Litespeed Unicoi Endurance XC Titanium MTB Frameset

If you are interested in buying something that climbs like a hardtail and can take a flow trail like a full suspension rig, then the Litespeed Unicoi will be just what you’re after. It’s an XC bike that will give you the traction and comfort levels that will make every trail a joy and help you pile-on the miles.

Using Litespeeds deep knowledge of titanium, the Unicoi offers an extremely efficient pedaling platform, working with their Uni-Strut design for a dampened hardtail, what some might call a softtail. The name of this bike actually has quite a history going back with the company, but this latest version is a nifty redesign that provides 45mm or 1 ¾ inches of rear travel using a sliding stanchion slipping directly into the top tube. The dual spring design works with one spring offering the compression and the second spring keeping the rebound under control. It essentially offers suspension without adding to the weight. You can still love that essential level of cushioning that will ensure traction over rough trails and control on those sketchy descents.

The Unicoi has also been designed to work with modern style forks and spacing, so you will enjoy sticking a 120mm Boost fork on this working with the geometry to give you agile handling without sacrificing the stability you’ll be looking for on the downhills. Though the frame has been optimized for 100-140mm of front travel, the geometry is based around 120mm. With both front and rear Boost, the Unicoi can accommodate either 29 or 27.5+ wheels, where you’ll be able to run 2.4 inch tires for the 29ers, or up to a 3.0 for the 27.5. With numbers like that, you’ll be killing it on those loose loamy trails.

The rear triangle, and especially the 17.5 inch linked carbon chainstays, add to how cleverly this bike addresses issues of weight and rigidity. Though most the frame is made from high quality titanium, the chainstays have been made from carbon to increase the level of stiffness in that important area while reducing the weight. Litespeed has said that it was essentially cost prohibitive to use titanium for the stays, and still get that spot on level of lightweight and rigidity. The sealed cartridge bearings in the pivots will enhance the performance and durability of the setup. And then with the internal cable routing for the dropper post, you can enjoy a clean looking rear end.