The principle of continuous and relentless evolution.
With all Liteville frames we design, the principle of choice is the one of continuous and relentless evolution, or put differently: step-by-step improvement. We kept ourselves from design gimmicks right of the start and instead concentrated purely on function, weight and durability of our products. It might be the case that you will not see the differences between different evolutionary stages. Yet you will notice and experience their improved function, lowered weight and thus improved handling and performance when riding.
Winning tests for 10 years now and building the most durable and reliable frames on the market underlines the success of our concept.
We will fundamentally change our design and construction of the frame only when we are able to reduce its weight without affecting the perfectly working function of it. Until then, we will successfully keep on developing our frames. Continuous evolution.
The Frame Geometry
The Frame
For maximal stiffness and durability, all tubes of the frame are confiscated multiple times. Besides this, the entire frame is designed with oversize measurements.
The Wheelset (ScaledSizing)
We do not offer our frames with one exclusive wheel size but with different wheel sizes (24“, 26“, 27.5“ and 29“) that are adapted to the frame size and the rider’s height.
Frame Design
The 301 follows a diamond design with oversized tubes that have been anodized multiple times and a four-bar linkage damping system.
Material
Custom alloy grade using an extensive multiple step heat treatment process with Rockwell hardness and Eddy-Current (IACS) testing.
Surfaces
Compressed and consistent “Shotpeen” surface, RaceBlack anodized with laser logo. Powder-coated finish with the choice of approximately 160 RAL shades or 650 color options (realized by our Liteville WorksStations)
Changing the length of a frame rather than its overall size
The most important points of a frame are the links of rider and bike, it is where the hands, the feet and back meet the bike. Everything in between is nothing but the joint of fork, saddle, handlebar and so forth. This is why we have decided to build a bike with oversize measurements, where all tubes, including the seatpost, feature comparatively big inner tube diameters. This allows for a small and extraordinarily stiff frame triangle as well as for frames that are categorized as to their length, not to their actual height.
The DuoLink by Liteville
…or: two rear frames in one.
Depending on the size of the rear wheel, the MK12 rear frame can be adapted with two different positions. The front position is for smaller wheel sizes as recommended, the rear position for big ones.
When changing the rear end of the 301 MK12, the drop out is not only shifted backwards but also adapted upwards and downwards. This is how it perfectly meets the geometry requirements of different wheel sizes without compromises. It goes without saying that the individual frame sizes are designed for different wheel sizes already.
Scaled Sizing
The correct frame size of a bike influences the performance capability of an entire bike. Yet it is not only the frame size that is to fit the rider, but also the wheel size. This is why our frames, depending on the frame size and the body height of the rider, can be built with different wheel sizes (24”, 26”, 27.5” and 29”).
Different wheel sizes? Because it makes sense!
Front: rolling smoothly and safely.
When you hit the dirt, your front wheel has the toughest job. That is why it should be as big as possible without having disadvantages regarding the chassis design.
Passing obstacles becomes a lot easier. On top of this, the tracking as well as the braking performance of the front wheel are improved. And there is more to it! The increased gyroscopic force additionally improves the stability of the bike where it is needed most. The rougher the trail is, the more you will have your front wheel support your riding.
Rear: Light, stiff, highly agile
A moderate wheel size in the back makes possible kinematics that allow for a short rear end of the bike. At the same time, passing obstacles with the bigger front wheel is a lot easier, no matter how big the obstacle is. In comparison to a conventional mountain bike with two equally sized wheels, the inertia is reduced and thereby leads to easier acceleration and more control. It goes without saying that a bigger wheel in the back, even for small riders, would allow for better rolling in flat sections, yet in challenging downhill sections, equally sized wheels provide less stability and thus less control. It is not what you expect from a bike that is designed for tough terrain!
Two things to consider after installing Scaled Sizing
We recommend handlebars between 740 mm and 800 mm. The bigger front wheel increases the leverage and therefore requires a wider handlebar.
We also recommend lowering the handlebar. The height of the handlebar needs to be adapted; the original height is to be rearranged and lowered by another 10 mm by removing spacers, by switching the stem upside down or installing a flatter handlebar. When installing a 27.5” front wheel instead of a 26” one, the handlebar needs to be lowered by 35 mm. With a 29” front wheel by 70 mm. Doing this, you will profit from even more effective uphill and downhill ergonomics. Note: The bottom bracket is raised only by 3 to 5 mm due to the bigger distance to the front wheel, the more shallow seat angle and the increased SAG.
Seat stays and chain stays
For maximum stiffness and durability, every single tube is multiply butted and the overall frame construction consistently adheres to oversize principles.
Chain stays
Practically everyone knows it, but yet barely any frame builder actually does it. Chain stay lengths that get longer with growing frame size are mandatory! This modification is (especially for a small manufacturer such as Liteville) quite complex and costly, but nevertheless, we have decided to take this path with the 601 also because not only the climbing ability but almostevery riding situation is enhanced by Liteville’s TCL (TunedChainstayLength).
The dropout / X-12 System
All Liteville frames feature the patented Syntace X-12 through axle system. Apart from the outstanding weight of no more than 39 g, the unprecedented stiffness and super easy mounting procedure are the main advantages compared to competitors’ alternatives.
The rear derailleur hanger
For a perfect function, the dropout is a lot more durable than conventional dropouts while still being exchangeable. The trick: not the dropout itself, but the mounting screw is the weakest part oft he combination and breaks in case of an accident. The exchange of this screw - even on the go - is a matter of seconds. The best feature last: the exchange screw is integrated close to the bottom bracket.
DynaLevel (SAG Indication)
Live SAG indication at all times – even when out on the trail – rather than rechecking the SAG with a tie-wrap. This has always been an imprecise, hazardous process.
The rider can “read” the DynaLevel conveniently while sitting on the bike- Never has it been easier than that!
Integrated Vario-Spin headset
The Liteville 301 (MK12 and MK13) and the 601 (MK3) come with our VarioSpin head tube, with the fully integrated „SyntaceVarioSpin tapered“ headset. This head tube allows – by use of +/-1.5° VarioSpin headset cups – an additional headangle adjustment of +/-1.5°, independently of the bottom bracket height.
Attention: 0° cups are supplied as standard. The VarioSpin cups necessary for the adjustment of +/- 1.5° need to be ordered separately.
TIP: for consistency, bikes of this category should only be equipped with tapered forks! If, out of whatever reason you do not want to run a tapered steerer fork, here you go... that’s also no problem. For the use of 1 1/8" steerers in the Liteville, just order the separately available 1 1/8" reduction kit.
The Chain Guide
Only since we have worked on this component with the highest ambitions, we came to the conclusion that a chain guide is a must-have for all bikes, even those with “less” travel. The result of our work is the lightest, best working chain guide we know of. The advantages include fewer noises from the chain hitting the chain stay as well as keeping the chain from falling off the chain ring in tough terrain.
Pedal-kickback
The four hinges of the rear frame are responsible for the elimination of the pedal stroke rebound, both backwards and forwards. It is of particular importance that the rebound is eliminated at all times, no matter in which gear one is riding and no matter how long the chain is when the damping system is working. As a result of the perfect positioning of the linkage bars, we have been able to achieve this goal successfully.