|
|
|
| |
Submitted by
John Miller
a Cross Country Rider
from Livermore, ME USA
Date Reviewed: November 30, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | The one I'm on | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Strong, comfortable. This frame can be ridden on any epic and the combination of ti and great design will make it pleasurable.
Lite speed is a great company. My Ocoee got stolen and I bought a Seven, big mistake. | | Weaknesses: | The only thing that happened was my rear hanger bent, it came right back and shifted fine. I'll take the hit for bending it, but recommend a brake away bolt.
Once you've got one, you don't get to read frame reviews because you'll never need another bike. | | Similar Products Used: | Seven Teres {junk, do not buy a Seven product} | | Bike Setup: | XT XTR | | Bottom Line: | Great bike, Keep it under lock and key {mine was stolen}. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross Country Rider
from Westford, VT
Date Reviewed: June 10, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | KingdomTrails, VT & SlatyFork, WV | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | Earls, Williston | | Strengths: | Strength of the TI along with the Flex to dampen the micro-chatter of AL. Has withstood 4 years of 225lbs of regular hard pounding. Components come and go this frame has been injured but returns to action as strong as ever. Litespeed believes so strongly in their product that they would much rather rebuild yor frame then replace it. | | Weaknesses: | It's awful hard to give up your bike when it's your only MTB for a month.(Average total turn around)
Once Seat post tube fractured and once drop-out/bottom tube weld split. Bike comes back to you looking like new from freindly folks at Litespeed. Echo earlier reveiw that decals don't even attempt to last - who cares? Greatest weekness is I don't want to even think about another bike. Frame monogomy..... | | Similar Products Used: | I tested approx 20 frames before the Ocoee. None matched.
Independant had great steel option but the Ti last forever! | | Bike Setup: | XTR drivetrain & derailers, King(rear)another bullet proof product!, Marzuchi | | Bottom Line: | This can be the only one you'll ever need! Price amortized over 5 years isn't so bad.
I'm torn not knowing whether my riding or manufacturing are the cause of my 2 frame failures.
If you need to have warentee work done stay tightly on your shop. Follow up is the key to follow thru here. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan Burros
a Cross Country Rider
from Minneapolis, MN
Date Reviewed: May 15, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Butthole Beach | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Light, stiff, comfortable, doesn't rust. | | Weaknesses: | Expensive. | | Similar Products Used: | No Ti, steel (Bontrager Race), Aluminum (Cannondale, Specialized, Jamis, etc.), Carbon (Mongoose, Trek) | | Bike Setup: | XTR, Z2 Atom Bomb, Thomson Seatpost and Stem, Profile CF bar, Mavic Crossmax UST, Hutchinson Tubeless Tires. | | Bottom Line: | It's wierd to use the terms stiff and comfortable in the same description but that's the best way to describe this ride. I've ridden CF, ALU, and steel. I fell in love with the ride of steel and didn't think I would ever buy a Ti frame but I got a great deal on this one and I am so happy. This frame is like sticking a rocket between your legs. It's fast, stiff, comfortable, and inspires my "I can do that" attitude. It's got the feel of steel, like it has a personality, and a good one, but it doesn't rust and it climbs like a goat. After taking all my parts off my steel Bontrager and putting them on my Litespeed my bike was 1.1 pounds lighter, and I could really feel the difference. I'm not a weight geek, but let's face it light is better as long as it holds up, and so far it has and I hope it continues to do so. The ride is magical! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Captain Kirk
a Cross Country Rider
from SLC, UT
Date Reviewed: August 8, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Tour De Suds | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Aggressive, Quick response, Geometry and welds | | Weaknesses: | Decals must go!
I stripped my off... Mat Ti frame only! | | Similar Products Used: | I knew what I wanted, I rode a Raliegh MT500 for one season.
After that, I didn't mess around... | | Bike Setup: | Chris King H/S, Ibis Ti Bar, Yeti Grips, Ringle 0 degree stem, Ringle Mobypost, Selle Flite Ti seat, Syncros BB, Syncros Steel Revolution Cranks, White Industries Hubs,
Mavic 217/517, XT/XTR Drivetrain, Marzocchi Z-2 Atom Bomb | | Bottom Line: | My Ocoee frame is old school (pre-asymmetrical chainstays), I abuse this frame day in and day out. It is unequivocally one of the most durable Ti frames available.
