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Submitted by
Tom Fajarillo
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle, Washington
Date Reviewed: July 3, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Ranger creek | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Jensen | | Strengths: | Wow! Imagine after 12 years, I finally was able to write a review for my old OBED bike. I am speechless. This bike is way better than any dual-suspension I have from all this years. I crack two frames of my intense spider dual-suspension. Sold it later but kept my OBED. Then, I spend more money for another Litespeed Niota titanium and I broke the tube in my rear triangle framed. In short, I abuse and beat the OBED and nothing breaks. The best HARDTAIL ever! All frames come and go, this one will stay till the END. I just replaced my fork (fox f32 100mm RL). I will be riding hardtail again and ride my Niota only on summer and for show-off. | | Weaknesses: | NONE!!!!! | | Similar Products Used: | Intense spider, Niota Litespeed 2006 | | Bike Setup: | Fox fork, raceface crankset(10yrs old) XTR RD (still original) XT FD. sram twister, Avid brakes. | | Bottom Line: | As previously said in product strengths: This bike will last a lifetime. Heck, my grandchildren will probably use it someday. The new OBED cost an arm and a leg. Litespeed knows the durability of this framed. So, they are starting to make a model again. Buy one!!!! You won't regret it. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jason green
a Cross Country Rider
from hooksett, nh, usa
Date Reviewed: April 28, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | keene,nh from want ad | | Strengths: | very responsive light wieght dual suspension frame. | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | cannondale super v | | Bike Setup: | full xtr, 01 mars elite fork, thomson stem and seatpost, easton carbon monkeylite bar, shimano 858 pedals, risse racing terminator rear shock, selle italia ti flite saddle, nuke proof carbon front and ti rear hubs, mavic 217 rims, chris king headset, carbon stem spacers, salsa seatpost clamp/carbon brake stiffiner/wheel squewers. panaracer fire rc pro 2.1 tires. i got all this for $1800. | | Bottom Line: | this bike is a very sweet light dual suspension cross country racing bike. the ideal rider for this bike is someone who isnt concerned about cost but with quality. a person who would dislike this bike would be a person who doent ride that hard. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
bRAD
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto, Ontario
Date Reviewed: April 17, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Durable, light, just the right flex, accelerates and handles excellently. | | Weaknesses: | ? | | Bike Setup: | 1997 Obed Frame
2001 Marzocchi Atom race (80mm)
2001 Mavic Crossmax UST
Thomson seatpost and stem
Easton Ct2 bar
Bontrager magnesium bar-ends
odi lock on grips
specialized elite computer (2002)
Selle Italia flite saddle
XT brakes, bottom bracket, cranks, deraillers, shifters
King headset
Time aluminum pedals
Michelin comp s tires
| | Bottom Line: | I love this bike. I builded it myself. It cost me a couple years allowance but I would have paid twice that. Its not the lightest thing around, but I was going for reliable and somewhat light. I wouldn't change a thing.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a
from Paducah
Date Reviewed: February 17, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | Colorado Cyclist | | Strengths: | This bike has taken all the abuse i can give it. i am a Clysdale rider whoa verages 210 most of the time. This bike has been used in th Kentucky Point Series as well as countless other rides. It is stiff but forgiving in all but the worst hardpack rock covered trails. I am a traditionalist when it comes to bikes and I must admit if this were a road bike it would be in the same group as a Eddy Merkx Corsa. (I guess that dates me a little). I would recommend this bike to anyone who loves to ride mountain bikes and wants a reliable, comfortable, stable, and overall great bike! | | Weaknesses: | Weakness..... what weakness??? I guess the flex in the rear with V-Brakes but a $40 shimano carbon fiber brace took care of that. | | Similar Products Used: | Raleigh Easton E-9 Peak, GT LTS, | | Bike Setup: | Full XTR, 747 pedals, Titec bar, Vetta Cruel love seat, Shimano Carbon rear brake brace | | Bottom Line: | I know the price has doubled in the past few years buthis bike is a keeper and will be with you for years to come!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Reilly Canan
a Cross Country Rider
from B.C. canada
Date Reviewed: August 30, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | It's waitting for me out there, I no it. | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$340.00 | | Purchased At: | off a buddy used, it was used for 2 years before me. | | Strengths: | Litespeed makes the best titanium frames,
good on the hills, down and up, love the flex of the frame | | Weaknesses: | Not recommended for long travel forks. no rear disc calaper mount. | | Similar Products Used: | DEAN Colonel X-Lite
TITUS Hard Core Racer
other titanium bike out there. | | Bike Setup: | 1998 Litespeed Obed titanium Frame
mavvic f519 front and rear rims, Z5 qr20's with 130mm (5")
xtr rear shifter and deraler,(no need for front), TruVativ cranks & bb, Avid mechanical front disc brake and Avid arch rivle v-brakes, Rocky Mountain bars and stem off a rm6. | | Bottom Line: | the sweetest free ride/xcountry bike in town. put to much mony in to it. It's good for a some one like me who is only 150lbs but the guy i boot it off really made the frame bend.
titanium frames rule man!!
I'm going to get me a Rocky Mountain reaper frame next year | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Poppy
a Cross Country Rider
from Overland Park, KS, USA
Date Reviewed: February 24, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Tuttle Creek area | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | quality build and finish
sweet looks
lightweight
forgiving
stiff enough for climbs | | Weaknesses: | stupid top-tube sticker (very petty, I know) | | Similar Products Used: | Supergo Access (great frame, but unforgiving) | | Bike Setup: | '99 16.5" Obed, Amp F3, 9.0sl, nuke proof, Rock Shox post, Flite seat | | Bottom Line: | Suspension seatpost aside, this frame takes the harshness out of riding. When going down hills, this frame seems to soak up the bumps, where my alu frame you had to be more aware of the tail. Great handling through the single track and up hills too. I highly recommend the Rock Shox post as well, with my new set up I still dropped the bike's weight, which is sub 22lbs. My only complaint is the top-tube sticker, so I scratched it off and buffed the area w/ steel wool- finish looks better than new.
