For Sale - Extra-Small TITUS RACER X

[scotte]

Perfect for someone 4'10" to 5'2"
Color: Metallic Blue
Excellent Condition - Only 23.5 LBS!!

Parts are...

fork Rock Shox SID Race (just serviced, new seals)
wheels Custom - XTR/DT Swiss 4.1d w/DT Revolution spokes
brakes/levers Avid Speed Dial SL/Avid Single Digit 7
tires Kenda Blue Groove
cranks Shimano XTR
cassette Shimano XTR
chain Shimano XTR
front der Shimano XT
rear der SRAM X0
shifters SRAM X0 Grip
grips ODI
handlebars Salsa Moto Ace
stem Thompson Elite
seat post Thompson Elite
seat Fizik Aliante
pedals N/A

Asking $1,800
Flagstaff, AZ
slzk@msn.com

[mountainchick]

Ohh...that would fit me perfectly! Too bad I just started school and hubby won't let me. :(

Nice bike!

[mmouwse]

What is the length of the top tube? Is this bike a "women specific design"?

Thank you. :confused:

[emily_in_nc]

That's a good price for a wonderful bike. I have a 2000 Titus Racer X in the same size (and no, they are not WSD but are known have short top tubes so are very popular with women). I find mine to be a wonderful fit, and I am 5'2" on a good day. :D I paid less for mine on ebay in 2006, but by the time I had replaced everything that needed replacing on it over the next couple of years, I ended up with ~$2400K in it, and my wheelset and cranks are not as good as on this one. You can easily drop $5K on a new Racer-X. I would snap this up in a second if I didn't already have mine. It's an awesome ride.

mmouwse, assuming that the geometry hasn't changed from the 2000 XS model I got, here are the specs I have, but you should ask the seller for the model year and geometry -- or you might be able to find it online once you know the model year. That's where I found these for the 2000 model:

TT 21.2"
HA 70*
SA 74*
Chainstay16.65"
ST to the center of the TT 13.0"
ST to the top of the seat clamp 15.0"
HT length 3.2"
Wheelbase 40.75"
BB 12.2"
Standover 27.25"

I'm not sure this bike would really fit a woman as short as 4'10", though -- Titus also makes (or at least used to make) an XXS size too. Depending on her inseam (mine is around 28.5"), I'd think my XS would fit someone in the 5'0" to 5'3" range best.

[OakLeaf]

It appears the seller bought this frame on TE (http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=14227) a couple of years ago and built it up. So, he might not have the frame specs. But, if that's the same frame, it was described as an '05.

[mmouwse]

Thank you Emily and Oakleaf for the info. I sure do appreciate your input based on your experience and knowledge. :)
I am 5foot 3inches, 28inch inseam, barefoot. Torso is 25inches. Arm length (from the shoulder) is 22inches. Not sure of the rest of my appropriate stats. Never done "fit" measurements. I am wondering if this frame would actually be too tall or too long for me. I will have to chat with Scotte about his size and experience with it. :confused:
I am by nature competitive and aggressive in my athletic endeavors, although I have been pretty sedantary for the past few years. :o I did ride fairly regular this past summer on my hybrid pos. Could not do much offroad riding, the bike is not really set up for it, although I did try. :)
I have not yet had much luck finding a used (read within my budget and size) mtb that fits me. I came across a couple of bikes that were great deals in great condition, but too tall for me. :(
I did goto the Titus website yesterday after seeing this bike for sale here. Very impressive. I fell in love and lust! :p But.... a new Titus is out of the question at this time; far out of my budget. And this used one....maybe.
I understand that each bike fits differently and the only true way to know is to try it.
Someone suggested that I start with a HT rather than FS. His feeling was that it is the only true way to become a good rider, that the FS bike will "cheat" for me and stunt my skills development because it would compensate for my shortcomings. What do you all think? :confused:
Thanks again for sharing your experience and knowledge with me.

[scotte]

Below are the specs for the geometry from Titus. And correct oakleaf, I purchased the 2005 frame off TE from a nice lady in Hawaii and it was virtually brand new. It was too small for her so she purchased a larger Racer-X frame. 2005 was the last year these frames were hand made in the USA. Mmouwse - the 27+ standover measurement I gave you over the phone was front of center on the top tube. Depending on where the measurement is done along the top tube, will depend on what the "standover" height really is. Hence the difference from the Titus specs below.

