Like so many other bikes, Litespeed’s T5G is adapting in an attempt to stay current. In this case that means the addition of the T5G Flat Mount, a bike with, you guessed it – flat mount disc brakes. But along with the new brake standard there are a few more details that will keep the T5G cruising over even the roughest gravel…
The most visible change to the T5G Flat Mount would of course be the Flat Mount disc brake accommodation. As we’ve discussed previously, Flat Mounts will allow you to run the newest brake standard which seem to be better suited or at least targeted to the road market, but they also allow you to run standard brakes with the use of the right adapter. Who knows if the Flat Mount standard will last, but at least it won’t pigeon hole you into brakes that will be obsolete in the near future.
Litespeed has attempted to make the dropouts as light as possible by machining away excess material. That includes the hooded dropouts for the 142 x 12mm rear axle system, with hidden fender mounts. There is also no longer a brake brace in front of the caliper which removes a bit of weight as well.
Up front, Litespeed is also spec’ing a 12mm axle with a new self-branded fork with 12 x 100mm spacing. This seems to be the way the industry is headed, and the new fork is also Flat Mount compatible.
Tire clearance is ample, but not huge. Litespeed officially quotes 40mm clearance, though it will fit up to 42/43mm depending on the rim and tire combo. That should fit all but the biggest gravel tires with the limitation being the chain stay.
Geometry wise, the new frame is slightly different, with Litespeed mentioning the frame has a bit longer front-center, slightly longer chain stays, and overall it’s just a hair less aggressive. Full geometry detail can be found here.
Available now, the made in the USA titanium frame sells for $2200, with the frame/fork combo stepping up to $2620, and full gravel builds starting at $5000.
