1. If someone among you, dear readers, has the key to the 1970s serial number date codes, we're all ears! Another aid in dating Centurions is to look for date codes on the bike's components. Barring a major components upgrade at some point over the bike's history, one can safely assume that the frame was made within a year or so of the dates found.
2. Litespeed is a U.S. Bicycle manufacturer founded in 1986 in Ooltewah, Tennessee. 1 2 Litespeed makes titanium and carbon fiber frame road racing bicycles and mountain bikes. Titanium bicycle frames are famed for their ride quality. 3 4 Litespeed, along with triathlon specific bicycle manufacturer Quintana Roo, 5 is a subsidiary of the American Bicycle Group.

As far as I can tell: 1xxxx = 1997 2xxxx = 1998 3xxxx = 1999 4xxxx = 2000 5xxxx = 2001 6xxxx = 2002 7xxxx = 2003 8xxxx = 2004 9xxxx = 2005 10xxxx =. Sure enough, a Litespeed Tuscany with the serial #66223 was in the office area of the store. Police ran 75 bikes, but could only identify three of them (including the Litespeed) as stolen.One of the bikes was a Ridley Icarus that was stolen near Seattle University September 21.

Litespeed offers a Lifetime Warranty to original owners. In the event that your frame is no longer covered under warranty (see full terms and conditions below) we offer low-cost repairs and crash replacement pricing on brand new Litespeed models. To start your warranty, repair, or crash replacement process please fill out the form accessed by the button below.

Litespeed Warranty/Repair Process Overview
Litespeed bikes have been designed and built for outstanding performance and durability, however normal wear and tear, including the results of fatigue, can result in damage to a frame that is not covered under our limited lifetime warranty policy.To avoid any misunderstandings and best understand your options, please take the time to read our entire warranty policy (using the up and down arrows located to the right), where you will learn about the difference between what constitutes a warranty repair, and a failure due to normal wear and tear.
In the event your frame is in need of repair, following the procedure described below will provide us with the necessary information to ensure the quickest turnaround time, and get you back on your bike as soon as possible.Once we have reviewed your information we will reply via email and advise whether your purchase information qualifies the frame itself for warranty review. If we do not receive the above information in full, we will be unable to process your request and we will not issue a Return Authorization number (RA). Remember, you must be the original owner with proof of purchase from an authorized Litespeed dealer. Without the original proof of purchase, we will charge for any work carried out on your frame. The proof of purchase supplied will be checked against our records to confirm the information submitted by the consumer is valid.
We will issue you an RA number should you decide to return your frame for review. The issuing of a return authorization number does not mean we will agree to cover your frame under warranty. You are responsible for all freight charges to return the product to ABG.For frame returns that are being sent from outside the United States, sender must include a copy of the Commercial Invoice inside the box attached to the frame or risk additional duties or taxes being applied.Frames should to be sent in bare condition, completely devoid of components. Customer is responsible for any charges to remove components from the frame.If the frame qualifies for warranty repair, it will be repaired or replaced in accordance with our terms and conditions. A fee of $195.00 will return your frame to it's original brushed appearance including new decals. Chain suck damage, dents and deep scratches cannot be completely eliminated by refurbishing. Your frame will also be inspected for additional damage and will be aligned to ensure the best possible future performance.
Our technology is constantly evolving so you may be asked whether or not you would like to upgrade to one of our most recent models for a moderate charge along with an exchange for your damaged frame, if we feel the repair cost would greatly exceed the current value of the frame after repair.Some frames may be denied warranty coverage due to crash damage, abuse or cause other than defect in material or workmanship. If this is the case, we will quote you an approximate charge prior to commencement of work. It is your responsibility to respond within two weeks from the date we provide you with a cost estimate.Once we have received the go-ahead from you, the work will be scheduled and we will provide an approximate completion date.
Please be patient. Our ability to repair a titanium frame provides a cost effective alternative to purchasing a new frame. Many people take advantage of this feature, and our craftsmen take the time to meticulously return your frame to like-new condition. Typical lead times are 6-8 weeks, although the specific nature of some repairs may mean the repair will take longer than this.
Litespeed Limited Warranty
Please note, all 2012 and older Xicon models will not be compatible with Zipp Firecrest wheels.Litespeed Bicycle's frames are warranted to be free from manufacturing defects in material and/or workmanship for the lifetime of the original owner. Litespeed branded forks, stems, bars, seat posts, paint and decals are warranted for 1 year against defects in material and workmanship. Alignment is warranted for 30 days from date of purchase. This warranty is redeemable only by the original owner when purchased and maintained through an authorized Litespeed dealer. Demo frames carry a three-year factory certified warranty.
Useful Product Life Cycle
Every Litespeed frameset has a useful life cycle. This useful life cycle is not the same as the warranty period.This warranty is not meant to suggest or imply that the frame cannot be broken or will last forever. Bicycles and/or frames will not last forever. The length of the useful life cycle will vary depending on the type of frame, riding conditions and care the bicycle receives.Competition, jumping, downhill racing, trick riding, trial riding, riding in severe conditions or climates, riding with heavy loads or any other non-standard use can substantially shorten the useful product life cycle of a Litespeed frameset. Any one or a combination of these conditions may result in an unpredictable failure of a Litespeed frameset that would not be covered by this warranty.All Litespeed framesets should be periodically checked by an authorized Litespeed dealer for indications of potential failures including cracks, corrosion, dents, deformation, paint peeling and any other indications of potential problems, inappropriate use or abuse. These are important safety checks and very important to help prevent accidents, bodily injury to the rider and shortened useful product life cycle of a Litespeed frameset.
This Limited Warranty Does Not Cover