Verdict is flames | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Olde Bike Scribe
a Cross-Country Rider
from Staatsburg, NY
Date Reviewed: January 9, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: |
Cannot tell You | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
This frame set just works. Light weight Stiff enough for me (I weight 200ls). Hard to beieve this is their entry level frame). | | Weaknesses: |
The price | | Similar Products Used: |
Gary Fisher Advance | | Bike Setup: |
I set this bike up with a mix of XTR. XT and LX components and an older Girvin shock (hey after buying the frame I did not have the $ to buy a new high quality Shock) | | Bottom Line: | Best bike investment I have made thus far. I will be enjoying the bike long after the shock of the price wears off. Great factory tech support.When I bent a derailer hanger the factory tech folks were great in assisting me to staighten it. If you like a hard tail and can come close to affording a LiteSpeed DO IT. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Craig
a Cross-Country Rider
from Wilsonville, Oregon
Date Reviewed: December 22, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Elkhorn Crest | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Weight
Forgiving ride
Climbs like a bobcat | | Weaknesses: |
None | | Similar Products Used: |
Yeti ARC
Fat Chance Yo Eddy
Kona Hei Hei | | Bike Setup: |
Obed
Manitou SX-Ti
Full XTR 9 speed
Cane Creek WAM Ti wheels
Ibis ti stem
Dean ti bars, seatpost, barends | | Bottom Line: | This is a scary fast, stupid light hardtail. Weighs under 22 pounds and every component, including wheels, is bombproof. Just finished my second full year on the bike and my first year of racing. This thing accelerates like nothing else (except maybe another nice ti frame), soaks up bumps, steers telepathically, and gets lots of nice bike comments, which makes me climb harder. Best part is it motivates me to become a good enough rider to justify it! 100 flaming whatevers! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Spiffyjiff
a Weekend Warrior
from Germantown, MD
Date Reviewed: October 13, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Similar Products Used: |
g.fisher HKEK
trail-tested specialized and C'dale. | | Bike Setup: |
OBED
Manitou SX-Ti
XTR rear De., brakes, shifters, hubs
XT front De., cassette
Mavic 517 rims
Syncros cranks
RaceFace Ti BB
King headset
Easton seatpost | | Bottom Line: | this is simply one awesome ride. i came off of a g.fisher HKEK and this obed is LITE years ahead in terms of performance. i have also ridden a couple specialized's and some full susp bikes, but nothing seems to compare to litespeed. it accelerates and climbs like it's got a motor of its own, and the Ti flex is just enough to ease the landings and huge logs. cornering is also incredible. i am definitely a litespeed convert and will (most likely) never switch brands. i can't imagine finding a better ride that even justifies switching brands or a that justifies all the higher prices out there for mostly similiar products. if you have the $, i highly recommend picking up an obed. this is an entry-level litespeed for me and hope to save up enough to get a full susp litespeed in the future. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave G
a Cross-Country Rider
from Gaithersburg, MD
Date Reviewed: July 13, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Otero Canyon in NM | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
Light, very nice Ti ride | | Weaknesses: |
Short top tube
Aluminum inserts in headtube
Durability! | | Bike Setup: |
16.5 inch, mostly XT, Z2 BAM up front | | Bottom Line: | This is an addition to the review I did last year. I still love the Ti ride of the bike, but I've had numerous problems w/ the bottom bracket coming loose (even after using teflon tape) and various creaks/groans. I just noticed this weekend that the weld connecting the headtube to the downtube has cracked. I'd guess that this is where the creaks/groans have been coming from. This was quite a dissapointment since I got a Ti bike for its durability. It's possible that I'm simply too heavy (~200 lbs) for the bike. I've sent it back to litespeed, and am waiting to find out what the're going to do about it. If I buy another Ti bike in the future it _WONT_ be a Litespeed. | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
GatorRider
a Weekend Warrior
from gainesville, fl
Date Reviewed: July 9, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Fred Bear | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
lightweight
forgiving ride
sweet finish
perfect welds
Great customer service, they replied to all my emails within a day and sent me free decals | | Weaknesses: |
short top tube
limited frame sizes for the Obed | | Similar Products Used: |
This is my first Ti bike | | Bike Setup: |
16.5 Obed
Rigid Cro-mo fork (OEM)
1997 XT front derailleur
1997 LX 4arm cranks
1994? UN51 BB
Sachs ATB chain
Kalloy stem, bar, seatpost
Control Tech Non-QR wheel and seatpost bolts
Tioga city slicker 1.25
1 inner tubes
Oury grips
OEM padded seat
shimano 7speed cassette
Deore DX hubs(front and rear)
DT 15 gauge straight gauge spokes, brass nipps
Sun CR-17 rims, dark anodized
Rox, rimptape
Shimano cables
Altus brake levers, shifters and rear derailleur
OEM plastic pedals | | Bottom Line: | Bought the bike, cranks, and front derailleur from Jenson in August 1997 (Back when UPS was on strike !!!)
The high cost of the frame broke my bank account. thats the reason for all the cheap parts on this bike. I had to re-use old parts from two of my old steel framed bikes.Litespeed has great customer service, a woman named Jeannette answered all my emails and sent me free decals. The welds on the bike are perfect.Even though my bike is setup for the road, the Ti frame absorbs most of the bumps in the road. I've never taken this bike offroad, but i'm sure it would have a forgiving ride along the trails. I prefer to use my old steel beater bike on the trails.
I wish the Obed had a longer top tube, on occasion i wish it was a bit longer. I also wish that the Obed was available in a 17 or 17.5 size. The Ocoee is available in 17 but it cost $500 more. So i have to give this bike a 4.5 stars rating | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
GatorRider
a Weekend Warrior
from Miami
Date Reviewed: July 9, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
anywhere | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
lightweight, forgiving ride soaks up the bumps. i don't have to worry about rust or dents. Litespeed has great customer service, they replied to my emails within one day. they sent me free decals too !
Perfect welding job
Great chi-chi factor | | Weaknesses: |
short top tube
limited frame sizes available for the Obed | | Similar Products Used: |
this is my first Ti bike
purchased in August 1997 | | Bike Setup: |
16.5 Obed,
1997 Shimano LX cranks
shimano UN-51 BB
Sachs ATB chain
Rigid Steel Fork(OEM)
SUN CR-17 rims
Shimano deore DX hubs
Control Tech TI non-quick release skewers
shimano 7 speed cassette
Tioga city slicker 1.25
one inch inner tubes
Altus rear derailleur
shimano XT front derail.
Kalloy stem
Kalloy handlebar
Altus shifters
Oury grips
Altus brake levers
shimano shift/brake cables
kalloy seat post
OEM padded seat
non-quick release seat bolt
OEM plastic pedals | | Bottom Line: | The cost of the frame broke my bank account. Therefore i could only afford to buy cheap parts. plus i reused some parts from my old steel Specialized rockhopper. The Altus components come exclusively from my other old bike, a Trek 820.I've set up my litespeed for road use basically, it soaks up most of the bumps in the road. My bike sure is fast.The Litespeed Obed is a great value. anyone in the market for a Ti frame in the $1000 range should check it out.
I'd have to rate the Obed a 4.5 stars. If the frame had a little bit longer top tube, i'd have to give it 5 stars.Happy Trails ! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kingston
a Cross-Country Rider
from Malaysia
Date Reviewed: July 5, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Meru From Malaysia | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Bottom Line: | I just bought less than a week and I even not test it out but I felt gooooodddddd!!!!!!!
