won finishing 5 seconds ahead of the field.

On the podium and takes the field sprint. Great work Benjy and great support from the guys!

Litespeed-BMW Cycling Recap: Perry/Union Cty/Brooks – Benjy Gets Ornery

2011-04-29T10:01:00.000-07:00

With big-time racing on the calendar this weekend (Athens Twilight and Roswell Criterium), here is an update on some of the racing from Litespeed-BMW Cycling earlier in the season.

From the Litespeed-BMW blog:

Whoa, has Benjy been going after it out there. The guy has obviously been too busy racing to get any updates out, so let’s knock all of these out at once. We’ve got a whole bunch of races in here, with a whole bunch of our guys…and a whole bunch of great results! Read on!

Perry Circuit race

The line up at the Pro 1,2 race was Benjy, Hank, Wes, Matt and Artur. Artur had done well earlier in the morning time trial and had committed himself to race for a strong overa ll finish in the omnium overall classification. There was representation in the field from Team Type 1, Locos Deli Iron Data and a large group of the region’s strong teams. The race played out with steady attacks off the front, all of which were quickly caught. Artur, Wes and Matt were busy at the front attacking and chasing moves while Hank and Benjy cruised in the field. With about 5 laps to go Matt flies off the front and was out on his own for about 3 laps. About the time Matt is caught by the group, everyone was trying to get position at the front. Benjy was being led toward the front by a hard effort from Hank. With Hank’s help, Benjy hit the final corner in good position and sprinted to a third place podium finish with Artur just back in 10th place.

Perry “Roubaix” Road Race

Benjy and Artur against about the same crew from the previous day’s circuit race. The Perry Robaix is really fun due to the good roads and a long section of dirt road at the latter part of the race loop. The race began with a group of six rolling slyly away before anybody was really paying attention. Turns out that the escape group contained guys from many of the strongest teams in the race…oops. Before long the group was almost five minutes ahead of the peleton. Since Artur was trying to place well in the omnium and he was racing for better than a seventh place finish, we decided the best thing to do was to work together with the other guys who wanted to chase down and catch the break. At this point I was racing for Artur and slowly cooked myself in the chase effort for a couple of loops while Artur was able to conserve energy for later in the race. Hard attacks eventually took a toll and and riders were shed off the back…including me. Artur was able to respond and remained in the group that eventually caught the six man break and then attacked each other for the rest of the race. Artur, alone now amongst the likes of Team Type 1, Locos, Iron Data, and several other strong teams, had to respond to many strong attacks. Artur escaped up the road for a while and was eventually caught. Artur battled to the end with the strong men of the race and ended up with 5th overall for the omniuim. Well done!

Union City Circuit Race

Another good day of racing with most everyone on the team lining up. We were all happy to see Oneil Samuels racing with us, fresh in from Jamaica. Tim Henry quickly established himself as one of the more aggressive riders in the race. Everyone else joined the game eventually. Attacking was constant during the race but nothing ever really stuck and it was looking like a field sprint for the line. Hank put forth a huge effort to try and get away with a small group with five laps to go, but was ultimately reeled in. With two laps to go we fought for position up front with Tim keeping us all together. Just before the last turn of the final lap Benjy sneaks into a good forward position and was able to sprint for a 7th place finish.

Brooks Road Race

Chris Chotas and Benjy Coil raced the 4 lap, 68 mile road race on a fantastic cool sunny spring morning. The Brooks course is a scenic loop through long flats and gentle hills. There were lots of strong riders in the race, most of whom had several team mates. The first lap was a typical display of constant attacking. I was able to get into a 4 man break for most of the second lap. If the three of us were as strong as the young BMC development rider in our escape group we would have been gone for the day, but we were caught. After catching us the counterattacks began and led to another break of four riders. This time Chris Chotas was up the road and I sat back to recover a bit. Chris and most of his escapees worked together like stallions for about 35 miles. The peleton caught Chris’ group with about 10 miles to go in the race. Attacks began again and I gambled and rode away from the front with one other rider. Somewhat predictably, we were caught and I had spent most of the little energy I had left. I ended up 9th place in the field sprint and Chris cruised in with the group after a strong display of strength. Better luck next time!

Litespeed-BMW Readies for 2011 Speed Week

2011-04-27T08:34:00.000-07:00

Hold your breath...2011 Speed Week is here. Part of the USA Crits Series, Speed Week starts on Saturday with Athens Twilight and continues with seven days of big-time racing in the Southeast. Litespeed-BMW Cycling team is ready and will have a big presence in both Athens Twilight and Sunday's Roswell Criterium.

The Terrapin Twilight criterium, better known as Athens Twilight, kicks off Speed Week. While this festive weekend is known for its music, food, and fun, there will be plenty of action on the crit course. Another nightime crit like Sunny King, look for Litespeed-BMW member Oneil Samuels to rip in the premier Pro,1 race.

The race action stays hot as the riders head to Historic Roswell for a day of crit racing. Litespeed-BMW will be lining up in several of the races including the Category 2/3 and the premier Pro/1.

Good luck, Team!

For an idea of the breath-taking speeds and technical nature of Saturday's course in Athens, check out this video from last year's race.

Racing Heats Up for Litespeed-BMW Cycling Team

2011-04-15T06:20:00.000-07:00

The 2011 road racing season is in full-swing. The Litespeed-BMW Cycling Team already has some solid wins and strong finishes on the team resume. In mid March, the team raced at the 13th edition of the Rouge Roubaix (sponsored by Litespeed dealer, Precision Bikes) and in early April, a regional race in Rome, GA.

Team member Tim Henry finished lucky 13th at Rouge Roubaix in a stacked field that included such notables as Cesar Grajales and Michael Olheiser. In what can only be described as "epic", the race is 105 miles (for all classes of racers!) that includes slow, dirt sections and steep, gravel climbs. With the winner finishing in over 4 hours and 30 minutes, you can bet there was some real suffering out there.

You can read the race report here, but for a taste of the fun, check out the excerpt from Tim below...

