2011 Litespeed C1R Review

I received and built up my new C1R a couple of weeks ago. I wanted to rush and get it build before my camp the next week, so I stripped my previous Litespeed Ghisallo—I’m now building that for Jill as it’s a little small for me and a nice upgrade for her.

First impressions: WOW. Very sleek. The combination of sloping and aero tubes, flowing lines, natural black carbon, and bold white graphics is striking. It was light weight—not the lightest out there, but well below the weight of most aero bikes out there.

I built the C1R with SRAM RED, a Rotor 3D crankset, Q-Rings and chain, a Quarq Cinqo power meter, a PRO Stealth integrated stem/bar, Easton EA90 SLX wheels, and white brake hoods and ESI grips to match the frame graphics. I also included my Genuine Innovations Second Wind pump/CO2 inflator and my Zipp carbon cages.

The Litespeed C1R is made of T60 Nanotech carbon fiber. This is the best stuff on the market right now and only used on 5-6 bikes. Read more here.

First ride: Smooth, solid, and fast. Now, I’ve been on nice bikes. I’ve ridden the bikes that won Kona, Giro d’Italia, and the Tour de France. This C1R meets or beats any of them. The ride is smooth and comfortable—even with the stiffer carbon. I expected a harsher ride but I was pleasantly surprised. When I stood to accelerate the bike shot out of the cannon. The stiff and short chainstays keeps the rear triangle tight and responsive. The seatmast is a bit more of a pain to cut and size, but I like the feel being a little lighter and more compliant.

Descent down Mt Lemmon: WOW. Predictable, maneuverable but not twitchy, and very solid at high speeds. I was coaching, so I was doing a lot of riding a bit slower than normal and looking to the side and rearward at athletes—no problems and a very stable platform of a bike. But once in a while I’d stand, accel to max speed and get into a tuck. Also stable, confidence-inspiring, and solid. I went around many of the sweeping turns faster than I have before.

Bottom line: For a $3400 frame, this bike rivals those $1000 more, and in my opinion is better. It is well worth that price. It is a great overall bike—comfy on long rides, stiff in a sprint or acceleration, stable and predictable handling, and good looking. If it’s a bit out of your budget, try out the C1, the C2, or the C3. Trisports University did a great technical writeup here. Use code GEC-S for a price break at Trisports.com

For locals, ask me how to get a BIG discount on these bikes!

Keep the rubber side down.

Brian