Triman
new member
Reged: 01/23/04
Posts: 16
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Life just got better.
I just got a Litespeed Vortex (55cm) with Dura-Ace 10 speed (12-25), Fizik Arione, and Ksyrium SSC wheels as a second bike.
I have a Tetra Pro (54cm) with Dura Ace 9 speed (11-21) and the same wheels and saddle.
I'll let you know the differences as I ride the Litespeed more. The top tube of the Litespeed is longer than the Calfee's. The Calfee feels definitely stiffer than the Litespeed, especially going over brick roads. Subjectively, it feels like it accelerates quicker too, and I think it climbs hills better, the different gearing notwithstanding. Again, subjectively the Litespeed has a more compliant ride and is easier to ride one-handed or hands-free.
I will be doing some Crits in the next few weeks so I will have a chance to compare the two over the same course. But, as I tell my ride buddies, life is good facing the decision of which bike I ride.
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Rebecca_Smith
new member
Reged: 12/24/03
Posts: 21
Loc: Pacific Northwest
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Why a Litespeed when you already have a Calfee?
B.
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Kahuna
Forum Admin
Reged: 12/11/03
Posts: 162
Loc: Maui, Hawaii
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I found somewhat the opposite to be true. My 2003 Litespeed Vortex was less vertically complaint yet not as stiff or responsive as my Tetra Pro. That is to say the Calfee accellerated faster, and was more comfortable to ride over rough roads. The edge the Vortex had was in the handling department - but that was thanks to Kirk Pascenti of ABG/Litespeed who custom designed the geomety to provide an almost magical handling quality. The Calfee was very close however. Of course all of this is subjective and no doubt you may assess things differently. Either way congrats on your two fine bikes and wishing you great results in your racing this season.
-K
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Triman
new member
Reged: 01/23/04
Posts: 16
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I gave my backup bike, a Giant TCR 2, to my daughter who is 11 and started riding last fall. I needed a second bike. Given the price point of a Litespeed, it is not really a backup bike--in the sense of being a less expensive fallback ride. I wanted to try a bike that had an entirely different feel than my Calfee (and I didn't want to go back to an aluminum frame), and I test rode alot of titanium frames over the last few months: Merlin, Serotta and Litespeed. The Vortex fit and felt the best.
Although I competed in my first 7 tri's last year, at this point in time I am more comfortable riding with a road bike set up. Both are set up as road bikes with no aero wheels or bars, but there is a 10 degree rise on the stem of my Calfee.
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