Titanium gravel bikes hold a special allure for cyclists seeking a blend of durability, comfort, and performance across diverse terrains. Among the esteemed brands in this niche, Litespeed stands out, particularly with their meticulously crafted titanium frames, proudly made in the USA. The Litespeed Ultimate G2 gravel bike is their latest offering, promising to be a versatile machine ready for race day and everything in between. This review dives deep into the experience of riding the Ultimate G2, exploring its highs and lows, and determining if this titanium marvel lives up to the hype for discerning gravel enthusiasts.
Alt text: Litespeed Ultimate G2 titanium gravel bike, proudly made in the USA, showcasing its premium craftsmanship.
Litespeed, as part of the American Bicycling Group, has a reputation for producing high-quality titanium bikes at more accessible price points compared to some other US-based titanium artisans. The Ultimate G2 aims to continue this tradition, blending Litespeed’s heritage with modern gravel riding demands. To truly evaluate its capabilities, the G2 was put through a rigorous testing phase, encompassing everything from gravel races to challenging mixed-terrain adventures in the Colorado Rockies. This included participation in the SBT GRVL race, local gravel routes around Boulder, and even high-altitude rides near Crested Butte. The culmination was a demanding mixed-terrain loop from Boulder to Grand County via Rocky Mountain National Park, traversing both smooth tarmac and rugged, historic railway paths.
The Evolution: From Ultimate Road to Ultimate Gravel G2
The “Ultimate” moniker within Litespeed’s lineup signifies a legacy of performance. The original Litespeed Ultimate, launched in 1987, was their flagship road racing machine, achieving notable victories, including stage wins at the Tour de France in 2002. Building on this heritage, Litespeed introduced the Ultimate Gravel in 2019, adapting the original design for off-road adventures. This iteration incorporated features crucial for gravel riding, such as enhanced tire clearance and increased compliance, largely achieved through its distinctive swooping seat stays. Staying true to their material expertise, Litespeed utilized 3AL/2.5V cold-worked titanium tubing while stiffening the frame with a rounded, square-shaped top tube.
Alt text: Litespeed Ultimate G2 gravel bike with swapped wheels, demonstrating its adaptability for mountain terrains and varied riding conditions.
The Ultimate G2 represents the next step in this evolution, retaining the 3AL/2.5V shaped tubeset and rear triangle geometry of the Ultimate Gravel, including the 425mm chainstays. However, a significant redesign distinguishes the G2: the introduction of interlocked dropped seat stays, replacing the swept stays of its predecessor. In this new design, the seat stays extend upwards, merging into the top tube, behind the seat tube junction. This innovative approach serves two key purposes: firstly, it maximizes tire clearance, accommodating wider rubber, and secondly, it enhances frame stiffness.
According to Jay Prasuhn from American Bicycling Group, the redesigned seat stays are specifically engineered to mitigate lateral stiffness loss experienced in the previous model. The older Ultimate’s seat stays had a less connected design, which could result in some lateral flex when riding out of the saddle, especially during sprints or climbs. The G2’s new stays are engineered to be stiffer. Their ovalized shape provides vertical compliance for comfort on rough surfaces, without compromising the crucial stiffness needed for efficient power transfer. The Ultimate G2 can comfortably fit 48mm tires on 700c wheels and even up to 55mm on 650b wheelsets, offering riders considerable versatility in tire choice for varied terrains. Another notable update from the Ultimate Gravel to the G2 is a slightly slacker head tube angle, reduced from 71-72 degrees (depending on frame size) to enhance front-end stability and tracking, especially on loose gravel and technical descents.
Alt text: Close-up view of the Litespeed Ultimate G2 titanium frame, highlighting the interlocked seat stays meeting the square-shaped top tube, showcasing the frame’s structural design.
Putting the Litespeed G2 to the Test: Performance Across Gravel and Beyond
The initial ride on the Litespeed G2 presented a unique challenge, thrown directly into the deep end at a gravel race. Participating in the SBT GRVL race shortly after receiving the bike meant a rapid immersion into race conditions with minimal preparation. Despite feeling physically fit after a European bike tour, the immediate sensation was one of unexpected resistance. Pushing through the 60-mile race, it felt as though the G2 was not accelerating as quickly as anticipated, particularly noticeable during climbs, which are typically a strong suit. The rolling terrain of Steamboat Springs, with its constant undulations, may have also contributed to this perception of sluggishness. Frustration mounted, leading to a solo time-trial effort to the finish line, rather than competitive pack riding. While fatigue from recent travels or unfamiliarity with the Steamboat course could be factors, the bike’s characteristics seemed to play a significant role in this initial impression.
Alt text: Tire clearance of the Litespeed Ultimate G2 gravel bike, showing ample space for 48mm tires, suitable for diverse gravel terrains.
