Why Litespeed stopped making Aluminium frames?

Jonny Shoe
Jonny Shoe Posts: 217
edited May 2008 in Workshop
Hi,

Does anyone know the reason/s as to why Litespeed stopped making Aluminium frames in 2006?

Thanks,

Jonny

Comments

  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    My understanding was that the frames were made in Taiwan / China and that the price of aluminium alloy frames tumbled, it was hard to justify the 'Litespeed' brand/price premium for what was ostensibly a mass-produced product. Litespeed also had some quality control issues too - possibly from outsourced manufacture - they now stick to titanium only.
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • meagain
    meagain Posts: 2,331
    Too much competition, too little profit, I imagine.
    d.j.
    "Cancel my subscription to the resurrection."
  • Jonny Shoe
    Jonny Shoe Posts: 217
    Anyone have or know someone who has got a Litespeed Vela, and had any problems with at all?

    What sort of "quality control issues"?

    Thanks,

    Jonny
  • campagsarge
    campagsarge Posts: 434
    Have a look at this thread Jonny Shoe.


    http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=12538098&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=litespeed&start=0
  • giant_man
    giant_man Posts: 6,878
    They now stick to titanium frames which feature non-integrated headsets due to frames splitting around the head tubes in the past I do believe.
  • Jonny Shoe
    Jonny Shoe Posts: 217
    campagsarge wrote:
    Have a look at this thread Jonny Shoe.


    http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=12538098&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=litespeed&start=0


    That was a Titanium frame though, I was wondering about the Aluminium ones they made. EDIT: Thanks for that post, as the Vela is an integrated headset it isn't looking promising, however it would be interesting to hear more about the aluminium frames, thanks.

    Any other ideas?
  • stagger
    stagger Posts: 116
    I have a litespeed avior which is alu frame. 3 years- no problems at all. really nice bike to ride- light and stiff but plenty comfy enough for long rides. I will get a ti one in a couple of years time when have got enough £...

    I think the avior got generally much better reviews than the vela.


    hope that helps

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