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Litespeed
Niota Al XT disc
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Submitted by
Caleb
a Weekend Warrior
from Flagstaff, AZ
Date Reviewed: August 15, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Really nice ride when the rear suspension is tuned right. | | Weaknesses: | This frame was a replacement for 2 broken Tomac Eli's - frame cracks. So I was very disappointed when I found the rear triangle cracked on a ride in Moab. The rear triangle was returned to the American Bicycle Group mid-May and I am still waiting a new rear triangle. They sent out an old version 8-7-07 but it did not match the frame, and I don't want to have to warranty it in another year given what a hassle this has been.
I only weigh 165. I put the bike through the paces but I don't ride unreasonably hard. I called the warranty department myself and they said they had to redesign the rear triangle and the new triangles are still 2 months out. | | Similar Products Used: | Tomac Eli | | Bike Setup: | I can't remember any more it has been so long since I've seen my bike. | | Bottom Line: | The bike rides great.
The rear triangle is weak.
The customer service from American Bicycle Group is poor.
With a new re-designed rear triangle I will be happily ripping the trails again. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy Dallibar
a Weekend Warrior
from England
Date Reviewed: July 18, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Bracknell | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | mountaintrax | | Strengths: | none | | Weaknesses: | It's just bad through and through | | Similar Products Used: | Heckler, Yeti 575, Turner 5 spot. | | Bike Setup: | Fox Vanill RLC, Raceface cranks, XT transmission, Hope hubs - Mavic rims, Hope Enduro brakes. | | Bottom Line: | I bought this frame as a replacement for my Heckler. It felt strange from the start, The back end was never convincing and I was always concerned about the amount of lateral play in the swingarm. The small pivots at the top of the swigarm arm just screws in brass bushes and they always came loose. I attached a small camera on the frame once and video'd the trails as I rode along and was horrified by how much the wheel swayed from side to side.Suffice to say the frame has broken twice. The first time I blamed the shop but when it broke the second time I was convinced it's just a bad design. I got a full refund which cheered me up but I smell a rat because they offered it I didn't ask for the refund. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jay
a Weekend Warrior
from Philadelphia, PA
Date Reviewed: December 13, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Wicked Wissahickon | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Strengths: | Light, FAST, great climber- even without the propedal, fairly plush, looks like a piece of art hanging my wall. | | Weaknesses: | Takes a while to truly dial in the suspension. | | Similar Products Used: | Blur, Trek Fuel 98, Specialized Enduro, single pivot FS designs, Giant hardtail | | Bike Setup: | XT front/back, XT cranks, Fox TerraLogic 100mm fork, Fox RP3 rear shock, Magura Louise brakes, Maxxis Ignitor UST 2.35 front, IRC Mythos UST 2.1 rear, FSA bar, Thompson stem, post, Specialized Alias saddle, Expedo clipless- weight- about 28.5 lbs. | | Bottom Line: | Excellent bike. I'm 35, and wanted a bike that would be plush, so the body can take less of a pounding now and in the future, but also light for the climbs. I ride mainly technical cross country- lots of gnarly ups and downs, but not a lot of drops, etc. I do an xc race or two a year. I didn't need a beefy bike that could handle a lot of air. The five inches of travel eat up the trail. Could I deal with a bit more travel at times? sure. Would it be worth the weight penalty? no. Would it be worth less efficent climbing? no.
I wanted a bike that would get me off my aging ass to ride, even when I'm not in the best shape. That's just what the niota does.
It takes a bit of tinkering with both the front and rear suspension to find the sweet spot- the Fox shocks are infinitely tunable- but once you do, the bike can take you over just about anything. Smooths out rock gardens and rooty sections- which PA trails have plenty of- with ease.
The bike climbs beautifully. I have the suspension set up with no propedal, and low air pressure, and there is still no bob on technical climbs- provided you stay in the saddle. That's all the linkage design. The rear axel follows a vertical path when the suspension engages, which limits pedalling imput, and is basically what every other design tries to achieve. With the propedal turned up (there's 3 settings) and some more pressure, it climbs even better- in or out of the saddle- but I like the cushiness on the descents. Lateral stiffness isn't an issue.
So basically, the niota meets all my needs. I can put in on 4 inches of rear travel and full propedal for XC races/rides, or 5 inches of plushness for the epic/tech rides. While other bikes like the Nomad, Intense 6.6, Ellsworth Moment, have more travel and can be set up fairly light- I don't think you'll see them in many XC races. This bike successfully straddles both worlds. And did I mention it's fast? FAST!