If you really want to ride, this bike wants to run. If you are interested in titanium buy from the pioneer in the industry... Litespeed. These frames as I well know are not cheap, if you are going to fork out the cash make sure you settle for quality. Litespeed has the quality and the craftsmanship to fulfill all your needs and dreams. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fab Dogg
a Weekend Warrior
from San Rafael, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: June 5, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | rollercoaster (Marin County jazz) | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | nice soft Ti feel, absorbs the bumps but still feel rigid enuff to make me give it a nice review | | Weaknesses: | Okay, I'm like 6'2" and about 185lbs, I got a 20" frame and I feel a little "forced" on the bike... It fells a little long (like from my balls to the stem)...hmmm? | | Similar Products Used: | Marin Pine Mountain (crap), Bridgestone MB-1 (culty bike), specialized FSR M4 (still not as nice as my litespeed) | | Bike Setup: | full XT, Zokes z2 superfly | | Bottom Line: | this '99 frame is sweet, well, I just kind of wish I had tried out a similar geometry before I bought it... when I first bought it, I slept with it... that's right, in the same bed, i needed to feel each and every weld for myself, and that bottom braket, well, let's just say it was the purrrfect size for my weiner...just kidding... good frame, got it for $1100 at the Village Peddler in Marin County, CA, USA...(okay deal), soft, with enough flex for me, and a fairly stiff downtube...
because of the framesize I've had to invert my stem (so I would have more weight on the handlebars), angle my Selle Italia seat more forward, and dicked around with the barendzzzz... whateva, I dig the bike and would recomend it to anyone who can find a good deal on the frame...Peace Out yall and remember, "RIDE OR DIE"
4 chillies for the expense of the damn thing and 4 chillies cuz the geometry is a little cooky... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
sam angle
a Cross Country Rider
from monterey
Date Reviewed: May 27, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | wheeler/maples | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | stiff, comfy, and makes me smile | | Weaknesses: | lame stickers | | Similar Products Used: | litespeed obed | | Bike Setup: | xt, king h.s. and wheels, sid | | Bottom Line: | I'm a busy person. For the last three years I have taken this bike out, ridden it hard, and put it away wet. It still works like the day I bought it. It's tough, and light. It rides through everything, and it does a body good (that's only a guareentee if you stay ON the bike). This bike is definitely for a person who likes to ride hard, race, or is just looking for longevity. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sebastien
a Racer
from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: March 9, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | I've had my Ocoee for four years now. The original reason I purchased the frame is still valid. Those who chose to buy titanium may not be getting the lightest frames. What they are getting is long term durability that CANNOT be matched by any other material currently on the market. The reason I chose the Ocoee was that it was the workhorse frameset for Litespeed up until the mid 90's.
The frame is extremely stiff yet extremely compliant. The first time I rode the frame was in a race. I though I was riding a suspension frame. The finish on the frameset is immaculate, though perhaps not the best avaialble. The geometry is set up to make it an awesome climber. I can clear technical uphills with this bike that I haven't been able to do with any other bike I've ridden. Technical singletrack is a breeze. Downhill performance is pretty good, though a bit skittish at speed due to the quick steering cahracteristics of the frame geometry. Technical downhills are not at all a problem. A long steertube allows a rider to place his center of gravity further back on the bike. This allows for steeper declines to be cleared more safely. This frame is ideal for cross country racing. | | Weaknesses: | Even though I have high praise for the frameset, I have had some problems with it, and Litespeed. I'm not a finesse rider, though I would have expeceted that a titanium frameset be able to withstand all I could throw at it, my being a 150 lb. rider. This wasn't the case. I snapped the frame wile pre-riding for a local race.