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross-Country Rider
from Woodridge Ill
Date Reviewed: May 19, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Bullfrog Lake | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Light weight. Supple ride, forgiving geometry | | Weaknesses: |
None | | Similar Products Used: |
Specialized M2 | | Bike Setup: |
Manitou SX Ti , Xtr ders. Grip Shift, Hugi Hubs, Answer Hyperlite Bars, Control Tech stem and bar ends, Grafton cranks, Race Face Taperlock Cro-Mo BB | | Bottom Line: | I got my 98 Obed as an Excell house brand Macalu for 695$ on closeout. I have to say that this frame is everything I had hoped for. The geometry is a touch slacker then what I'm used to, and this makes the bike much more forgiving over technical stuff. Almost like it's on auto pilot. Also having ridden Aluminum frames for the last 8 years, the Ti ride is really noticable. The bike floats over rough stuff , and doesn't have that kick in the ass feel that Aluminum does. I have read a bunch of posts in here about BB flex. I have to say that it is minimal. I am 6 ft 1' and 215 pounds. I am on a 19.5 frame. I would say that I am light on my bike, but even purposelly mashing up a climb in a gear that was WAY bigger then I would normally use there was no flex, no chain rub, nothing. It might be due to the CroMo BB and narrow cranks I run. I also have the newer style XTR front der. which mounts alot closer to the BB shell then the old style. Maybe the BB flex is in the older models?? None on the 98. Nothing bad to say about this frame at all. I highly recomend it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim Miller
a Racer
from San Diego, CA
Date Reviewed: May 11, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Indian Creek/Noble Canyon | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Lightweight, durable frame. Whether it's the titanium or the frames geometry, it takes a lot of the harshness out of the ride. Very comfortable. | | Weaknesses: |
Good be too flexy for heavier riders (I'm 165-170 lbs) or real mashers. Standover height was higher than listed in the catalog, although that hasn't been a problem. | | Similar Products Used: |
Kona Kileaua
Gary Fisher Big Sur
GT LTS | | Bike Setup: |
19.5 frame, SID fork, XTR rear derailleur, XT cranks, XT front derailleur, XT brakes, Flite Ti saddle, Thomson seat post, Time ATAC Alium pedals, Mavic 517 wheels with XTR hubs. | | Bottom Line: | I'm very happy with the frame. It's comfortable enough that I felt I didn't need a full-suspension bike anymore. It's a good value for a ti frame. I'd like to give it 4.5 stars. I'd give it 5 if it had a longer top tube (i.e., more like Genesis geometry). | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob
a Cross-Country Rider
from Dever, Co
Date Reviewed: March 21, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
too many to list | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
Great climber, decender. | | Weaknesses: |
flex in bottom bracket
wide chainstays | | Bike Setup: |
XTR-gripshift, Marzocchi Z2 atombomb, avid arch brakes, protaper 2 rise bar. | | Bottom Line: | I've beaten this bike for 6 years now. I have replaced about all the components but the frame rocks. The bike does everything well. When I bought the bike i raced in AZ and now live in CO which is totally different types of riding and I now finally appriciate how well the bike climbes and decends.
I am 6'4 and 170 lbs and have found lots of flex in the bottom bracket. However if you run a steel BB and a low Q crank this is really reduced. As far as total flex, yes it does flex but that only makes the ride better. The bike feel alive under you. Also i would suggest a stiff fork like Marzocchi's which have the best travil anyway.
I love it! but my next bike will have at least some 6-4 Ti that stiffen up key parts. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rene
a weekend warrior
from New York
Date Reviewed: March 7, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I got my Obed yesterday and this bike is awesome! Titanium soaks up the small bumps and the Marzocchi Z.2 eats up the big ones. The welds on this baby and the finish are a work of art. If ya want the ultimate Ti ride, but can't afford a megabuck one, go for this bike. I plan on being buried with mine ...Litespeed does warrant it for life ya know? A shout out to Patrice at Bay Ridge Bicycle World (www.Bayridgebikes.com)... thanks for all your help and for swapping out the silver spacers for black ones ... you and your shop rule! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
miotch
a cross-country rider
from boulder colorado
Date Reviewed: March 3, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Bought the 99 obed frame through speedgoat along with a king headset. The rest of the bike I built with z2 fork and xtr and xt components. This bike rocks in downhills or in singletrack. Corners well, soaks up the hits and jumps like no other hardtail I've ridden. There is some frame flex but it is hardly noticeable and the rest of the ride more than makes up for it. The workmanship and finish on the frame is immaculate and Chris and Beth at the goat were awesome. If you are in the market for a ti hardtail and your name is not Bill Gates you can't go wrong with the obed. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
heatstroke
a weekend warrior
from malaysia
Date Reviewed: March 3, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Had this bike for 6 months or so. Last weekend in a major mud fest, chain suck resulted in my rear derailler meeting my spokes. resulted in a busted chain and bent hanger and a long walk. Amazing enuf DT spokes survived. 5 flames for the ride and build. minus 1 for lack of a replacable hanger. Lucky enuf to be able to fix it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob
a cross-country rider
from Michigan
Date Reviewed: December 27, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
i just purchased a '99 obed frame, and built it with all xtr and a marzocchi atom bomb '98 fork. it weighs in at a bit less than 23 lbs--not bad considering the heavyish fork.
i have ridden it only once: 35 degrees and snow on the trail (the first time i have really tried to ride snow). my impressions are very positive. it climbs, descends and accelerates very well. the ride is excellent. i was a bit timid, due to the snow, but i think it will corner well--cant wait to thrash it in the spring...
the frame and welds are quite stunning. i have never seen such a smooth weld, and i have gazed upon some pretty expensive machines.
i truly think you cant go wrong with this frame. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BikeSpeed
a weekend warrior
from Brooklyn, NY
Date Reviewed: December 18, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Hello everyone. I just sold my rig (Dale SuperV700) and I'm saving up for a Litespeed Obed. It seems like the majority of all you out there are satisfied with this bike. I'll be buying my Obed in a few months from now and have been in touch with a few dealers and Litespeed. If any of you can reccomend a place where I can get a good deal or if any of you have any suggestions or comments (positive or negative) about this bike, an e-mail would be appreciated. It's kinda stupid to rate a bike that I haven't purchased yet, but from what I've heard, this bike's a winner.Happy holidays and good riding to all | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nelson
a cross-country rider
from Bogota, Colombia
Date Reviewed: December 3, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought my Obed in October of 94 while I was living in New Jersey. I can honestly say that it is the best frame I have had (and I have had many). I have probably changed every component on the bike at least twice and have ridden the Andes Mountains here in Colombia for the last 3 years along with expert class race seasons since 1995. This frame has taken its share of abuse. I can not say enough about the ride quality. However, there is something I would like to say about some comments made by the guy from England who broke his Obed near the chainstays: I too broke my Obed recently in the same place but you can't expect a frame that is raced, thrashed, etc to last forever (ti or any material). Litespeed offers a lifetime warranty on its frames which means that they will repair OR replace it depending on the severity of the damage. Warranty doesn't mean replacement everytime something brakes, dude! Enough said. Anyway I too was weary about not having my bike for a few months while it was being REPAIRED so I took it to a local shop that does repairs on high quality road bikes and it only cost me about $40US. Just remember ladies and gents, if you go my route make sure that the equipment is top notch and remember that you loose your warranty which is fine in my case. I would not recommend this to anyone livintg in the US. All in all: hats off to Litespeed! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kabby Hong
a weekend warrior
from Denver, Colorado
Date Reviewed: October 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This review is for the 1999 Obed. I've owned a lot of mountain bikes in my life but none compare to my new Obed. I own a 1997 Specialized FSR Ground Control and I was looking into getting something on the lighter end. I looked at a lot of frames including the Titus HCR and the Airborne Lucky Strike. I decided on the Obed because the 1999 model ran me only $965 and this year's model came with a brilliant brushed finish, and a biaxially ovalized down tube all at a price that is more than a hundred dollars cheaper than the 98 model. It was too good to be true. I had it built out with XT componentry and a Judy XC fork. I had heard a lot about the magical ride quality of titanium but I always thought it was marketing hype. One ride on my new Obed and it proved me wrong. It's hard to describe except the bike absorbs so much of the vibrations and feedback from teh trail that it feels like a full suspension. When you're climbing up a hill though it's stiff as a board. I actually am considering selling my full suspension FSR because the damping is that good. The other great thing about the Obed is that it's very light. My bike is not fitted with ultralight parts and it still only weighs 23 pounds. I can't say enough about the ride quality and sheer joy of riding this frame. The difference between aluminum and titanium is night and day. The only analogy I can use is the first time you rode a bike with any suspension. The feeling is that dramatic. With a lifetime guarantee in the end the price is actually the same or cheaper than most aluminum frames. If you have any questions please email me. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
gilles
a weekend warrior
from brussels,belgium,europe
Date Reviewed: October 4, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
my litespeed obed is probably the best bike of the town where i'm living
but i can't write longly in english,so i continue to write in french,sorry
depuis que j'ai achete ce bike,ma vie a change et je crois que j'en suis tombe amoureux...il est tellement magique,je l'ai equipe d'une transmission raceface
de manettes et derrailleurs esp 9.0 d'une fourche rockshox judy sl...