Lastly, its just nice to look at- the rear triangle and linkage is simple and seamless, downtube is thick, geometry is on the slacker side, but not too much. Black gloss is makes it look lean and sleek.
Gotta give it all the chilis. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chad
a Downhiller
from BC
Date Reviewed: September 19, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | This bike is super fast! I rode it for a year and a half in Michigan on super fast singletrack and it never maxed out! Now I ride the North Shore trails with it and it eat's em up. The frame is the most well balanced frame I have ever been on | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Everything, I've worked at bike shops for6 yrs | | Bike Setup: | I ride it with 4 in front and 5 in back. I ride up mountains, I ride down mountains.This bike is rad. | | Bottom Line: | Call litespeed and beg em to make this bike forever!If you brake bikes, you should find a bike/style that is appropriate for you, but don't blame product failure on craftsmanship. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff Fox
a Cross Country Rider
from Dolores, CO USA
Date Reviewed: September 1, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Calico Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Kokopelli Bike & Board | | Weaknesses: | Frame broke after less than 1 year of riding. Very disappointed as the bike was never ridden extremely hard. | | Bottom Line: | This bike was a replacement for a broken Tomac Eli. I really liked the ride and the bike felt great on the mountain single tracks. There have now been a couple of these frames broken locally which leads me to believe the frames have the same weakness issues that the Tomacs had (have). I would never pay for this much for a bike that has a questionable frame strength. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick
a Cross Country Rider
from Fayetteville AR
Date Reviewed: July 28, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Kessler | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Scotts Bike Shop | | Strengths: | This bike FLYS. I thought that I was a pretty fast rider on my old hard tail, but riding this bike made me even faster. Once you set up the suspension to your likings, it's a dream to ride. The lock out on the front and back making road riding/climbing a breeze. It is a bit twitchy downhill as others have mentioned, but I still feel like i have plenty of control. I have even done some mild downhill courses on it and the bike held up very well. Customer service is good from what I experienced. They seem attentive to your needs.
| | Weaknesses: | It was pretty difficult to tune up the suspension correctly especially since this was my first highend bike. My other bikes have only had preload adjustments on the shocks so I was a bit lost with the AVA rear shock and all. I probably still wouldn't have it set up right if i hadn't met with some pro racers and had them help me set it up.
Also it is hard to get a replacement part for the bike quickly. I busted a rear derailer hanger at a race, and couldn't find another one for sale anywhere in the state. I've been waiting two weeks for the new hanger. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR, Cannondale Rush | | Bike Setup: | full xt, panaracer firexc pro, homemade 3rd ring bashguard | | Bottom Line: | This bike is sweet, and worth all you pay for it. especially if you can get a good deal on it. If you like compliments, have some money to spend, and what a do it all bike that is an eye catcher this is it. I race, street ride, trail ride, and downhill on this bike and i haven't been let down at all. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
William
a Cross Country Rider
from Colorado Springs, CO, USA
Date Reviewed: July 12, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Cheyenne Canyon upto Cptn. Jacks | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | American Bicycle Group | | Strengths: | Light, Responsive, too many to count. I love(ed) this bike!!! **Be on the look out for a LiteSpeed Niota Al!** Please!! MINE WAS STOLEN on July 7, 2006. I easily put 500-1000 miles on this bike in the short time I had it. | | Weaknesses: | Could be stolen, like mine was. Did not have any problems with this bike except for the Kenda rear tire formed blister types things. | | Similar Products Used: | Klein 1993 Rascal, XTR. Could not get enough of this (Klein) bike until I could not upgrade the 1" headset and shocks. | | Bike Setup: | Factory XT. Replaced Rear Kenda tire with Michelin. | | Bottom Line: | Buy Buy Buy. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Carl-Arnold Wilke
a Cross Country Rider
from Waiblingen
Date Reviewed: July 10, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Lake Garda | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Tomac warranty | | Strengths: | Relatively light, climbs both technical and smooth trails with traction very well. | | Weaknesses: | Paint chips; not all bearings, some bushings. | | Similar Products Used: | Tomac 98 special pro (2003) | | Bike Setup: | Manitou Black super 130 mm, Grimeca 12.1 Disc braeks, XT | | Bottom Line: | After only one year the rear triangle cracks. I gave currently only one chili, because this frame doesn't seems very durable. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Don
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver
Date Reviewed: June 29, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | REI Denver | | Strengths: | Relatively light, climbs both technical and smooth trails with traction and efficiency, geometry. Laterally stiff, linear feel through the first 2/3 of the travel. | | Weaknesses: | Not all bearings, some bushings, tall standover. Smaller than average sizing, but offset with the ML option. | | Similar Products Used: | Revolver, Enduro, 4 Banger, Moho CXS, Dakar, various hardtails. | | Bike Setup: | Minute 2 in 100mm, Float RP3. Will be switching from dual control to SRAM. | | Bottom Line: | This is a warranty replacement for a broken Revolver. Settings in rear are per Litespeed recommendations. I have use the RP3 in all settings, and find the best setup is the middle for 75%, and full for fireroad climbs. I have only used it in the 4" setting, and have no reason to use the 5" setting. Well matched to the 100mm minute for most applications. (Mainly used for endurance rides/races in CO area) Would recommend something with adjustability or 120-130mm for all mountain type use. Climbs like a goat in both technical and smooth terrain. A little fast (steep HT angle) on the more burly decents as configured with the 100mm fork. Short top tube for its size, so I am on a ML. I was on a M revolver, and this TT is effectively only .25" longer. I have it paired with a strait thompson post, and believe it comes stock with a lay back post. With this setup, I think it gives the bike better balance. No lofting of the front wheel on the climbs, while maintaining the superb traction in the rear. All in all great for my application. I could use it with a larger fork and in the 5" travel setting for AM use, but I am also a light rider. I think it may be too light for AM use under an abusive or heavier rider. I certainly would not feel comfortable pushing it as hard as I did the Enduro anyway. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Warren Ennis
a Cross Country Rider
from Colorado Springs Colorado
Date Reviewed: March 3, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Palmer Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Colorado Cyclist | | Strengths: | First off I need to come clean and say this is my 3rd frame from Douglas. First I had a Tomac 98 which I broke at the bottom bracket, weld cracked. The 2nd was a Tomac 98 Pro which broke at the shock mount, metal fatigue would be the best explenation. On the Litespeed Niota AL I am a little baffled, this frame was a beauty, plush but reactive, predictable and fun to ride, I would say out of the five or so bikes that I own or have ridden the Litespeed rates at the top of the list, I would compare it to the Santa Cruz Blur for quality and performace, and beats the dickens out of my Trek Fuel 90. | | Weaknesses: | Frame paint was beautiful but chips very fast and do watch out for the front derailer, that one got me. 'The biggest problem is the bike I got from Litespeed was out of true on the rear triangle by 3mm or more and had to send it back' that was in EARLY DECEMBER AND I STILL NOT HAVE A NEW FRAME. I am a litte more than disapointed with Litespeed as the turn time and the effort to work with me has been less than stellar, early March and I still do not know when my frame will come back. | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz Blur, Trek Fuel 90, | | Bike Setup: | Manitou Minute 2 130, Race Face Cranks, XTR shifters, with Avid Disc Breaks. I miss my bike | | Bottom Line: | One of the better frames I have ridden, just want her back so I can really put it to the test. I am a very good Cross country rider and at the age of 40 do not jump or freeride as my body will not handle that but I am still a strong rider and am not intimidated by anything up or down.
"THE POOR RATING IS FOR SERVICE ONLY" | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from Hackettstown, NJ USA
Date Reviewed: February 19, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Allamuchy Mountain STate PArk | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Roaring Mouse | | Strengths: | Beautiful finish, attention to detail, innovative design, high quality | | Weaknesses: | the frame didnt come with any setup instructions, or warranty card, or touch up paint etc.. I bought the frame alone and set it up myself, and it wasn't until i had it built up that i realized the front derailleur was gonna get creamed by the rear triangle cross brace, i was using an XTR 961, but the bike needed the 960 top swing unit, at least i figured that out before i rode it for the first time. | | Similar Products Used: | Litespeed Tsail softail, disc | | Bike Setup: | Race face cranks and BB, Easton carbon post, and handlebars, and MG60 stem, Crossmax SL, XTR derailleurs, XT thumb shifters (gotta love em!) Fox Talas RLC fork, Hayes disc brakes, Flight saddle. | | Bottom Line: | I took it out today for the maiden voyage, I think I had the setup pretty good from the start, right pressure in both fork and shock, correct sag as per manual, being the first time out itook it slow, waiting for the new bike gremlins to show up, but for the most part it was uneventful. The transition from the softail to this will take a bit getting used to but I have had dualies before, so i adapted quicklt. I have to say this bike rocks! the fork is by far the trickest thing i have ever ridden on, the lockout