Litespeed Titanium Debuts New Watia Gravel Bike

October 8, 2020

Versatility, modern clearance capabilities and tech advances in titanium herald the Tennessee-based company's newest addition to the Litespeed model family,.

Chattanooga, TN  (October 8, 2020) — Litespeed unveiled the new Watia, bringing a new level of versatility—and innovative technical advances in titanium—to the ever-evolving gravel riding category.

“The explosion of gravel excitement has been a healthy time both personally and professionally. What we’re expecting from our bikes has created a massive acceleration in design,” said Watia product manager and Litespeed design engineer Brad DeVaney. “Whether we focus on tube specification, component compatibility, geometry, position capability, or styling, Watia represents the best combination of features that no other brand has conceived or accomplished.”

The new Watia answers the key demands of a modern gravel bike: stable handling, wide tire clearance, and comfort for the long day. The centerpiece is the full 3AL/2.5V titanium frame, each tube selected and cold-worked to deliver targeted ride experience; stiffness where wanted, and comfortable flex and give where needed. A size medium frame weighs 1,565g.

Whether it’s hilly, flat, groomed fireroad or rocky singletrack, the new Watia is fully outfitted for anything your day brings you. Backroad exploration with friends, epic 200-mile race-day escapades, or anything in between, the Watia is ready. With three sets of bottle bosses and ultra-wide tire clearance to fit up to 45mm tires on 700c wheels (or 53mm on 650b wheels), there’s no trail the Watia can’t tame.

Options abound on the Watia, with choice of internal or external cable routing, as well as upgrade options that include a T47 threaded bottom bracket, 650b wheelset options and plenty of storage and fender mounts. The Watia will be available in sizes small through extra large, with extra small to be added to the range.

Features of the Watia include:

• Full 3AL/2.5V titanium frame, meticulously shaped and cold-worked to optimize performance.
• Geometry tailored to deliver a nimble, road-like feel, with the durability and comfort that only titanium can deliver
• Modern tire clearance capability, with clearance up to 45mm on 700c wheels, and 53mm on 650b wheels
• Full internal cable routing for a quiet, clean presentation. An external cable routing option is also available
• Three bottle mounts are standard, allowing for full fueling and storage capacity for long days and big expeditions
• Wheel choice versatility, with 700c or 650b compatibility
• A threaded T47 bottom bracket upgrade option available

The Watia is handcrafted at American Bicycle Group’s 48,000 sq. ft. facility in Chattanooga, Tenn. Its premium build, the Watia GRX Di2 ($5,775) is built with Shimano GRX 810 Di2 and features internal cable routing, with Watia’s most budget-minded build ($3,500) featuring external cable routing and trimmed with a Shimano GRX 400 mechanical groupset. All build options of the Watia can be configured and ordered direct online at Litespeed.com, or special ordered through Litespeed’s global network of specialty retailers.

Like all Litespeed models, the Watia is rider-friendly when it comes to shipping, assembly and mechanical service. When shipped, the bike comes 90% assembled and takes just a few minutes to assemble. All a rider needs is a basic knowledge of bike mechanics and two sizes of Allen wrenches. At the bottom of the Litespeed homepage, there are home bike assembly videos to aid in the process.

High-resolution images for media use can be found within our media kit here.

Page links to each Watia model can be found below:

• Watia Internal Routing
• Watia External Routing
• Watia Frameset Internal Routing
• Watia Frameset External Routing

About American Bicycle Group/Litespeed

Based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, American Bicycle Group (ABG) manufactures three brands of high-performance bikes – Quintana Roo (QR) triathlon and road bikes; Obed carbon all-road, gravel and mountain bikes; and Litespeed (LS) titanium road, gravel and mountain bikes – as well as the HYDRO series of wetsuits and swimskins under the QR brand. In 2017, ABG invested in an expanded manufacturing facility with a paint and assembly line for its bikes, allowing athletes to custom build a bike. Demand was high and the line was expanded in 2018. In 2019, LS was invited to the White House for the 3^rd annual “Made in America” Showcase, representing the state of Tennessee as an American-made product. More information: quintanarootri.com/, obedbikes.com/ and litespeed.com.

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