...The first dirt section was 8 miles long and relatively flat. No big deal until we come around a curve and there is a lumber truck parked across the road, leaving only one lane for riders to pass. This broke the field up quickly and I had to chase hard to get back to the front group of 15. I think I was the last to make it on at this point. Our tempo increased as the strong riders realized the gap we had and our group rolled along at a good pace through that first section. After we got back onto pavement, our group really slowed down. Realizing I only had 5 hours of food with me, I decided to attack to get things going again...

Wow.

April found things a lot more traditional in Rome with criterium and road races-no gravel to be seen. At the crit, Litespeed-BMW teammates Colby Millen and Chris Brown lined up in both the Masters and Pro,1,2 races for some extra race action. They walked away with one win in the bag and a top five finish. At Sunday's road race, new teammate Artur Sagat joined the guys in the Pro,1,2 road race, and the team earned a top ten finish amongst a strong field.

Action from the Masters crit on Saturday...

...The group never really got organized so Brown just kept rolling and eventually lapped the field. Once back in the field Brown tried to help set up Colby for the finish. Colby was very attentive and aggressive and took a solo flyer on the 2nd to last lap only to get caught with about 3/4 lap to go and was a bit cooked for the sprint. Brown wins and Colby pulls 6th, solid results for both guys....

Nice work, guys. For a full report on the weekend and other team items, please check out the Litespeed-BMW Cycling Team website.

Litespeed-BMW Cycling Team Heads to Sunny King Crit

2011-04-08T05:27:00.000-07:00

Litespeed-BMW Cycling team heads to Anniston, AL on Saturday, 4/9 for the 2011 Sunny King Criterium. Team riders will be duking it out in the Category 2/3 race and the main event, the NRC Pro/1 night-time race.

VeloNews.com will be streaming the full day of racing live, along with the race website at www.sunnykingcriterium.com. The headliner Pro/1 race starts at 7:30 pm CST.

Five TV cameras around the race course will catch full course racing action, including slow motion replays of finishing sprints and any mishaps on the course.

Check out the video from 2010 Sunny King below to whet your racing appetite.

Taste of the race from 2010...

Litespeed-BMW Cycling Team-Roster and 2011 Schedule Update

2011-03-23T08:39:00.000-07:00

The Litespeed-BMW Cycling Team is ready for a strong showing in 2011. With racing already underway and addition of 6-time Jamaican national champion Oneil Samuels, look for the team to top a podium near you.

Please enjoy the excerpt from the Team's blog:

We have a bit of exciting news to share with all. We have come in to the 2011 racing year with one of our best rosters to date, and it just got even better! The hugely talented rider, Oneil Samuels from Port Antonio, Jamaica, may be a name you’ve seen on the top of many leaderboard in recent years, as he’s won just about everything that can be won in the area. After several years of racing around the Southeast, Oneil and the LITESPEED-BMW team saw the obvious fit and have now come together.

Oneil is the current (and six time) Jamaican National Champion, a member of the Jamaican National Team, and has participated in world renowned events such as the Track World Cup, the Commonwealth Games, the Pan-American Championships, and the Central American and Caribbean Games. Oneil won a gold medal in the Central American and Caribbean Games in Colombia in 2006, and his national titles come in the disciplines of the road race, time trial, criterium, and track. He also has many wins on US soil to his credit. We look forward to a great season with Oneil on board. Welcome aboard!

Additionally, we have posted the 2011 team schedule. Please note that this is a tentative schedule, and dates may be added or deleted as the season progresses.

Thanks, Guys. Good luck at the races!

ITU Athlete Sean Jefferson Prepares for Clermont ITU Sprint

2011-03-03T07:08:00.000-08:00

Litespeed athlete and ITU specialist Sean Jefferson prepares for his first race of the season, the Clermont ITU Sprint Triathlon in Clermont, FL this weekend. Sean will be racing the 2011 Litespeed C1 Dura Ace. The aero road design of the C1 will undoubtedly provide an advantage to Sean, making him faster and more efficient during the race.

New for 2011, the Clermont ITU Sprint Triathlon is draft-legal and composed of 750 meter swim, 20km bike, and 5km run.

Just named USA Triathlon Rookie of Year for 2010, Sean, a 6-time NCAA All-American runner, obviously has impressive run speed. He will need it this weekend since a stacked field of domestic and international athletes are expected.

Coming off a super season in 2010 which culminated in USAT Rookie of the Year honors, Sean has high expectations for 2011 including events on the world-class level.

Good luck at Clermont, Sean!

About Bicycles' Owner Kent Lofton Races C1R at GA Cup

2011-03-02T06:50:00.000-08:00

About Bicycles' owner and Category 1 racer Kent Lofton (pictured in white) had a strong showing in the Georgia Cup kick-off weekend in Savannah last weekend. Racing the 2011 Litespeed Archon C1R, he placed 4th in the criterium and 7th in the circuit race in the Pro, 1, 2 class. He finished 6th overall in the omnium.

Kent Gets Some Help From Litespeed "teammate" Alex Spook

Pre-race Preparations...Digging the Others' Litespeed...

Nice start to the 2011 race season, Kent!

If you want to ride as fast as Kent, be sure to check out the Litespeed Carbon Road Show when it heads to About Bicycles in Jacksonville, Florida on March 10th.

Litespeed Xicon Praised in Bicycling Magazine

2011-02-25T11:54:00.000-08:00

The March 2011 issue of Bicycling Magazine reviews the Xicon. Though current bike buyers seem to be "carbon crazy", the writer of the article acknowledges what a great offering the Xicon is. She notes that even as an introductory ti model, the Xicon "makes a case for the metal, even when compared with its carbon contemporaries." And regarding the overall capabilities of the Xicon, she states that "if you're looking for a stable, reliable ride that's fun not only for short, fast outings but also on longer, limit-testing epics, the Xicon in an investment that will truly pay off." A great carbon alternative with no sacrifices, check out the Litespeed Xicon."

Well said, Bicycling! Check out the full article below.

Check out this Xicon!