works great, and the overall feel is very "moto" the back end with its CLR (constant leverage ratio) never felt overly active, I never sensed any bob, I just have to remember to ride in a slightly higher gear, to smooth out the rebound (or adjust the shock!) My only complaint, is that my heels were hitting the chain stays, and i rubbed the clear coat off on both sides, if i payed attention to what i was doing there was no contact, but when i stopped thinking about it, i rubbed. the c-stays on this bike are a full 1 1/2 inches wider than the Tsali. Maybe I need a wider BB, but i'm thinking the better solution would be stylized stays (they are just straight tubes) I would have bought the Niota Ti, (the full susp equivalent of the Tsali) but at $4k for the frame alone, I couldn't justify the half pound weight saving, that plus the fact that I chased squeaks and creaks on that Ti bike for years. i'm gonna give this bike the full boat for chili's the price was great and the ride phenomenal. If they change the rear triangle next year, maybe I will try to replace just that. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff Bomke
a Weekend Warrior
from Indianapolis, IN
Date Reviewed: October 4, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Nebo Ridge | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Tomac Warranty | | Strengths: | Fast, Light, Very Stiff, Balanced Geometry. The bike corners and manuvers tight singletrack very well. Accelerates very well. Can stomp on the pedals and not notice any bob. | | Weaknesses: | American Bicycle Group (ABG) customer service is horrible. I was having trouble setting up the suspension even after I downloaded the manual for the RP3 shock. The shock requires much less pressure than normal. I am 180lbs and have it set at 120lbs. No internal memo or training on the setup of this bike. I told him i read the manual and set the shock up with the proper sag but ramps fast. The guy told me how to setup the wrong shock on the wrong bike (brain shock). Called Litespeed and they passed the buck to fox. Fox said that is basically the nature of an air shock. Suspension ramps up fast, so can only get 2/3 of the claimed travel and feels harsh. I feel the shock is not right for the bike. Needs adjustible spring rate or revalved for bike. The RP3 is gemicky with the 3 pro pedal settings. | | Similar Products Used: | Blur, Tomac Eli, Cake, Enduro | | Bike Setup: | Minute 1, dual control full XT w/ disc, thompson stem and seat post, cross max enduros, kenda tubeless tires, fox rp3 shock, moneylite carbon riser bars | | Bottom Line: | Litespeed claims this bike is "all-mountain", but it is a long travel XC bike. It is very, very fast, but does not have the actual travel necessary to bomb downhill with the current shock. Maybe i am being critical coming off of the tomac eli (broken frame), which was very plush with the swinger 4 way. XC riders will absolutely love this bike. It is the fastest trail bike I have riden and would race this bike even at it's current 28 lb weight. You could easily get this bike to 26 lbs too. That is why I will give this bike 5 chilis overall. This bike is just needs a rear shock that will let this bike use it's full travel. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Garrison
a Cross Country Rider
from Roanoke, VA
Date Reviewed: August 29, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Carvins Cove | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$3300.00 | | Purchased At: | Just the Right Gear | | Strengths: | Super sweet ride, climbs incredibly well | | Weaknesses: | Frame-none, stock XT Dual Control-hated them...sold to a friend and got regular XTR shifters and Avid Juicy's (sweetest) | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Kikapu Deluxe, Intense 5.5 | | Bike Setup: | Fox FL100 and RP3, XT drivetrain, XTR Shifters, Avid Juicy's, Crossmax rims with Conti Vertical UST | | Bottom Line: | This is the best bike I have ever ridden and it has held up to 11 months of hard riding (average 3-4 rides per week). Got to keep your eye on the rear shock mounts (get loose), but, this has been the only problem other than normal wear and tear.
I have ridden many other bikes and have found none of them to compare to the Lightspeed. Total weight: 26.7 | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul Sauve
a Cross Country Rider
from Las Vegas, NV U.S.A.
Date Reviewed: May 9, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3300.00 | | Purchased At: | Procyclery | | Strengths: | Solid selection of standard components. Ride is stiffish while still delivering full 4/5 inches of rear travel. Instills confidence downhill and is a competent climber.
I like the wide, DH riser handlebar.
The position of the rear shock adjustment is well placed and easy to access in motion.
Lighter than my Specialized
Great wheels with tubeless tires.
Cable routing stays along the top tube rather than under the downtube.
BB is sufficiently high to clear moderate obstacles and keep pedals from smacking rocks if your foot is accidently down in a bad spot of trail. | | Weaknesses: | It's a little embarrassing to pay this much for a bike. Bike was delivered with XT Rapid Rise rear derailleur which shifts backward from regular XT. With the integrated
XT shifters I suffered a bit of shift confusion since my other bike already operated with regular XT. LBS swapped it out, no problem.
