It must be classic -- it says so on the top tube
03-11-23, 03:17 AM
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It must be classic -- it says so on the top tube
I posted this bike on the "Are you looking for one of these?" thread when I first saw it about a month and a half ago. I was trying to find someone who wanted the frame to go in on a purchase with me so I could get the Campy 3x10 components. No one was interested. Then I decided to buy it myself and maybe keep the frame. I sent the seller a message via the email address he provided on Craigslist, but I got no response. Then a couple of weeks ago the seller added a phone number, but I didn't have the cash. Then I sold a bike, but the CL ad disappeared. Finally this week it came back and I was able to get a response from the seller. Today, I brought it home.
The seller told me he was selling for a friend whom he thought had bought it new in 1992. Looking over the Litespeed catalogs, the graphics look more like 1995 to me, except the Litespeed Classic in the 1995 catalog had horizontal dropouts and this one has vertical. Thw Classic in the 1996 catalog has vertical dropouts, but it has a carbon fork. My best guess is that this is a late '95 model and they had started transitioning.
A few more details....
A weird build detail (though not as weird as the grips on the drops) is that it has Schwalbe Marathon Plus tires. Who puts Marathon Plus tires on a titanium bike? The good news is, I have an easy way to cut almost two pounds from the weight of the bike.
The seller told me he was selling for a friend whom he thought had bought it new in 1992. Looking over the Litespeed catalogs, the graphics look more like 1995 to me, except the Litespeed Classic in the 1995 catalog had horizontal dropouts and this one has vertical. Thw Classic in the 1996 catalog has vertical dropouts, but it has a carbon fork. My best guess is that this is a late '95 model and they had started transitioning.
A few more details....
A weird build detail (though not as weird as the grips on the drops) is that it has Schwalbe Marathon Plus tires. Who puts Marathon Plus tires on a titanium bike? The good news is, I have an easy way to cut almost two pounds from the weight of the bike.
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03-11-23, 08:24 AM
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I posted this bike on the "Are you looking for one of these?" thread when I first saw it about a month and a half ago. I was trying to find someone who wanted the frame to go in on a purchase with me so I could get the Campy 3x10 components. No one was interested. Then I decided to buy it myself and maybe keep the frame. I sent the seller a message via the email address he provided on Craigslist, but I got no response. Then a couple of weeks ago the seller added a phone number, but I didn't have the cash. Then I sold a bike, but the CL ad disappeared. Finally this week it came back and I was able to get a response from the seller. Today, I brought it home.
The seller told me he was selling for a friend whom he thought had bought it new in 1992. Looking over the Litespeed catalogs, the graphics look more like 1995 to me, except the Litespeed Classic in the 1995 catalog had horizontal dropouts and this one has vertical. Thw Classic in the 1996 catalog has vertical dropouts, but it has a carbon fork. My best guess is that this is a late '95 model and they had started transitioning.
A few more details....
A weird build detail (though not as weird as the grips on the drops) is that it has Schwalbe Marathon Plus tires. Who puts Marathon Plus tires on a titanium bike? The good news is, I have an easy way to cut almost two pounds from the weight of the bike.
The seller told me he was selling for a friend whom he thought had bought it new in 1992. Looking over the Litespeed catalogs, the graphics look more like 1995 to me, except the Litespeed Classic in the 1995 catalog had horizontal dropouts and this one has vertical. Thw Classic in the 1996 catalog has vertical dropouts, but it has a carbon fork. My best guess is that this is a late '95 model and they had started transitioning.
A few more details....
A weird build detail (though not as weird as the grips on the drops) is that it has Schwalbe Marathon Plus tires. Who puts Marathon Plus tires on a titanium bike? The good news is, I have an easy way to cut almost two pounds from the weight of the bike.
someone who doesn't flats nor fragile tires, choses this long distance resistance and puncture resistant tire
03-11-23, 08:44 AM
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If the frameset fits you that would be an awesome ride I bet.
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03-11-23, 09:34 AM
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Boy o boy! The stories that old Classic could tell. With a little heat, you can save those grips. 
like S of L points out,
Avallable Forks
Road
Kinesis Alloy
Look Carbon
Kestrel Carbon
RockShox Paris/Roubaix
like S of L points out,
Avallable Forks
Road
Kinesis Alloy
Look Carbon
Kestrel Carbon
RockShox Paris/Roubaix
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Last edited by Classtime; 03-11-23 at 09:53 AM.
