How much different riding is the '04 with its bladed seat stays and down tube than the '03? Anyone tested/experienced both?
I have miles on both. Now, before I start this, let me say up front it is an absolutely shameless plug for Litespeed/ABG since I sell their bikes- but before I sell them- I have to BUY them, and we could buy anything we liked.
So, with that out of the way:
I would make a strong argument for the fact that, overall, the Saber is the best ti tri bike available if it fits you. The Saber has been the focus of considerable R&D by the guys at ABG and Ancotech (one of the tubing manufacturers for Litespeed- about 2 miles from our store).
Each successive version of the Saber has been an improvement over the prvious in terms of ride quality, fit and general performance- and the early versions were pretty good.
Litespeed took a long hard look at what was already a pretty good bike line before they designed the 2004 Saber a Blade. both bikes underwent anywhere from a minor facelift and upspec (Saber) to a major redesign (Blade). both benefitted to an enormous degree.
I like the '04 Saber much better than the '03, and the '03 was pretty good. I notice the bike is “angrier”- stiffer at the BB on the climbs and more solidly planted in handling- probably a result of the changes to the downtube. The bike has always been comfortable.
Whatever version of the SAber you wind up on, if the frame geometry and dimensions fit you correctly and you are positioned well by your fitter you will have a fantastic bike with great durability and incredible comfort. It is the one triathlon bike you need to own from sprints to Ironman and it travels well too.
Realistically, the only beef I have with the product is that we would prefer ABG sold them as frames instead of complete bikes- it would enable us to carry a lot more Sabers in stock and sell a lot more against the other companies who do offer frames allowing us to turn inventories at a lower cost and higher rate of speed.
When you say that ABG will only sell you a complete bike, does this mean they restrict the purchaser’s flexibility to spec the bike as they please?
That is a matter for each individual retailer to decide. We offer full parts flexibility as, I am sure, most good retailers do.
ABG does also, and a dealer can spec the parts kit as they wish when they place their order with ABG. That doesn;t help much for bikes already landed though, which are essentially very expensive displays.
Good dealers will build whatever you want. Want a Saber with an FSA Compact Crank, Campag Record/Chorus mix and Cormia wheels? No sweat. We (and most other dealers) can do it.
To a small degree though, we are hamstrung or held hostage by ABG when buying some bikes (blade and others ARE sold as frames in addition to complete bikes) since they are only sold as complete bikes with whatever part spec we ortder on them.
In fairness to ABG they do tell us they can spec anything on a parts kit and also, it is understandable- you buy a happy meal you are getting fries whether you like it or not. I think ABG sees it as a good way to increase their bottom line, and that is good business on our part. What is good business for ABG may not necessarily always suit my agenda- I understand that and accept it since their bikes are excellent as is their crew, as I have gloated about repeatedly and deservedly.