It became apparent that titanium bikes possess a distinct ride feel compared to carbon fiber counterparts, which often offer a more immediate and snappy acceleration. The medium G2 frame, weighing in at 1,430 grams, contributes to this difference. While Litespeed markets the G2 as a race-ready bike, the initial race experience suggested it might require a different riding style compared to lighter, more reactive carbon race machines. The expectation for rapid acceleration and “giddy-up” feel was not immediately met, requiring a recalibration of riding approach to maximize the G2’s strengths.
Post-race, a wheelset change significantly altered the bike’s character. Swapping out the alloy Spinergy GX wheels for Reserve 25|GR carbon rims, despite only a marginal weight difference of around 100 grams, transformed the G2’s responsiveness. The bike felt notably less sluggish during subsequent rides around Boulder’s familiar gravel loops. This change allowed for a more nuanced understanding: the G2 wasn’t inherently slow, but rather, it required a moment to “rev up” to speed. Once rolling, the G2 exhibited a smooth, powerful momentum, akin to a diesel engine, maintaining speed efficiently across varied terrains.
To further assess its all-around capabilities beyond racing, the G2 was taken on an extensive mixed-terrain ride. This journey, undertaken with time constraints, included approximately 90 percent pavement for the initial leg, traveling from Boulder to Estes Park and ascending over 12,000 feet into Rocky Mountain National Park, culminating in a century ride with significant elevation gain. The G2 proved to be a capable road bike, comfortable for long distances, owing to the inherent compliance of titanium and its reasonably aggressive geometry. Notably, personal best speeds were achieved on the descent down Trail Ridge Road, highlighting its confident handling at speed.
Alt text: Litespeed Ultimate G2 gravel bike ready for a rough ride over Corona Pass, showcasing its preparedness for challenging mixed terrains.
The return journey from the wedding incorporated a much more challenging route via Corona Pass (Rollins Pass), featuring a precarious crossing of an old railroad trestle and a demanding descent littered with loose rocks. Having previously navigated this route only on a mountain bike, even then finding it arduous, the G2 surprised with its ability to handle the rough terrain. Its capacity to absorb vibrations and maintain composure on uneven surfaces emerged as a standout attribute. For riders frequently encountering rough gravel or washboard surfaces, or those sensitive to the harsh feedback from carbon frames, titanium, as exemplified by the G2, presents a compelling alternative. While the G2’s plushness might feel slightly energy-sapping on slow, uphill rock gardens, it translates to confident and controlled descending capabilities. The 175-mile round trip underscored the Ultimate G2’s versatility as a true workhorse gravel bike, adept at handling any surface. While it may require a touch more effort to initiate acceleration compared to ultra-light bikes, once up to speed, the G2 maintains momentum effectively, excelling particularly on descents. It’s an excellent choice for riders prioritizing comfort, durability, and adaptability across diverse riding conditions, all within the refined experience of a titanium frame. Litespeed’s extensive customization options further allow riders to tailor the G2 to their precise preferences.
Customization, Specifications, and Aesthetic Options
The test bike was configured with a Shimano GRX 810 Di2 1x groupset, Spinergy GX wheels, a Litespeed carbon fork, and an upgraded titanium seatpost. Reflecting Litespeed’s commitment to customization, the Ultimate G2 offers virtually limitless build options. From drivetrain and wheelsets to seatposts, tires, and saddles, riders can personalize the G2 to perfectly match their riding style and preferences.
Base pricing for a complete Litespeed Ultimate G2 bike starts at $4,950, featuring Shimano GRX 600 mechanical components and Sun Ringle Charger Comp wheels. The frameset (frame and fork) is available for $3,095. All Ultimate G2 configurations can be customized and ordered directly through Litespeed’s website or via their global network of retailers.
Alt text: The Litespeed Ultimate G2 titanium gravel bike at high altitude, illustrating its capability for adventure riding and scenic backdrops.
Standard features include three bottle mount locations, with optional top tube bosses, rear rack mounts, a threaded T47 bottom bracket, and etched logo customization. Breaking from their traditional styling, Litespeed offers unique aesthetic enhancements for the G2. Ceramic Color Coating (CCC) provides cosmetic ceramic color treatments to frame graphics, along with color-matched components like a Cane Creek 40 Series headset, seat collar, and bar tape, available in sapphire, hot pink, and blue mint for a $495 upgrade. The TiDize color anodization upgrade introduces blue, purple, and gold hues, including a color-matched anodized Wolf Tooth headset and seat collar. Additionally, eight complimentary vinyl logo options, including vibrant colors like yellow, neon pink, and pastel orange, enable further personalization. The Ultimate G2 is offered in sizes XS through XL, ensuring a fit for a wide range of riders.
In conclusion, the Litespeed Ultimate G2 titanium gravel bike stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of titanium in cycling. It offers a compelling blend of comfort, durability, and versatile performance across varied terrains, making it a strong contender for riders seeking a premium, adaptable gravel machine. While it may not possess the immediate snap of some carbon race bikes, its smooth power delivery, confident handling, and customization options make it a worthwhile investment for serious gravel enthusiasts. Explore the Litespeed Ultimate G2 and discover if it’s the perfect titanium companion for your next gravel adventure.