To get the frame repaired was a nightmare. It took three months. Litespeed strictly enforces its warranty requirements. The warranty is valid only for the original owner, and only with a valid proof of purchase supplied directly to them. Due to the incompetence of the staff at the bike shop that I delt with, the required paperwork was not sent to Litespeed and the repairs were put on hold. Although the bike shop screwed up, a rep at Litespeed should have contacted the store immediately to request the required information. I kept checking with the bike shop. They assured me that everything was on track. After a month and a half later I took things into my own hands and contacted Litespeed directly. Customer service wasn't great at first. It took a few weeks to get answers and a confirmation the frameset was going to be repaired. It still took two weeks to get the frame back from Litepeed. They did re-buff the frame and add new decals. As with all Litespeed decals, they did not wear well. I scratched them after one ride and decided to removed them. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Team Comp (CroMo)
Specialized M2 (Al)
Mongoose Team SX (Carbon/Al)
KHS Alite 3000 (Al)
Rocky Mountain Stratos (CroMo)
Schwinn Moab 1 (Al) | | Bike Setup: | Syncros Pro Series Ti Handlebar
Syncros 110 mm stem
Hayes fully hydralic front brake
Avid Arch Supreme rear brake (XT brake lever)
Pedros Blackwalls Grips
Chris King Headset
Marzocchi Z2 BAM front suspension (~3" travel)
Raceface Ti BB
Shimano 747 Pedals
Specialized Strongarm Cranks
Raceface Chainrings (22, 32, 44)
XT Casette (11-34, 9 sp.)
G-Shok suspension seatpost (2" travel)
Bontrager Ti Seatpost
XTR Rear derailleur, XT front
IRC Mudmad tires (Kevlar, 1.95)
Wheelset: Hugi front, XT rear, DT Revolution spokes
Mavic rims, 317 front, 517 rear.
Sach SC-50 Chain
| | Bottom Line: | I think this is a great frameset. It is a work of art. I would suggest a Litspeed to anyone wishing to purchcase a quality titanium frameset. If you want to buy a frameset that will last you a long time (5+ years of major abuse), make the investment and buy titanium from one of the pioneer framebuilders (Litespeed, Merlin, etc.). What sets Litespeed apart from the other pioneer manufacturers is the high quality and wide range of products and prices offered. Even so, Litespeed needs to improve their customer service and turnaraound time on warranty repairs. In my situation, if I didn't have the means to purchase another frameset, the warranty repair would have cost me a whole race season. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gator
a Cross-Country Rider
from Tehachapi,Ca.
Date Reviewed: December 22, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Double Mtn. | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Quality, Feel,Weight, and Looks | | Weaknesses: |
Price | | Similar Products Used: |
1st. Ti frame I have owned so I can only compare it to steel which is similar in feel and Aluminum which is too harsh! Ti is the ticket for me. | | Bike Setup: |
SX Carbon, Race Face, King, 517 CD, Mythos SRAM 9 spd, Precision Billet brakes, KORE, Titec | | Bottom Line: | This is my 1st Ti frame bike and I love it. It climbs great and helps to smooth out some of the vibrations on downhills. I tried to set it up light for XC and climbing (22 3/4 lbs. 18) I have riden it in 12 hr. and 24 hr. races and I did not feel nearly as beat as others who rode aluminum frames. I have had no problems with this bike but Litespeed quality speaks for itself, I need not say any more. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
thor
a Cross-Country Rider
from brooklyn, ny
Date Reviewed: July 21, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
The frame is really laterally stiff yet vertically compliant, which is much appreciated by my ruptured L4-L5. It hugs the trail nicely. It definitely climbs better than any other rig I've owned. | | Weaknesses: |
These are tall frames with high top tubes. At 6'2 with a 34 inseam, the 20 gives my boys barely enough room. I had a Kona at the same size and the sloped top tube made me a bit more daring. It looks like the new models have more of a slope....
