Litespeed

L1

'Innovation' is a word that's become all to common in the world of cycling technology. Its weight has been nearly lost to the tides of overuse in its countless descriptions of unwarranted, status quo framesets. However, when we tell you that the Litespeed L1 is an innovation, we mean it in the strictest sense. To simply build the L1 idea, Litespeed had to develop entirely new construction methods like Reactive Pressure Molding and Continuous Cross-Sectional Morphology. A bunch of big, vague words we know, but together, the systems that they create make a frameset that delivers the perfect balance of comfort, stiffness, and speed.

The Litespeed L1 is unlike any other carbon frame. Four years in the making, Litespeed utilized its proprietary Continuous Cross-Sectional Morphology technology to create the unique asymmetric and shape-specific design of the L1. Using a Quadrilateral System, the frame design is meant to manage torsional-frontal and lateral loads. In layman's terms, this means that Litespeed examined the four sections of the frame to manage the stress caused by twisting your weight around. The rigidity resulting from this examination is achieved through Litespeed's own 30T aero carbon fork, with a UCI legal 1.125 x 1.5in tapered steerer tube, and oversized aero head tube. Meanwhile, an asymmetric design of the down tube/seat tube junction has been incorporated to promote a direct conduit for energy transfer, resulting in the ultimate in drivetrain efficiency. The frame itself is distinguished from its sibling rival, the L1R, by its use of 30T carbon fiber. Nearly paralleled in a strength-to-weight ratio, the L1's carbon adds a few grams over the L1R's 60T carbon, but otherwise, is nearly identical in ride-quality.

The radical ideas for the new L-series forced Litespeed to re-think the technology in its manufacturing process in order to execute the design principles. To achieve the unique L1 shape, Litespeed developed Reactive Pressure Molding, RPM, to create advanced molding techniques that allow increasingly rigid aerodynamic shapes while reducing material weight. Typically, manufacturers use a process called bladder molding to form their carbon shapes. This regimen requires extra filler material and permanent components; all contribute to useless weight in the frame in order to decrease drag. RPM allows precise control of inner wall thickness by using a polyurethane sleeve, and thus makes unique shapes, like the L1's full-carbon head tube, achievable. Litespeed also made great strides in making the L1 extremely aerodynamic outside of RPM. The proprietary carbon fork has been bladed and bowed to allow a clean airflow over the front wheel. The L1 also features a shrouded water bottle mount and adjustable aero seatpost to reduce drag. Also new is the advent of the BB386 bottom bracket design. Developed in coordination with FSA, BH, and Wilier, BB386 is a wide-bearing BB30 alteration that increases rigidity while decreasing bearing friction.

The Litespeed L1 is available in five sizes from Small to M-Large in the color Black/blue. The L1 is compatible with any 31.6mm seat post, and requires a braze-on front derailleur.