Submitted by
Hugh F. Mason
a Weekend Warrior
from Henderson, Nevada, Clark
Date Reviewed: July 5, 2010
Strengths: Its gloriously strong frame
Weaknesses: unavailability of replacement parts
Bottom Line:
Without question the finest riding hard-tail I have ever experienced. Its effortless maneuverability, coupled with the splendid lack of mass one would expect from a pedal-driven cruise-missile makes this bike heaven on knobby tires. Aggressive yet refined. Nimble and dangerously fast.... NOW THAT"S A SPICY MEATA-BALL!!!
Bike Setup: Full XTR groupo, Rock Shox Judy, Thompson saddle post, original Selle italia Flite saddle,
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Submitted by
Jeff Redding
a Cross Country Rider
from Warrenton, MO, USA
Date Reviewed: October 4, 2007
Strengths: Reasonably lightweight, one of the most agile and nimble handling bikes I have owned to date. This frame really absorbs the trail irregularities while remaining really stiff which results in unbelievable climbing prowess. This bike is also nicely constructed. Did I mention rare and great looking? Those things too!
Weaknesses: No rear frame disc tabs, but this could be remedied through a particular frame builder that builds his own beautiful ti frames. The other issue is a lack of 1" steerer suspension forks that are short travel, lightweight, and still perform well. The Marz 70MM superfly is "the" ticket for this bike.
Bottom Line:
I kept my eye open for one of these bikes for years, and finally fell upon one which I promptly bought with no hesitation. No regrets on this one thats for sure. For me the Ti-Lite, Fat city Fat Ti, or Ibis ti-mojo all three represent vintage excellence at its best. Rideable unobtanium. Not necessarily a mainstream vintage classic, but to those that know, its truly a special bike.
I have had lots of great mountain bikes over the past 22 years, but this Bontrager ti hardatil has to be one of, if not "the" best bike I have ever ridden and owned. If you can find one for sale, buy it and you won't regret it, the ride is as close to perfect as I have found to date. Expensive? Yep! Worth it? You bet!!
Similar Products Used: Bontrager Race Lite, Fat city Wicked Fat Chance, Fat City Yo Eddy, Specialized S-Works hardtails, and early 90's Klein adroit. Just a few I have owned and ridden, but noe as good as the ti-lite.
Bike Setup: Mavic Cross Max ceramic v-brake rims w/XTR cassette, Syncros ti seatpost, NOS vintage Bontrager ti-railed saddle, Syncros quill stem with hinged front, Easton Monkey Light riser bar w/salsa grips, XTR brakes & levers, XTR rapidfire shifters, XTR front der, XTR rear der, XT mega9 hollowtech crank and xt BB, shimano 535 pedals and last but not least a 70mm Marzocchi SuperFly air/oil fork. Nice new decals on the bike, and extras on the shelf
Strengths: This bike is Amazing! Light and responsive.
Weaknesses: Little outdated with no disc mounts but that can be fixed with a brake therapy stuff but still it works perfectly
Bottom Line:
For the Price i got it at its unbeatable climes like a mountian goat and is very agile. I was thinking about buying a new bike but this is just so great and fits so well. Deffintly not a bike for a XC/Freeride bike, this is strictly a XC with 80mm of travel.
Bike Setup: Syncros Stem &Post Cross Max wheels Avid brakes, etc
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Submitted by
Jesse
a Cross Country Rider
from Utah
Date Reviewed: December 26, 2005
Strengths: Extremely responsive, light weight, superb climbing bike
Weaknesses: None (possibly the 1 inch steerer although White Brothers still makes all their XC forks in 1 inch. They are awesome forks.)
Bottom Line:
I cannot say enough good things about this frame. I have a Race Lite and there are some things that are similar about the two frames but there is no question that the Ti Lite is the better frame. The biggest difference between the two is that the Ti Lite seems to be a little stiffer in the rear than the Race Lite. In my oppinion that only makes it a better climbing bike. The extra weight savings is about a half pound and helps a little but not as much as the stiffness in the frame. Overall this is the best handling, strongest climbing and quickest frame that I have ever ridden. If you ever have the chance get one.
Similar Products Used: Bontrager race lite, Giant, Specialized
Bike Setup: 8 speed XT/XTR drivetrain, Bombers, Chris King headset, Sun RPM tubeless wheelset, WTB Weirwolf tires, Thomson seatpost, Trans X Zanzi stem, Avid Ultimate levers, Sram shifters and Eggbeater SL pedals
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Submitted by
Financier
a Downhiller
from Switzerland
Date Reviewed: April 30, 2004
Strengths: This bike is extremely light, goes effortlessly uphill, smooth on the DH. I ride on and off road and easily goes 50mph on road and 25mph off. Great on the bumps, hugs the pavement on hairpin turns at fast speeds. Welding job looks beautiful. I've thrown this bike a lot in the beggining when learning single track and the frame never suffered any damages.
Weaknesses: 2 things: the 1" steering column, and its known for suffering chain sucks. It would be also nice if a rear brake disk system can be fitted since the frame doesn't support it.
Bottom Line:
I REALLY GOT LUCKY ON THIS ONE. A friend worked for a bike shop and this was his third bike so he gave it for a great price. I am really grateful to him. Anyway, this TiLite goes fast downhill without sacrificing stability and control. During summer, imaging going gung ho down a ski run..handles bumps and pebbles smoothly. Goes fast uphill too due to the frame's rigidity. Its good for an amateur/weekend rider to an experienced single track rider. A must keep 'cause I'm keeping mine until it breaks (means forever). Keith Bontrager really did a good job on this one.