Any damage resulting from normal wear and tear, including the result of fatigue. Any damage from the result of improper suspension set-up or faulty shock resulting in bottom-out. It is the owner's responsibility to inspect his or her bicycle before each and every ride.Any damage, failure or loss caused by abuse, neglect, improper repair, improper maintenance, alteration, modification, failure to follow instructions or warnings in owner's manual, an accident or crash or other abnormal, excessive, or improper use, including, but not limited to, stunt riding, ramp jumping acrobatics or other similar activities, or in any manner for which the bicycle was not designed.This warranty is void if product is purchased through eBay or any other unauthorized online or auction dealer.The original owner shall pay all labor charges connected with the repair or replacement of the frame. Cost of shipment or transportation to Litespeed and return shipping are specifically excluded and not covered by this warranty.An authorized Litespeed dealer must do the complete assembly and adjustment of the frameset and component parts. Framesets and/or bicycles that are not assembled and adjusted by an authorized Litespeed dealer are specifically excluded and not covered by this warranty.The warranty does not cover dents, dings, or scratches.The warranty does not cover inadequate seat post insertion or the use of a seat post of incorrect size. The seat post must be inserted a minimum of 10cm or 4 inches.
Limitations
There are no warranties which extend beyond the description on the face of this limited warranty, and any other warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any warranties of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, are expressly excluded by the terms of the limited warranty.Litespeed shall in no event be liable for incidental or consequential losses, damages or expenses in connection with its bicycle products. Litespeed's liability hereunder is expressly limited to the repair or replacement of goods not complying with this warranty or at Litespeed's elections, to the repayment of an amount equal to the purchase price of the product in question.Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts or the exclusion of limitation of incidental or consequential damage. The above limitations or exclusions may not apply to your situation. This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights, depending on which state you are in. Litespeed does not authorize or permit anyone else, including its dealers to make any other warranties, express or implied, for Litespeed.
Important Things to Remember About Your Warranty
A copy of the original dated receipt of purchase and Litespeed registration receipt must accompany the product for warranty consideration. Litespeed is responsible only for the bicycle frame and Litespeed branded products, however, we will honor valid component warranty claims as a service to our customers for the same period of time offered by the component manufacturer. Any product submitted to Litespeed without a valid Return Authorization number (RA#) will be returned to the shipper. Product must be registered within 30 days of purchase as condition precedent to coverage as provided herein.I have read & understand the Litespeed warranty policy and am ready to proceed with online warranty/repair claim form. I am ready to start the process by completing the online warranty/repair claim form.
ASTM Riding Conditions Classifications

Litespeed Bicycles Dealers

Every Litespeed has an intended level of use as defined by the ASTM Riding Condition Classification Chart. Click here to review the conditions.