actuellement il pese 9,885 kg soit environ 21,5 pounds
je compte le garder et peut etre lui offrir un petit frere freeride du genre gt,
specialized fsr ou proflex custom
greetings from belgium,europe | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
speed
a weekend warrior
from Centreville, VA
Date Reviewed: September 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had my Obed for almost 3 years now and love it. It is light, responsive and fantastic in single-trak. It's pretty tricked out and wieghs about 22 pounds. A Ti hardtail is the way to go. I've got almost 3,000 miles on it, including 3 trips to Moab, and have had no problems. So far it has been indestructable. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rich
a cross-country rider
from Colorado
Date Reviewed: August 19, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought my litespeed OBED as a MACALU framset for less than $700. It,s now equipped with XTR components and a Judy SL weighing in at less than 22 lbs. It's an excellent all around bike, excelling on the uphills, tight manuvers and portages. However, I am disappointed that it feels squirrley on the fast descents and doesn't hold a tight line. As for the flex, it flexes plenty. To see how much it flexes, hold onto the brakes and crank on the pedals with your weight over the rear wheel. If it looks like too much you better look into a good Al or Cr Mo frameset. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sherman
a weekend warrior
from British Columbia, Canada
Date Reviewed: August 19, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have had my obed for about 2 years now and I like it. The frame has quite a bit of flex so for heavy riders go with some stiffer ti if ti is what you want. I weigh 180 and I think it is too flexy for me. Especially when I start hammering on the pedals you get chain rub on the front derailler from the frame flexing. It is pretty much indestructable. It can handle the rough terrain and sometimes the flex is nice to have especially on big jumps and what not. I have developed a headset creak in the headtube. I am pretty sure it is the frame. I am not sure what it is but I think it is something to do with the inserts that are put into the frame. It is quite noticable when using the front brake. I have heard others that have had the same problem. The finish is very nice. No paint to scratch off and when scratches do occur it barely shows up. Overall it is a good bike but not made for the heavier riders. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael
a racer
from Pennsylvania
Date Reviewed: August 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Pulled my new Obed out of the box last nite, threw it together w/a new atom bomb in about 25 minutes & made it to the group ride on time. I punished myself and the bike, and I can honestly say that it's everything I hoped for/imagined and more. The quickest bike I've ever ridden in technical singletrack, and the atom bomb makes downhilling fast almost leisurely. Everything I've read/heard about Ti is true. It's astonishing how well it soaks it up yet stays stiff where and when it needs to (climbing). I couldn't pass up an offer thru Colorado cyclist-$1799 plus $89 for 747's-when my prior bike was stolen. The bike shop I race for is a Litespeed dealer, and he recommended I take advantage of the deal, 'cause he couldn't come close for an XT bike! I topped it off with a new Atom Bomb, and let me tell ya...I'll never, ever go back to Manitou or Rockshox; there's just no comparison. Simply put, the fork is perfect. I'm 5'9, 155 lbs., and ride the 18 frame (short legs, long torso). I'm winning sport races, and noticed no flex in the frame, even when pounding out of the saddle. I would recommend this bike to anyone, anywhere, anytime, for anything. Awesome Litespeed service dept. answered every question I had, and Jeannette at Litespeed is a sweetheart!!! 5 for 5. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
pudd
a cross-country rider
from Jacksonville, AL
Date Reviewed: August 3, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have had my Obed for about a year now and absolutlely love it. I am a fairly heavy rider 225 at 5' 10. I ride a 16.5 frame with full XTR and appreciate the flex although it may be squishy for larger frames. I appreciate the long geometry and maigical ride quality that Ti gives. I have owned every type of cannondale including full suspension and a few high end steel frmaes and stiil think the Obed is the most comfortable bike ever. Next Bike: 6/4 Tellico. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gary hobbs
a cross-country rider
from Gloucestershire, England
Date Reviewed: August 3, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I would just like to share with you all the nightmare that is Litespeed warranty.
11 months after purchasing a Litespeed obed for £1200, the frame broke near the rear of the chainstay. (No crash or jump involved.)
Whilst being very disappointed at my Frame for life failing in less than a year, I assumed that a warranty replacement would be a formality. After all, this a top of the range bike from a large company. However, two months later and I am still waiting for a replacement. Infact litespeed now say that they want to repair and return the original frame !!!
Bottom line..Don't buy one. Once they've got your money they don't want to know you.