2011-02-09T09:03:00.000-08:00

Swiss distributor, Swiss Bicycle Trade, built up this Litespeed Xicon with eye-catching, Trigon parts. This ride weighs in at a little over 14 lbs (6.7 kg) with pedals.

Thanks for sending the photos!

Cycling Weekly Showcases Litespeed Archon C1R

2011-02-02T05:26:00.000-08:00

Cycling Weekly out of the UK (February 3, 2011 edition) introduces the 2011 Litespeed Archon C1R. Weight-saving techniques like the matte paint scheme, reactive pressure molding construction process, and integrated seat mast are all incorporated, but not at the expense of stiffness and ride-quality. Visit your local Litespeed dealer and see for yourself!

2011 Litespeed C1R Named Editors' Pick

2011-01-07T14:06:00.000-08:00

Litespeed's flagship road bike model, the 2011 Archon C1R, was named the Editors' Pick for the aero road category in the 2011 Velo News Buyer's Guide. There is a lot to love in this frameset including a stealth, matte paint job, integrated seat mast, new XL size, and loss of 100 grams over the 2010 Archon C1. Never mind that the design is wind-tunnel proven and boasts over 20% aerodynamic advantage over its round tube counterparts.

TriSports University Features the Litespeed C1R

2010-12-28T10:34:00.000-08:00

TriSports.com reviewed the 2011 Litespeed Archon C1R for TriSports University, the educational and informative feature on the TriSports.com website.

Among discussion about features on this frameset ($3400 US MSRP) such as integrated seat mast, elegant and functional front end, and uniquely shaped chain stays, reviewers compared it to other bikes within the C1R's high-end class. Reviewers said things like:

"[Litespeed's] ability to redefine themselves with carbon fiber bikes isn’t impressive in itself- what is impressive is how strong Litespeed’s carbon offerings truly are, especially at the top end C1R. This is a valid super bike on par with the highest end Trek, Cervelo, Specialized, Colnago, Pinarello and other marquee brand carbon pro team bikes."

For a detailed look at the 2011 Litespeed Archon C1R, please see the rest of the TriSports University article at:

http://university.tri-sports.com/2010/12/21/litespeed-c1r-road-bike/

Another Reason to Attend Litespeed Carbon Road Show in 2011-Meet Linc

2010-12-17T10:21:00.000-08:00

Meet Linc.

He just happened to be in Tucson the same weekend in November that the Litespeed Carbon Road Show visited Trisports.com. He just happened to return to his home in Buffalo with a new Litespeed Archon C1 frameset. How did this happen?

Linc was the lucky raffle winner Trisports.com sponsored in which all people who test rode a Litespeed Archon C3 at the Litespeed Carbon Road Show were entered.

The cool thing about Linc is why he was even in Tucson at that time. After being introduced to road cycling in the late 1980's, shortly thereafter, Linc set a goal to complete 50 centuries (100 mile rides) in 50 states. Linc was in Tucson to complete 100 miles around Tucson to "check off" the state of Arizona.

Linc's goal of 50 centuries in 50 states will likely be attained in 2011. He has trips planned to Nevada, Wyoming, and South and North Dakota. His last trek will be to Hawaii in September to complete the Hawaii Century. Wow!

Best of luck to Linc as he completes such an ambitious goal.

Thanks to Tom Lonzi of Tom's Pro Bikes for the beautiful build.

Roadbikereview.com Introduces the 2011 C series Models

2010-12-14T09:22:00.000-08:00

Enjoy this video introduction of the 2011 Litespeed Archon C-series, starting with the flagship race model, the Archon C1R. Stealthy, black matte carbon manufactured with Litespeed's new technology named Reactive Pressure Molding, or RPM, the C1R frameset can be built to scratch your race itch.

Trickle down technology is seen in the 2011 Archon C1 and C3. All the aerodynamic properties of the race C1R, but available as complete bikes according to your bank account and preferences.

Thanks to Thien and Roadbikereview.com for visiting the Litespeed booth at Interbike.

Ciclismo en Ruta Reviews the 2011 Archon C1R

2010-12-12T14:31:00.000-08:00

Check out one of the first reviews of the 2011 Archon C1R from Spanish magazine Ciclismo en Ruta. Translation to English to follow shortly.

Le Cycle Reviews the Litespeed Archon C3

2010-12-12T07:26:00.000-08:00

France's Le Cycle magazine published their review of the 2010 Litespeed Archon C3 in the December 2010 issue. Translation to English coming!

Video Introduction to the 2011 Archon C1 Series

2010-11-10T13:49:00.001-08:00

Introducing the 2011 Litespeed Archon C1 bike ($5200 US MSRP). Praised for its unique design and aerodynamic touches, the Archon C1 bike is all about aero, yet still comfortable.

Litespeed Carbon Road Show Heads to Texas

2010-11-05T09:42:00.000-07:00

The Litespeed Carbon Road Show heads to Texas during November. There is a fleet of Archon C3s, Litespeed's new aero carbon road bike, that is ready to ride!

First stop will be Colonel's Bicycles in Ft. Worth on November 11. Other stops will include:

Colleyville, TX to visit Knobbies & Slicks on Nov 12-13
Austin, TX to visit AJ's Cyclery on Nov 16-17
Boerne, TX to visit Gotta Ride Bikes on Nov 24 & 27
Houston, TX to visit Bikesport on Nov 30 & Dec 1
Houston, TX to visit Bike Lane on Dec 3-4
Lafayette, LA to visit Precision Bikes on Dec 6-7

Wind tunnel data suggests that riding a C3 offers a similar aerodynamic advantage to riding a non-aero road bike with high-end, aero race wheels... The aerodynamic benefits without the cost of high-end, aero race wheels! That is Aerologic in action-go experience it for yourself.

So, mark your calendars. All you need are pedals, shoes and a helmet.

For more information, please check out the Litespeed Carbon Road Show webpage.