Litespeed Bikes Closeout

Litespeed is a U.S. bicycle manufacturer founded in 1986 in Ooltewah, Tennessee.^[1][2] Litespeed makes titanium and carbon fiber frame road racing bicycles and mountain bikes. Titanium bicycle frames are famed for their ride quality.^[3][4] Litespeed, along with triathlon specific bicycle manufacturer Quintana Roo,^[5] is a subsidiary of the American Bicycle Group.^[6]

History[edit]

The company has its roots in a custom machine shop known as Southeast Machine that specialized in exotic metals. Its interest in bicycles began when one of the workers took up cycling while recovering from a running injury. He used leftover titanium frames from a chemical job to build the first frame in 1986. Frame after frame was made until one was deemed show worthy and taken to the Long Beach bike show in 1987. Thus began the journey that would make Litespeed the go to authority on titanium bicycles.^[7]

Litespeed bicycles have been tested and ridden by many in the competitive cycling and triathlon world: Tour de France cyclists Greg Lemond, Robbie McEwen, and Lance Armstrong;^[8] wheel innovator Steve Hed; IRONMAN competitors Tim DeBoom and Cameron Brown; Olympians Simon Whitefield, Jeff Kabush, the ITU Triathlon World Cup champion Vanessa Fernandes (Portugal), and 59-time French champion and 13-time world champion Jeannie Longo.^[9]

In the 1999 Tour de France, Lance Armstrong rode a titanium Litespeed Blade painted and labeled as a Trek during time trials. Several professionals have ridden Litespeeds painted as other brands. European brands such as Eddy Merckx and Bianchi have contracted Litespeed to construct titanium frames in their own lines.

Litespeed purchased Merlin (bicycles) and Quintana Roo in 2000 from Saucony, and trademark of Tomac in 2001.^[10] In March 2011, American Bicycle Group announced that bicycle retailer Competitive Cyclist of Little Rock, AR had acquired the rights to the Merlin Metalworks brand.^[11]

Litespeed has also sponsored the professional cycling teams Lotto-Adecco, DFL-Cyclingnews-Litespeed, Calyon/Litespeed Pro Cycling, and Team Maxxis. In 2014, Litespeed announced that they would sponsor the Astellas Pro Cycling Team for three seasons.^[12]

Litespeed has been a contractor and consultant to NASA for projects that require titanium-intensive sub-assemblies including the landing gear on the Mars Curiosity Rover.^[13][14]

Models[edit]

Road[edit]

T-Series: The titanium T-Series includes award-winning T1 (formerly the Archon), the T3, T5, and the T7 which was introduced in 2013. The T1sl replaces the T1 in 2016. It is 15% lighter than the 2015 T1.

L-Series: The carbon L-Series was introduced in 2012. Litespeed has four L-Series bikes: L1R, L1 (SRAM Red), Li2, and L3 (Ultegra). The L-Series is an all-around road racing bike, with an asymmetrical frame, and UCI-approved.

C-Series: The carbon C-Series was introduced in 2008. Litespeed has four C-Series bikes: C1R, C1 (Dura-Ace), Ci2, and C3 (Ultegra). The C-Series is an aerodynamic road bike series.

M-Series: Litespeed has two M-Series bikes: M1 and M3. The M-Series are built to exceed the demands of training and racing, day in and day out, with design features that are unheard-of at this price point.

Non-Current Titanium Models: Classic, Ultimate, Catalyst, Vortex, Nachez, Tuscany, Liege, Palmares, Arenberg, Siena, Ghisallo, Veneto, Solano, Firenze, Teramo, Bella, Ardennes, Archon, Niota, Icon, Xicon, Tachyon, Blade, Appalachian

Aluminum Models: Sirius, Avior, Mira, Vela, Palio. Aluminum frames first introduced in 2002, remained in production until approximately 2010. These models included titanium wrapped, carbon forks and seat stays.

