Submitted by
TiGuy
a Cross Country Rider
from Bellevue, WA, USA Date Reviewed: May 4, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Tiger Mountain
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$3200.00
Purchased At:
REI LBS
Strengths:
Frame is flawless. still holding up after 8 years. nothing broken, nothing creaking, nothing. frame finish is unblemished rides as nicely as day one
Weaknesses:
only gripe is the rear brake cable routing. since v brakes use noodles on the left side, the brake cable has to take an awkward path around the seat tube, causing massive friction on the cable. this makes the rear braking a high effort and rough feeling affair. if the frame came with rear disc mounts, i would opt to switch to disc brakes, esp since i ride in wet/muddy climes.
recently however, i discovered that Paul's motolite v brakes have interchangeable noodle placement, so u can put the noodle on the left side or right side, depending on how your cable stops are situated on your frame. so i ordered one set (at $100 per wheel one is more than enough). finally, a rear brake solution that will work with my frame. i also got a set of aztec aluminum brake cable housing (the ones like nokon but have a nylon outer lining to protect your frame), so the rear brake issue i've had in the past will be elimintated once and for all.
Similar Products Used:
stumpy triple butted steel tanasi 6/4 ti (wow, super lite and fantastic ride)
this is a long term revisit review. i've since switched mainly to full suspension (intense tracer, epx terrashark, kona stinky dee lux) but still occasionally ride the unicoi when riding with beginners, bike path rides, charity rides etc.
the bike is still as fun to ride as it was back then. it has the perfect blend of riding character. it's light, stiff, forgiving, compliant, nimble, flexy in the right places, comfy, reactive to pedal input, it's just plainly what u'd want out of the perfect frame.
I like how some reviewers have described how the rear shock feels. my favorite and most accurate description would be that it feels like u r running a large volume tire at low air pressure. in other words, there is a small measure of vertical compliance when hitting square edge or chattery surfaces or dropping off. it feels smooth and quick like a low pressure tire does. it really does a good job at taking the spike off of a hit.
the benefit is that unlike a low pressure tire, you really are running your normal tire pressure, ie u r rolling fast and efficient, with no collapsing sidewalls in cornering, yet, you reap the benefit of that sensation of a pillowy and compliant ride.
as for climbing, yes, it finds more traction than a typical hardtail, but no, not as much as a nice 4 bar full susp design. nor does it descend as fearlessly. but, it also weighs much less and is more nimble. and overall it's afaster xc machine, taking much less effort to ride for hours on end. altho, on a full susp, u end up feeling more 'refreshed' at the end of a long ride.
bottome line, it's a must have bike if u like to have a stable of bikes for every occasion. or if u want a super nice xc machine with comfort, it's hard to beat. the tanasi is a superb racing machine, but for comfort, the unicoi gets the nod.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dennis
a Cross Country Rider
from Kirkland, WA USA Date Reviewed: February 24, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Chutes and Ladders
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
Local Brah!
Bottom Line:
I am just giving a long term ride report. Still love the bike. At times if you hit a bump/log/rock etc.. in the rear the bike will buck you. Granted I am 210 and ride hard! Added Mavic Crossroc Tubeless Disc and Avid mechanical Disc brakes. Now the bike is a lot faster on the singletrack ans feels more heavy duty. The added weight was a bonus to keep the bike from being so squirley. (24.3lbs)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul
a Cross Country Rider
from SLC, UT Date Reviewed: September 19, 2002
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Bottom Line:
I retract my previous complaint about warranty service. There was a misunderstanding. LS replaced my broken frame, apologized, and I am now happy 2ith my 2003 Unicoi.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul
a Cross Country Rider
from SLC, UT Date Reviewed: August 29, 2002
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Nice ride
Weaknesses:
Company!
