Tom:
I have read both reviews and your opinion does a 180. Quick questions:
(1) Has Litespeed improved the bike that much?
(2) Do you still hold the opinion that 6.4 titanium is flaky
(3) Is a Saber better for a smaller/lighter rider
(4) Do you still not recommend a Blade for anyone under 6’0
Thanks
ps Anyone doing the Cheaha Challenge on April 16th?
Before I wrote the '05 review I re-read the '02 review and also looked at an '02 frame (again) belonging to a customer named Mark W. here in our store.
Has Litespeed improved the bike that much? In my review of the "05 bike I characterize the only similarities between the 02 and 05 bikes as being the name. That isn’t much of an exageration. The bike is so dramatically improved, and the '02 version was so ill-conceived, that I think they would have done well to change the name. So yes, there are sweeping and enormous improvements in virtually every aspect of the bike’s design and manufacture in my opinion.
I am not a huge fan of 6/4 titanium except for its resistance to impact as compared to some other materials. My favorite triathlon bike material is aluminum since it is light, cheap, relatively easy to work with and can be made to ride like anything depending on tubing design.
Is a Saber better for a smaller, lighter rider? In my opinion, absolutely.
I do recommend the Blade for anyone under 6’0" for whom: The length of the seat tube and top tube matches their commensurate body dimensions. A person who does not require or desire an extremely light bike. A person who wants superior resistance to impact. A person who wants a relatively stiff riding frame in the smaller frame sizes.
I pointed out that, due to the dimensions of the frame, I would take the 51cm frame with 650c as the 51.5 cm top tube and less of a seat tube extension would be my personal best fit in the geometry they offer. I would love to have that bike, especially painted custom lime green that Litespeed offers. Unfortunately right now, I have to use the cash for other things.
Oh, I should have added, the Saber is very nice bike.