(Having spent the last eight weekends racing on borrowed bikes, I can whole heartidly recommend the DE KERF SL, DBR AXIS TT and Kona HEI HEI. Thanks guys, for helping me make the team, see you at the world in Quebec') | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sparker
a
from cross-country rider
Date Reviewed: July 20, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Well, I have owned the Obed for about 18 months now, and I still have nothing but positive things to say. It is light, comfortable, bulletproof, stylish, etc. etc. This bike handles well in the single track. The handling is very predictable, and it tracks very nicely. It is not super agile or twitchy due to its geometry, but it does give you a feeling of confidence. That, and its smooth ride characteristics allow you to go faster and faster and faster until BOOM, you crash. (it is, however, your responsibliity to ride within your limits). Which brings up another point. This bike is in exactly the same condition it was in new (well, almost). Even though it has suffered a number of devastating falls (down a mountain once, and over the edge of a dropoff at slick rock on another occasion), with only a few minor scratches (the seat and rims, however, are a different story). There have even been a few instances of nasty chain suck right up past the chainstay, and this only seems to buff the frame to a nice polish. TIP: you can polish the satin frame to a really attractive shine with some Mother's Mag Polish and some elbow grease.The best thing about this bike is its climbing ability. My bike tips the scale at about 22.5 pounds with decent components (XT, Crosslands, yadda yadda). I can grind up pretty steep sections in my middle chainring where others are huffing and puffing in granny. If necessary, standing up and hammering is possible - something about the geometry keeps the rear tire biting (within reason). Some have complained about flex, but I don't really notice, even though I'm pretty heavy (170). All in all, the best value in bikes I have every come across.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Derek
a cross-country rider
from Seattle, WA
Date Reviewed: June 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This frame's construction is impeccable. The welds are perfect and beautiful. My bike has been through some tough speed crashes and has resisted the forces of rocks impacting the frame. Although the finish is not resistant to scratches and scrapes, I find that the Ti is resistent to dents. The finish of the bike is a satin gray, which I absolutely love. It gives the bike a serious tough industrial look.As for handling, I've rode aluminum and cro-mo hardtails from reputable makers, but I find that the Obed's ride is much more forgiving, taking much of the edge off of rough terrain. The ride has sort of a gliding smooth quality to it. On rough descents at speed, this frame is steady and balanced, and therefore encourages me to increase my speed. The Obed handles very well in tight single track and is very responsive to quick maneuvers through tight sections. This bike also is a phenominal climber, with the rear wheel able to stay firmly planted in most situations. I've been able to ascend grades that with confidence and less effort than with my previous hardtails and have even ascended grades that I once could not. I have not experienced much flex in the frame. I am 155lbs and even pulling and pushing under power, I get confident power transfer to the rear wheel. This is the best bike I have ever owned. I've gone through 3 different hardtails. I just love it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Derek Jones
a weekend warrior
from Ancaster, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 13, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I purchased an Obed when it first arrived on the scene a few years ago. It is super light and strong and the titanium flex makes it a comfortable bike to ride. The titanium is a breeze to clean and it looks as good today as the day I bought it. The best bike I have ever had. Well worth the extra cash. Still has a ton of rock pounding mud slingling rides left in it ! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ALEX SHAPIRO
a racer
from FREDERICK,MD
Date Reviewed: June 10, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The Lightspeed Obed is the sweetest frame Ive owned, and Ive tried a bunch.Ive had the oclv Fisher,aluminum hardtail Fisher,aluminum full suspension Proflex, full suspension carbon Trek Y, cromo hardtail Specialized and now the Obed.I race expert class weigh 155lbs and have the bike built up with crossmax,sweetwings,ti bar@post,LX v's,altek levers,747's ,Judy SL w/Englund cartrides ect. It weighs 20lbs and is durable. I recommend this frame highly and 2 years of racing hasnt beat it up,(broke 3 Proflex frames at the headtube).Buy one! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DOC
a cross-country rider
from Malaysia
Date Reviewed: May 24, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've owned the Obed for more than 2 years now and have no cause for complain. The handling is telepathic and it steers without me thinking. There is a level of comfort that is appreciated especially on long rides. The bottom bracket is stiff enough for me (140lbs).Coupled with crossmax wheelset and Marzocchi atombombs makes it the perfect ride.My only reservation is that the top tube is rather short and the finish(satin) makes it look less expensive. 5 stars definitely. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steven
a cross-country rider
from Trondheim, Norway
Date Reviewed: May 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I am looking for a new frame; I just saw that some found the Obed quite unexpensive !!! Could someone give me a nice adress ? Thanks a lot !
I have a Kona Kula made of Easton Elite 7005...Equiped with main XT, some XTR, and Z2 fork.
Greeting from Norway !! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Superman
a cross-country rider
from Krypton
Date Reviewed: April 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have my Obed for two weeks now and I am very pleased. I had to choose between Merlin and Litespeed. One reason why I picked the Litespeed is because the money. The Merlin is much too expensive for a student like me. But the main reason is that my friend has a Litespeed Tellico and it ride perfect and he has no compleans. The Obed is no Tellico but it rides perfect. This is definetly the best bike I have ever had. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill
a racer
from IL
Date Reviewed: March 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have raced my 18 Obed for 2 seasons now and plan on continuing to use it as my cross-country steed. The long top tube and light weight make it the right choice for me. I'm 5'9 and weigh 130 lbs., so the flex is not a factor for me. I have had Klein and Ritchey hardtails and neither one came close to the Obeds handling. I did, however, slightly bend the derailleur hanger which had to be straightened. A replacable aluminum hanger would be a nice addition.
Overall, a pure racer. The top tube might be a little too long for some people who are not used to being rather stretched out. I give it the maximum number of chilies. But if you're a heavier rider, it's not for you. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Martin Simonson
a weekend warrior
from Molndal, Sweden
Date Reviewed: March 9, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Hi There! Many of you guys say the obed is flexy. Try the Obed Fs, I have ridden it for 1,5 years now in varied terrain in West sweden and yes it sure is flexy with its brittle front triangle and Amp rear suspension. But: The bottom line is that when its getting rough with many small bumps and roots the flex isnt a problem.
If you intend to race CC or win the sprints buy something stiffer, if you like a comfy frame with great handling over the tough parts. get an Obed F/S.
10 Months of Autumn, 2 of summer, Martin. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian Geller
a cross-country rider
from New York
Date Reviewed: March 3, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had my Obed since the Spring of '94, and this frame really is something else, though its not perfect. When I got it I weighed about 149lbs, so it felt pretty stiff. Now I'm 180 and flex on my 19.5 incher is definitely becoming noticeable. This is too bad, as the sujective change in stiffness makes the bike feel old, though I'm sure it will run pretty much forever. Of course the flip side here is the ride, which was good when I got it and is now nothing short of flying along on a magic carpet. Maybe it rides a little too smoothly, as the frame keeps daring me to go faster and faster on the roughest trails until I end up with blown tires, bent spokes and dented rims. With a manitou 3 fork (I know, I'm about to upgrade) and XT components, this thing is silly light, something like 23 pounds. Durability has been excellent, with nothing more than very slight scratches (albiet lots of them) to show for years of use. The frame seems to suffer from very minor sratches rather easily (the kind you can see but can't feel), but more serious damage just doesn't happen. The bike is really an excellent climber, it just scampers over hills and obstacles like a lizard. Overall I'd give it 4.5 chilis if possible, but since the Obed has never failed me, feels like it never will, and has some of the most beautiful workmanship I've ever seen, I have to give it 5 chilis overall. That workmanship really is something, you'll be staying up late at night examining every perfect detail and weld up close. I'd say your satisfaction is guaranteed, so long as you keep your ass on the singletrack and out of the weight room! BTW - I'm thinking of upgrading to Litespeed's new Owl Hollow, said to be much stiffer and more aggressive and I'm very eagerly looking for feedback from anyone who owns this bike, I don't see a section for it in the reviews yet. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jimbo
a cross-country rider
from CA
Date Reviewed: December 4, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
This is NOT a bike for all. If your a big guy and ride a large
frame, you're better off w/ a steel frame. Once you start
stretching this frame out for the bigs, the flex factor goes WAAAY UP!
If you're a li'l guy, you'll probably love it since it will give you the appropriate flex w/o feeling mushy (like a big guy on a good steel frame)
3 chili's for not being good for all.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Don
a cross-country rider
from illinois
Date Reviewed: November 17, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Exceptional hardtail mountain bike. Consistent, predictable handling. Light. Outstanding workmanship and durability. As far as the ti ride, don't kid yourself, its still a hardtail and your back will hurt if you ride hard for a few hours. My only question regards Litespeed--do they support IMBA or not? They never show up on the IMBA newsletters as a supporter, although when I asked them they said they were a supporter. Anybody know the truth? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jimbo
a cross-country rider
from CA
Date Reviewed: November 17, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I wanted to have this bike until I rode one. Before all you litespeed loyalists
start fuming, though, It wasn't the fault of the frame! I weight 200 lbs
and at 6'3 needed a big frame. Well mix my 200 lbs and a tall Ti frame
and you've got one big flexo jelly machine. Ti frames are for the light to med.