[emily_in_nc]

mmouwse - Based on the measurements you give, I think the bike will fit you well. You definitely don't need an XXS at 5'3", and your inseam is very close to mine, so you'll be fine with the stand-over. Your reach should be fine too since you're slightly taller than me. You can always change the stem if you need more or less reach too, so long as the frame basically fits.

As for HT vs FS, I started with a HT but found it pretty uncomfortable. I LOVE the full-suspension. At my age (47), I just don't care to be bumped around too much, and while it's true that my skills haven't developed much, it has nothing to do with the bike and everything to do with the type of rider I am. I just like to tool around on the trails, nothing too technical. At my age, and after breaking my pelvis in a road cycling accident, I'm just not going to be jumping logs or doing see-saws or drops, and that's fine with me. I just like being able to ride in places I can't take a road bike, and while the Racer-X is far more bike than I need or deserve, I loved the fact that it is so lightweight. I only weigh about 103-104 so needed a bike I could get up the hills. Most full-suspensions are heavier than hardtails, but not the Titus Racer-X.

Everyone's experience is different, but I just love my Racer-X and know there are others on this forum who have them and love them too.

(And don't worry, I don't know scotte so am not trying to sell you his bike! Just sharing my experiences with a great bike!) :D

[SadieKate]

I'm 5' 3 1/2" and both my XS Racer X and Motolite fit beautifully. I've got long legs and arms, but a short torso.

The Racer X is on the short end of FS. It's a short wheel-base, short travel, quick handling, pure XC bike. This is NOT an all mountain, all terrain, freeride, whatever you want to call it bike and what most people today think of as generic FS. Don't worry about the HT or FS comparison if you can get this bike at this price with those components. Yes, HT can make you learn to pick lines better but depending on your mindset, you can learn faster on a FS because suspension will keep rolling when a HT may stutter. I learned slower on a HT because I was more afraid of falling than I am on a FS -- and I learned to mtb on a fully rigid bike so I can read lines. Because this bike has shorter travel, it is not going to be as forgiving as what most people think of as a FS (all mountain) bike so don't worry about the HT/FS argument with it.

BTW, this baby likes to climb. When you point her uphill, hang on.

[Aggie_Ama]

Well I ride a hardtail and keep getting my butt kicked by someone who has been learning on FS. If you want to learn you will learn. Get what you want and tell they naysayer to buy you an extra HT if they think you need to learn on that. :p

[scotte]

Several have asked why I'm selling this bike. My 12 year old son has outgrown so I moved him up to a Small 80mm Racer-X. He rode and raced the XS Racer-X for 1 year, although he focused mainly on road racing last year. Kids grow too fast!! MUST SELL to pay for his new wheels - make me an offer!!

[Brandi]

That is a sweet looking bike! Hope it goes to a good home. I wish mine but my hubby thinks I have enough bikes already. :(

[Running Mommy]

ummmm yeah... A 12 year old with COBALTS???!!!!
SHEESH! I OWN a bike shop and I can't even afford those!- That and my kid really doesn't deserve them.
WOW. Lucky kid! And nice new ride!!!

[fidlfreek]

Wish I didn't have to put $1500 into a car repair or else one of these bikes would be MINE. :( crying...

[Aggie_Ama]

ummmm yeah... A 12 year old with COBALTS???!!!!
SHEESH! I OWN a bike shop and I can't even afford those!- That and my kid really doesn't deserve them.
WOW. Lucky kid! And nice new ride!!!

We see it all at the local races as I am sure you do in the shop. Kids with bikes way better than DH's stumpy that he had to wait for a bonus to get. I am not jealous, I was a pretty spoiled kid and I shaped up alright. Those kids will have a rude awakening when someone stops footing the bill, I sure as heck did! Or they will be like my friends that were given nice cars for college graduation, came into moderate ($20-50k) trust funds or were given 20% down to buy their first house, they still don't have a clue how money works. :cool:

I need a better bike but alas someone else will have to bite, I chose to save my dog's life and will be just dreaming for a long time.

