INTERBIKE 2009 – Litespeed has long since been known for their use of titanium frames. The possibilities of carbon however, are undeniable. It has taken Litespeed two years to perfect their re-entry into the carbon market. The Archon C-Series, new for 2010, features three bikes: the C¹, C² and C³.While not designed as Aero or TT bikes, they incorporate several aerodynamic ideas. Some of which were carried over from the Quintana Roo CD 0.1 design, another product from the American Bicycle Group.
The C¹, only available as a frameset, is their flagship carbon frame and uses unidirectional carbon, nanotube construction and internally run cables. Built as seen above, with Dura Ace shifters, derailleurs, and brakes/ Zipp SL 145 stem, SLC 2 bar, VumaQuad cranks, and 808 wheelsets/  and ProLogo C.One Nack saddle: the C¹ weighed in at 14 lbs 13 oz. Frameset MSRP: $3,000.
More information and images below…
Above is the tapered steerer fork that tapers from 1.125″ to 1.5″. Although the carbon layups differ, the frame geometry are from the C¹ to the C³ are identical. Litespeed’s engineers have varied the tubing proportions, cross sections, carbon lay-up and profiles to ensure the optimized ride quality and performance throughout the full range of sizes.
| GEOMETRY | ||||||
| Size | XS | S | M | ML | L | XL |
| Top Tube Length (cm) | 51.5 | 52.5 | 54.0 | 56.0 | 57.0 | 59.0 |
| Head Tube Angle | 72.5 | 72.5 | 73.0 | 73.0 | 73.0 | 73.5 |
| Seat Tube Angle | 74.5 | 74.0 | 73.5 | 73.0 | 73.0 | 73.0 |
| Seat Tube Length | 69.0 | 71.0 | 73.0 | 75.0 | 78.0 | 81.0 |
| Chainstay Length (cm) | 39.5 | 39.5 | 39.5 | 39.5 | 39.5 | 39.5 |
| BB Drop (cm) | 6.7 | 6.7 | 6.7 | 6.8 | 6.8 | 6.8 |
| Fork Rake (cm) | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.3 |
| Head Tube Length (cm) | 10.0 | 11.0 | 13.0 | 16.0 | 18.5 | 21.0 |
| Seat/Chain Stay Angle | 61.5 | 61 | 65 | 68 | 70.5 | 73 |
The “AeroLogic” incorporated into the C-Series includes a integrated seat mast, interrupted seat tube and aero shrouded water bottle mount.
Here’s a better angle on the aero shroud water bottle mount. The bowed fork design was borrowed from the Quintana Roo CD 0.1. The idea is to get the fork and rear triangle out and away from the wheel sets in order to maximize their aerodynamic efficiency.
Like the fork, the rear triangle is bowed out to not interfere with the areo benefits of various wheel designs. Also, the asymmetrical morphed seat stays were designed to increase aero performance, stiffness and ride comfort.
The C-Series uses a BB30 bottom bracket. Internally run cables are only available on the C¹ frameset.
C² and C³ are both sold as complete bikes. The C² has silver and red paint on top of black carbon.
C² Specs
- SuperModulus 3K Carbon
- FSA RD420 Wheels
- FSA Carbon Stem & Wing Pro Bar
- Dura Ace Gears/Shifters/Brakes
- FSA K-Light Carbon BB30 Crank
- ProLogo Choice Max Saddle
- MSRP: $4,500
Also sold as a complete bike; the C³ has white and silver paint on black carbon.
C³ Specs
- PremiumModulus 3K Carbon
- FSA RD60 Wheels
- FSA Stem and Wing Bar
- Ultregra Gears/Shifters/Brakes
- FSA Gossamer BB30 Crank
- ProLogo Choice Max Saddle
- MSRP: $3,000