Bottom Line:
The weld at the head tube broke,causing the bike to collapse mid-trail. Litespeed claims that this must have been caused by previous damage, but admit that there is no sign of any previous damage. I have never crashed this bike hard. They have refused to warrantty the bike. This is potential dangerous and certainly a sign of a shady company. Buyer beware!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dennis Bennett
a Cross Country Rider
from Somewhere in Washington St. Date Reviewed: June 30, 2002
Favorite Trail:
a new one
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
local brah!
Bottom Line:
This bike is great. I have put some hard miles on it and like most frames it is holding up just fine. Had to strip down the bike all the way and use Ti prep grease on all the metal to ti contact points to eliminate creeks but now she is as quiet as can be. The ti is amazing to smooth out the jarring washboards and also it gives enough just when it needs to. I only worry that with my style of riding and weighing at 210 lbs that I might have to use that lifetime warranty sooner than expected. The bike is worth riding!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
matt white
a Cross Country Rider
from navarre, fl Date Reviewed: January 8, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Lightweight soft tail design Improved customer service(thanks Rebecca) Finish will survive nuclear detonation Lack of bearing/bushings to replace and listen to creak
Weaknesses:
Can't blame the bike for being slow now
Similar Products Used:
99 Schwinn Homegrown Pro 98 Mountain Cycles Moho STS
Bike Setup:
2002 Sid sl race face next lp xtr drive train
Bottom Line:
I wasn't in the market for a bike, but got caught on eBay snooping where I shouldn't have been. I placed the only bid on the frame and got it for a song. I liked the softtail idea the Moho was trying for, and the Litespeed gives that thought a reality. The best description I can give for the travel was given below. It feels like you are riding a bike with 10psi in a 3.0" width tire. It won't soak up the big hits, but it does allow you to pedal over small roots and logs without losing traction. I am very partial to this bike due to the fact it fits me very well. I have fit other bikes, but this one seems to feel like those old jeans you don't want to throw away. As for the suspension pogo, I only noticed it when I have my front fork set too stiff. Give yourself some travel up front and the rear is very compliant. I tried my shock locked out just for kicks, and just about got bucked off the bike. This bike is ideal for the aging hardtail rider who doesn't want to go full suspension, but needs a little TLC his hardtail won't give.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
cse112_bjk25
a
from flagstaff Date Reviewed: September 29, 2001
Favorite Trail:
little bear
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1600.00
Purchased At:
internet
Strengths:
Ti frame is so so light and I never fear splitting the frame in half
Weaknesses:
Price of these bikes makes me feal like an ass riding it sometimes. It wobbles like a wet noodle benith my 180 lb's.
Bike Setup:
xt
Bottom Line:
I think this bike would rock for Tennesee but it is an XC bike at heart. Not a great thing when you live in the mountains...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Weebs
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlanta Date Reviewed: July 24, 2001
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$2800.00
Purchased At:
Custom built
Strengths:
Titanium is the best, rides almost as tight as a hardtail but softens things up a tad, great craftsmanship on the frame, fairly light, race geometry, good climber, great ride.
Weaknesses:
Rear suspension is just a spring so you have no rebound dampening and it can pogo. Of course it wont pogo much since it has little travel so the effect is minimized. This is not an issue most of the time and only shows itself during certain times. This has been addressed in the new designs.
Similar Products Used:
Last bike was a Specialized Stumpjumper. Sampled many FS frames before purchasing this one.
Bike Setup:
Custom built. Kris King HS, Manitou SX Ti shock, Titec seatpost and handle bar, Koobie seat, Nuke Proof hubs, Mavic rims (hand laced), Rest XTR.
Bottom Line:
Other than the minor issue of slight pogo it is a great bike. The combination of Titanium and small travel absorbs more punishment than you think it would while basically feeling as tight as a hardtail (but not the same). The frame will probobly last forever and has a lifetime warranty. Climbs good, tracks good fast, does single-track well. Any impact that would scratch a painted frame just polishese titanium...icing on the cake! Pogo drops it a chili otherwise 5. It does what it was built for well.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dragula der Blutfauger
a Cross Country Rider
from Halifax, N.S. Canada Date Reviewed: January 20, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Coastal, Fundy Nat. Park
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$2.00
Purchased At:
Bicycles Plus, Bedford, N.S.