[Running Mommy]

Yeah Aggie- I see it all the time too, but mostly with the bmx racing kids.. Parents come running in wanting - as Lance used to say "the sheaat"... The newest, coolest, lightest, etc.... I just order it up and smile. And then I see the kids throwing their bikes on the ground like common trash at the races- and throwing a fit because they didnt come in first..:rolleyes:
Yeah dad, they really deserved that new dxr crankset now didnt they?? sheesh.
The latest is every kid in town wanting to clip in. I have 5-6 year olds coming in to get clipless pedals?? And they are ROOKIES! OY

After our son started demading that he needed one of the high end Trances, and would settle for nothing less than xtr and full fox, we decided that he needed a little reality check.
We have yet to have set him up on a new bike.
But as for this kid on the tricked out Titus with the sweet cobalts, more power to you dad! Maybe he's an up and coming pro? Who am I to judge??
Our manager runs cobalts on his race bike. Nice wheels. Very nice.

[Aggie_Ama]

Sorry dad, I feel like we are being petty. I don't fault you for giving kiddo the best but as I look at that tiny bike and go home to my hardtail bike with Alivio and Deore I can't help but be a smidge jealous. :p

RM- The boy likely isn't thanking you today but one day I stopped and thanked my dad for my 1986 cutlass. I thought I would die when that was presented in 1997 as my option for driving. I didn't get it then but I sure do in my wise old age. I made my mom cry last year telling her I hated shopping at Weiner's and Walmart but I got to stay in our neighborhood they couldn't afford with good schools and that was worth more than Guess jeans. At least those parents willing to spoil their little darlings are using your shop! ;)

[Cataboo]

I personally want to be Scotte's 12 year old. I'd buy this bike if I could.

I sort of wonder about how today's kids are going to be... I only had yard sale bikes when i was little - and there was one yard sale orange 10 speed that we all inherited when we got tall enough to ride it. I definitely have way too much now... But my little niece is spoiled rotten - not that I don't play a part in that... but given that she's the only child in the family, it means that if all her aunt's & uncles and grandparents give her one nice gift... she makes out :)

[OakLeaf]

Aw, let's not make unkind assumptions about a guy who bought the frame used right here.

One of the most heart-warming stories in motorcycle racing is a lower-middle-class family from Kentucky who sacrificed everything to get their sons what they needed to race. Not one of these high-pressure stage families, either - by all accounts, the kids got everything they needed emotionally as well, and they're still an incredibly tight-knit family. The middle son is a former World Champion and still riding very strongly in the premiere class in the world, and the other two boys are no slouches either.

[Aggie_Ama]

I assume Dad has kick butt toys and builds kiddo a good bike with parts off his bike. Or has a way to get parts cheap. I know a lot of people who have way better parts than what I have sitting around collecting dust, it wouldn't be a stretch to buy a frame and build a complete bike for some of my friends without buying much else. I on the other hand often don't have an extra tube at my house but that is how I roll. :p

[Adventure Girl]

One of the most heart-warming stories in motorcycle racing is a lower-middle-class family from Kentucky who sacrificed everything to get their sons what they needed to race. Not one of these high-pressure stage families, either - by all accounts, the kids got everything they needed emotionally as well, and they're still an incredibly tight-knit family. The middle son is a former World Champion and still riding very strongly in the premiere class in the world, and the other two boys are no slouches either.That's the Hayden Family! When Nicky won the USGP he said that he could remember that they had buckets in their house because the roof leaked. Their parents sacrificed everything just so the kids could go motorcycle racing. It's a great story of a humble kid from Kentucky who becomes World Champion!

End hijack...:p

[OakLeaf]

nice to see another motorcycle race fan here :D

okay, end hijack. ;)

[DrBadger]

I will chime in here, since I am the one buying the bike :D

Just talked to Scotte and turns out that his kid has come in second in nationals a couple of times... hoping for first one of these years! Sounds like I am not worthy of riding his bike :-) He is one lucky kid to have such an awesome bike and such a supportive Dad!

I will post photos once i have the bike and have taken it on its first test ride. (I am pretty excited!)

Ellen

[Cataboo]

I'm now jealous of you & the 12 year old!

Enjoy!

[emily_in_nc]

I will chime in here, since I am the one buying the bike :D
Ellen

Ellen -- congratulations! I am so glad to see someone buying this beautiful and wonderful bike. We are now bike twins - same size, even. I rode mine this very day. This one is a beaut -- prettier and newer than mine (don't tell her -- I still love her!) :D

[Aggie_Ama]

Ellen now I can be jealous of you!! Seriously my parents probably spent $800/yr on bowling balls when I was bowling. Flew or drove me all over to bowl in tournaments and paid for me to participate in several leagues. Like I can judge on this bike. Make sure to tell us all about this bike and how much fun you have! Have you been mountain biking or is this a start? I would guess it is not a start but maybe?

