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SOC16: Litespeed updates gravel bike with new flat mount, 12mm thru axle T5G

18 Comments
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Litespeed gravel bike t5g flat mount disc brake bikeIMG_4280

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…

Litespeed gravel bike t5g flat mount disc brake bikeIMG_4285

Litespeed gravel bike t5g flat mount disc brake bikeIMG_4278 Litespeed gravel bike t5g flat mount disc brake bikeIMG_4284

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 gravel bike t5g flat mount disc brake bikeIMG_4276

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.

Litespeed gravel bike t5g flat mount disc brake bikeIMG_4287

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.

Litespeed gravel bike t5g flat mount disc brake bikeIMG_4288 Litespeed gravel bike t5g flat mount disc brake bikeIMG_4289

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.

Litespeed gravel bike t5g flat mount disc brake bikeIMG_4286 Litespeed gravel bike t5g flat mount disc brake bikeIMG_4283

Litespeed gravel bike t5g flat mount disc brake bikeIMG_4282

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.

 

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18 Comments
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Huck
Huck
7 years ago

Made in the USA………….out of sh*tty Chinese tubing!

willbikeforpants
7 years ago
Reply to  Huck

You have no idea how wrong you are.

Huck
Huck
7 years ago
Reply to  Huck

Then where are they getting the tubing from? Educate us

willbikeforpants
willbikeforpants
7 years ago
Reply to  Huck

It would be more fun to hear you try and prove your uneducated, ill informed musings. You clearly have no idea what you’re talking about so let’s hear what you got…

John
John
7 years ago

Suhweet! Ticks a lot of gravelbike boxes that the CX framebuilders tend to overlook (or outright ignore),

BA
BA
7 years ago

With etap hydro this will be such a clean build! no holes in the frame, no wires, no cable guides except for brakes. Nice!

John
John
7 years ago
Reply to  BA

I’d pass on eTap, I don’t trust SRAM hydro brakes.

Bubbrubb
Bubbrubb
7 years ago
Reply to  John

Totally justified but you should give them another look, new brakes are fantastic.

Frank
Frank
7 years ago

I have to say, looks really sweet. I just bought a Norco Search frame though, for $1000 less. If I ever have a wealthy, long lost uncle die and leave me his fortune, I’ll definitly look into the T5G.

2Turners
2Turners
7 years ago

…and yet another gravel bike without rack mounts.

Potato
Potato
7 years ago
Reply to  2Turners

Its an option, just not standard. Just ask the dealer. Not everyone wants rack mounts.

mateo
mateo
7 years ago
Reply to  2Turners

And internet wise guy who can’t read.

“…the 142 x 12mm rear axle system, with hidden fender mounts.”

anonymous
anonymous
7 years ago
Reply to  mateo

(deleted)

Dolan Halbrook
Dolan Halbrook
7 years ago
Reply to  mateo

Fender mounts aren’t rack mounts.

John
John
7 years ago
Reply to  2Turners

From the provided link to the vendor website (litespeed.com/our-bikes/titanium/adventure/2016-t5-gravel-flat-mount-disc):

“Rear titanium rack mount eyelets available by request for additional cost”

Tomi
Tomi
7 years ago
Reply to  2Turners

Some have, some don’t. Riding gravel and riding with rack mounts are totally unrelated, I think it is good there are bikes available with our without them. If you don’t intend to use racks, those mounts are usually not visually appealing.

Greg
Greg
7 years ago

Hells yeah

Mason
7 years ago

I recently toured Litespeeds manufacturing facility. “Hucks” comments couldn’t be farther from the truth. LS Ti bikes are hand made from the best materials available. I’m buying one as soon as I sell a bike…

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