Litespeed Carbon Road Show Rolls to Trisports.com in Tucson

2010-11-02T10:54:00.001-07:00

On November 4-6, athletes living in and around Tucson have a great opportunity to see what Litespeed is all about. Thanks to dealer partner Trisports.com, you will be able test ride Litespeed Archon C3 demo bikes and talk with Litespeed representative Chris Brown as a part of Trisports.com's Demo Days. See, hear and feel what Aerologic is.

Come out and enjoy refreshments, informative sessions and fast rides on the Archon C3.

Demo Days will take place at the Trisports.com store.

All you need to participate are your shoes, pedal and a helmet!

All demo riders are entered to win a free Litespeed frameset!

Litespeed Carbon Road Show Visits Tribe in Scottsdale

2010-10-29T09:35:00.000-07:00

Tribe Multisport welcomes the Litespeed Carbon Road Show on Saturday, October 30 for a fun and informative day of Litespeed test rides and Q&A sessions.

Litespeed's head designer Brad DeVaney will be on hand during the event.

Saturday's event starts at 10 a.m. with an Information Session with Brad. Learn what Litespeed Aerologic is and how the new Litespeed C-series came about.

Q&A at 10:30 a.m. with Brad.

Test rides start at 11 a.m. You will need to contact Tribe to reserve your bike. There will be Archon C3 bikes of all sizes available. Don't forget your helmet and pedals!

Thanks to Tribe for hosting the Litespeed Carbon Road Show.

Meet Manuel-Huge Litespeed Fan!

2010-10-20T13:14:00.000-07:00

Meet Manuel. He is 16 years old and is arguably our biggest fan in Germany! A self-proclaimed Litespeed Pisgah and Mountain Bike fanatic, this picture is taken in the "thank-you-God" room in his family's house. Nice! Clearly, Litespeed love is in his blood, as both his father and grandfather are avid Litespeed riders, as well. He loves the fact that the bike climbs like a mountain goat and rips on the downhills.

Thanks for the photo, Manuel!

Praise for the Litespeed Archon C3

2010-10-19T09:13:00.000-07:00

The 2010 Litespeed Archon C3 received high praised from road.cc. Road tested many miles in many different conditions, the C3 received a whopping 9 out of 10 stars in various categories including construction, performance, durability and more. Sorry to "spoil the ending", but here is an excerpt from the review speaking to the rider's overall impressions of the C3:

From road.cc:

...it is designed to be a fast, responsive bike. It exceeded my expectations. I didnt expect it to climb as well as it did, I thought it would be fast on the flat and nice to descend on due to the compact geometry but I had no idea it would be quite as quick as it was. Outstanding...

Thanks, road.cc. For the full review, please check out the following link to road.cc:

http://road.cc/content/review/25080-litespeed-archon-c3

Interbike 2010

2010-09-22T21:45:00.000-07:00

Check out the 2010 Interbike booth for Litespeed. Sweet 2011 bikes and cool booth graphics. We are already getting props from media like Roadbikereview.com and Velo News. More to come!

Introducing the 2011 Litespeed Archon C1R...

The Litespeed BMW Cycling Team provides an excellent backdrop for revealing the new 2011 Archon C3 and all-new M1.

The 2011 Litespeed Archon C1R boasts updates that reduce frame weight from its C1 predecessor by over 100 grams.

At $3200, updates to the new 2011 Archon C3 include an adjustable, aero seat post and new graphics.

At $2000, the 2011 Litespeed M1 built with SRAM Apex offers anyone a chance to ride a Litespeed.

The Litespeed Carbon Road Show Visits Bikefest at California Bike-September 25

2010-09-14T11:27:00.000-07:00

Attention San Diego! The Litespeed Carbon Road Show is heading to sunny Southern California on Saturday, September 25. The Road Show will coincide with California Bike's annual Bikefest. In addition to riding an Archon C3 test bike, you can enjoy food & drink, participate in a group ride, and try to win a new Archon C3 in the raffle, wow! For more information, visit the California Bike website at www.calbike.com

Litespeed Announces Flagship Aero Carbon C1R

2010-09-03T12:32:00.000-07:00

C1R Boasts Lighter Weight and 12% increase in head tube stiffness

Ooltewah, Tennessee – August 31, 2010 – Performance bicycle manufacturer Litespeed today announced the release of the 2011 Archon C1R, the flagship frameset in their acclaimed line of aerodynamic carbon bikes. Material upgrades to the peleton-grade 2011 C1R include 100 gram reduction in weight as well as a 12% increase in head tube stiffness over the 2010 Archon C1.

The C1R also features Reactive Pressure Molding, or RPM, a new carbon manufacturing technique used to carefully control the frame’s internal form and wall thickness during construction. Greater control during manufacturing process allows the frames to be lighter in weight and more rigid than their predecessors. The all-new C1R boasts dramatically increased torsional stiffness in the headtube, notable increase in stiffness in the bottom bracket area, and the full array of the Aerologic features including cross-section aero-tuning and proprietary water bottle shroud.

“This bike represents a package of features unparalleled in the market," said Peter Hurley, CEO of American Bicycle Group. "Our entire team has worked exceedingly hard to construct a carbon aero road bike that rides like no other and I couldn't be more pleased with the end result. I have no doubt the C1R will be warmly welcomed by our dealers, industry press, and the avid cyclist alike. "
Hurley also noted the company's long tradition of design innovation: “The value of taking the time and energy to develop material-specific technology has long been evident in our experience with titanium. As the Litespeed carbon range has become more and more recognized in the global market, we see it as both a challenge and obligation to continue that tradition of excellence. We have every intention of holding true to that standard with every pro-grade bike we produce, regardless of material."

The 2011 Archon C1R will officially launch at Eurobike in September 2010. The Archon C1R will be available as a frameset only and is available in five sizes, including model-year 2011 XL.

Background: The C-Series, in development for over 3 years and introduced by Litespeed in 2010, features Aerologic smart frame design which allows for the capture of "free speed." Wind tunnel qualified data verifies a reduction of over 20 watts compared to a standard, non-aero road bike and a 16% advantage across all yaw angles. The shrouded water bottle mount reduces turbulent airflow and drag at 20(degree) yaw by upwards of 8%. The C-Series range features 2 stand-alone framesets and 3 full bike builds, including both SRAM and Shimano.