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03-11-23, 09:48 AM
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Yeah, it's not unusual for Litespeed to be 1 year off with respect to frame and decals relative to their catalog listing.
However, your bike's frame, fork, and decals are consistent with the '96 catalog.
There are subtle differences between '95 and '96 decals.
The Kinesis aluminum fork was also offered in '96, so it was likely original to the frame.
As for mixed group and years of componentry, Campagnolo 10s wasn't available in '96, so certainly not new.
Otherwise, it's anyone's guess how it all came to be.
I doubt anyone bought this new, as is, in the early 90s.
But it doesn't matter, you have a very sweet polished Litespeed frame of "classic" proportions you build however you want -- congratulations!
If you are looking for a year appropriate 1" Kestrel EMS fork, I might have one.
SoL
However, your bike's frame, fork, and decals are consistent with the '96 catalog.
There are subtle differences between '95 and '96 decals.
The Kinesis aluminum fork was also offered in '96, so it was likely original to the frame.
As for mixed group and years of componentry, Campagnolo 10s wasn't available in '96, so certainly not new.
Otherwise, it's anyone's guess how it all came to be.
I doubt anyone bought this new, as is, in the early 90s.
But it doesn't matter, you have a very sweet polished Litespeed frame of "classic" proportions you build however you want -- congratulations!
If you are looking for a year appropriate 1" Kestrel EMS fork, I might have one.
SoL
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03-11-23, 10:22 AM
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I bet it was set up for winter/commuting. Nice score, Andy!
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03-11-23, 12:11 PM
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On the plus side, I've got a Cannondale that I'm thinking about selling and these tires would be great for marketing that as a commuter.
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Last edited by Andy_K; 03-11-23 at 03:20 PM.
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03-11-23, 12:13 PM
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We'll see. When I saw the ad I thought it was too small but now that I've seen it in person I'm pretty sure I can make it work and am excited to give it a try.
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03-11-23, 12:20 PM
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I saw in one of the catalogs that Litespeed offered a standard Dura-Ace build around this time. Given the headset maybe that's what this started with.
I didn't realize they offered multiple fork options. Thanks for that information and the decal dating!
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03-11-23, 12:28 PM
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That would make sense. There is a bit of rust on the chain and crank, which would support that theory.
The seller had it on his mantle like the piece of art that it is.
The seller had it on his mantle like the piece of art that it is.
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03-11-23, 02:30 PM
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Nice find, but...my 2 cents:
"If you are looking for a year appropriate 1" Kestrel EMS fork, I might have one."
Do it.
or do something to replace that Kinesis ALU fork cause IMO that's the thing that prevents this being a true classic.
Just IMO, cause I am not a fan of those forks (tho you could do worse).
"If you are looking for a year appropriate 1" Kestrel EMS fork, I might have one."
Do it.
or do something to replace that Kinesis ALU fork cause IMO that's the thing that prevents this being a true classic.
Just IMO, cause I am not a fan of those forks (tho you could do worse).
03-11-23, 02:59 PM
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03-11-23, 06:51 PM
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Nice find, but...my 2 cents:
"If you are looking for a year appropriate 1" Kestrel EMS fork, I might have one."
Do it.
or do something to replace that Kinesis ALU fork cause IMO that's the thing that prevents this being a true classic.
Just IMO, cause I am not a fan of those forks (tho you could do worse).
"If you are looking for a year appropriate 1" Kestrel EMS fork, I might have one."
Do it.
or do something to replace that Kinesis ALU fork cause IMO that's the thing that prevents this being a true classic.
Just IMO, cause I am not a fan of those forks (tho you could do worse).
I know it's kind of hypocritical after what I said about putting Marathon Plus tires on this bike, bit I was actually thinking a chrome steel fork might look nice. On the other hand I could go full weight weenie and get a carbon fork with carbon steerer.
Having a fork that was an original option would be cool, but I'm not sure I like the way a carbon fork would look on this bike.
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03-11-23, 08:01 PM
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Oh, and steel forks look right. Should also last as long as the frame.