Also, even though this may sound a little nitpicky, the frame's compliance makes it feel a bit dead. I'm no aluminum fan, but I'm a tad nostalgic for steel's feedback. | | Similar Products Used: |
Kona, Raliegh Tomac, an 87' Specialized StumpJumper, Giant | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is that this is by far the greatest bike I've owned, but, purchased after a series of injuries that have left me slower and a deskjob that's left me fatter, I'm still learning to love it. Through no fault of its own, while I admire it, I still see it as a spoiled brat's bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
edoco
a cross-country rider
from bay area, ca
Date Reviewed: December 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
what can i say about his frame except that i still feel that this is the last frame i will ever own. i spec'd my ocoee in '94. and like most, i did dump a hunk a change on it. i even had buyers remorse after putting the deposit down, but once i hopped on it, damm i was so stoked! i had spec'd a jammin ride--i also have to give credit to the shop for putting the whole thing together beautifully cuz it fit like a glove. i was surprised at how agile the bike handled. it took corners like it was on rails. it climbs and accelerates like it wants to go faster and faster--all i could think was go, go, go! you can basically point it in a direction and it'll go there even when your not properly positioned for that move. and for such a short wheelbase, it is suprisingly very stable and very predictable at high speeds.maintenance? what maintenance--i feel that the frame is virtually indestructable. no paint and beautiful welds. i've only replaced parts when they wear. i don't see replacing the frame.and yes, i do use the bike for what it was intended. i actually had a nice long riding season this year. i started in march with road rides (cuz trail still wet) and just ended about a month ago with a 3 ride per week average.initial investment is high, but well worth it. this frame will last! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
neil
a racer
from NC
Date Reviewed: December 8, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've put about 600 miles on my new frame, and all I have to say is it kicks ass. I have ridden every type of material there is, and ti is the heat. Although steel comes very close. If you can find a deal on this BUY IT. LS has a lifetime warranty, unlike some AL frames ive broke. Ive been to the factory and seen the quality these guys put out. NO, their frames are not made by migrants (dirty rumor). It still rides like a very stiff ht, but not nearly as harsh as AL. Climbs like nuts, and corners on a dime. No complaints!!! you might need a brake booster though, i do seem to get some flex out of the stays. 5 flamers | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Manny
a cross-country rider
from san diego, CA
Date Reviewed: October 15, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I purchased a complete Litespeed Obeb bike in '93. About three months ago I discovered a crack at the juncture of the down tube and head tube. I shipped the frame back to Litespeed (via a local dealer) and upgraded to an Ocoee replacement (for a few extra $$). My new Ocoee is an 18 frame (my old frame was 18.5). I have only put three hours on the bike, but I am very happy with the performance. The bike is a bit more responsive in tight single-track, but does not give up any of the stability I enjoyed in the slightly larger Obed. When climbing loose rocky terrain, the Ocoee again has the edge on the old Obed. While some of the performance improvement may be attributable to the shorter frame fitting my body better, some credit must be given to the frame geometry. There has been some redesign of the frames since I purchased my Obed. Some braze-ons were relocated (for the better). The chain stays are slightly longer, but the bike actually climbs better. I don't know if the assymentric chain stays contribute to the overall performance, but they're a great tech-weenie conversation piece. The brushed finish is good, but not great. The welds are visually perfect. The graphics, especially the Ocoee decal, are a bit overpowering. I was glad they replaced the headtube decal with a cast head badge.Aside from the product, I was very unimpressed with the warranty service. After returning my old frame, I contacted Litespeed several times for status. I kept hearing the word repair, which made me somewhat uncomfortable. The crack they were talking about repairing originated at the weld on the underside of the downtube/headtube and terminated on the topside of the downtube, traveling half the circumference of the tube. At the risk of sounding arrogant, I am a mechanical engineer whose job includes a considerable amount of aircraft component failure analysis and I would never consider repairing such a crack.
In any case, I did get a replacement frame, although it took almost three months.In fairness to the people in the warranty department, I realize it is probably a one-man operation. This individual is probably juggling all the frame and component warranty complaints and trying to sort, catagorize, evaluate and prioritize each item. However, Litespeed (the company) makes the policy, and if this is their standard warranty policy, it sucks!!!Please keep in mind, I am basing my rating solely on the hardware. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
steve
a cross-country rider
from greensboro
Date Reviewed: August 31, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have had the Ocoee for 3 weeks now and have put it through its paces. Tight,
twisty, rooty singletrack with downed trees, 2 hour climbs with loose rocks and
waterbars, 30 minute descents with switchbacks, etc. I have found nothing
this bike cannot handle. I am amazed at the way it tracks at very low speed
while climbing. Just point and it goes. Also I have had problems with my back
over the years and I found the ride to be comfy over 3-4 hours. That is the nice
thing about titanium. The only change I have made to the stock bike (XT, Judy
XC) is to change the stem to 120mm with 25 degrees of rise. This allows me to sit more upright and gives me more power on the climbs. Wonderful, wonderful!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mango
a cross-country rider
from Amherst, MA
Date Reviewed: August 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
What a sweet Bike! My new Ocoee (I've had it for 4.5 months now) is a quantum leep over My Stump Jumper M2 which I loved and still feel is an excellent bike for the money. The Ocoee Handles beautifully and takes the edge off the rough stuff. My climbing ability has improved significantly with the Ocoee and with a much lighter bike I'm much less bushed after 3 hour ride. The workmanship is top rate. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jeff
a cross-country rider
from harrisburg,pa
Date Reviewed: July 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
purchased this frame after almost 10 years on aluminum. you couldn't image my delight with the ride. there really is something special about ti! the frame built up great with all manufacturing being of utmost quality. my only nitpick is the poor binder clamp on the seat tube. but maybe that's just my experience.