Strengths:
Light, extremely stable at speed(80+kph Off-road), climbs like a goat, Folds space on the turns. Makes the impossible Possible!
Weaknesses:
Are you kidding? Ok seriously, I prefer downtube cable routing and the signature decal on the seatstay was tacky.(acetone and a rag...Poof)
Similar Products Used:
Got my first mtb in 1980, If they built it I probly rode it.
This bike is absolutely the pinnacle of human powered devices. It's nimble handling at the limits of physics obscure it's blazingly fast stability. On one descent I was passing a small group of spooked deer. If you've ever seen how fast they can move over rough terrain at a full run you know how fast I was going. If you want to outclimb, out corner, outlast and underweigh your freinds and enemies...Get one. As to those foolish few who cry "moots Ybb!" Now you know it should be, Moots? Y Buy Me!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
matt bucca
a Cross Country Rider
from huntsville, al Date Reviewed: October 28, 2000
Favorite Trail:
pine torch, alabama
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
00000
Strengths:
lite, shifts great, just enough rear suspension, when you press on the pedals it goes......
Weaknesses:
the cockpit is a little shorter then my previous bike.
Similar Products Used:
litespeed tsali
Bike Setup:
all xtr except changed crank to race face to get 22 chain ring
Bottom Line:
excellent bike. the shorter cockpit has advantages and disadvantages. the advantage is it eliminates climbing bars and I can get farther back on the saddle to go down hill. the disadvantage is the back comes up easier. this could be due to the lite bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brad
a Cross Country Rider
from Issaquah Date Reviewed: May 26, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Tiger Mtn.
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Great build quality, titanium ride, climbs like a goat, light.
Weaknesses:
Some flex in the bb area due to "open" seat stays. You don't feel this when laying down power, only when going through a tight turn that compresses the bike.
Similar Products Used:
None, old bike as a Stumpjumper.
Bike Setup:
XTR, ti stem, easton CT-2 bar, King HS, Mavic 517 ceramics laced 14/15 3x to King hubs, Time ATAC Carbon, Marzocchi Z2.
Bottom Line:
I'm in constant awe of this bike--it absolutly rocks! Tracks great on tight twisty stuff, hooks up amazingly well through mud bogs (lot of 'em up here), and climbs technical stuff really, really well. Forest Service roads are smoothed out by the titanium. The bike will bob a little if you hammer squares instead of spinning, but what should you be doing? I haven't had one problem, and don't expect any. Can't imagine ever replacing this bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian R.
a Racer
from TENNESSEE Date Reviewed: May 11, 2000
Favorite Trail:
TSALI
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Soft-tail design, titanium doesn't rust, titanium is easy to clean, this bike has made me a better rider.
Weaknesses:
To some extent the soft-tail design
Similar Products Used:
Have test ridden other soft-tails and this is one of the best.
Bike Setup:
XT group with XTR wheelset, SX-Carbon fork, Dean Ti seatpost.