Paint was chipped at lower headtube from pressing in of headset. The rear derailleur smacks the chainstay on the rough stuff which has already chipped the paint at the back of the drive side chainstay.
| | Similar Products Used: | 99 Specialized FSR XC Pro
2004 Specialized FSR XC Pro Disc | | Bike Setup: | No changes, except for regular XT rear derailleur. | | Bottom Line: | So far, I more than like this ride. It's smooth, yet stiff and even though it doesn't always feel like one is engaging a full 4 or 5 inches of rear travel, the little rubber dust ring around the shaft - that's right, I said "rubber" and "shaft" in the same sentence - proves otherwise.
Because of a relatively low BB on my Specialized I'm constantly aware of foot placement to avoid smacking rocks that should be insignificant. This bike allows me to concentrate more on just trying to go fast.
My LBS did a bunch of special measuring to make sure the bike was fit properly to me and I pretty much undid all of what the LBS suggested.
Be prepared to tinker to dial in the ride. The rear RP3 runs lower pressure than other shocks and it's more of an issue of what feels right, than what's technically suggested. Once I adjusted and tinkered myself into a comfortable position, the more this bike really started to rock. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul Sauve
a Cross Country Rider
from Las Vegas, NV U.S.A.
Date Reviewed: May 9, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3300.00 | | Purchased At: | Procyclery | | Strengths: | Solid selection of standard components. Ride is stiffish while still delivering full 4/5 inches of rear travel. Instills confidence downhill and is a competent climber.
I like the wide, DH riser handlebar.
The position of the rear shock adjustment is well placed and easy to access in motion.
Lighter than my Specialized
Great wheels with tubeless tires.
Cable routing stays along the top tube rather than under the downtube.
BB is sufficiently high to clear moderate obstacles and keep pedals from smacking rocks if your foot is accidently down in a bad spot of trail. | | Weaknesses: | It's a little embarrassing to pay this much for a bike. Bike was delivered with XT Rapid Rise rear derailleur which shifts backward from regular XT. With the integrated
XT shifters I suffered a bit of shift confusion since my other bike already operated with regular XT. LBS swapped it out, no problem.
Paint was chipped at lower headtube from pressing in of headset. The rear derailleur smacks the chainstay on the rough stuff which has already chipped the paint at the back of the drive side chainstay.
| | Similar Products Used: | 99 Specialized FSR XC Pro
2004 Specialized FSR XC Pro Disc | | Bike Setup: | No changes, except for regular XT rear derailleur. | | Bottom Line: | So far, I more than like this ride. It's smooth, yet stiff and even though it doesn't always feel like one is engaging a full 4 or 5 inches of rear travel, the little rubber dust ring around the shaft - that's right, I said "rubber" and "shaft" in the same sentence - proves otherwise.
Because of a relatively low BB on my Specialized I'm constantly aware of foot placement to avoid smacking rocks that should be insignificant. This bike allows me to concentrate more on just trying to go fast.
My LBS did a bunch of special measuring to make sure the bike was fit properly to me and I pretty much undid all of what the LBS suggested.
Be prepared to tinker to dial in the ride. The rear RP3 runs lower pressure than other shocks and it's more of an issue of what feels right, than what's technically suggested. Once I adjusted and tinkered myself into a comfortable position, the more this bike really started to rock. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jack
a Cross Country Rider
from MN
Date Reviewed: January 15, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Strengths: | Light weight, plush, climbs great. | | Weaknesses: | Not the best downhill machine, Front end seems twitchey going downhill-any one else experiencing this? | | Similar Products Used: | Turner O2, Intense Tracer | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | I feel as if I use less energy after a ride on this bike. Contact Litespeed if you need information on how to set up the rear shock for your weight. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
manny
a Cross Country Rider
from Sierra Vista, Arizona, USA
Date Reviewed: December 21, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | cooper loop and kentucky camp | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2152.00 | | Purchased At: | Arizona Bike Experts | | Strengths: | reviewed here just a few weeks ago. still same, only getting better as I tweak the suspension or length, etc.....every adjustment makes the bike ride and perform better!!! This Bike is freaking awesome....everyone is crying 4 bar linkage.......Litespeed has NAILED IT with this pivot!!!!!! love it! | | Weaknesses: | NONE!!!! | | Bike Setup: | MAVIC Crossmax XL's, XT everything with dual control levers, Easton Monkey bar, Thompson Elite stem and Seatpost, Kenda Karisma Tires | | Bottom Line: | the Mavic Crossmax XL's have taken ALOT of abuse!! have been going full bomb downhill with alot of baby heads sticking out and they are taking the hits and riding over them!! maybe the plush shock, but I think not!!! they work great with the Kenda Karisma's (not karnivores like I said in earlier review) I ride them at about 30 lbs, and they work great for most stuff (still a little weak on the soft pack). The ride is just getting better as I adjust it here and there. had ghost shifting due to cable stretch (brand new bike) but took it to James at Arizona Bike Experts for it's first tune up......like butter!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve Young
a Weekend Warrior
from Durham, CT
