WANTED - Litespeed Ghisallo Framset - 56cm top tube

Hello,

I have recently developed Ti fever, and have come across the legend that is the Ghisallo. If anyone has this mythical beast knocking about then please get in touch!

If you find one, don't descend on it......

You are starting to sound like the old Alton Oblivion ad from the 00s, "don't look down...!"

Why do you say that?

Because a mate of mine, who is a super-skinny climber, bought one from new and it even scared him on descents it was so flexy, he got rid of it within 2 months. I tried it once and at my less than featherweight 72kg (then) it was terrifying.

If you have a ti addiction, could I suggest a Merlin Extralight, it is less likely to maim you.

Merlin Extralight> Holy shit, so the ghisallo was a bit on the wobbly side? I heard that in later editions they changed the tube profiles to compensate for that. I'm not a massive gear stomper, I can barely push the big ones as it is!

Thanks for the heads up on the merlin extra light, I'll keep a lookout. Just had a dream of building up a superlight Ti bike.

Theres a reason ti frames are no longer 900grams :)

Because the tube thickness becomes so thin that it compromises stiffness?

Yeah its just to little material at those weights. No matter how you shape the tubes its not going to make up for it.

I ride fairly big frames (58 tt). Most nice ti bikes I've had has been in the 1500g+ range. Thats a pretty big difference in weight considering the ghisallo would still be sub 1000g in my size.

A 62cm Raleigh ti is 1650g and that's a std horizontal top tube. Good for 50mph descents and a few come along on the well known auction site.
The GT Edge ti was made in a 'classic' model a couple of years ago replicating the 90s original, the original were a bit lighter than the Raleigh like for like (IIRC) though harder to find.
Apparently the Netherlands has been a good place to search for ti bargains over the years.

Thanks Mr Bump,

I'll look into those. I might scope out europe for a few bargains too.

A lot of helpful tips here , Thanks all!

I've got this that may be for sale if you're interested... 56cm top tube

http://www.lfgss.com/conversations/244590/?offset=75

Just to give you an idea of build weight. My Raleigh despite being a bit of a gate comes in at 7.5kg. Mizuno full carbon forks/Ultegra 11/FRM cranks/2001 Mavic SSCs/sh 105 pedals, bottle cages/pump clamp.
Swap the wheels out for my carbon tubs and take the pedals off and you have a UCI limit bike.
You generally don't buy a ti frame to race at the extreme end though there are one or two of late that are built to be a bit stiffer but personally think you might as well get a carbon frame if you want to ride it like you stole it.
I've fluctuated between 95-105kg the last 15 years and the Raleigh at least has being no bother in the 13 I've owned it.

This is the dream...

http://weightweenies.starbike.com/articles.php?ID=52

Hi Mr_Bump,

You've got a lovely sounding set up there! I've currently got a Van Nicholas Chinook running ultegra 10spd. I don't think I've the foot stomping ability to bend plastic let alone Ti. Stiffness isn't a major issue. I should be a bit more flexible in my tastes. I would like to build up a classic 90s Ti frame bang up to date. Hence the fascination with Ghisallo and now Merlin Extralights.

Hi Matty C,

Thanks for that, I'll see how my Ghisallo search goes! Could you tell me more about the frame?

If that's the dream it would soon become a nightmare, if it doesn't kill you on the first descent the stem (The Stem) will break at an inconvenient high-speed moment (seen it happen twice) and Tufo is forrin for 'shite'! Coming soon to a Casualty department near you......

I have a 54cm ghisallo and love it. Have full confidence descending on it. I had a litespeed vortex before aswell and would very much recommend both.

Someone posted this in the eBay finds...Link

Fuck me colin, You've seen stems snap on these beasts. You just want me to want it more...

I've pushed it to well over $800 on bidding. My bank account only stretches so far.... :(

Gerry,

I envy you greatly. Had you said 56 I would have to whore myself and make you an offer I couldn't refuse for the frame.

Nope, seen that stem snap twice on other weight weenie bikes (both times just behind the bar clamp), they're your teeth!

The Vortex is lovely, it was the choice of sprinters so much stiffer, it is also considerably heavier.

There is another beautiful Litespeed, the Litespeed Ultimate, light, superbe ride

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