Just when you thought titanium couldn’t get any lighter after Litespeed launched its 948-gram Coll dels Reis frame earlier this month, the American brand has lifted the curtains on a revamped version of its storied Ghisallo frame, which claims to tip the scales at a feathery 871 grams in a size medium – touting it as the “world’s lightest titanium rim brake frame”.
Named after the famous climb that overlooks Lake Cuomo, the Ghisallo was first introduced in 2002. However, this latest version uses Litespeed’s Superform FW 3AL/2.5V titanium tubing that was developed for the Coll dels Reis, featuring variable wall thicknesses and multi-dimensional shaping to achieve its gravity-defying weight. The new Ghisallo also features a larger 44mm-diameter head tube for increased front-end stability.
“The centerpiece for the Ghisallo comes in the form of a small piece of legacy jewelry: a featherweight three-piece BSA bottom bracket shell,” says Litespeed. “Weighing just 53g, very few of these handcrafted bottom bracket shells remain from our original model run, and they provide a rare and unique foundation to build the reborn Ghisallo. The Ghisallo also stays true to its roots with rim brakes and quick-release axles.
“Agile compact geometry rewards riders with sharp and responsive handling on descents. Clearance for modern 28mm tires adds even more all-day comfort than its predecessor,” adds Litespeed.
Limited to just 20 bikes, the new Ghisallo comes equipped with a Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 groupset, an ENVE fork and DT Swiss PR 1400 DICUT OXiC wheels, while customers can opt for an ENVE SES AR one-piece handlebar, a Chris King AeroSet 3 headset, Cane Creek eeBrakes and Litespeed’s own titanium seatpost, with prices starting at a staggering $16,799.
