HOW TO COMPARE LITESPEED BIKE & FRAME GEOMETRY

Litespeed has been building premium, high-performance titanium bikes since 1986, and our team has worked closely with many of the world's best riders to create custom frames with geometry that helps them perform their best. Litespeed bikes have won World Championships, Olympic Gold, and Tour de France stages, and the countless geometry lessons we’ve learned through these successes have been applied to the Litespeed frames we build today.  

If you want to feel comfortable, confident, and fast on your bike, understanding the impact of geometry is key. We’ll explain which geometry numbers most riders should pay attention to when picking a new bike. We’ll also explain how to use our new Frame Comparison Tool to figure out which Litespeed is right for you. 

Explore the Frame Comparison Tool

What Bike Geometry Numbers to Pay Attention To

If you’re new to the world of bike geometry, be sure to read our Bike Geometry Guide for an in-depth explanation of all the measurements listed in a standard bike geometry chart. Once you have a basic understanding of these measurements, you can build an understanding of what types of geometry suit your riding. 

Learn More: Bike Geometry Guide

Handling Characteristics 

• Race-oriented bikes feel more agile and nimble 

• Comfort-oriented bikes feel more stable and planted

• The key geometry measurements that influence handling are: head tube angle, chainstay length, bottom bracket drop, wheelbase, and fork rake 

The table below shows the general geometry trends for different types of Litespeed bikes: 

Riding Position

• Race-oriented bikes provide a lower and more aggressive riding position

• Comfort-oriented bikes provide a more upright and relaxed riding position

• The key measurements that influence riding position are: head tube length and stack

The table below shows the general geometry trends for different types of Litespeed bikes: 

Sizing and Bike Fit

• The top four geometry measurements that affect sizing and fit are: Effective Top Tube Length, Standover Height, Stack, and Reach 

• Effective Top Tube Length and Reach determine whether a bike fits comfortably. Too long and you’ll feel stretched out. Too short and you’ll feel cramped 

• Stack determines if your handlebar height will be high or low enough to fit your desired riding position

• Standover Height determines if you’ll be able to comfortably straddle the top tube of your bike with your feet on the ground

Determining the ideal sizing and fit is easier with a baseline to compare against. If you already have a bike, you can compare your current bike’s geometry to any prospective new bike. If you’ve consulted with a professional bike fitter, you can compare their recommended measurements against the geometry of any prospective new bike. 

Learn More: Bike Geometry Guide

How to Choose a New Bike Based on Geometry

Keep in mind, most bikes don’t fit perfectly out of the box. Most riders will need to adjust their touchpoints—saddle position, stem length, and handlebar height—to dial in their fit.

However, if you have particular complaints about your current bike’s handling or fit that haven’t been improved by adjusting touchpoints, then selecting a bike with your desired geometry is the next step. If you can find the geometry of your current bike, you can compare it to geometry charts for other bikes to get a sense of how they will perform or fit, and look for figures that achieve your desired changes. 

Examples:

• Your back and/or arms hurt on long rides - Taller stack can give you a more upright position to alleviate back and arm strain 

• Your bike feels too twitchy or nervous at high speeds - A slacker head tube angle, lower bottom bracket drop, and longer wheelbase will increase stability

• Your bike feels slow to react in tight corners or during fast group rides - A steeper head tube angle, shorter chainstays, and shorter wheelbase will increase agility

• You feel too stretched out - A shorter effective top tube length and reach will bring your bars closer

• You feel too cramped - A longer effective top tube length and reach will give you more room

These are just a few simple examples. At the very least, they can give you an idea of how bike geometry affects your riding experience and point you in the right direction when searching for your next bike. 

If you want to discuss in more detail which Litespeed bike best suits your needs, feel free to contact our team of experts, who can help guide you and answer any geometry or fit questions. 

Contact Us for a Consult 

To learn more about the differences between Litespeed bikes, be sure to also check out our road and gravel bike guides, which break down the key differences between Litespeed models: 

Litespeed Road Bike Guide 

Litespeed Gravel Bike Guide

The Litespeed Frame Comparison Tool

Our new Frame Comparison Tool allows you to easily compare the geometry of up to three different Litespeed bike models or sizes. Select “Add a Bike” and choose the applicable model and size. The tool will display the geometry for each bike so you can compare specific geometry measurements side-by-side. If you hover your mouse over a specific measurement, the tool will highlight it and tell you the difference in centimeters or degrees between your selected frames. 

With the Frame Comparison Tool and an understanding of how geometry affects handling characteristics, riding position, sizing, and bike fit, you’ll be able to quickly and easily grasp key differences between Litespeed models, and hopefully decide which model or size has the geometry you are looking for!

Explore the Frame Comparison Tool