Strengths: A GREAT handling bicycle; (short story) Once I raced down a paved mountain road with "Scott". Scott was a road racer, had a fine road bike, and had trained "Roady" style with Lance Armstrong in Texas in the 80s. When we got to the bottom of the 5 mile downhill, he commented "Why have a road bike?!?"...(I had stayed with him the whole way down.) A great single-track bike. It's rustproof, bombproof, and the titanium will last three lifetimes.
Weaknesses: Can't get 'em anymore. They only made 800 or so, according to Keith Bontrager. 1 inch steering tube not common.
Bottom Line:
Best ride-anywhere bicycle there is. A great bicycle for a serious single track mountain biker. I've owned 30+ bicycles in my day, and this is the one I ride 98% of the time. If you see one for sale, buy it! You'll never regret it.
Similar Products Used: There aren't any! ...Perhaps a Moots Ti.
Bike Setup: XT (1996 vintage), with two different wheelsets; one with city tires, and one for offroad. Two bikes in one.
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Submitted by
Andrew
a Cross Country Rider
from Truckee, CA
Date Reviewed: August 5, 2002
Strengths: It's a bombproof, rustproof, go anywhere, beast. Mine weighs 26.5 pounds dirty, with computer, bottle cages, pump, repair kit, Brooks (?!) saddle (for comparison my wife's Ritchey P22 weighs in at 24 pounds, but without the leather saddle). It goes uphill, it goes single track, it goes horse trails (but I get damaged), it goes down fire roads.
Weaknesses: It doesn't go gonzo downhill and the Jones tires stick to paved roads like glue. It gets real dirty. You can't get it anymore.
Bottom Line:
I ride every other day. To start I have a 1500 foot vertical climb on unpaved forest roads before I get to the choseen single track stuff. Am I ever glad I've got a Ti Lite in my stable ! Now my wife wants something similar - Moots, Litespeed, Dean, Merlin. 4 chilis for value 'cause it is a multi $k bike after all (even though my wife's will end up costing more). But who cares. I've got one, and if you're really lucky you'll find one too. Sorry about posting this when they're so difficult to get.
Bike Setup: Standard XT build package except I've changed out the saddle for my Brooks B17.
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Submitted by
Andrew
a Cross Country Rider
from Boston
Date Reviewed: June 4, 2002
Strengths: Smooth ride, very comfortable and stable.
Weaknesses: Could be lighter. 1" headtube.
Bottom Line:
This is a super smooth ride. Much stiffer than my old Fat, but much more comfortable. Definitely a very percise ride. Although it is a few years old, I picked it up brand new for a pretty good deal.
Bike Setup: Manitou Ti SX, Full XT, Thudbuster, EA70 1.5" risers, Mavic 517s.
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Submitted by
Max
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto
Date Reviewed: October 13, 2001
Strengths: Solid Bontrager design Handling
Weaknesses: weight? This pup is no light weight as goes for other Ti rigs. I have an X-large frame- LET ME KNOW YOUR WEIGH-INS OTHER TI-LITErs! But weight aint everything :)
Bottom Line:
My dream bike, my ultimate purchase in 1996 as a bike shop employee, this bike really comes alive when ridden hard No fads, just a great ride A little bit of MTN bike history(?).
Bike Setup: XTR derailers, brakes, cranks,seatpost, bottom bracket. Chris King Headset, Sid Fork, Syncros Stem, Titec Handlebars, Bontrager ASYM rim in rear and a Mavic 517 in front (XTR hubs)Selle Ti Seat, Bontrager Jones Tires.
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Submitted by
Terry
a Cross Country Rider
from Kazoo, Mi
Date Reviewed: October 22, 2000
Strengths: Nimble, agile, hostile eats fs for dinner Welds are beautiful ( I am a welder, I know the difference)
Weaknesses: 1 inch steer tube is outdated... unfortunately
Bottom Line:
Just bought this bike as a frame, and I cannot believe how quick the handling is! This bike floats over small ripples easy to loft over logs, flies straight, it is very well balanced also. Needless to say I am very happy with my purchase so far. I look forward to many years of dance with my new baby!
Bike Setup: Z-2 Bam XTR 5231 DH Rims Chris King Headset, Race Face Cranks and Moxie Seat-Post
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Submitted by
Bill Manry
a Cross-Country Rider
from Monte Sereno, CA
Date Reviewed: October 5, 1999
Strengths: nimble, predictable handling superb frame construction
Weaknesses: almost impossible to find one now
Bottom Line:
After several years of riding (and loving) an older Race Lite I had a chance to buy a Ti Lite and went for it. No regrets. This is my own build, mostly stuff from my Race Lite except new post and front der (bigger seat tube than the steel bike) and a longer-spindle BB to allow for the wider chainstays. So the bike feels familiar but it handles differently from the Race Lite. Stiffer, maybe a little more precise, definitely lighter weight. I foresee years of enjoyable riding--and never having to worry about rust ;-)
Strengths: Stiff and strong frame No BS componets no rust low matinence frame finish
Weaknesses: Stiff frame funky offset fork
Bottom Line:
A gorgeous, hassle free bike. Rides great. A little on the stiff side, and the handling is too quick. I'm going to replace the shock with a standard crown one, this should slow the handling down. I haven't hurt the frame yet, and I race CC & DS. I do a little DH and trials too. Bike loves me, i love bike.