Date Reviewed: December 19, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Pedal Power | | Strengths: | Sent a review earlier this year when I first purchased the bike. Great bike but see below. | | Weaknesses: | Have broken 2 frames this year - A good bike that breaks is no good at all. I ride hard on the weekends but only weight 160lbs. This bike should not break so easily. I think that the time has come where I need another bike for safety alone. I have also had trouble with the Rapid Rise but going back to a conventional rear der. should resolve that problem. | | Bottom Line: | I'm surprised that no one else has reported a broken frame at MTB? I couldn't be that unlucky? I'm waiting to hear back from Litespeed to see what they are going to do about it. The first time they replaced the frame but I hope there is a better option the 2nd time? | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Manny
a Cross Country Rider
from Sierra Vista, AZ USA
Date Reviewed: December 12, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Kentucky Camp and Cooper Loop | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2156.00 | | Purchased At: | Arizona Bike Experts | | Strengths: | very light frame. looks fragile but beefy strong. you can underestimate the strength by weight, but it is very strong. no flex in frame or suspension triangle. great climber. great technical bike. very fast descender.
can set up for 4 inches of travel (current setup) or 5 inches (for when I take bigger jumps and drops) very versatile, and Very responsive!!! especially when needed on the climbs (due to stiff frame!) very light, total bike is 26 lbs......I am a mix between XC and Trail rider.....I like the jumps and drops and the edgey feeling you get from a more exciting ride as opposed to cruising....but like the length of the XC rides...... | | Weaknesses: | the fork spec'ed on bike (fox vanilla) I would think that they would spec it with a float at least. Shop had bike setup for a lighter rider (Rear shock was preloaded at 145 lbs) so first ride felt very plush, I tend to like the ride a bit firmer, so that suspension works ONLY when you need it. If you are the type that thinks that a bomber big should weigh 30 lbs or more look else where..........some people might have a problem with such a light bike. Also, some reviews here on this site as having the wheelset being really fragile or really bomb proof....so far for me, BOMBPROOF!! Seems the wheel sets break when the rider is 210 lbs or heavier, so if you purchase this bike, maybe consider an extra wheelset or a different one. Mine work great though so far....maybe later look for another post by me in the wheelset section. If you see my review, then you should read it because I shall detail everything. | | Similar Products Used: | trek fuel 90, Cannondale Full suspension (older one with the massive chain stay, that looked like a praying mantins...) Both Awesome bikes. I know Litespeed from my Roadbiking days, and was able to ride one....very supple, very fast, very responsive. Was thinking of the Specialized Enduro and the Jamis XLT. Glad I went with this | | Bike Setup: | XT group with Mavic Crossmax XL Disk Brakes wheelset with the Shimano rapid rise dual control levers, Oury grips, Fox Vanilla 100RL, Fox AVA Float RL, and Ritchey pedals | | Bottom Line: | The Niota is AWESOME!!!!! great trail bike, can take hits, and absorb bumps. I was worried about the reviews the Crossmax XL's recieved, as they were not rated highly in this same site. I had Mike at Sun & Spokes check the tension and trueness before the Kentucky Camp ride.... I have abused them since getting this bike, and have had no problems....they track straight and true, no flex, no breakages or loosening, and perform great. will see how long they hold up to my abuse, and I will let you know. This thing climbs like a FREAK! just very technical and light climber....able to handle some climbs that my buddies could not make, and I could not make 2 weeks ago on a Trek Fuel 90. the kenda Karnivores have handled everything, but with a slight weakness on soft pack....they are 2.1's but with the Crossmax rims being so thin, they themselves are thinner too. But the tires climb great, can go low psi (had them down to 20 lbs on Cooper loop in Sierra Vista, AZ and no pinches or losing the bead, but was more comfortable with 30 psi on Kentucky Camp in Soniota, AZ). The suspension felt more dialed in on the Kentucky camp ride than the Cooper loop due to the fact that my bud helped me with the set up! Thanks James, you rock dude!!!!! anyway, I left the Arizona Bike Experts without setup only because I really had to go, but needed a bike...lol, so I stole it (for $2000.00 of course) and rode like it's HOT!!! lol, but that same weekend took it to Cooper loop. it felt PLUSH!!! nearly bottomed it out, so my bud James Hooked my up the next night and we set up the rear shock.......rode even better although even we set it up for a lighter rider (170 lbs, but I am 180 lbs, maybe a difference, maybe not, you decide) thought about a different fork, but james recommended just getting a stiffer spring for the fork ("cheaper that's why, you don't have to spend all that money"..... basically, he said try new spring, then later get a new fork if you wish)so I took it to Sun & Spokes to see about new spring....Mike adjusted the rebound......still a little plush, but will continue to ride it too see if I still want to go firmer.....not sure how it will affect the ride.....so that is why I say it should have been spec'ed with a Float instead. To Close this out, if you are a medium weighted rider (140 lbs to 190lbs) this should be a great XC bike with lots of suspension to keep you from bottoming out on bigger than normal XC stuff. Tracks great (point and shoot), descends great, climbs even better. Dial in the suspension and enjoy the ride.