Mountain[edit]

Pinhoti SL: Named after the rugged trail system in Georgia, The Pinhoti SL is the perfect titanium hardtail. Whether geared or singlespeed, it has amazing vertical compliance with perfect torsional rigidity. Compact rear-center and shorter wheelbase create an agile platform for quick and responsive handling. Elevated seat stays yield more support and stability for a balanced center.^[15]

Citico: Named after the Citico Creek Wilderness in Southeastern Tennessee, the pro-grade, Archon-inspired Citico is the first MTB frame to use a T1 engineered 6Al/4V, 6-sided and flared top tube and an oversized bi-axially ovalized down tube to maximize steering feedback, accuracy, and front end stiffness. Compatible with both 26' and 650b wheels.^[15]

Pisgah: Geometry identical to the Citico, the Pisgah puts Litespeed performance into service for any cross-country, single-speed, or urban MTB build. Compatible with both 26' and 650b wheels.^[15]

Sewanee: A full-suspension cross country race bike, the latest Sewanee features 90 mm of rear travel in a cold-worked 3Al/2.5V titanium frame. Compatible with both 26' and 650b wheels.^[15]

Cohutta: Features the industry's first 29er-specific titanium tubeset.^[15]

Time Trial[edit]

Blade: The legendary Litespeed Blade^[16] has been reintroduced as a Limited Edition carbon frameset in Litespeed's 2016 model lineup.^[17] The Blade is a super-minimalist TT frameset, designed to excel on the hillier, windier, more challenging courses and no penalty on the flat, fast days.^[17] Astellas Pro Cycling competed with carbon Litespeed Blades in the 2015 UCI Road World Championship TTT (Team Time Trial). The original Blade models were crafted with titanium material and ridden by many great cyclists, such as Lance Armstrong.^[16]

Gravel[edit]

Gravel: A bike designed for the recent craze of riding on gravel roads. It has a road bike style frame and handlebars, disc brakes, and room for wide tires.^[18]

Technology[edit]

Titanium[edit]

Litespeed Bikes Prices

Litespeed uses 6/4 titanium,^[19] which is an alloy of titanium with 6 percent aluminum and 4 percent vanadium, instead of the more-common 3/2.5 titanium.^[20] It is more difficult to work with, but has a better strength to weight ratio than other available alloys.^[19] It was initially not available as tubes, so Litespeed bought thin plates and cold-rolled and welded their own tubes.^[19]

AeroLogic[edit]

A key feature of Litespeed's C-Series of aero road bikes, AeroLogic is the incorporation of aerodynamic elements into frame design without the penalty of excess weight. AeroLogic features on the C-Series include a shrouded water bottle mount on the down tube, aero-tuned tube cross sections, a 'morphed' shaping of the seat stays, and a proprietary bladed and bowed aero fork. ^[21][22]

Reactive Pressure Molding[edit]

Litespeed's Reactive Pressure Molding (RPM) is an advanced molding method utilized during manufacture of Litespeed's newest composite frames. The three primary benefits of RPM are weight reduction, increased stiffness, and improved durability. This advanced process allows designs elements far beyond what can be accomplished with conventional bladder molding. Unique features such as an all-carbon head tube, compatible with the most precise ZS style press fit headsets, as well the multitude of AeroLogic aerodynamic elements are incorporated without the need of solid, permanent components and unwanted filler materials. The result is higher performance with no weight penalty plus additional benefits of improved strength, impact resistance, and stiffness. ^[23][24]

References[edit]

