Liteville 301 MK14 All Mountain review
The Liteville 301 is a perennial favourite. The frame, first presented in 2005, has been revised fourteen times since. Over time, pivot points have been optimized, new wheel sizes introduced, and new standards implemented – only the basic design has been retained over the years. Can the Liteville 301 MK14 still compete today?
For an overview head to the main article: Everyday Heroes! – We review six of the hottest, grin-inducing trail bikes
The 301 MK 14 is the iPhone X from Liteville. In no other generation was the evolutionary leap as big as with the current model. The latest 301 not only boasts more advanced geometry with a longer reach, but has also been optimized for use with metric dampers. Also, each frame size has an specific chainstay length to guarantee the optimal balance in geometry throughout the sizes. At first glance, the biggest innovation is the integration of the EightPins dropper post with up to 220 mm of stroke. Although it requires some know-how during the initial setup, it then impresses with silky-smooth performance. The Liteville 301 MK14 is available both as an all-mountain version with 140 mm travel and an enduro version with 160 mm. Since more than 40% of Liteville customers go for a frameset instead of a full build, they gave us a special edition all-mountain build to review. The components on our test bike are of the finest quality: powerful Trickstuff DIRETTISSIMA brakes, elegant Syntace C33i carbon rims, and a SRAM XX1 Eagle drivetrain are sure to make your bike friends envious.
The seating position on the Liteville 301 MK 14 is spot on! None of the bikes we compared positioned the rider as centrally. The steep seat tube angle, low overall weight, and pedal-neutral rear linkage make the 301 a fantastic climber. Once the trail points downhill, however, the magic comes to a disappointing end. The handling of the 301 MK 14 with the custom spec is very precise, which quickly turns nervous at higher speeds. In rough terrain you have to significantly reduce your speed and remain alert, as the bike seems to jump from left to right involuntarily. Contrary to what the geometry suggests, the bike is noticeably lacking in composure. One possible remedy is Syntace’s Vario Spin headset, which makes it possible to slacken the head angle by 1.5°. The rear linkage, unfortunately, is only moderately useful as it quickly uses up a lot of travel and tends to wallow in the middle of the stroke. This is particularly annoying when pumping through berms or jumps. The powerful brakes in combination with the grippy Schwalbe Magic Mary front tire work like an anchor and require some getting used to.
With the Liteville 301 MK 14 All-Mountain you will climb even the steepest trails with ease!
The Liteville 301 MK14 Custom in detail
Fork FOX 34 Float Factory 140 mm
Rear shock RockShox Super Deluxe RT3 140 mm
Brakes Trickstuff Diretissima
Drivetrain SRAM XX1 Eagle
Seatpost EightPins
Stem Syntace Megaforce 2 50 mm
Handlebar Syntace Vector Carbon 760 mm
Tires Schwalbe Magic Mary/Nobby Nic (v/h)
Wheelset Syntace C33I
Weight 12.08 kg
Price € 7,800
With different rockers, Liteville not only changes the rear suspension travel of the 301, but also adapts the kinematics to the respective average body weight depending on the frame size.
The integrated sag indicator is very practical and easy to use: it’s easily visible even while seated on the bike.
The yoke on the chainstays has been fundamentally redesigned. The gained space makes it possible to create shorter chainstays with small frame sizes.
The EightPins dropper post impresses with its faultless function and the enormous adjustment range, but it requires some time and know-how during setup.
Geometry of the Liteville 301 MK14
| Size | XS | S | M | L | XL | XXL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat tube | 400 mm | 415 mm | 430 mm | 460 mm | 490 mm | 540 mm |
| Top tube | 564 mm | 588 mm | 616 mm | 636 mm | 658 mm | 680 mm |
| Head tube | 100 mm | 100 mm | 120 mm | 130 mm | 140 mm | 120 mm |
| Head angle | 65.5° | 66° | 66° | 66° | 66° | 66.5° |
| Seat angle | 74° | 73.7° | 73.5° | 73.4° | 73.4° | 73.4° |
| Chainstay | 417 mm | 422 mm | 427 mm | 432 mm | 437 mm | 450 mm |
| BB Height | 345 mm | 348 mm | 350 mm | 350 mm | 350 mm | 355 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,121 mm | 1,142 mm | 1,175 mm | 1,201 mm | 1,228 mm | 1,263 mm |
| Reach | 400 mm | 415 mm | 435 mm | 452 mm | 470 mm | 490 mm |
| Stack | 571 mm | 591 mm | 609 mm | 618 mm | 628 mm | 638 mm |
| Wheelsize | 26“ | 27.5″ | 27.5″ | 27.5″ | 27.5″ | 29″ |
Conlcusion
The all-mountain Liteville 301 MK 14 is a terrific climber. Thanks to its light weight and central seating position, even long uphills are no cause for dismay. On flowy trails and slow speeds, the 301 impresses with a lot of agility. But the handling demands alertness. If you like riding fast, look elsewhere.
Pros
– great seating position for climbs
– superb dropper post
– light and efficient
Cons
– nervous handling downhill
– doesn’t inspire confidence
– cockpit too narrow
Uphill
Downhill
Stability
Agility
Value for Money
More info at: liteville.com
UPDATE: Statement from Liteville
Liteville is curious about the missing stability at high speeds. For this reason, the bike is currently being tested in their facilities and we will get it again for a second test. We are curious how this will turn out.
The test fleet
For an overview head to the main article: Everyday Heroes! – We review six of the hottest, grin-inducing trail bikes
All bikes in test: Giant Trance Advanced 0 | Liteville 301 MK14 All Mountain | Nicolai ION-G13 QLFLINE | Scott Genius 700 Ultimate | Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper 29 | Trek Fuel EX 9.9 29