I must Thank James from Arizona Bike Experts and Mike the Owner of Arizona Bike Experts for such a Killer Deal!!! I feel like I stole this thing for $2000.00 I owe you guys big time, and you guys have a friend for life!! Muchas Gracias Dudes!!!! I was going with a Jamis XLT or a Specialied Enduro, but for the Group on this bike (XT, Disks with Mavic Crossmax XL's), and the weight (about 5 lbs less than the Specialized Enduro, and about 6-7 lbs less than the Jamis XLT) the Litespeed Niota was too good to pass up...again, Thanks James, for making this review by me possible. Peace, and to everyone: go to Arizona Bike Experts for your bikes......they are awesome dudes, with Killer deals........so ride like you stole it from them :) .............PEACE | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
J BOBELAK
a Cross Country Rider
from PALM BAY FLORIDA
Date Reviewed: June 26, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | BULL MOUNTAIN, NORTH GEORGIA | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3115.00 | | Purchased At: | COLORADO CYCLIST | | Strengths: | I still can't believe how hooked up and smooth this bike is!!! My previous favorite ride was a hardtail Litespeed Owl Hollow that was an incredible ride in itself. The Niota climbs just as well and has the extreme benefit of smoothing out the trail and allowing me to ride longer. This bike is the best yet, and I have ridden numerous high end mountain bikes, however, I am partial to the quality of Litespeed. I am getting a little older now (34) and confort on the trail is a critical factor for me. The Niota has exceptionally well matched parts package that performs flawlessly. The FOX shocks ride so much better than anything Rock Shox makes. This is my first experience with FOX shocks and the suspension is perfectly tuanble and smooth, yet allows outstanding power transfer to the ground at all times. | | Weaknesses: | I swapped the seat for a Selle Italia SLR Carbonio. Saddles are a personal thing and the Selle Italia Nitrox Gel seat did not feel confortable to me. | | Similar Products Used: | Ellsworth Truth, Trek Fuel 100, Litespeed Owl Hollow hardtail, Cannondale Scalpel 3000, Litespeed Ocoee FS, and Litespeed Unicoi. | | Bike Setup: | Shimano XT Kit: Cane Creek Integrated headset, Fox Vanilla RL Fork, XT rear derailleur, XTR Front Derailleur, XT dual control levers, XT hollowtech Crank, Mavic CrossMax Eduro Disc wheelset, Kendra Kharisma 2.1 tires. Thomson Elite Seatpost and stem, Easton EA 70, Shimano M-969 pedals, and Selle Italia Carbonio seat. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is superb. I had the advantage to test ride this model and others before I made the purchase. The suspension is highly tunable. The quality of the frame welds and suspension linkage pivot bearings are the best. This bike is great for endurance rides/races. It is about 3 pounds heavier than my XTR equipped Owl Hollow, however, the suspension factor is worth the weight. I would recommend this bike for 12/24 hour races, technical cross country races, and general cross country riding. I will keep my hardtail for lightweight cross country racing on generally smooth courses. The 2004 XT componets are top notch. It is not necessary to waste the extra cash on XTR. The XT shifts crisply and no enduced suspension ghost shifts like when I test rode the Trek Fuel 100. The Ellsworth Truth was the next closest competitor in my opinion. I liked the Ellsworth a lot, however the front and rear suspension did not feel well balanced/mated to me. I found myself losing traction on climbs were the Niota stayed hooked up. The Niota also felt better obsorbing trail obstacles like roots and rocks. If you want a great suspension bicycle, then I think this is the best bike going for the money. If your really wealthy.... then go for the Niota Ti with XTR and you will have a bike that suits every purpose except extreme downhill. Thanks Litespeed!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
CRAIG BARBER
a Cross Country Rider
from Salt Lake