Bottom Line:
This is my second review of this bike. I have now put extensive miles on the bike and raced it several times. I race Sport and this bike is great for me at that level. I don't train enough for the racing I do but this bike spares me from some of the abuse that would wear me down by the end of a race. The only problem I have with this bike is some pogo action in certain situations like riding stutter bumps and when spinning extremely fast on pavement.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
thomas gabele
a Racer
from chapel hill Date Reviewed: April 2, 2000
Favorite Trail:
the plowed down Dunn road trails
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
pretty welds fair price duriblity of ti
Weaknesses:
feels like riding around on flat tire spring brakes in rear end
Similar Products Used:
lots of stuff see Indyfab
Bike Setup:
atom bomber
Bottom Line:
just get a fs bike if you cant handle a hard tail ride steel!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Tebbetts, Mo Date Reviewed: March 27, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Light, Responsive, excellent finish and weld quality
Weaknesses:
a little expensive (but worth it)
Similar Products Used:
Moots YBB
Bike Setup:
Litespeed Shimano XT group with SID XC front shock
Bottom Line:
Test riding a Moots YBB last summer sold me on the design but it was a little more than I could justify. I saw the Unicoi frame for $500 off in a magazine and the local bike shop said they could match that price:-) The Unicoi is as good as the Moots I rode and a good bit less expensive. The bike is light and handles extremely well through turns. It's not a plush as the SuperV I had before. the weight and handling more than make up for that. Well worth putting in some overtime and saving for.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
michael
a
from northern mi. usa Date Reviewed: March 19, 2000
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
responsive,lightweight.awesome construction,great climber, predictable on fast decends,just enough rear travel.
Weaknesses:
everyone stops to look at it.
Similar Products Used:
klein mantra race,litespeed obed fs
Bike Setup:
rock shox sid sl, raceface crank rings and ti bb, litespeed ti seatpost, nuke proof atom bomb/mavic sup 517/wheelsmith 14/15 spokes,xt deraileurs and shifters,paul brakes,profile stiffy ti stem,easton monkey lite bar,cane creek headset.flite saddle, nuke proof ti twisters.
Bottom Line:
all in all, this is the best rig i have ever been on. lite, fast, great climber, handles like a porsche. i'm in my mid 40's and have never been faster. this bike is a big part of it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul Tillman
a Weekend Warrior
from Buford, GA, USA Date Reviewed: March 1, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Bull Mountain
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Light, Fast, Strong, Forgiving, Sweet. Simple Full Suspension design
Weaknesses:
Non Damping rear shock. Could use more travel.
Bike Setup:
Full XTR
Bottom Line:
The best bike I have ever owned. It is a blast to ride. Great ascender and descender.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve W.
a Cross Country Rider
from Somerset, MA Date Reviewed: February 26, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Manchester, NH
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
This bike rides like a Serrota. Light, Tight, Solid handling. I like the geometry because other frames that feel like this are twitchy on the downhills. Bike is springy and alive like fine steel tubing but stiff under torque and acceleration. Hill climbing is incredible. I'm not way up on the saddle like my old bikes. Also, the craftsmanship is the best I have ever seen.(I weld) Very competive racing frame for XC, especially narrow single-track and technical uphills.
Weaknesses:
I find that on the flats my bike pogo's somewhat and you have to really spin to not bob. One of the reviews mentions an upgrade kit for the rear spring. I ride where it is mostly hilly so it really is'nt a big deal. Lastly, I have to park it next to my bed.
Similar Products Used:
GT LTS, GT Zaskar, Klein Mantra Race(Nice), Cannondale
Bike Setup:
Judy XC(for ballast), XTR der's, LX deor shifters, Icon: Cranks, Seat post, Bar, and Stem, Aheadset, Bontrager wheels and seat, Conti's, Speedplay frogs.
Bottom Line:
Overall, I think I put myself in another class of bikes. And that's not because of the price tag. It's a machine that rewards those who push themselves, are competive(mostly with themselves), and want to stand on the podium. It's the real deal. I road a Klein Mantra last season and it kicked butt especially on climbs. Going from the Kein to the Unicoi was like comparing a good California to a vintage Bordeau. For me, it's all about beatin the stuffin out of myself trying to ride fast on a skinny little trail until your in a another state of consciousness, where you think and swear you saw a gnome peer out at you from behind an old oak tree. Litespeed's Unicoi helps me get there quicker and makes me more competitive with the other riders.(who specialize in tracking!) The bottom line: I LIKE IT! I value rated it with consideration that it does have a hefty price tag which none of us really wanted to pay and though it is a ferrari of bikes a volkswagon would still get me there. I also considered the superb workmanship. Overall rating was based on it's performance as tool and the pleasure it brings me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian R.
a Racer
from Tennessee Date Reviewed: February 23, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Tsali
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Light, short-travel full suspension bicycle. Titanium. Mine has nice welds. With an upgraded, stiffer rear spring it performs like a hardtail in almost every situation--but gives just enough to make you want to keep riding.