Litespeed Fans, Are You Ready for 2011?

2010-08-31T09:25:00.000-07:00

Excited to see what 2011 will bring? The people at Litespeed are as well. For an update on how things are progressing this summer, check out the video below filmed in Norcross, Georgia at the Gwinnett Bike Fest.

Race Report and Photos from Master's Nationals Criterium

2010-08-11T11:25:00.000-07:00

Check out the criterium race report fresh from the Litespeed-BMW Cycling team who enjoyed lots of success last weekend at the Master's Nationals Championships. The race report can be found at the Litespeed-BMW Cycling website.

Congratulations on 3rd Place, Chad

The Fierce Team-Colby, Chris, Chad (L to R)

The Team Poses With Security

Litespeed-BMW Cycling's Chad Madan Earns 3rd at Master's National Criterium Championships

2010-08-10T06:46:00.000-07:00

Litespeed-BMW racer Chad Madan topped of a fantastic Championship week with a 3rd place finish out of a five-man break in the Master's Nationals (age 35-39) criterium on Sunday. Solidifying this place through savvy teamwork were workhorse Coby Millen and Chris Brown, whose solo effort at the end freed him from the peloton and earned him 6th place. Like the road race on Thursday, the Litespeed-BMW team was the only team to place two riders in the top ten at the criterium on Sunday. The team rides 2010 Litespeed Archon C1 bikes.

Congratulations to the Litespeed-BMW on a strong week of racing.

Litespeed-BMW Cycling Team Places Two in Top Ten in Master's National Championships

2010-08-06T10:19:00.000-07:00

The Litespeed-BMW Cycling Team, an amateur elite regional team out of Atlanta, sent a three-man wrecking crew to the U.S. Master's National Championships in Louisville, KY. Riding Litespeed Archon C1s in the 60 mile road race, Chris Brown (pictured left) earned 4th, Chad Madan placed 10th, and strongman Colby Millen served as the domestique extraordinaire in the age 35-39 category. Litespeed-BMW was the only team to have two riders in the top ten! Congratulations, Guys!

Up next for the crew is the Master's National criterium on Sunday afternoon.

New World Record for 1000 Km

2010-08-03T10:42:00.000-07:00

Litespeed Archon C3 rider Chris Ragsdale just set a new world record for the time it takes to ride 1000 Km. He covered the distance in 31 hours and 40 minutes, despite very windy conditions. Wow! That is flying. Thanks to Litespeed dealer Sammamish Valley Cycle for taking good care of Chris.

Congratulations, Chris.

Bicycling Magazine's Video Review of Archon C3

2010-07-23T13:20:00.000-07:00

When Bicycling Magazine reviewed the Litespeed Archon C3 for their July 2010 issue, they also created a video review. The link below is of that review in which Editor Loren Mooney tells viewers what makes the C3 a great bike and a great value.

http://video.bicycling.com/video/Litespeed-C3-Archon-2

Thanks Bicycling!

C3 Rider Aims for 24 Hour and 1000 Km Records

2010-07-23T12:45:00.000-07:00

The weekend of July 31- August 1, Seattle resident Chris Ragsdale will attempt to break the world road cycling records for 24 hours and 1000 km on a 2010 Litespeed Archon C3 in partnership with Sammamish Valley Cycles. The attempt will be sanctioned by the Ultramarathon Cycling Association and will be on a 10.8-mile clockwise circuit on rural roads near La Conner, WA, about 90 miles north of Seattle.

The current 24-hour record of 540.313 miles (an average speed of 22.51 mph) is held by Italian Orlando Borini, which he set on 23 June 2007. There is currently no 1000km record for road cycling, but Chris aims to better the two other existing 1000km records and set the record for an overall fastest 1000 km. Rod Evans holds the indoor track 1000km record at 29:12, and Bryce Walsh holds the outdoor track record at 33:01.

Chris’ equipment quiver will include a Litespeed C3, Syntace clip-on areo bars, and a Giro aero helmet. Wheels will include a Zipp disc, Zipp 1080, and 404's.

Since 2007, Chris has amassed a strong ultra race resume that has led him to believe he is mentally and physically ready to break these records. His accomplishments and goals are particularly remarkable because in the summer of 2004, he experienced a life-threatening accident on a bike ride.

Despite his serious condition, Chris was motivated to regain his health and spent July of that year spinning on a trainer wearing a halo as he watched the Tour de France.

Wow! Good luck, Chris! To follow the efforts of Chris next weekend, be sure to check his website at www.ragsdaleridesagain.com

Litespeed Archon C1 Like You Haven't Seen it Before...

2010-07-20T12:17:00.001-07:00

Alpcross, the Spanish distributor for Litespeed has a whole new take on the Archon C1. Built up as a fixed gear bike with custom graphics, this C1 will turn some heads. Style points for sure!

Litespeed Carbon Road Show: Your Questions are Answered

2010-07-16T13:34:00.000-07:00

Does the bike come w/ a triple option? I have bad knees so depend upon the granny gear on tough climbs.
A.C. from the Bonzai Sports stop in Washington DC

Great question. The Litespeed Archon C3, as well as the other members of the C-series line up, will take triple chain ring gearing, though it will need to be bought separately. Bonzai Sports will undoubtedly be able to assist you.

B.F. test rode a bike at Bonzai and said, "...though i didn't get to ride it for long, some aero benefits are def. noticeable."

The aero benefits are definitely noticeable in the Archon C-series: the shrouded water bottle mount, rear wheel cut out, subtle trailing edges like airplane wings, and more. It all works together to improve frame aerodynamics and make riders go fast!

