Hello everybody,

I have a very limited stock of Litech's rare and extraordinary magnesium road bike frames. Unfortunately it seems that Litech no longer produces frames, so the next closest option is to grab one from Paketa, their former US dealer, at a list price of $1,999.99 (some reviews here). Or, grab this one for much less and save enough for some components!

I have several other frames listed that are unfinished, but this particular frame has already been professionally powder coated in a very sophisticated and classy looking anthracite grey. There may be a few minor blemishes from storage, but the frame is brand new and the finish is excellent.

This frame measures about 55.25 cm by seat tube. The top tube measurement is about 53 cm, although some of these used a slightly sloping geometry which would make the "effective" top tube length a little longer. I do have a few different sizes available. By my bike scale this frames weighs in at an incredible 2.66 lbs. Compare that to titanium, carbon fiber, or any other exotic frame material up to ten times the price... not to mention the ride quality characteristics magnesium is known for.

Derailleur hanger included.

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Now that the basics are squared away, what's so exciting about this magnesium frames?

If you haven't heard of magnesium frame technology, you're not alone. There are only a few companies in the world that know how to make magnesium frames, and even in the bike industry many people aren't familiar with them. Several years ago I was fortunate to discover the Litech magnesium frame I still use today for my custom XC race mountain bike. It was one of the best investments I've ever made. Since then I've learned as much as I can about these little-known gems.

The first great feature of magnesium frames is an incredibly low weight, thanks to an excellent strength to weight ratio. It's almost hard to believe the first time you pick one up. Magnesium is lightest of all structural metals, lighter by volume than aluminum or titanium. A 17" frame weighs 2.91 lbs by my scale, comparable to or even below the spec weight of carbon or titanium frames costing thousands more. Yet because of the low density, this can be achieved without super thin tube walls, thus preserving dent resistance.

The second equally important benefit is ride quality. Magnesium has a higher damping capacity than any other structural metal. Racers and other enthusiasts usually comment on the remarkable combination of bump absorption that provides a smoother ride, yet with the stiffness needed for solid power transfer. Even after years of riding, I'm still impressed with how fast mine accelerates. One dealer and magnesium fan described it as the closest option to the ride comfort of steel in a lightweight material. Others have said that magnesium gives the dampening of carbon without feeling dead, the liveliness of aluminum without the harsh vibration, etc. Sort of like getting the best of everything.

These are same mechanical properties that have made magnesium a premium material in aerospace, race cars, and other performance applications. If you're wondering by now why magnesium frames aren't everywhere, the following additional information I've collected from product sheets, websites, and dealers may be helpful. This is accurate to the best of my knowledge, but some details I cannot verify.

• Magnesium alloys are very difficult to weld, which partly explains why only a few companies worldwide can manufacturer magnesium bike frames. Litech, a Russian company located in Hungary, initially developed their sophisticated proprietary technique for high quality frame alloy and welding based on aerospace research funded by the defense industry. The process involves, among other complexities, cryogenic tempering over several months and a unique inert welding environment. Litech frames were used by racers locally, and distributed in the US under various labels including Lodestar, Salt Cycles, and Keef.

• The weld quality has been shown to be very high quality via DiN testing, which also found the magnesium frames to be much more durable than brand name aluminum and carbon fiber frames, though not as durable as a quality steel frame.

• Superior fatigue life is another potential benefit of magnesium, however some users have reported cracks or joint failures, particularly at the upper seat tube weld. This was attributed to the short (roughly 1.5") shims that shipped with some of the frames, which concentrated stress at the weld. Use proper seat post diameters if possible, and avoid using short shims. (I have never experienced a crack or other frame problem. I use the correct seat post size.)

• Litech dropped off the map years ago according to several of their former US dealers. As far as I know, Litech frames are no longer being made. There are two other companies that make magnesium frames. One is the major Taiwanese manufacturer Merida, the other is Paketa in Boulder, Colorado. Paketa was a former Litech dealer, but now offers magnesium frames made by their own process (not necessarily based on Litech's proprietary knowledge). Merida frames seem to not be available in the US, and Litech frames MSRP for $1,999.99. You can even get Litech road frames in custom geometries through Lennard Zinn's shop for $2,950. There are a few other isolated examples including the very high end Pinarello Dogma frame.

• One of Litech's former dealers attributes the lack of market success to difficulties with international distribution and marketing, general mishandling, and the lack of support from major OEMs. Magnesium continues to be used in high end bike shoes, pedals, stems, a few wheel sets, and subcomponents within certain suspension forks, derailleurs, etc.

• Magnesium is corrosion prone, therefore magnesium frames are treated with an anti-corrosive dip (appears gold colored). They must be painted or clear coated because the protective coating is not designed to protect against surface wear. If repainted, the frame should not be baked above 395° F.