[DrBadger]

Thanks ladies! I am pretty excited.

AA: I have been mountain biking a bit....first in Peru (sort of pseudo mt biking), then Moab and Banff, but this is my first mountain bike of my own. It is way more than I was planning/expecting to get, but I couldn't pass up this opportunity! I will have to come up riding in your neck of the woods sometime!

[melissam]

Ellen,

Thank you for buying this bike -- I don't think I could have handled the temptation much longer! :)

It sounds like a very nice bike is going to a very good home; may you have many enjoyable miles.

- Melissa

[DrBadger]

Ellen,

Thank you for buying this bike -- I don't think I could have handled the temptation much longer! :)

It sounds like a very nice bike is going to a very good home; may you have many enjoyable miles.

- Melissa

Yup, that is my excuse... I did it just to protect you Mel :-)

[scotte]

Yes, the bike is SOLD. THANK YOU Ellen, you won't be disappointed.

Thank you everyone else for being so supportive of a great bicycle. I also ride a Racer-X and my parts are not as good as my son's. I'll tell you why, which covers the "other" discussion.

First, with only a small number of kids (compared to bmx or baseball) who competitively race mountain bikes and road bikes, all of the parents are really into it, and all of the kids have nice bikes. For my son, it's not about an "expensive bike", and whoever said the kids don't understand money, that is true, they don't. But it really isn't about money, it's about weight.

My son started racing mountain bikes when he was 8 years old and about 60 lbs. He started out on a 24" IBEX something with 18 gears, and yes, no granny in front - 34x44. Then this thing weighed like 35 lbs. I don't know how many of you have mountain biked in Flagstaff, AZ, but the rides start at 7,000'. Then there are two ways to ride, up and down. So he is 60 lbs., riding a 35 lb. bike, at a 1x1 gear ratio, trying to go up the mountain. How much fun do you think he had?

Then when you get into racing, the promoters are designing the courses for professional mountain bikers, not 8 year old kids, so again, climb-climb-climb. Nobody likes to walk their bike, that's no fun, so what do you do? You build the lightest bike possible which still doesn't even come close to an adult to bike weight ratio. Then what happens when you try to build a super light bike, the cost goes through the roof. It sucks. I'm not a weight weenie, just want my kid to participate and enjoy a really cool sport - sure beats psycho baseball parents. lol

Catriona - were you riding your yard sale special up a 10-15% gradiant, 1 mile single track climb, then coming down that same mountain, at a National Championship Mountain Bike race in Mammoth Mountain, CA as a 10 year old. Probably not. lol

I won't bother to mention the specs for my son's road bike and TT bike. We'll be racing mtn and road bikes in AZ, CA, CO, and OR this year so the bikes are cheap compared to the travel budget. Our kids are only kids once and we only live once. If the impossible happens and he is a pro cyclist, then at least the traveling won't be a shocker, it's just part of the deal. If nothing else, cycling will probably be part of his life forever.

Running Mommy - we'll be at the Valley of the Sun Stage Race TT in Buckeye this Friday afternoon if you want to see some serious fast kids from AZ, CA, CO, TX, and UT! And yes, we do get pro deal on some items, like the Cobalt wheels, which does help the cost. Thank you to Crank Bros for that.

And the coolest thing about all of this is ...... when your 12 year old son starts to drop you down a technical single track descent which you've been riding before he was born!! Amazing!!

Thanks all, this was fun.

[Cataboo]

Scotte,

I'm jealous of your son for more than just the bike :)

[Aggie_Ama]

Scotte- That puts it in perspective. The kids in TMBRA (TX) my husband sees are not racing hard courses riding bikes spec'd out like this. They are riding the beginner loop I ride with my $200 Craigslist hardtail. I was speaking more to what I see generally than your child specifically, some of the kids I see are nice, polite and appreciative. Some of the adults don't deserve their bikes either I think it is just a lack of manners in the world.

And again, I probably at any given time had a grand in bowling balls, yes bowling balls. But bowling paid for 2 years of college, I had a blast for 16 years until I burnt out hard and fast. Good luck to your son this year.

Ellen- If you are in Austin I have a couple of girls I can call for rides at the beginner/intermediate trail. Real fun group who put up with me being slow as molasses. Be sure to come tell us about your adventures.