riders out there (lucky dogs). If you're a big man, look at a high end steel frame. It'll probably give you just as much cush as a little guy gets on a Ti frame
and will cost less too. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jumpin Jay
a racer
from Wind Gap PA
Date Reviewed: October 22, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I got my Obed from Colorado Cyclist cheap and I love it. Nice workmanship and great handling. I weigh 145lbs. and I don't notice flex at all. I do notice that it does take the edge off of bumps that would rattle me on my aluminum frame. Climbing and acceleration is far supperior to my last bike due to it's lower weight. Ahhhh Litespeed! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob Lo
a cross-country rider
from suisun city, ca. 94585
Date Reviewed: September 28, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Just received my Litespeed Obed from Colorado Cyclist, it a great bike for climbing. It's very light at 23 lbs. handles the single track well, but as far as technical stuff, I still need to work on it due to the lower pedals. I use to ride a M800 Cannondale. The bike is stiff like my Cannondale, but does'nt beat you up like AL. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lite(speed)rider
a cross-country rider
from WI
Date Reviewed: September 19, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Received my Obed/JudyXC/full XT a month ago from Colorado Cyclist for $1900 (excludng pedals). This bike is lite, 24lbs (frame 3.6lbs), 3lbs liter than my other bike and you can feel the difference when climbing on- or offroad. The bike handles well, definitely not as stiff as my Al Cannondale or TREK's Ti frame (made by Sandvik). Small bumps are hardly felt at all (you know they're there but they don't hurt you buns so you can remain on your saddle), and the ride is more cushioned. The frame is very nicely finished satin, real smooth, like a baby's skin adn well-joined. Top tube length is somewhat short but I compensated with a longer stem. If you're not too heavy (>160lbs), looking for a HT that cushions your back, I'd highly recommend this bike. P.S. The folks at Litespeed are prompt in answering questions on email. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mixxmaster
a cross-country rider
from San Jose, CA
Date Reviewed: September 9, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I too have the FS version of this coveted frame and boy... what else is there to say about the workmanship. Beautiful welds, geometry,...Thanks for the rear triangle, AMP Research, the whole nine yards. I got this bike and waited 2 years to fully outfit it with Shimano's XTR line and what a dream. Let me repeat that...What a dream. Couldn't believe my 16.5 frame weighed that little... wait... pinch me... am I dreaming? Happy Riding out there!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
big drop
a downhiller
from north vancouver, BC
Date Reviewed: August 23, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Zoinks!! Jinkies!! Give me a scooby snack. I've been riding my obed for about two years and think it is the best frame money can buy. The price is right - forget a merlin. What's the point? I've looked at merlins and found the welds to be goopy and not up to the standards of my litespeed. The titanium feel is springy and is almost like riding with about 1.5 inches of rear travel. I've yet to get a syncros titanium post - right now I ride an aluminum one - still though, plush, plush, plush. Best thing is, it will probably never break, will never rust, and will get ripped-off if I'm stupid. I keep it chained to the basement, so if they want it, they'll have to take the foundation with them. Anyway, enough chatter. Stop shopping around and go get an obed. I promise, you'll never look back. Added bonus: Raised eyebrows when you mention that it's ti. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a
from cross-country rider
Date Reviewed: August 12, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Great frame. Stiff, light and it soaks up vibration really well. The only thing I would change is the riveted on alu. cable stops on the top-tube (the new ones are welded on Ti I believe), whose sharp edges tend to take skin off my knees on a semi-regular basis. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
colker
a cross-country rider
from rio de janeiro,brazil
Date Reviewed: August 8, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
i've always been a steel fannatic but now i'm sold on ti. this bike is serious: very well made and the geometry on the 18 is so stable( i read that that ti bikes where always too steep but it doesn't apply to this bike). i'm riding the trails much faster now and the obed has saved my as a couple times in some out of control situations. the lay out could be lower though, if they could use a more slopping top tube i could have more s.o.clearance. i give it five stars cause it's an understated excellent bike i could ride forever. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a racer
from Colorado
Date Reviewed: August 6, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I've owned my Obed for about 3 years now, and while all has not been roses, it still sure is a damn good frame. I believe that the Obed really shines on twisty-turny singletrack. Throw it into corners, point it down rocky, rutted chutes, stand and mash on the pedals - the thing just goes. Only one major problem for me: the frame is a bit flexy in the bottom bracket area. I tip the scales at around 170 lbs., the bike tips 'em at 23lbs so I guess something's got to give somewhere. And while other types of frames are stiffer, they are not as comfy as my Litespeed (I should know, I also ride a Cannondale road bike). Happy trails! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Patrick
a weekend warrior
from Pittsburgh, PA
Date Reviewed: July 18, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I just purchased the Litespeed Obed frame and my first ride was yesterday. While I may not be the most learned in tech talk, etc., I can say that the experience was exhilarating. Coming from and lauminum hardtail, I was simply amazed by the amount of vibration the frame absorbed while remaining stiff and highly controllable. My body took less of a beating, which pleased my wife to no end. I could not be more pleased with my purchase. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim
a cross-country rider
from San Jose, CA
Date Reviewed: July 14, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Just got my Obed hardtail. This bike handles like a dream! Very responsive, very comfortable. I thought it might feel a bit soft, since my previous ride was the bone-jarring GT Zaskar. However, the Obed is stiffer than I anticipated. I have not noticed any flex at all. The place where I really notice the titanium is on rocky downhills. Certain trails would send me crying to the dentist to have fillings replaced -- not anymore. The Obed really smooths out the rough stuff. (For the record, I'm about 150lbs. Big guys may notice a bit of flex.) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
M.R.
a cross-country rider
from Portland, Oregon USA
Date Reviewed: July 12, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I Just Purchased A Litespeed Obed Hardtail Frame And All I Can Say Is That The Ride
Is Amazing. It Feels Like No Other Bike I Have Ridden It Is So Smooth And Responsive,
Yet It Still Remains Stiff In All The Right Places.....Just Perfect, Five Stars.
(By The Way, I'm 160+ Lbs.....And Have Had No Problems With Flex.)
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Audrey
a cross-country rider
from Washington State
Date Reviewed: July 2, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have a 1996 Obed FS - it is actually lighter than my old Mt. Bike even though its full suspension and I wouldn't sell it or trade it for anything! I've actually entered my first race and ride my bike about 120% more than I did before! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
The Professor
a weekend warrior
from Houston TX
Date Reviewed: April 22, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have been riding around on my new Obed for about a week now & I am completely in love with it. Front suspension is a Bomber Z-2 with my legs doing the rest when not in the WTB SSTK Ti saddle. IMHO, there is not a better combination around. I ride a 19.5 frame and weigh about 177. That puts me on the borderline between light & heavy. So far as I can tell, the Obed with its oversize tubes is stiff enough to transfer the power while the Ti ride makes the small bumps vanish and the medium hits much less of a shake when one gets ya. My last bike was a Pro-Flex 855 which puts me in the ranks of those who decided FS for XC is a bunch of hype invented by MBA (Mountain Bike Advertising?). Like some others around here, my bike came from Jenson USA and the experience was positive. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a cross-country rider
from Fresno CA
Date Reviewed: April 1, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have a 95 obed tricked out with chris king and white Ind. hubs pricision billet derrailer and hersey cranks and its the best bike i've ever had and i'd never switch from litespeed again. I'm starting to race on it right now and i couldn'task for a better combo of liteness and stiffness!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a cross-country rider
from Hamden Ct.
