Our LBS has a deal on a medium size 2005 Litespeed Ghisallo. I can get a frame for 2/3 of the original price. However, whilst in the shop I recalled an article I recently read on Cycling Plus and put my fingers on the top tube to give a stroke of admiration followed by a sudden squeeze. To my amazement the walls of the tube can be pressed slightly in. The shop owner was not very amused.
I started to think that all this Ghisallo malarkey is more to do with breaking lightness records than designing a usable machine. The sloping compact geometry and the very thin walls seems as perhaps they were chosen as an exercise in how light could we go.
Well, that can be done with many ultra light frames, but I can assure you that this should you not make you concerned. Function is more important than a record, and that is what we have done and that is what we always go for. Clearly we hit a new level in 2006 in terms of weight, but it was not made available for the public before all the tests came out amazing.
To this day I still have my 2003 Ghisallo, put tons of miles on it and if it was someone elses, I’d buy it tomorrow.
Ti is a flexy material, that is part of the reason to use it and both a positive and a downside to the stuff. It is soo flexable that some ti MTB’s would use a shock on the seat stays and get about 3inches of travel WITHOUT any pivot points.
HOWEVER, ti is extremely strong. The flexability of the material is part of its strength. But in general Ti is amazing.ly strong. There is a reason that ALL ti Litespeeds and most all ti bikes come with a LIFETIME warrenty on the frame. The cost of Ti is because of ti’s strength and thus difficulty in working with it.
I own a litespeed for my long distance group rides. It is a wonderful light COMFORTABLE ride. I can see it moving and flexing underneith me a little. I also know that the top tube is not generally known for its horizintal strength (ie the big dent in my DH ride). HOWEVER, even with a dent in the top tube (of course depending on the severity of the dent) one should be able to continue performance without hamper due to the desing an dpurpose of the top tube…
If you have lots of money and want to do something fun, try cutting titanium and then you will understand this material a little better!
I hope that helps, and of course I would suggest you get the bike!
I think Litespeed knows how to design and manufacture a pretty mean bicycle frame. It has a lifetime warranty. It’s a high-end bike made primarily for climbing. If you’re a climber and you’re looking for a climbing bike, this is the one. If you’re not, you should look at something else.
I have an '02 Ghisallo that has been my only bike for the last 2 years. I bought it used with a tiny little dent in the downtube for a steal. I had it checked before and after purchase and there are no issues to speak of. I’ve put quite a few miles on her, but she has been very good to me. I can’t think of a better bike for piling the miles on.
I’ve never owned a Ti bike, but I’ve had some experience with the material. As a former lacrosse player, I had shafts made of all kinds of exotic materials. I’ve played with carbon fiber, scandium, at least three different aluminum alloys, and both 6/4 and 3/2.5 titanium.
Titanium flexes. It also springs back, which is what makes it the coolest metal around. It’s damn hard to snap a titanium tube (which is all a lacrosse shaft is, really, although it’s modified-octagonal in shape) but it can be done.
Titanium isn’t terribly dent-resistant. Hopefully you aren’t going out and trying to dent your bike, but it’s entirely possible to nick and dent it up and have it remain usable, safe, and strong. Just because you can squeeze it shouldn’t bother you - I can flex a titanium lacrosse shaft, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t have a scar on my wrist from being hit with one - I gave, it didn’t.
The question is, is the Ghisallo stiff enough for your preferences? It’s a beautiful bike, and Litespeed stands behind their stuff. If you like the frame, go build yourself a 14 lb machine and go have fun. Be sure to post pics if you buy.
Litespeed makes great product that stands the test of time & is a company that stands behind their product.
If you are concerned about the the longevity, crashing or looking for a super light “Non squeezable” frame check out Colnago’s Extreme C (TdF KOM) or Blue’s new RC-6