Used Litespeed Bicycles For Sale

1. ^'Lynskey Helix OS'. Bicycling. Mar 2013. Archived from the original on 2013-09-10. Retrieved 2013-09-12. The Lynskey family formed Litespeed in 1986
2. ^'Titanium's First Family'. Bicycle Guide. Nov–Dec 1992. Retrieved 2013-09-12.
3. ^Gordon Black, Alan Coté, and Bob Howells (March 1996). 'The Showroom: The Worthiest Steeds, Circa 1996: Litespeed Hiwassee'. Outside. Retrieved 2017-09-14. The Tennessee-built bike offers Ti's legendary ride: The frame feels marvelously supple without being noodley soft, and it's second to none in both weight and durability.CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
4. ^Andrew J Bernstein (October 23, 2012). 'Nothing Like It: Titanium Dream Bikes'. Biycling. Retrieved 2017-09-14. Titanium bikes aren’t popular or cutting-edge—but their ride is unique and absolutely astounding
5. ^Mike Pare (August 28, 2016). 'American Bicycle Group rides into future, Litespeed, Quintana Roo maker shifts to Chattanooga location'. Times Free Press. Retrieved 2017-09-14.
6. ^Mitra Malek (February 23, 2015). 'See how Litespeed bikes are built in Ooltewah, Tenn'. Times Free Press. Retrieved 2017-09-14.
7. ^Adam Newman (December 22, 2014). 'Made: Lynskey Performance Designs in Tennessee'. Bicycle Times Magazine. Retrieved 2017-09-14.
8. ^Leander Kahney (September 25, 2008). 'Litespeed's Titanium Bike Looks Like a Stealth Bomber, Is Priced Accordingly'. Wired. Retrieved 2017-09-14.
9. ^'Litespeed's 30th Anniversary'. Litespeed Bicycles. Retrieved 2016-02-17.
10. ^Bob Gary Jr (March 13, 2001). 'Bike-Frame Maker Litespeed Buys Trademark of Colorado Manufacturer'. Times Free Press. Archived from the original on September 16, 2017. Retrieved 2017-09-15.
11. ^'Competitive Cyclist Buys Merlin'.
12. ^'Litespeed Returns To The Pro Peloton'. Chattanoogan.com. February 1, 2014. Retrieved 2014-02-01.
13. ^Matt Cole (Oct 4, 2007). 'Litespeed Titanium is going to Mars'. BikeRadar. Retrieved 2012-07-17. NASA has built the landing gear using titanium fabricated by Litespeed.
14. ^'Litespeed on Mars, new models on Earth'. Bicycle Retailer and Industry News. August 7, 2012. Retrieved 2017-09-14.
15. ^ ^abcde'Mountainbikes'. Litespeed. Retrieved 6 April 2014.
16. ^ ^abRobbie Stout (March 13, 2009). 'After a two-year hiatus, Litespeed's TT bike is back and looks sharper than ever'. Velonews. Retrieved 2017-09-14. the Litespeed Blade is a bike with a storied history
17. ^ ^ab'Blade | Time Trial | Carbon | Litespeed Bicycles | Litespeed Bicycles'. litespeed.com. Retrieved 2016-02-17.
18. ^Joe Lindsey (May 8, 2017). 'Litespeed's Newest Gravel Bike Does It All'. Bicycling. Retrieved 2017-09-14. This redesigned ride offers versatility with a road-bike feel
19. ^ ^abcRichard Moore; Daniel Benson (2012). Bike!: A Tribute to the World's Greatest Racing Bicycles. The Miegunyah Press, an imprint of Melbourne University Publishing. p. 180. ISBN9780522861839. Retrieved 2017-09-15.
20. ^Patrick Brady (2011). The No-Drop Zone: Everything You Need to Know about the Peloton, Your Gear and Riding Strong. Menasha Ridge Press. p. 75. ISBN978-0-89732-660-5. Retrieved 2017-09-16.
21. ^'AeroLogic Windproof'. Litespeed. Retrieved 8 April 2014.
22. ^Thien Dinh (August 31, 2010). 'Litespeed Announces Flagship Aero Carbon C1R'. RoadBikeReview. Retrieved 2017-09-14. Aerologic features including cross-section aero-tuning and proprietary water bottle shroud.
23. ^'Reactive Pressure Molding'. Litespeed. Retrieved 8 April 2014.
24. ^Roger Parmelee (August 2012). '2012 Litespeed L1R Review'. To Be Determined. Retrieved 2017-09-14.

External links[edit]

Litespeed Sale

Litespeed Bicycle Serial Number Identification Chart