Date Reviewed: March 13, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Just purchased a 97 Obed with XT 217 radial laced rims Syncros seatpost Control Tech stem and handlebars.Judy SL long travel and WTBTi saddle with Gore-Tex cables. This bike really is a work of art. I have to admit the first couple of hours it took some getting used to the higher riding position. I now have a good deal of hours in the saddle and each ride I like it more. It climbs really well and you can get out of the saddle and stand it up without losing traction as I normally would with my stumpjumper FS. I have heard some say the Obed is not stiff enough but although it may not be an aluminum frame it is much stiffer than the steel frames I have ridden in the past with just enough shock absorbtion to take the edge off.Singletrack is a pleasure and the bike tracks perfectly.After a few rides the long travel shock has really stated to shine on the decents.All in all for just around $2000 it is hard to imagine a better buy. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob
a weekend warrior
from Seattle, Wa.
Date Reviewed: January 14, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Just bought a 1997 Obed frame from Jenson USA for $900 and it is a beautiful bike. Marzocchi Z2 Bomber fork and XTR components. I also bought a USE suspension seatpost and it was a great investment. The bike is REALLY comfortable, handles WAY better than my Klein ever did and is very light. I would like to plug Jenson USA as I bought a complete OBED with Ritchey Ti pedals, XTR, Bomber Z2, Use post, Maviv 217 Ceramic rims and other very high end components and the total price was $3000 including next day air shipment and the bike came assembled. I did the whole thing over the internet. I am in awe of this frame. Do yourself a favor, ride this bike. Don't waste your money on a Merlin, I talked to guys who own both bikes and they even said the Merlin ain't worth the extra $1700 dollars! I don't s;lam other guys products but that's an AWFUL lot for a frameset! The bike is very light and handles really well. I am in heaven. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
SBH
a weekend warrior
from TN
Date Reviewed: January 7, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought a 1996 Obed frameset and built it with parts taken from my 1995 Marin Team Marin. The Marin was a nice bike but way too large (even the 15.5) - it was so uncomfortable I considered giving up mountain biking. Then I saw a racer on a 12 inch Obed at the Tour de Wolf (she was from Avon Colorado). I immediately tried out the 14 inch Obed and was sold. What a difference with a proper fitting bike. I have added some goodies - Syncros seatpost, Terry Ti saddle, White speedracer/tracker hubs, XTR, Judy SL, and some other things. My only problem is not getting to ride as much as I would like. The bike handles local as well as VA/WVA singletrack and I am sure will do great in CO this summer. Looks great, handles exceptionally well, is so lightweight! Thanks Litespeed! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
EW
a cross-country rider
from DC
Date Reviewed: December 31, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had my 14.5 Obed frame for about a year now and I also love it.
My previous bike was Aluminum and after every crash or chain suck
(which was often) incident, I would need to inspect the frame for
damage. Well, I lost alot of paint, scared it a few times and the
chain wanted to cut my chainstay off. But with my Ti, I've inspected
it a few times, only to find the Ti is buffed to a nice shine.
Even the WV rocks were no match. With my size, I do not have to
worry about flex, but I do know that
Ltspd custom built a XLarge frame for a guy in the mid 200lb range.
He loves it too. Even with my Magura's installed, I'm still hovering
at 23lbs. I'm glad I mail ordered this frame. It has instilled
confidence in my riding. It is like a customized frame for me!!
I almost gave this a 5 but the S-stays still bend with braking. I
had to go with a booster which I thought would not be necessary. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
keven
a weekend warrior
from Redondo Beach, CA
Date Reviewed: December 23, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought my Obed about a year ago. So far the bike has performed perfectly. I chose the Obed beacuse of its high quality, and low price. I ride mostly in the LA and Orange area (read dry conditions). I find the bike very manuverable, especially in tight, techincal areas. I am 5-8, 165lbs, and my bike is a 16.5, so I do not find frame flex a problem. I have outfitted the bike with good components(read XT), and still the overall weight of the bike is around 23lbs!
I looked at some Merlins, but got major sticker shock!! If you want an excellent all around bike, at a reasonable price(read not cheap), go for an Obed. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eddie
a cross-country rider
from Mass
Date Reviewed: December 5, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
This is the best all around Ti frame for the money. It doesn't have
fancy dropouts, but the welds are immaculate, and the quality of the
tubing is incredible. I had a 16.5 last year, found the top tube to be
too small @ 22in. Go w/ a larger frame if you like to be stretched out,
or you'll have to get a long stem, like I did. I hear the new Obeds are
using DB tubing also, though I can't confirm this. Ride quality is
excellent, seems to absorb vibrations, and has this sort of floating
feel to it. Friends of mine have called it flexy, so don't buy it
if you want a really stiff frame. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a cross-country rider
from Kentucky
Date Reviewed: November 11, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I love my Obed! I am heavy rider (215lbs) who is very hard on my bikes. I was riding a Raliegh Peak before going to this frame and the difference is incredible. The Obed is not as stiff as the Peak but that is a good thing. For the type of riding we do around here the Obed is perfect. We have hard pack trails in LBL and rocks in the Garden of the Gods National Park. I sometimes wish that I had gone full suspension in the rocks but for overall riding day after day this bike is for you. It soaks up rough spots, it climbs well, it tracks well, it is not overly expensive and it is lite (What else could you want in a bike). I also want to add that with a little imagination you can add some cool color schemes to make it a hot bike that will ride well and look great! (I can't afford to chi chi it yet but I will). | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
M. Shipman
a racer
from Ann Arbor, MI
Date Reviewed: November 11, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
This is a very good bike. But, not a great one. I had ridden Aluminum
frames prior to this. I had loved the stiffness but, loathed the beat-up
feeling after a race. I love light frames, and @3.5+ lbs this frame fits
that category. It has has a wonderful, resilient ride.... it is hard to
describe. It is a great fire-road bike, point it and it goes.
But, it is not a single-tracker...it is a tad slow in the turns. And, tho
it is light, it is not a great climber.... too flexy in the rear triangle.
Also, it is not for pedal-mashers. That frame-flex soaks up too much of
that precious power. I have a RockShox SL on it, and between the frame and
fork mashing out of the saddle can be a frustrating experience.
I would categorize it as the ultimate 2nd bike. You can ride it every day
and feel good (and it can take a pounding!), but it is not the ultimate
performance machine. I would love to try the TELLICO.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
a cross-country rider
a
from Illinois, USA
Date Reviewed: November 10, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I got my Obed in August, just in time for my last race of the season. Due to circumstances, I had to race this bike without EVER having ridden it off road. I was fearful that I would be all over the place, not being familiar with the Obed's handling. It only took about 2 miles to develop awe inspiring confidence. Now, I'm not very fast (yet), but I was blowing buy people on the gnarly technical stuff, especially the downhill portions. The Obed is a good climber.The frame soaks up lots of little stuff that an aluminium frame transmits to the rider. Even at 185 pounds, I don't feel any flexing at the BB. I ride with a suspension seatpost, so I feel that I have many of the advantages of full suspension in this hardtail.The bike manufacture is immaculate. A couple others posting reviews have mentioned a little slower handling than other frames. This is due to a slightly more relaxed geometry. Head/seat tube angles are 71.5°/72.5°. Most frame angles are 71/73. For the price, this bike is hard to beat. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Arshad Bahl
a cross-country rider
from San Antonio, TX
Date Reviewed: November 4, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I have been racing the Obed XC frame/ XT parts for about 6 months and absolutely love it. The only feedback that I have and somebody else on this forum
mentioned it too - the singletrack steering is not so quick - maybe its the high headset ? let me know if you ahve an answer... i am running a zero rise
stem (130mm) and planing on going to a -5degree stem to see if that helps. The bike climbs great and really soaks up all the small bumps.