Weaknesses:
Lack of frame sizes. Litespeed geometry isn't my favorite
Similar Products Used:
Other frames: VooDoo Wanga, Kona Cinder Kone, and some piece of crap Nishiki
Bike Setup:
RockShox Judy XC (will replace when I get the $$); Dean Ti Seat Post, Kooka Stem, Titec handle bars and bar ends, xt derailluers, brakes, brake levers and shifters, un-72BB, LX crank and cassette (will replace when I get $$).
Bottom Line:
I had been looking for a short travel full suspension bike for a long time. Basically, I got this frame because I got a good deal on a used one. If I had all the money in the world I would have went with the Ibis Silk-ti, Seven Teres, or maybe the Moots. However, I got this frame used but in perfect condition for about 35% of the price of those frames. After riding it and having ridden the Moots, I have to say that I think the shocks react about the same. The spring in my bike differs from stock in that it is stiffer and has an elastomer in the middle to slow down rebound. I like the geometry on some of the other bikes better but not that much better. I transferred most of the parts from my old steel hardtail to this frame so I didn't expect the bike to be that much different. Well the ride is somewhat similar, but the addition of the shock and the titanium tubing really absorb most of the bumps that will be encountered in cross country riding. This bike will definetly increase the amount of time I spend in the saddle.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tony Russo
a Cross Country Rider
from Billings, MT Date Reviewed: February 6, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
The best allround cross country bike I have ridden. Responsive, smooth, it's got it all!
Weaknesses:
none
Bike Setup:
Marzocchi Super Fly, SRAM ESP 9.0 9x2, SRP integrex crank system, Cane Creek WAM
Bottom Line:
If this bike figures into your budget (or even if it doesn't) buy it! This will be the last frameset you need to purchase.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
TiGuy
a Cross Country Rider
from Bellevue, WA Date Reviewed: January 13, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Chiva Falls
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Lifetime Litespeed Ti Frame, looks great, rides great Frame is light, stiff, comfy, natural finish means no more paint chipping off! 1" coil spring rear shock adds comfort 99 Sid XL fork, light, comfy, adjustable 99 XT build, 9 spd, bulletproof Cane Creek headset, looks good, works good
Weaknesses:
rear brake boss is mounted on top right side of top tube, not ideal for v-brake routing. for the smoothest brake feel, it should be on the left side. Minor gripe: would be cool to see the top tube slope more for greater TT clearance
99 stock, full XT, Sid XC 2.5" size 18" Contro tech stem, post complete bike weight including pedals: ~24 lbs. frame only: 4.0 lbs including coil rear shock LBS (REI) fitted a section of innertube over the rear shock to weatherproof it Lizard Skin headseal Sigma cyclocomputer
Bottom Line:
go for it!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gary
a cross-country rider
from N.Providence, RI Date Reviewed: October 30, 1998
Bottom Line:
It took only 50' of riding this superb machine for a full force 10 smile to hit my face--yes, it was that good. Then, I took it into the woods and again I repeated Oh my god many times. I'm converting from a GT LTS-2 (full suspension) bike which has its place in the world, but not mine any longer as soon as I can get the $$$ together. The Unicoi has incredible handling in the single track, climbs very very well, accellerates at the thought, and the slight amount of rear travel is just enough to take away the hits. It was love at first ride, and at 47 I hope it'll outlast me. Well worth a test ride, but dont' do it unless you want to get spoiled--immediately.
Overall Rating:
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