[mmouwse]

Scotte
I am glad that you found a good home for the bike. I really, really want it but my business is dead. I tried to justify buying it to myself...you know...for fitness, to combat the depression that is settling in,...but....I don't know how I am going to pay my mortgage or my business van payment or anything else right now. Kills me to lose the opportunity at a great deal for a bike that actually fits me, but things are very bleak for me and I should not be spending on anything but essentials. Thank you for the opportunity.
Sounds like your son is a gifted athlete. I wish him (and you ) much success. He is fortuante that you see his potential and are willing and able to support him in his endeavors.
Ellen, congratualtions on a great buy of a great bike!

[melissam]

Yup, that is my excuse... I did it just to protect you Mel :-)

So if anyone ever asks, you can tell them that you bought the bike for a good cause! :)

[SadieKate]

So if anyone ever asks, you can tell them that you bought the bike for a good cause! :)

Hey, Auntie Em. I have a very nice 14" Litespeed Unicoi for sale. ;)

[smilingcat]

Hi Scotte,

Your son may not be able to express his gratitude to you at his young age, but believe me, when he gets to be in his 30's and has his own kids, he will understand your sacrafices and giving him the once in a lifetime opportunity. You're kid only once. And you are giving him a lifetime of not just wonderful fond memories, but more like one phenominal unbelievable memories where others can only dream.

How can I say that? well my parents allowed me to do things too. Like when I was training on alpine skiis. I shattered it during one practice run. That evening, I had a new pair of Rossignol skiis with brand new salomon bindings all fitted to my boots etc. I was able to go to the practice the next day. They drove me to practice without ever complaining... And the memories I will cherish forever. My sister only got a brand new CJ-5 jeep on her 16th birthday (Nanu-nanu was the rage at the time). I think I had much better deal :D :D

Financial responsibility when they grow up? Well. I manage my money carefully, prudently. I own my own house in a beach community of LosAngeles suburb. I have no credit card debt, car is fully paid, and house will be mortgage free in few more years. So if you raise him right, he will know the value of money when he grows up.

I wish your son success at his races with many happy memories to come.

Wish you well, You are a one heck of a wonderful father.
smilingcat

[melissam]

Hey, Auntie Em. I have a very nice 14" Litespeed Unicoi for sale. ;)

OK, who's gonna buy SK's Unicoi so I don't have to? Come on, it's for a good cause!! :D

[DrBadger]

Not me! Not me! I already did my part for the cause :rolleyes:

[Aggie_Ama]

Maybe Sadie should post it to temp the masses. And torture those of us who can only dream. :o

[melissam]

Not me! Not me! I already did my part for the cause :rolleyes:
True dat! You are exempt. :)


Maybe Sadie should post it to temp the masses. And torture those of us who can only dream. :o
Unfortunately for some of us, "Litespeed Unicoi" + Google = Temptation :o

- My name is Melissa and I'm a bike-a-holic

[SadieKate]

True dat! You are exempt. :)


Unfortunately for some of us, "Litespeed Unicoi" + Google = Temptation :o

- My name is Melissa and I'm a bike-a-holic

You'd be surprised. It's a 2000 frame so it's a deal. This would be a great bike for someone who wants a hardtail or a commuter bike.

Components
--Newly installed new and unused Race Face Evolve 170 mm crank and BB
--Cane Creek Crono Wheels with Michelin Comp S tires front and rear with very little wear
--Answer Manitou Ti Spring Fork /70 mm travel
--Cane Creek S-5 headset
--XT 8 sp shifters with XT front der and XTR rear (rear der has very few miles)
--Avid Speed Dial 7 (adjustable) levers and brakes
--Easton carbon CT2 seatpost
--WTB saddle
--Salsa fliploc collar
--Could use a new chain

Geometry -- see pages 40-41 in catalog at www.litespeed.com/archives
-Top Tube 21
-Head < 71
-Seat < 73
-Chainstay 16.93
-BBKT Height 11.75
-Wheelbase 39.6
-Front Center 22.8
-Fork Rake 1.65
-Stand Over 27.2 though my measurement is 26.75 at lowest point
-Head Tube 4.2
-Frame Weight 4.06

I haven't posted about the bike because it's too dusty to photograph and I don't want to wash it when it's this cold. I’d take $900 which would include a $100 packing and shipping allowance. I have no idea what shipping and insurance would cost, but I would take it to www.webcyclery.com here in town to be professionally packed since I have no experience packing full bikes for shipment.