Since we all started riding bikes, Litespeed have been considered the pinnacle of titanium frames. Before his time at Moonglu, Neil considered a Litespeed frame the stuff of dreams, seeing the odd one at races was a highlight. Although the use of titanium has increased since those early days, Litespeed still have to be considered a benchmark in titanium welding and frame fabrication.

Perhaps living slightly in the past after many years producing similar looking racy type frames, Litespeed came bang up to date in 2006 when they introduced the Obed and Ocoee. The Obed in particular tempted us as it built onto the success that we had achieved with the Cove Hummer. Finally a trail hardtail had arrived from Litespeed.

In 2008 Neil sold his trusty Kona Unit singlespeed and treated himself to an Ocoee. Lavished with almost the best kit money can buy, he built himself a weapon for a solo Mountain Mayhem attempt. The bike was set up singlespeed and weighed in at 19.5Ib race ready. It was only just finished for the event, ridden for 13hrs in challenging conditions, cleaned then swept away from him by a wealthy accountant who couldn't resist the titaniumness.

The replacement Ocoee is now available to view below. Caution has been thrown to the wind in a bid to eclipse the weight of the original build. In come Chris King hubs, Sapim CX Ray spokes, Thomson Masterpiece seatpost, Chris King Bottom bracket and Ashima Air Rotors, with a final weight of 19Ibs inc pedals.