Thanks to all the test riders who have come out to say hello and ride the C3. Only a couple more weeks to check out the Litespeed Carbon Road Show! For remaining events, please see:
http://www.litespeedcarbon.com/roadshow.asp

Litespeed Carbon Road Show Heads to R&A Cycles in Brooklyn

2010-07-14T13:14:00.000-07:00

The Litespeed Carbon Road Show will be at R&A Cycles in Brooklyn on Friday, 7/16 from 11-4 and Saturday, 7/17 from 10-4. A fleet of Litespeed Archon C3s will be available for test ride. Bring your pedals and your helmet. Might as well bring your wallet since you are gonna want one of these bikes...Litespeed reps Mac and Cory will be available to answer all questions and get your ready to roll.

For more information, call R&A Cycles at (718) 636-5242

To see if the Litespeed Carbon Road Show is coming to a town near you, check out the website at:
http://www.litespeedcarbon.com/roadshow.asp

Litespeed Carbon Road Show Heads to Boston

2010-07-06T09:26:00.001-07:00

The Litespeed Carbon Road Show heads to the Boston-area to show off the fleet 2010 Litespeed Archon C3 demo bikes. The first stop will be Wednesday-Thursday, July 7-8 at ATA Cycles' Concord store from 1-7 pm on Wednesday and all day Thursday from 10-7 pm.

The second stop in the Boston-area will be at Quad Cycles on Friday-Saturday July 9-10 from 12-7 pm on Friday and 8:30 a.m. to close on Saturday.

Already a hit in Washington DC and Atlanta, the Litespeed Carbon Road Show will be rolling to a Litespeed dealer near you. Stops in July are planned for Minneapolis, Indianapolis, Madison, WI and the state of New York.

For more information, please see the official Litespeed Carbon Road Show website at http://www.litespeedcarbon.com/roadshow.asp

Glory Cycles Applauds the Litespeed Archon C3

2010-07-01T06:25:00.000-07:00

Glory Cycles in Greenville, SC is not a Litespeed dealer (yet...). Glory Cycles is not a magazine in which Litespeed pays to advertise. So, after Glory Cycles' owner Clive de Sousa spent five weeks putting the Litespeed Archon C3 through its paces, the result is a true, unbiased look at the bike.

For Glory Cycles' full review of the C3, blog readers will have to go to: http://glorycycles.blogspot.com/2010/06/litespeed-archon-c3-carbon-review-by.html

For a "teaser", read the excerpt from the review below:

Litespeed Archon C Review
Litespeed Archon C3 Carbon Review by Clive de Sousa.

...The Archon C3 is visibly aero but exactly what that translates to in speed cannot be measured on a test ride. I can say it's faster than a traditional bike. Riding the Archon C in a few races I was aware how the bike held a straight line in the gutter and felt fast. Similar to the way good deep carbon wheels feel. The Archon C has a shrouded water bottle design, bow legged fork that "cleans" air turbulence from the front wheel, an aero seat mast and the rear wheel tucked behind the down tube. The aero advantage the Archon C offers is greater than the sum of it's parts and noticeable to the rider...

...If Litespeed's focus was designing an better carbon frame they achieved it. 5 weeks of riding the C3 and I am very impressed with its overall ride quality and blown away by it's speed...

Thanks, Glory Cycles, for reviewing the Archon C3.

Xicon Earns Praise from Cycling Plus

2010-06-25T09:02:00.000-07:00

Cycling Plus, respected publication out of the UK, just reviewed the Litespeed Xicon in its Summer 2010 issue. Riders loved the titanium bike's elegant looks, "exhilaratingly swift acceleration", and "the bike's amazing comfort". Lots to love in a $1500 frame (U.S. MSRP)

The full review for the Litespeed Xicon is included below. Click on the image for a larger version to read.

Knoxville! Atlanta! The Litespeed Carbon Road Show is Coming Town this Week!

2010-06-22T06:16:00.000-07:00

The Litespeed Carbon Road Show will arrive at West Bikes in Knoxville, TN on Wednesday, June 23 and Thursday, June 24. Demo Archon C3 bicycles will be available for test ride from 11-7 pm both days. Contact Fares for more information or check out the shop's informative website at
http://www.westbicycles.com/

At the end of the week, the Litespeed Carbon Road Show will be in Atlanta visiting All3Sports. On Saturday, June 26 from 12-4 pm the C3 fleet will be available for test ride. Contact Alex at All3sports for more information or visit the All3sports website at www.all3sports.com.
Don't forget your pedals!

Litespeed Archon C1 Review-Race Tested in Pontevedra ITU

2010-06-16T12:09:00.000-07:00

Professional triathlete Zach Winchester raced his new Litespeed Archon C1 at the Pontevedra ITU Premium European Cup in Spain this past weekend. Since ITU triathlon races are draft-legal during the bike portion, the Archon C1 is an obvious choice due to its smartly designed aerodynamic properties which we call Aerologic. Now, the C1 is ITU race-tested, and Zach's review appears below. Thanks to East Ridge Bicycles for supporting Zach and Litespeed!

Bike set up:

Frame: C1 - size ML
Comp group: SRAM Red with Quarq powermeter
Wheels: Zipp 404 tubular at roughly 115psi
Stem: 3T aluminum
Handlebar: Easton aluminum
Saddle: ISM Racing
Pedals: Speedplay X1

According to Zach, the ride of the Archon C1:

To start, I should have run slightly lower tire pressure, as the roads were not exactly smooth, and they were slightly wet. 110psi or less would have felt much better. That being said, the C1 is the stiffest and most responsive bike I have ever ridden. Additionally, the bike is balanced very well; by this I mean when cornering, at high speed descents, and quick decision maneuvers, I felt as if the bike stuck on the road underneath me, as opposed to me having to manipulate the bike. Does that make sense? One thing I will note is that this is not a forgiving frame. Due to the construction of the seat/chain stay bottom bracket interface, there is no give, which I like and need as a cyclist. However, I am 28 years old and need a bike like this. On the flip side of the coin, I don't know how this bike would feel underneath a 65 year old going for an easy spin around the Battlefield or doing 3 Mountain 3 State. In my opinion, there are very few bikes at this caliber, and the C1 definitely belongs in the small fraternity of super bikes.

Thanks Zach!

