The Allgäu-based company has long been known for the tireless further development of its aluminium classic 301. Liteville's first muscle-powered bike with a carbon frame could hardly be more exclusive. For the market launch, the number of units of the 2319 gram chassis manufactured in Portugal is limited to a homeopathic dose of 200. In addition, there is a high-end build with proprietary Syntace carbon components and the most expensive wireless shifting group in the Sram range. For just under 12,000 euros, unique features such as the fully integrated Eightpins dropper post and the K.I.S. steering stabiliser system are also on board. The Liteville developers, known for their perfectionism, have also thought of a down tube storage compartment. On first contact, this is immediately apparent: The most expensive bike in the test has an exemplary finish. Every single detail conveys the highest quality.
Fact check: Liteville 301 CL MK1 LTD
- Price: 11,999 euros
- Range of use: All Mountain / Trail
- Frame material: Carbon
- Suspension travel: 140 mm rear / 150 mm front
- Wheel size: 29-inch
- Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
- Weight: 12.9 kg in size L
- Frame weight: 2319 g
- Wheel weight: 4525 g
- Warranty: 10 years
- Special features: KIS steering stabiliser, storage compartment in the down tube, Allen key in the rear thru axle, Eightpins seatpost
All Mountain in light
The 301CL was actually designed as a trail bike. However, 150 millimetres of suspension travel from a Fox 36, a shock with a reservoir and high-grip tyres clearly speak the language of an all-mountain bike. On the other hand, the weight is very low at under 13 kilos. Together with the drive-neutral rear end, the Liteville scores top marks in the uphill classification. The bike climbs noticeably better than most of its competitors in the same suspension travel class. The K.I.S. system prevents the front wheel from tipping at low speeds despite the slack steering angle. However, this also has its downsides: Micro-corrections to the line are met with unusual resistance due to the steering's urge to centre. Even in the weakest setting, this requires more sensitivity on technically narrow uphills. Also noticeable: the riding position is compact due to the steep seat angle in combination with the moderate reach. It's better to push the saddle all the way back. But then the 301CL has the potential to be the ideal bike for extended trail tours.
Liteville 301 CL MK1 LTD: Equipment / Geometry
- Fork: Fox 36 Factory
- DamperFox Float X Factory
- CircuitSram XX Transmission
- Translation / bandwidth: 32; 10-52 / 520 %
- BrakesSram Level Ultimate Stealth 200/180 mm
- Telesupport/liftEightpins NGS 2.0 / 220 mm
- ImpellersSyntace C 30i
- TyresMaxxis Minion DHF/Dissector; Maxxterra Exo 29 x 2.50/2.40
Precision milling machine
The Liteville shows another of its strengths right from the first rock gardens: the suspension quality is at a very high level. The rear suspension releases its travel in a sensitive and controlled manner. At the front, the fork works favourably, but is the more confident part of the suspension due to the longer travel. In high-speed passages, the light and, above all, stiff rear end of the 301CL is not quite as plush as its competitors, some of which weigh three kilos more, and is less forgiving of riding errors. On the other hand, supported by the suspension's counter support, it implements impulses very nimbly and directly. The modern geometry creates a good compromise between smoothness and manoeuvrability, which works well in versatile all-mountain use. Behind the high front, the rider is secure and well integrated in the bike. The low top tube and the telescopic seat post with an adjustment range of 220 millimetres increase the feeling of safety in extreme situations.
Our testers were polarised by the handlebar crank, which took some getting used to, as well as the K.I.S. system. The feature doesn't really fit in with the otherwise very reactive handling. In the manual, for example, the stabiliser leads to a delayed reaction to the rider's compensatory movements. And even downhill, you encounter unfamiliar resistance with subtle steering impulses without leaning. On the other hand, the added value can be felt in fast, long corners. There, the Liteville holds its line as if it were on rails. The same applies to rough full throttle sections, where K.I.S. supports the rider perfectly. A no-go in the otherwise flawless equipment list are the weak Sram-Level brakes. While the stoppers still work on an XC bike, they are hopelessly overstretched on the 301CL despite having four pistons.
Assessment: Ride behaviour and stiffness
Liteville 301 CL MK1 LTD: Service friendliness
All lines and cables of the control centre run through openings in the chassis directly into the frame. There, the cables run through laminated guides. They are exposed in the rear triangle. There is also praise for the bolted bottom bracket and the inserted headset. This facilitates installation and removal and therefore also maintenance work.
Conclusion from Max Fuchs, BIKE test editor
Whether visually, technically or due to the limited number of units - the Liteville 301CL offers individualists great rarity value. However, if you reduce the all-mountain bike purely to its trail performance, there are bikes that are just as impressive for less money.
Max Fuchs
Editor