precise handling, nice bottom bracket clearance and that sweet ride! first class all the way! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a weekend warrior
from Sunnyvale, CA
Date Reviewed: July 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I recently purchased a used '97 Ocoee frame + fork. The frame was in great shape, but the original owner hadn't kept the headset adjusted and lubed, so the races were pretty trashed. When I pulled the headset, the factory installed headtube spacers came out with the headset cups. I've never seen headtube spacers on a frame before, so I sent an e-mail to Litespeed asking why they were used, if I had to replace them with a new headset, etc. Actually, I sent several e-mails because the Litespeed customer service response was pretty poor and they never answered all of my questions (like why they designed a frame that needs spacers to make a standard headset fit into the headtube in the first place). I finally called their customer service people, and they told me that I would have to send the frame back to their factory to get new spacers installed, that I would have to ship the frame through a dealer, and that the cost of installing new spacers would be around $70 - 100. I was pretty shocked by this because installing the spacers shouldn't be any more difficult than pressing in a headset and facing/reaming the headset mating surfaces - - - which any good bike shop can do for a lot less money. Luckily, I have access to a machine shop and a professional set of headtube facing/reaming tools - - - so I don't think I'll be taking the Litespeed folks up on their kind offer. And I'll be installing a Chris King headset to make sure this isn't a problem in the future. But current and potential Litespeed owners should take note of this issue since chances are you're going to blow through at least one headset during the lifetime of your frame. I'm going to give the Ocoee a low rating because I wasn't impressed with Litespeed customer service and I think the headtube spacer design is less than ideal. I hope this frame rides really well to make up for this ordeal. | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Troy
a cross-country rider
from Northern Michigan, USA
Date Reviewed: April 21, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I LLLLLOOOOOOVVVVVVVEEEEEE this frame. I have it built with full XTR, KORE, SL's and RICHEY. It handles like a dream and climbs great. I thought that the long chainstays would hinder climbing boy was I wrong. By far the best frame I have ever riddin. And it looks great, no paint to worry about and what about those s-style seatstays. This frame is the cats ass. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ross MBryde
a cross-country rider
from mobile, al
Date Reviewed: April 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have owned a 97 Ocoee for about a year now. It is set up with an XTR groupo and a Judy SL fork and weighs 22.5 Lbs. I purchased this bike after the frame failed on my Ritchey P-23 which I had ridden for 8 years. I immediately noticed the more upright position on this frame. The ocoee is quite stiff laterally and extremely compliant which makes for a very comfortable ride for a hard tail. This bike accelerates and climbs like a dream. Best of all you do not have to worry about the paint chipping, rust or the fatigue life on this frame. I have to admit that this is a costly frame but it is extremely high quality and the feeling of hammering this steed just can't be described. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a racer
from White Lake, MI
Date Reviewed: February 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I am a 35 year old sport class racer in Michigan, 5'9 and bought a 17 frame and built it with Full XTR cranks/Brakes/Rapid Rise RR, Mavic CrossMax Wheelset, King headset, KORE Elite stem, TITEC 118 bar, Syncros stem, etc.