The decals need a bit or improvement - like a clear coating - they wear out fats - but litespeed is excellent about sending you new ones right
away. the service is impeccable and the warranty is lifetime - i would highly recommend this bike for racing or just having fun w/out beating yourself
up or spending all your savings. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave Schwartz
a weekend warrior
from Cincinnati OH
Date Reviewed: October 30, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
Incredible bike. I've been a steel purist for years and when I decided to go high end tested some superb bikes (Bontrager, Fat Chance, etc.) but the Obed stood out. Its seems impossible that a frame can soak up shock so well yet be so stiff under pedalling. Handling is impeccable- maybe a tad slower than the Bontrager, but more stabel at speed. Mine's a 97 which is now bouble-butted in th emain tubes- a tremendous buy! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lonnie Smith
a racer
from Austin,Tx
Date Reviewed: July 4, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
My 1994 Obed has been a good bike. I have beaten the crap out of it in both the
training and racing arena for two solid years.
The Obed is well finished and the welds are great. The Decals are cool. The
cable routing is perfect.
The Obed is smooth at high speeds and is good(not great) in tight singletrack.
I am riding the 20.5 version of this bike and would not recommend RACERS to
buy anything larger than a 18 in this model. The larger frame sizes are flexy
on the climbs(especially out of the saddle with strong riders) and totally
squirely when riding over large half-buried rocks and roots in tight single
track. The bike seems to load up (meaning: stores energy and then releases
energy violently). This charactoristic makes the bike jumpy,springy,bucky and
hard to control at race-pace.
Titanium is not break-proof. I broke my Obed at slickrock this spring. It
broke behind the weld underneath the downtube. Litespeed was very good about
fixing the bike even though they did send it back to me with the rear
cantilever studs missing on the seatstays. One phone call back to them was
all it took to fix that.
Overall I think the Obed is good for 18 and under frame sizes when riding
or racing in moderate conditions.
My rating would have been a three if not for the outstanding price of $1145.00
for a good quality titanium frameset.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Freddy Edgemon
a cross-country rider
from Signal Mtn., TN
Date Reviewed: July 4, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
One awsome frame at a great price. It climbs great and is a smooth ride. The frame is a bargin for anybody wanting TITANIUM at a great price. The design is very aggressive with S-Bend seatstays for more power to brakes. Plus it's got a lifetime warrenty. It's Great, and there's no badside to it just a awsome frame. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt Payne
a cross-country rider
from Anchorage, AK
Date Reviewed: June 24, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I am 150 pounds and wanted a light bike accomadate my riding style
The obed is a very predictable ride. I've ridden a Cannondale for the past several
years so when I switched to the ti frame I was amazed at how much of the small
stuff the frame soaks. I am able to ride for several hours without my back giving me grief for it.
The layout is great, turns fairly quickly, but feels very stable at speeds. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lars Holst
a cross-country rider
from Sweden
Date Reviewed: June 7, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
When my Cannondale M700 was stolen last year, I decided to upgrade the frame
material. I really loved my bike, which had been extensively retro-fitted, but
I wasn't quite content with the extreme stiffness of the frame. Even though my
Manitou 3 had relieved me from the worst, I still found the rear end to be way
to stiff.
Aluminium of course has it's pros, but on a hardtail I don't think
such stifness is one of them. Left is then only the light weight, but in this case
it comes at the cost of a very soft material. My frame was severely scratched
on the seat- and chainstays where the tire was at its closest, on the headtube
where the cable-housings touched it, and on the chainstays where my heels
ocasionally touched them. Sure, aluminium doesn't corrode (and a scratched and
used frame looks cool) but it felt as if it was only a question of time before
I would be able to see the inside of the tubes.
There were also the stories of
people who had broken their aluminium-frames, and more often than desired,
they were talking about Cannondales. This is not surprising, since aluminium
is relatively prone to fatigue caused failures. To be on the safe side you would
have to change the frame (and a lot of those other featherweight components as
well) every year, if you ride a lot like I do.
That might be OK if you are Tinker or Johnny T, but it's not an attractive
option for a poor little student like myself. Since I wanted to keep the weight
down, now whithout compromising strength or durability, I was left with three
options: titanium, carbon fibre and MMC. After thorough research and picking-
up-the-word-on-the-streets-and-your-local-bike-shopping I decided that I had to buy
titanium. I opted more specifically for the Merlin Extralight, I needed it, and
I needed it bad. However, I realised that I had somehow lost contact with reality
after reading too many magazines. I had always thought that's not much no
matter how those little nasty figures configured themselves, or how many there
were of them, but when push came to shove and those figures needed to be
transformed into real money....well, let's just say that I would have had to run
the forests with a bare Merlin-frame on my back. That was the time when I discovered
Litespeed, a framebuilder I had somehowe managed to ignore, because of my
pathetic obsession with Merlin. This had been a mistake! When I first saw a
Litespeed frame in real life I fell in love. Its grey raw unpolished finish
(which Litespeed calls satin.....hmmm) looked ultra-cool.
It also had very
good looking yellow graphics, an area often overlooked which can ruin the impression
of an otherwise well designed bike. A closer look revealed perfect welds, and
here I must cite the excellent german MTB-mag who wrote as if Michelangelo has
done the welding. I can't but agree! Everything was perfect, including the price
(well, now I'm exaggerating a little perhaps, but the price was at least
substantially lower compared to the Merlin, and that was enogh for me)
I had to buy it! Here is some more frame-features: All the cables run along the
top tube and the stops are welded, including the rear brake cable stop. The
chain- and seatstays feature s-bends, which apart from looking cool, improves
lateral stiffness, and brings the brake pivots nearer to the rim which makes
for a stiffer rear end laterally and better braking. It also enhances
tire/heal clearance. Frame material is US-made 3 Aluminum-2.5 Vanadium
tubing (not butted) with bb and rear dropouts made of 6-4 Ti, which is harder.
What about the ride then? Well, having build the bike myself (except for the
wheels though) I was very excited abot how the bike would handle. I wasn't
disappointed!
The frame soaks up the rogh stuff very good,
without any noticeable flex even during out-of-the-saddle climbs. The rear end
definitely allows me to stay seated for longer periods than before. This also
makes the wheel stay true for much longer, often an overlooked factor. I run
a Judy SL up front, which is a great fork, matching the graphics perfectly.
I'm saving up for a yellow Flite Kevlar and a yellow Kore-stem so that my
vanity will be complete. The only thing some might consider as a negative thing,
is the fact that repeated scrathing on the frame from cables, cable housings,
stones hitting the dowmn tube or whatever has a polishing effect on the finish.
This does no harm, apart from producing shiny spots here and there. Peronally
I think this adds to a cool used look, giving the bike individuality. It should
be evident that it is used as it is intended to! Otherwise Litespped also makes
the polished and butted Ocoee, and the powder-coated Judy-yellow Hiwasee.
To sum this up, I really think you should consider Buying a Litespeed. They
offer excellent quality, superb riding characteristics, and good value for money!
| | Overall Rating: |
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