I am considering the Litespeed Blade and QR Tiphoon bikes, which I understand are mostly the same apart from geometry. Can anyone comment on the pros/cons or the differences? I have heard seen people comment that the Litespeed is more suited to a longer torso, but the geometries seem to indicate otherwise.eg:
Litespeed 55: tube tube 55cm, head tube 14.7, 78 degree seat, etc.
QR 57: tube tube 55.5cm, head tube 12.9, 76.5 degree seat, etc.
Appreciate any thoughts. I 6ft tall within an inseam around 34.25"
Don’t forget to look at the headangle too, the 55 Blade has a 73.5 headangle and a 57 Tiphoon has a much slacker 72.5 headangle. The Blade is basically a much quick handler bike while the Tiphoon is a bit more forgiving.
I hope that makes sense.
Herbert
QR / Litespeed
Why would somebody want a quicker handling tri bike? What is the design philosophy behind that (maybe because LS is mainly a road bike company and QR strictly tri?)?
I am considering a Blade also, I am 6’4" and have a 34" inseem. I currently have a 03’ Sabre, but want to upgrade. My brother who is about the same height as me has a 05’ Tiphoon and loves it. I just like the looks of the blade better. I do mostly sprints, and half Ironmans. Would you suggest a Blade, Tiphoon or maybe another Sabre(guess I could keep my current Sabre, but thats no fun)
Thanks Herbert - I did notice the difference in head tube angles, but still not clear on pros/cons of the different geometries.
eg. in looking for approx a 55 top tube, the 2 sizes i listed would seem closest (55 blade, 57 tiphoon). how would they compares in other ways, would one or the other be better suited to a different type of riding? i am basically looking for a do-it-all tri bikes - short and long course, flat to moderately hilly (drag out the road bike for anything very hilly).
Mike,
I personally have always liked the handling of the Blade better and that is just a personal choice. Slowman rode both the Blade and the Tiphoon too and although he liked the Blade, the Tiphoon suited him better.
In terms of geometry LS had developed their own geometry based on input from triathletes like Cristian Bustos and TT road specialists like Steve Hegg.
QR’s geometry is based on Quintana Roo’s collaboration with various triathletes.
I hope this makes sense.
@ SRQ_3sport
If you already feel comfortable with your Saber, I’d say the move to the 06 Saber or the Blade is really simple.
The question is how important are internal cable routing, the cutout and the slightly larger downtube on the Blade (plus the use of 6/4 formed tubing) to you?
I can’t speak for everyone, but I personally like some things better based on looks, and in this case I just like the look of the Blade better.
@Bayrey
I don’t think you can really go wrong with either choice.
Not knowing your specific riiding style and not being able to see you positioned on a bike makes such calls quite difficult.
That is were a local dealer is excellent.
But you can also call me if that helps you more.
Cheers,
Herbert
Litespeed /QR