What a bike, it is a climbing machine, yet absorbs the bumps on the downhills. First class craftmanship, great finish. I am very satisfied and hope to win many races on this machine!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Waldo
a weekend warrior
from Cincinnati OH
Date Reviewed: February 27, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I took a leap of faith and ordered this frame from a LBS with out ever riding one. I got an 18 frame, at first I was disturbed on how small the frame seemed. My old bike supposedly had a top tube that was 1/4 shorter but the new frame seemed quite a bit smaller. After adjusting the seat properly I found everything to be a little better. This thing handles like a dream, it is stabe and agile through the tough corners yet still stable at high speeds. The best thing about this bike is how it seems to just fly up hills and just lanches you over tall obstacles. This is a pricey frame but the workmanship is beautiful and the ride is more than worth it. Titanium is the greatest metal ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Hunter Chen
a cross-country rider
from Pullman, WA
Date Reviewed: October 4, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have a '95 Ocoee that can take all the hardcore abuse that I through at it. I am 15 years old and 130 Ibs. I have raced several times and always something goes wrong on my bike, it's either the hubs or the the cranks, but never the frame. And I am really happy that this is true. At least someone out there make a good product that can survive a race. I don't trust anyhthing on my bike to last, whether it is my full XTR, my Litespeed Ti components, or even my Spin wheels, except for my Ocoee. It has a rigidness that I can feel and like personally. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eyal Inbar
a cross-country rider
from TA, Israel
Date Reviewed: September 24, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I've owned this frame and used it VERY extensively for 3 yrs now. I've had no problem at all with the frame, other than the fact that a 20 frame which fits fine length-wise is a bit too high. This could be my misjudgment in sizing, but had I gone with a smaller frame I believe it would have felt too short (wheel-base). All in all it feels great, and even with about 2000 yearly miles of abuse I expect it to last forever. My only problem is that because of that, I've got no excuse to pursue the idea of a Full-suspension rig .On the component department - careful selection of stupid-light components (such as a CODA aluminum crank set) at one period, enabled the bike to weigh around 23 lb. Long gone are these delicate parts... Replaced mostly by heavier but more durable Shimano parts which can sustain (at least partly) the king of abuse the frame encourages.If you are still sure that U want to stay fully committed to hardtails - for a LONG time, I guess this is a great choice.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rudy Mason
a cross-country rider
from USA
Date Reviewed: July 18, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Excellent Customer Service and a Quality product. Mail order purchased, but the frame
showed up without rear brake studs (mail order house had repacked the frame prior to shipment). Litespeed customer service shipped (overnight) a pair of brake studs without question. Frame is of the highest quality and the ride is top shelf.Quality product from a fine US company. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jerry
a cross-country rider
from Corvallis, Or
Date Reviewed: July 9, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
The Ocoee is a superbly crafted and beatifully executed work of art (that is if bike frames are your thing). The welds are top notch, the materials and looks are flawless. I've noticed an improved climbing feel over my older True Temper OXIII CrMo bike. I'm still learning the Ocoee's feel for downhill single track but in the logging road blast its tight and stable. My bike is fitted with a White SC70, XT shifters and brakes, King Headset and wheelset, Race Face everything else and it tips the scales at 24 lbs (17 frame). My only complaint was that the seat tube/post was too tight, the Race Face XY was 27.2mm exactly and the tube was under 27.2mm and requires a ream and hone job at the LBS. Litespeed is a very responsive company, all pre-purchase questions and calls were answered and the tight fit problem was referred back to the manufacturing floor. Also, compared to many other top names, the Ocoee can be had for a relatively reasonable price ($1300 from a mail order house in LA). Plus I built it up myself for that personal relationship you need with your ultimate bike.
