Submitted by
Caleb
a Weekend Warrior
from Flagstaff, AZ
Date Reviewed: August 15, 2007
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.
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.
Bike Setup: I can't remember any more it has been so long since I've seen my bike.
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Submitted by
Andy Dallibar
a Weekend Warrior
from England
Date Reviewed: July 18, 2007
Strengths: none
Weaknesses: It's just bad through and through
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.
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.
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Submitted by
Jay
a Weekend Warrior
from Philadelphia, PA
Date Reviewed: December 13, 2006
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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Submitted by
Jeff Fox
a Cross Country Rider
from Dolores, CO USA
Date Reviewed: September 1, 2006
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.
Submitted by
Rick
a Cross Country Rider
from Fayetteville AR
Date Reviewed: July 28, 2006
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.
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.
Similar Products Used: Specialized FSR, Cannondale Rush
Bike Setup: full xt, panaracer firexc pro, homemade 3rd ring bashguard
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Submitted by
William
a Cross Country Rider
from Colorado Springs, CO, USA
Date Reviewed: July 12, 2006
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: Tomac 98 special pro (2003)
Bike Setup: Manitou Black super 130 mm, Grimeca 12.1 Disc braeks, XT
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Submitted by
Don
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver
Date Reviewed: June 29, 2006
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.
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.
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.
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Submitted by
Warren Ennis
a Cross Country Rider
from Colorado Springs Colorado
Date Reviewed: March 3, 2006
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.
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.
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
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Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from Hackettstown, NJ USA
Date Reviewed: February 19, 2006
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.
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.
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.
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Submitted by
Jeff Bomke
a Weekend Warrior
from Indianapolis, IN
Date Reviewed: October 4, 2005
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.
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.
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
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Submitted by
Mike Garrison
a Cross Country Rider
from Roanoke, VA
Date Reviewed: August 29, 2005
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)
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
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
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Submitted by
Paul Sauve
a Cross Country Rider
from Las Vegas, NV U.S.A.
Date Reviewed: May 9, 2005
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.
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.
Similar Products Used: 99 Specialized FSR XC Pro 2004 Specialized FSR XC Pro Disc
Bike Setup: No changes, except for regular XT rear derailleur.
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Submitted by
Paul Sauve
a Cross Country Rider
from Las Vegas, NV U.S.A.
Date Reviewed: May 9, 2005
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.
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.
