In a series of more in-depth posts I’ll be putting the spotlight on the bikes that make up each specific model category. We’ll start with the Lithium range of inner city bruisers…

The flagship Lithium Four (£499.99srp) has an enviable spec including Tektro Auriga SUB 160mm hydraulic brakes front and rear (with colour co-ordinated white hoses, I might add!) for supreme braking power

One thing emphasized in the original post was the minimal use of graphics ultized right across the new range. One panel-type section of graphic is situated on the downtube of each bike in the range and includes all the relevant information like model, size and frame material.

Simple, clean and uncluttered - one simple downtube graphic panel

The downtube graphic is rather cleverly completed with a print effect panel on the underside of the tube, designed to emulate each model category’s raw microstructure. Lithium belongs to the metal family and is therefore quite uniform in appearance. It all sounds a little complex but the basic premise is that all graphics stem back to the periodic table of elements theme.

The addition of downtube crud catchers bosses across all models are a nice bonus given the average UK weather conditions

This uncluttered, pared back look is complemented with block colours used throughout the range and x2 every subtle and diminutive model name logos situated on the bottom of the fork legs and to the rear, near the dropouts

Integrated headset used throughout the range adds to the clean looks

Unlike the Neon, the main aim for the Lithium was comfort without sacrificing efficiency too much. We achieved this built-in comfort through using some nice mtb-inspired geometry for a more upright riding position, springy, skinny tapered steel forks and  chunky 38c Kenda KWest tyres to help smooth out the ride. We opted for 700c wheels as opposed to 26” to keep things rolling quickly. A hybrid in the true sense of the word, the Lithium is perfect for city commuting duties or weekend jaunts along the canal towpath.

Lithium Two - £359.99srp

The forks used throughout the range (with the exception of the Lithium Four which gets an all-alloy upgrade to help drop weight) are skinny tapered Cro-Mo items. These should help in producing a springy ride quality, smoothing out bumps and undulations in the way that only steel can

For an additional £60 over the Lithium Two the Lithium Three offers an additional gear on the back (up to 8sp) and a nice upgrade in the form of Tektro Novelo 160mm cable-pull disc brakes for confidence-inspiring braking in all weather conditions

Lithium Three - £419.99srp

The disc-equipped Lithium models (Three & Four) get nice aesthetic touches in the form of an all-black anodized Alex G6000 rim on the Lithium Three, which match the black components and help give an overall stealth look, whilst the Lithium Four gets stylish white powder-coated rims which offset the matt teal green frame colour nicely.

The forks used throughout the range (with the exception of the Lithium Four which gets an all-alloy upgrade to help drop weight) are skinny tapered Cro-Mo items. These should help in producing a springy ride quality, smoothing out bumps and undulations in the way that only steel can.

All-white powdercoated Alex G6000 semi-aero 30mm rim on the flagship Lithium Four.

A women’s specific model is available on the Lithium One, Two and Three. These feature identical specs to the men’s model but feature a low-slung toptube for increased standover clearance, compact frame geometry, proportionally shorter crankarm & stem lengths, narrower handlebars and female-specific saddles to help make them as accessible and comfortable for female rides as possible. We’ve also tried hard not to make them too feminine or patronizing – so you’ll find them painted the gloss equivalent of the men’s matt colours.

At first glance the women's models don't look to differ too much to the men's, but on closer inspection there's quite a bit going on

Lithium Four - £499.99srp

The flagship Lithium Four (£499.99srp) has an enviable spec including Tektro Auriga SUB 160mm hydraulic brakes front and rear (with colour co-ordinated white hoses, I might add!) for supreme braking power