My Litespeed Ocoee 1997 - Classic Titanium XC Hardtail Updated

Rides > My Litespeed Ocoee 1997 - Classic Titanium XC Hardtail Updated

My Litespeed Ocoee 1997 - Classic Titanium XC Hardtail Updated

posted 18 years ago | updated 16 years ago

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This is my Litespeed Ocoee 1997. Simple to look at, unassuming to most.

It is beautifully hand-welded in Tennessee U.S.A. by the Lynskeys; stiff and strong, yet retaining the trademark Ti "give" feel due to its unique cold-worked tubing. My Ocoee's yellow decals might have been ravaged by Mother Time, but the frame still stands handsomely, a proud bastion of the early Litespeeds' unsurpassed quality.

This model was touted to be the first bike to have the classic XC racing geometry; which was to dominate the professional cycling scene in the late 90s. But to a self-confessed wannabe older-bike/parts collector, it might mean nothing more than a footnote. I, for one, was never exactly nimble or possess a great sense of balance. Bicycle mishaps and battle scars are synonymous with me. But knowing that the frame will be around, no matter what, to tell of my tale is somewhat heartwarming.

I got my hands on one of these prized titanium frames at the end of Febuary 2008, and decided to adorn it with suitable components for my riding lifestyle.

My riding lifestyle, you say?

5% XC/Trails, 95% Urban/Roads.

This Ocoee is now my personal joyride through the muddy puddles, green hills, cracked pavements, and the twisted roads of Singapore. It pushes me to greater heights, and in return, I will always look forward to the next ride with my Ocoee.

Without further ado, here are the current specs on it.

UPDATE (21/4/08): Added Alligator I-Link Brake Cables/Housing. It improves my brake performance by a mile. A very worthwhile investment.

UPDATE (14/5/08): Added Titec Pork Rinds grips. Grippy, and firm.

BIG UPDATE (8/9/09) Added American Classic 2009 V-Brake Rims, Added Salsa Flip-Locks Seatclamp (Gold), Added KCNC Wing 80mm Stem, Added Xpedo Platform Pedals.

UPDATE (12/5/10) Added XT 2010 V-Brakes, Added XT Chain, Added WTB Slim-Ride Saddle.

My Litespeed Ocoee 1997 - Classic Ti XC Hardtail Remixed- (circa May 2010)
Frame Size - 18? Medium
Frame Tubing - Cold-worked, tapered/butted ovalized 3AL-2.5V aerospace-grade Titanium, 6AL/4V aerospace-grade Titanium BB shell
Fork - SID Race 2007
Headset - Chris King 2001 (Black)
Housing and Cables - Alligator I-Link brake cable/housing (gold), clear shifter housing/cables
Crank Arms - Shimano XT 2008
Chain Rings - Shimano XT 2008
B/B - Shimano XT 2008
Pedals - Xpedo Platform
Chain - Shimano XT
F/D - Shimano XTR 1995
R/D - Shimano XT 2008
Shifters - Shimano XT 2008
Handlebar - FSA K-Force 31.4mm
Stem - KCNC SC Wing 100mm
Grips - Titec Pork Rinds
Brakes - Shimano XT 2010 V-Brakes
Brake Levers - Shimano XT 2010 (Black/Silver)
Front Hub - American Classic 105 (MTB)
Back Hub - American Classic 210 (MTB)
Spokes - American Classic 14/15 gauge Spokes (Black)
Skewers - American Classic
Tires - Maxxis Maxxlite 310
Rims - American Classic MTB
Saddle - WTB Slim-Ride (Black/Silver/Yellow)
Seatpost - KCNC Ti Pro-Lite
Seat Clamp - Salsa Flip-lock (Gold)