Offers high quality, is very reliable and has a long service life. When it comes to these attributes, there is no way around the Liteville 301. For years now, the brand from the Allgäu region of Germany has been the undisputed leader in these disciplines in the BIKE readers' poll. In addition, readers have always recognised the brand's high level of innovation in recent years (2013 reader survey: second place in the bike brand ranking).
The Liteville 301 and its eleven development stages
The mostly anodised or untreated (Works Finish) Liteville frames are now an institution and have a dedicated fan base. Even though the 301, the first MTB model from the Syntace makers, has been a familiar face for years, a lot has changed over the course of the eleven development stages. The unchanged, classic design in aluminium paired with a relentless drive for better detail solutions characterises the evolution of the 301. Over the course of almost ten years, only those features were optimised that also improved the function and in some cases defined new standards. There is no need for an annual visual makeover under the trend dictates of the fast-moving industry. It is precisely this maxim that can be seen in the 301 as a carefully matured and developed All Mountain/Enduro.
From the MK1 to the powerful Enduro MK11
The first, larger step after the original MK1 model with 115 millimetres of suspension travel came with the fourth development stage, which increased the suspension travel to 130 millimetres. The marathon/sport tourer quickly became a robust all-mountain with the correspondingly longer fork (approved for up to 160 millimetres). The next big evolutionary leap to enduro suspension travel came with the MK8. With plain bearings in the top tube, the extremely versatile frame has many innovative details such as a thru axle, integrated chain guide and three rear wheel suspension travels. The MK10, the 301 with the most downhill performance to date, allowed the wheel size to be adapted to the rider's size. The current MK11 was also put to the test in the BIKE endurance test. A ten-year guarantee, not only for the first owner, provides additional security.
Liteville 301 MK10 frame: Used from 1500 Euro
From the 301 MK10 onwards, the rear triangle was optimised for Fox shocks. In addition, the plain bearing in the top tube gave way to two needle bearings, which made the rear triangle more sensitive. The difference to the MK11 is that the steering angle cannot yet be adjusted using the bearing shells. The scaled size recommendation with different wheel sizes already existed for the MK10.
Facts at a glance: Liteville 301 (2005-2014)
New prices 2005: 1690 euros for the frame set with parts kit
New prices 2014: 2198 Euro for the frame set without kit
Driver profile: The first models with 115 millimetres catered for racers and touring riders. From MK2/3, the frame was approved for 160 mm forks for AM to Enduro.
StrengthsReliable function, top workmanship and durability, ingenious details
Problems: Defects on DT Swiss SSD 210 dampers of the first series, MK5 prone to dents
Our recommendation: All 301s are durable and reliable, regardless of the year of manufacture. If you are looking for more suspension travel and suspension travel options, you should look from 2010 onwards, i.e. MK8. The best rear suspension function is available from MK10 onwards.