How many chiles can I give it? 10! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Manning
a cross-country rider
from Denver CO USA
Date Reviewed: July 4, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I've owned an Ocoee and a Merlin XLM for the past two years. Both are XTR equipped with Judy SL. I feel that the Ocoee is slightly stiffer and more raceworthy--I am 5'11 and 165 lbs. The Merlin is slightly lighter, but not noticeably so when built up. In a nutshell, I prefer the Ocoee for the following reasons:1. I like the looks with the ovalized and tapered tubeset
2. I can't justify the added cost of the Merlin--I could get an Ocoee, Judy SL fork and Syncros Stem, and King Headset for the price of the Merlin frame alone
3. Litespeed provides better customer service (response to calls, e-mails, and faxes are quick). Merlin is smaller and I've noticed it in the amount of time it takes them to respond to requests.Ocoee 5 chilies, Merlin 4 (if cost is an object 3) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Karl Hamilton
a cross-country rider
from Arlington TX USA
Date Reviewed: June 21, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have owned a Litespeed Ocoee, XTR, Manitou 4 since Feb '93 and can say it is the finest mtb I have owned in my 11 years of road/mountain racing. I have previously owned a Klein Attitude, Fat Chance Yo Eddy, and Trek OCLV--all great bikes outfitted with similar components.My Ocoee has great bottom bracket stiffness combined with a unique ability to smooth out the bumps. My closest comparison would be to my Yo Eddy, but almost a pound lighter. The frame is bulletproof and dent-resistant as it looks and feels as good after 4 years & 5000 miles as it did when new. The initial investment is high, but the long term quality/pride of ownership make it worthwhile for me. My Ocoee's ride quality led me to purchase a Litespeed Ultimate, and Catalyst. I now want a Vortex--see my ad listing a Catalyst for sale!I am 6'2, 36 inseam, 160lbs, and 19 frame, which may affect my views. Here is a tip for taller riders. Get the smallest frame size for your height and put a titanium seatpost on. You will get a good deal of suspension from the flex of a long seatpost (I have a 400mm Kona Titanium post).My only gripe would be the need for a clamp to mount V-brakes on the 1993 frame; no big deal really. All in all, this will be the last mountain frame I buy unless it becomes obsolete due to a major change in headsets, bottom brackets, etc.Merlin, get a clue and lower your prices! Litespeed rules! 5 hot chiles with salsa on the side!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Douglas Newman
a racer
from New York City
Date Reviewed: March 27, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I love my Ocoee. It kicks butt on my last ti bike. The bb is stiff, but the ride doesn't beat you up. The way I built up the bike, it is actually a full pound heavier than my last bike, but still climbs 100% because the excellent design of the frame. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Hudnut
a racer
from Brighotn, MI
Date Reviewed: March 4, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I just got this frame last fall and outfited it with jusy SL's,xtr groupo, cook krankz, la de da de da.
but the frame just stamds out. I don't know if it's the construction, the glove fit, or the wad of cash that I spent on it
mayB it's magic. you should ride it. and try not to busta nut! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a racer
from N.E. Mud
Date Reviewed: November 9, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I've owned my ocoee since 1992 (bought one of the first ones made). I've thrashed this bike for 4 seasons of racing/riding and found it to offer a stiff but resiliant ride (I'm 180lbs)and excellent performance(as anything this expensive should !). I am replacing the fork & components and looking to get another 6 years out of this frame ( the first frame i've had that outlasted the components !)
The decals were ugly so I removed them long ago. My criticisms are that the dropouts are grade 4 not 6/4 so they are soft and I am one day going to snap off my derailler hanger from repeated bending. and the headtube is very tall compared to other 19 bikes. The welds are 1st rate but the incidentals like bosses, cable guides could use more thoughtfullness in their design.
Overall If you want perfection buy Merlin or Serotta, if you want a great bike thats less money and different from every other merlin out their go lightspeed. PS the picture at the head of this column is for the OBED, remember the OCOEE has butted multishaped tubes and is a completely different frameset. | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob Burns
a cross-country rider
from Pinckney, MI
Date Reviewed: October 22, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I have owned this bike for about one year now, it's a great overall cross country bike. Unlike many Titanium bikes this one has NO chain ring rub when you hammer. Even on a 20 size. Frame is expensive, but if you want the best for about $1800 (1995 Moedel) and a bike that will last forever, get it! Only gripe: High Bottom Bracket, yet maybe a plus to some. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ski
a weekend warrior
from Houston
Date Reviewed: June 10, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
This is the Obed frame, but with butted and tapered tubing and asymetric s-bend chainstays. The ride is definately unique. It soaks up bumps like a sweet steel frame, but doesn't give as much. It's very light, but amazingly forgiving. It climbs well, is comfortable for a long ride, but even though the geometry is something like 72/73, it is still maneuverable on a fast singltrack. Welds are of excellent quality. My decals aren't holding up well, though (a minor gripe). They are cracking and peeling after a year. A fantastic frame, though. | | Overall Rating: |
| |
|
Photo Caption Contest
(sponsored by Maxxis)
|
Enter here
|
|
|
$
