I was searching for maximum speed for $3,000, not knowing if a $1,500 bike plus a $1,500 wheelset would be faster than a $3,000 bike with a stock training wheelset.
Planning to add a Flashpoint wheelset, I tested the aluminim QR Tequilo, Felt S22, and Cervelo P2SL and found their ride as speedy, but with their forward positioning even more unforgiving than my aluminum road bike.
Then I became enamored by the awe-factor of some mid-range carbon bikes with their deep rear wheel cutouts (Cervelo P2C, Felt B2, and Kestrel Talon). The original P2C blue and then red/white color schemes seemed to just hold me hostage and drown out any other considerations. They all rode better than the aluminum models, but still were missing that revolutionary feel factor I was after. I was also scared to death to crash a carbon frame. Tempted by the dark (carbon) side, I held out a little longer and was rewarded for my patience with the dreamiest bike possible.
I'd heard of Litespeed and their titanium bikes, but they seemed otherworldly, simply out of my league.
But I found a model-year closeout 2006 Litespeed Saber at Trisports.com in Tucson and the ride was so sweet and fast that it was a no brainer from the first moment I put my elbows down in the armrests---whoosh.
It dampens the bumps (no more feeling every seam of the road via aluminum) and the 55 cm size was perfect for my 6 foot height.
The frame is rock solid and the joining welds of the tubes are perfect; the thing actually looks as beautiful as it rides. It is much lighter than I expected making it a rocket on the flats around Houston and a joy in the hills around Austin.
Since it has that brushed titanium finish (no fad, color-of-the-year paint schemes to look dated next year) I think I have an epic piece of machinery to last me many, many years. It seems so vain, but sometimes I just sit and stare at it for ten minutes.
As a bonus, the Litespeed Saber included a 60 mm deep aero clincher wheelset which as been very durable.
Anecdotal evidence:
Speaking of durable, I recently crashed the Litespeed Saber at 26 mph ending up underneath a wrecker truck. Although the main triangle of the frame struck the truck sideways, there wasn't even a scratch on the finish--let alone any dents or damage. The wheelset also fared just as well.