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03-11-23, 09:01 PM
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I have to admit that I have a bias against the aluminum fork. Even before I decided to buy this bike I was looking at replacement forks. I figure I ought to at least ride it a few times before replacing it though.
I know it's kind of hypocritical after what I said about putting Marathon Plus tires on this bike, bit I was actually thinking a chrome steel fork might look nice. On the other hand I could go full weight weenie and get a carbon fork with carbon steerer.
Having a fork that was an original option would be cool, but I'm not sure I like the way a carbon fork would look on this bike.
I know it's kind of hypocritical after what I said about putting Marathon Plus tires on this bike, bit I was actually thinking a chrome steel fork might look nice. On the other hand I could go full weight weenie and get a carbon fork with carbon steerer.
Having a fork that was an original option would be cool, but I'm not sure I like the way a carbon fork would look on this bike.
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03-11-23, 09:10 PM
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nice looking bike; I appreciate the triple. titanium is a great choice for commuting really- not gonna damage the paint or get rusty...
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03-11-23, 09:18 PM
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That looks good. I was picturing something a bit bulkier
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03-12-23, 12:51 AM
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Apart from the grips, the padding on the upper part of the bars was...interesting. I'm not sure pictures will do justice to just how thick this was, especially since my phone decided to focus on the background.
There was a layer of pipe insulation under the bar tape.
While I poke fun at this, I actually really respect modifications like this on a bike. It shows that the bike was ridden a lot. There's just that point where you say, "I don't care how it looks, I want to be comfortable." You don't reach that point just going out on the local MUP on sunny weekends.
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03-12-23, 01:13 AM
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Nice score. I agree and think the steel fork route is a good choice.
I have a 96 Litespeed built ti Merckx that came with a Kestral EMS fork, that fork had a steel steerer and was heavy and did not ride as nice as a steel fork.
After looking for ages I finally found a Columbus Max fork that I swear was about the same weight as the Kestral but rode way nicer and looks loads better too, so win win.
I have a 96 Litespeed built ti Merckx that came with a Kestral EMS fork, that fork had a steel steerer and was heavy and did not ride as nice as a steel fork.
After looking for ages I finally found a Columbus Max fork that I swear was about the same weight as the Kestral but rode way nicer and looks loads better too, so win win.
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03-12-23, 04:43 AM
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I'm not sure the grips were worth saving (and I don't say that about many bike parts), but your mention of heat did save me a bit of trouble. I thought I was going to have to cut them off, but after just a short blast with the heat gun they decided to cooperate.
While I poke fun at this, I actually really respect modifications like this on a bike. It shows that the bike was ridden a lot. There's just that point where you say, "I don't care how it looks, I want to be comfortable." You don't reach that point just going out on the local MUP on sunny weekends.
While I poke fun at this, I actually really respect modifications like this on a bike. It shows that the bike was ridden a lot. There's just that point where you say, "I don't care how it looks, I want to be comfortable." You don't reach that point just going out on the local MUP on sunny weekends.
03-12-23, 06:07 AM
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The fork that rides like it belongs and simply looks right - steel. I ordered my '09 TiCycles with a steel fork, spent the months waiting doubting myself until ... I went for that first ride. It's totally right. So is that fork on my avatar photo bike. (My theory - the fork being the only unsupported cantilever on a bike frame, the steel at twice the stiffness of the supported titanium every else gives it a very similar feel. Both bikes love being ridden hard over rough stuff.) Oh, and steel forks look right. Should also last as long as the frame.
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03-12-23, 09:08 AM
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It is still up on eBay
https://www.ebay.com/itm/37416307749...mis&media=COPY
https://www.ebay.com/itm/37416307749...mis&media=COPY
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03-12-23, 09:44 AM
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Not clear from the photos but that vintage of frame may have been polished at one time which may explain the decals being later. Litespeed replacement decals from Litespeed only go back to '96. Agree on the fork. Your gonna like the ride, arthritis has my steel bikes getting dusty.
03-12-23, 10:40 AM
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There are titanium forks. Good ones are a real size fatter than steel due to the lower material stiffness. Also nice tapered tubing choices for builders are limited. Hence few do it. Dave Levy/TiCycles has done a few. (Also one that is built as a truss incorporated with the stem. Just as stiff and strong and ridiculously light. Looks very different.)