There’s been much lamenting for the last week due to the cancellation of the 46th Three Peaks Cyclo cross race, cancelled in 2001 for the same reason. Rob Jebb (Wheelbase/Gore Bike Wear) must be doubly gutted as he’s received the first two new Litespeed cross bikes in the UK.
With a sub 18lb build possible, Jebb – a six times winner of the Three Peaks – was hoping to use these new bikes to propel him around the ‘worlds hardest’ cyclocross race. With this lightweight bicycle, it would have given Jebb an extra dimension, coupled with his fell running experience, which could have resulted in him beating his own course record.
As you might just be able to see, there are some custom Orange decals supplied by Litespeed, with the rest of the bike made from parts readily available from most good bike shops. The frame itself uses Litespeed Geometry Enhanced Tubeset (G.E.T.) that results in a diamond shape at both the bottom bracket junction and where the down tube meets the head tube.
Beefy chainstays should ensure that there’s no unwanted flex while the classic S-bend seatstays both improve clearance and rider comfort. A brake stop has been welded into the seatstays so removing the mythical hunt for a solution to the cantilever brake woes. The price for the frame, fork and a headset is £1599.99.
Many thanks to Toby from Wheelbase for the pictures. The race was Yorkshire Cyclo Cross point’s series, Wakefield, Sunday 23rd September 2007 – which Jebb won.