Date Reviewed: March 20, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | spiro to wasatch crest 17 miles of single track! | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3300.00 | | Purchased At: | Contender bicycles | | Strengths: | 5"&5" front and rear yet climbs like a hard tail. On the decents it soaks up any thing you can throw at it , but still handles like your riding on rails. The bike weighs in at just under 26lbs. The folks at litespeed are TOP NOTCH! | | Weaknesses: | Only comes in one color. I'm not crazy for the hydrolic hose brase ons, kinda cheesy. | | Similar Products Used: | tomac 78 special ,trek fuel,fisher sugar 2,maveric. | | Bike Setup: | 04 XT group with disc, mavic crossmax sl, fox TALAS RL fork,fox float ava rear,King headset,thomson stem &post,Easton carbon bars,Kenda ust rubber. | | Bottom Line: | I've only had the bike for a few weeks, but so far I've ridden porcupine rim in Moab, and few of the trails along the foothills of the Wasatch. Still to much snow to ride!! Over all impression is this bike is sweet ,very nimble and quick rides extremely lite. I havent experienced any bob ,it seems to have a very efficent energy transfer. the combination of the front and rear shocks and the adjustability make a great set up. the new XT stuff is awsome dont even bother with XTR, WAY OVER PRICED!! I,ll miss my TOMAC, but how can you go wrong with a LITESPEED? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Travis Fulton
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle
Date Reviewed: March 18, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Twisting 'round Tolt | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | Light with 5" front and rear travel | | Weaknesses: | Springs in the Fox Vanilla are a bit soft | | Similar Products Used: | Blur, Unicoi, NRS | | Bike Setup: | Full XT Rapid Rise, Disc, Fox Vanilla 125RL, Fox AVA | | Bottom Line: | I cleaned every obstacle on Saturday, all the roots, the logs, the bridges, the drops, the mud holes; everything in my path got devoured. It carves turns, even in loose or wet, the wheels stay connected. At speed, down a trail on the backside where I usually fly all over the place, the wheels never left the trail. It was amazing. On steep climbs I never had to adjust my position to keep the front wheel engaged, it rose up over an obstacle but came right back down with enough contact to negotiate my path. No noticeable loss of power with the suspension engaged on the climbs, only when I stood up to bring the hammer* down on the single track did I feel the bike sloshing beneath me. * (first ride of the year so it wasn’t much of a hammer)
I didn’t figure out the rear lockout until Sunday, and the bike behaved much differently in that mode. At a high cadence, the thing bounced all over the damn place, the bob was incessant. I did some high speed stuff on a fire road and tested it out, locked out I was bouncing, suspension engaged the bike was quiet. Very strange, the bike feels a bit soft when spinning on the flat but I didn’t think it was robbing me of any power. Conversely, locking out the front shock helped out a lot on the flat stuff. It definitely needs the stiffer springs.
Had few issues with the shifting, a couple times on the trail when I came around the corner and faced a steep uphill I went to grab some gears and shoved the lever down – quickly bringing the bike to a standstill. Backed up, shifted back up, and climbed. The discs were wonderful. That’s the first time I had a chance to ride hydraulics for any significant period of time. I didn’t have any squealing issues on Saturday but Sundays ride was a bit of a wet slog and they squealed enough to remind me of my front V-brake on my SID.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve Young
a Cross Country Rider
from Durham, CT
Date Reviewed: March 7, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Middlesex - CT | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3100.00 | | Purchased At: | Pedal Power | | Strengths: | Very stiff bike - rides stiffer than my hard tail. Climbs very well and handles well in technical sections. | | Weaknesses: | Downhills well but is not plush. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant VT1, Trek Liquid, Trek Fuel (recently demo'ed before buying Litespeed) and many other bikes | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for the fork - upgraded to the Fox Terra logic 100mm. This fork is excellent if you want to ride fast. The fork always works when you need it to but locks out when you don't need it. This is a great fork if your racing or just want to ride as fast as possible. | | Bottom Line: | Great Bike. I just did my first ride on the bike today and loved it. It was a little stiffer than I thought it was going to be (coming off a hard tail) but what else could you ask for if it can be stiff and still have a great suspension system. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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