CANFIELD LITHIUM - FRAME INFO AND BUILD NOTES

Canfield Bikes - Lithium

The Lithium is Canfield’s long-travel 29er platform built around the patented Canfield Balance Formula™ suspension — a dual-link system tuned to deliver consistent performance through the full range of travel. The frame is engineered to offer confident stability on descents while still feeling composed and capable across varied terrain thanks to thoughtful geometry and suspension tuning.

Lithium frames feature internal cable routing, a forged clamshell bottom bracket assembly, one-piece upper and lower links, and a redesigned rear triangle for strength and durability. They’re designed to accommodate 29″ wheels with generous tire clearance, Boost rear spacing, and a host of build-friendly features like ISCG ‘05 tabs and threaded bottom bracket.

Whether you’re building a robust trail machine or a long-travel rig for serious bike-park laps and backcountry adventures, this page consolidates frame specs, geometry, compatibility details, and other important information you’ll need for your Lithium.

Lithium V3 — Frame Info & Updates

The Lithium V3 introduces an updated rear triangle and dropout system designed to support modern drivetrains, increased adjustability, and long-term compatibility — while retaining the ride characteristics that define the Lithium platform.

What’s New on Lithium V3

• Updated rear triangle design

• UDH-compatible dropout system (supports SRAM Transmission)

• Mullet-ready via dropout adjustment (29” or 27.5” rear wheel)
  (No change to geometry when adjusting rear wheel size)

• Adjustable chainstay length via flip chip

• Revised dropout and brake mount interface
  

Lithium V3 — Core Frame Features

(Also applies to earlier Lithium versions unless otherwise noted)

• Canfield Balance Formula™ dual-link suspension

• 165mm rear travel (230×65mm shock)

• Internal cable routing with multiple opening options

• Forged clamshell bottom bracket assembly

• One-piece upper and lower suspension links

• 73mm threaded BSA bottom bracket
  

• Tapered 44mm/56mm headtube
  

• Replaceable ISCG ’05 chain guide tabs

• Boost rear spacing (158 rear hub spacing with 52mm chain line)

• Designed for air or coil shocks
  

• Seattube 35OD, Seatpost 30.9
  

 

Component	Status	Notes
Rear Axle	✅	148×12 Boost
UDH / SRAM Transmission	✅	Requires Lithium V3 dropouts
Mullet Setup	✅	27.5” rear wheel via dropout adjustment
Adjustable Chainstay Length	✅	Flip chip with two positions per wheel size (±7mm)
Brake Mount	✅	Post mount 180 (220mm rotor compatible)
Shock Size	✅	230×65 (same as previous Lithium)
Bottom Bracket	✅	BSA 73mm threaded
Seatpost Diameter	✅	30.9mm
Seat Clamp	✅	35mm
Head Tube	✅	44 upper / 56 lower

 

Lithium V3 Torque Settings

Location	Torque
Suspension Pivot Bolts (M6)	24 Nm
Flip Chip Pinch Clamp Bolt (M5)	6 Nm
UDH Hanger (counter-clockwise, M8)	25 Nm
UDH Hanger Stop Bolt (M4)	6 Nm
Brake Mount Bolts (M4)	8 Nm
Dropout Attachment Bolts (M5)	16 Nm
Rear Axle (M6)	9–13 Nm
Shock Bolts (M5)	8 Nm
Cable Port Screw (M2)	2 Nm

 

What’s Included (Frame Only)

• Lithium V3 front triangle

• Lithium V3 rear triangle

• Links and pivot hardware

• Rear axle

• UDH hanger

• Dropouts, brake mount, and related hardware

• Seat clamp

• Chainstay protector

Rear shock is not included unless otherwise specified.

Build Notes

• Check torque on all pivot, dropout, brake mount, and shock bolts before the initial build

• Re-check all bolts after the first few rides

• Continue periodic bolt checks as part of regular maintenance

Always use a calibrated torque wrench and follow the specifications above.

How do I tighten my rear axle?

Lithium V1/V2
To tighten the rear axle on your Canfield Lithium frame, simply loosen the pinch bolt on the non-drive side drop out, then tighten the main axle hand tight. Last step is to lightly tighten the pinch bolt to torque.

Lithium V3
Simply put your wheel in, slide the axle in, and tighten to the torque spec.

What are the torque specs for Canfield frame pivot bolts? 

Most suspension pivot points on Canfield frames incorporate bolts that mechanically thread in and the shoulders press into place. The result is a VERY positive interface that rarely comes loose. Because of this, the bolt does not solely rely on threads for engagement. The "shoulder" of the bolt is part of the connection to the frame. Starting with a clean bolt, we recommend a small amount of thread-locker on the threads, and light grease on the bolt itself. 

Recommended Torque Specs for Full Suspension Frames (if clean and well greased):

Lithium V1/V2
• Main Pivots = 24 Nm
• Rear Axle = 9-13 Nm
• Shock bolts = 8 Nm
• Pinch Clamp =10 Nm (Lithium V1/V2 only)
• Replaceable Dropout bolts = 4 Nm (Lithium V1/V2 only)