Litespeed Carbon Road Show Coming to a City Near You!

2010-06-09T06:43:00.000-07:00

What is the Litespeed Carbon Road Show?
Litespeed Carbon Road Show is a test ride program where consumers can test ride the new Litespeed aero carbon road bikes at no cost. The Litespeed truck will arrive to town with a fleet of Litespeed carbon bikes-Archon C3-that are ready to ride. In partnership with the Litespeed Dealer-Sponsor for the area, riders will be set up on the Litespeed of their dreams. Litespeed representative Cory Blanton will be on hand.

How do I participate in the Litespeed Carbon Road Show?
Contact the Litespeed Dealer-Sponsor for your area of interest. It is important to contact the Dealer-Sponsor so they can prepare for your test ride. However, please know that bikes are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

What should I bring for the Litespeed Road Show?
-Photo ID
-Helmet, shoes, and pedals-we will have a limited number of these items at the demo, so please bring your own.

Where will the Litespeed Carbon Road Show be this summer?
St. Louis June 15-17 (Dealer-Sponsor is Bike Surgeon)

Knoxville June 23-24 (Dealer-Sponsor is West Bicycles)

Atlanta June 25-26 (Dealer-Sponsor is All3Sports)

Washington DC July 1-3 (Dealer-Sponsor is Bonzai Sports)

Boston July 9-10 (Dealer-Sponsor is Quad Cycles)

New York City July 15-17 (Dealer-Sponsor is R&A Cycles)

Rochester July 19-20 (Dealer-Sponsor is Park Avenue)

Lancaster, NY July 22 (Dealer-Sponsor is Tom's Pro Bike)

Madison, WI July 24-25 (Dealer-Sponsor is Machinery Row)

Minneapolis July 26-28 (Dealer-Sponsor is NOW Bikes)

Indianapolis July 30-31 (Dealer-Sponsor is T3 Multisport)

Tell me more about Litespeed Carbon road bikes:
Composed of one frameset and two complete bikes, the Litespeed Carbon Archon C-series has an aero design that took two years to develop. Test riding of competitors' bikes by our cyclists of all skills levels in a variety of terrains gave great information about what ride characteristics we wanted to develop in the C-series. Several cycling magazines including Bicycling, ROAD, Road Bike Action, Outside and others have reviewed the bikes and praise their fast, aero feel on the road.

ROAD Magazine Reviews the Archon C2

2010-05-25T07:47:00.000-07:00

The Profile Bike for ROAD Magazine's July 2010 issue is the Litespeed Archon C2. Enjoy insight into the two year time of development, as well as description of the ride quality and cool, aero look. Gotta love the bottom line of article, "The Archon C2 and its aero slickness coupled with the reasonable price tag turns out to be a highly competitive machine suitable for any type of rider." Well-said, ROAD Magazine.

Litespeed Archon C3 Featured in Outside Magazine's 2010 Cycling Issue

2010-05-18T11:23:00.000-07:00

Outside Magazine features the 2010 Litespeed Archon C3 online in its 2010 Cycling Issue. Named one of the Best New Road Bikes for 2010, the Archon C3 is one of 20 road bikes tested in Tuscon, AZ by Outside reviewers.

http://outsideonline.com/gear/the-cycling-issue-index-sp.html

Check it out! Jason M's Litespeed Archon

2010-05-14T12:11:00.000-07:00

Check out Jason M’s new ride, the Litespeed Archon! The Archon-the original, ultra-elite, high-performance, handmade titanium frame-does double duty as both a race and training bike. Jason clearly recognizes the importance of looking good doing both!

Jason praises the Archon for its stiffness while still maintaining its supple, characteristic titanium ride. The great looks of the bike are apparent at first glance.

Jason’s Archon is outfitted with Campagnolo Super Record 11, Thompson stem and seatpost, Adamo seat, and a Zipp 404 Clydesdale wheel set.

This is Jason’s first Litespeed, though he says it will not be his last!

Thanks to Mark Miller at Precision Bikes for superb service and advice for Jason.

Check out Jason’s blog entry about his new bike:
http://www.precisionbikes.com/2010/02/lynskey-out-litespeed-in.html

Jason's Litespeed Archon-Decked out

Custom graphics in memory of Jason's dad

Mark Miller-Master and Masterpiece

Road Bike Action Reviews the Litespeed Archon C3

2010-04-26T12:07:00.000-07:00

Check out the great photos and review for the Litespeed Archon C3 which appear in the June 2010 issue of Road Bike Action. Expect to read things like “The C3 really shined on descents, and when we pointed it in a direction, it tracked a line without a hitch. It was stable enough when out of the saddle sprints became necessary, and most test riders found it to be comfortable on long rides..."

Litespeed-BMW Cycling Racers Praise the Archon C1

2010-04-20T09:23:00.000-07:00

The Litespeed-BMW Cycling team based in Atlanta is riding and racing the all-new Archon C1 in 2010. Initially, Litespeed sought evaluations from the team for suggestions on improving the design, ride-ability, looks, etc of the Archon C1. So, big and small, sprinter and climber, Cat 1 and Cat 5, we got all the racers' opinions.

A couple of months have passed for some of the guys, and the rave reviews are still coming. In addition to hearing the comments of racers on competitors' bikes about the eye-catching graphics (let's call it Pack Envy), the C1 is performing as well as it looks.

After a weekend of racing in Alabama, racer Christian Leask states, "One thing we can say for sure is that there is nothing on the market right now that rails a criterium corner like the LITESPEED Archon C1, and just the same, nothing the can handle a full-on uphill sprint like that bike can. Simply amazing."

Another racer praises the C1 after a grueling 6 hour ride at the Cheaha Challenge, saying, "This bike breaks all the rules. I don't know if it's better at racing or touring, or just the best at both!"

Thanks, guys. Well-said.

For more information about the Litespeed-BMW Cycling team, please visit their website at http://www.litespeed-bmwcycling.com/

Litespeed Carbon on the Pacific Coast Highway

2010-04-14T13:59:00.002-07:00

The photo is taken along California's stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), just outside of Solana Beach. On any sunny Saturday in Southern California, over 1000 bikes per hour will pass a given point along a scenic stretch of road just like this. This stretch of the PCH is just one of the many beautiful miles of road which extends from Alaska to Chile.

Pictured are the 2010 Litespeed Archon C1 and Archon C2, courtesy of California Bicycles in La Jolla. California Bicycles is currently the top seller of Litespeed Carbon in the U.S. and are knowledgeable about the Aerologic features of Litespeeds aero road bikes. So, head over to California Bicycles to check out their Litespeed Carbon bicycles. Expect excellent service and advice about "all things bike" in a beautiful store.

Thanks to Kevin and Jason for supplying the bikes - only the best when in So. Cal! For more information about California Bicycles, please see their website at www.calbike.com

Litespeed-BMW Cycling Team

2010-04-07T15:02:00.000-07:00

Litespeed continues as a primary sponsor for the new Litespeed-BMW Cycling team, an elite amateur road team based out of Atlanta, GA for 2010. Formerly Pacesetter Steel Presented by Litespeed in 2009, Litespeed has sponsored the team since 2004.

The elite team is comprised of 17 Category 1 and 2 racers residing across the Southeastern U.S in Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina. A 9 member developmental squad, primarily Category 3 racers, ensures that the winning ways of Litespeed-BMW Cycling will continue into the future.

The team will be riding the all-new Litespeed Archon C1, one of three models in a new series of aero carbon fiber road bicycles. The Archon C1 is the premier model for the line, available only as a frameset, and features unidirectional carbon fiber and internal cable routing.

Interestingly, for Litespeed-BMW racers, bicycle racing is not their primary career. All have full time jobs in a variety of fields-a couple racers work at Litespeed.

Catch Litespeed-BMW Cycling team racing each weekend in the Southeast, as well as choice national racing calendar, or NRC, events, like Athens Twilight and the exclusive, invitation-only Tour of Jamaica.

Litespeed-BMW Cycling Elite Team
Hank Beaver
Chris Brown
Ben Carter
Chris Chotas
Benjy Coil
Darren Comer
Tyler Grahovec
Rusty Griebel
Travis Hagner
Chad Madan
Matt McCarthy
Colby Millen
Doug Ollerenshaw
Clay Parks
Wes Parrish
Malachi Reid Peacock
Charles “Chaz” Rossignol

Litespeed-BMW Cycling Developmental Team
Tres Courdin
Bill Feier
Nick Gastley
Toby Grahovec
Cy Hedrick
Kip Humphries
Calvin O’Keeffe
Christian Leask
Joel Price

Forum Competition Winner Reviews Litespeed Archon C1

2010-04-06T13:59:00.000-07:00

Around the time of the launch of the Litespeed Archon C1 framset back in August 2009, we decided to run a competition on the (in)famous Weightweenies forum for a regular to receive a loan of a Litespeed C1 frame for 3 months, on the basis that they built the bike up to a very high level using their own components and provided a complete review to be seen by all on the forum. This generated a huge amount of interest/hits at the time. The original post received well over 5,000 views.

As luck would have it, the winner was a regular poster on Weightweenies, Slowtwitch, and an owner of multiple Litespeed frames, including a Ti Archon, as is a well respected member of the forum community. We here at Litespeed wish could take credit for selecting the winner, but the prize draw was made fairly based on all the entries we received.

Click here for the review from the winner.

Click here for additional coverage we received on Slowtwitch from the competition winner.

Click here for some additional coverage on Weightweenies.

Regards,

The Litespeed Team

CycloSport Reviews Litespeed C3

2010-04-06T13:58:00.001-07:00

"Whatever you make of it, the workmanship and care brought to this new generation of frames is a complete success. The range looks promising and, on the road, the ARCHON C3 offers serious advantages."

Click here to download the original article in French (1 MB)
Click here to download the English translation (1 MB)

Road Bike Action Magazine 2010 Buyer's Guide Features Litespeed C2 & C3

2010-04-06T13:58:00.000-07:00

The Litespeed C2 made it into the recommended 3000 - 5000 dollar category in the Road Bike Action Magazine 2010 Buyer's Guide, while the C3 was a top pick for the 2000 - 3000 dollar range.

Click here to download the PDF (3 MB)

Bicycling Magazine 2010 Buyer's Guide Features Litespeed C3

2010-04-06T13:57:00.000-07:00

"Two Years: Thats how long Litespeed took to hone the ride and performance of the C series, a three-bike line based on aerodynamic innovation and the recent aero-road trend."

Click here to download the PDF (4 MB)

BikeRadar Reviews Litespeed Archon

2010-04-06T13:56:00.000-07:00

"If you're after an addictively aggressive, precise and agile bike thats still underlined with the unmistakable silk sheen of titanium, the Archon is utterly sublime."

Read the full review here.

Litespeed Launches Carbon C-Series

2010-04-06T13:55:00.000-07:00

EuroBike 2010 saw the introduction of Litespeed's highly anticipated line of carbon bikes. Litespeed is headed to InterBike 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Reaction to the Archon C-Series -- from both cyclists and dealers -- has been swift and really encouraging!

Click here to visit the site.

RoadBIKE Reviews Litespeed Archon

2010-04-06T13:52:00.000-07:00

The Litespeed Archon is featured in the latest issue of RoadBIKE magazine.

Click here to download the PDF (8 MB)

"What Do I Want From My Next Bicycle?"

2010-03-17T14:05:00.000-07:00

New Archon C1 owner Nathan Bryant asked himself, "What do I want from my next bicycle?" What Nathan wanted is what he got in a new C1 - in his words, "A light weight, stiff, smooth ride, and is eye catching. The Archon C1 has a few other features that are usually left for your high end car lines: curves and the ability to look fast even when standing still!... After 30 years of cycling, this is the first machine that I look forward to riding from sun up to sun down." Thanks to Alpine Bicycles in Niceville, FL for their help and attention with Nathan's purchase.