Dave_Thompson
prophet
Reged: 12/19/03
Posts: 720
Loc: Spokane, Washington
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I've owned a few Ti bikes, Serotta, Merlin and Colnago, all long gone. I'm now looking for another Ti bike to add to my riding pleasure and am considering Litespeed. Everything I've read about them, once you get past the rhetoric, has been good.
I would invite comments by owners, particularly of the Arenberg, Tuscany and Classic models that I am considering buying. What do you like/don't like about your bikes? Would you buy the same one over again? Any warranty issues, and their resolutions?
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Steel lover, but then I like Ti with carbon too.
Licensed bike geek.
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Kahuna
Forum Admin
Reged: 12/11/03
Posts: 162
Loc: Maui, Hawaii
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Dave,
I owned a custom LS Vortex. The bike was drafted by Kirk Pascenti of ABG and was one of the best handling rides I've ever owned although it rode a little on the harsh side. Had known about Topolino wheels at the time, I might still be riding this bike but instead sold it to a guy in CA to make room for another bike.
In general, I have nothing but good things to say about Litespeeds. A friend of mine here on Maui - Donnie is a dealer in fact, wound up selling 40% of the Ghisallo's sold in the US last year which is amazing. He's a Cat 1 who can ride circles around all of us. He rides a `02 Tuscany and never felt the need to get anything else. Litespeed to their credit has re-invented their company and customer support and service are right up there with the best. They're known to honor their lifetime warrantees - I've seen it happen with friends. I think the key to a good experience with them is using a reputable dealer who knows their way around the company. Hope this helps.
Take care,
Gary
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Dave_Thompson
prophet
Reged: 12/19/03
Posts: 720
Loc: Spokane, Washington
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Gary: You keep selling these fabulous bikes that you have. I just wish they were my size.
When I lived in Hawaii, I don't think bicycles were invented yet, so I rode a motorcycle. I remember one trip up and down Haleakala, ooooooh! How I envy you, to be able to do it under your own power.
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Steel lover, but then I like Ti with carbon too.
Licensed bike geek.
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Dave_Thompson
prophet
Reged: 12/19/03
Posts: 720
Loc: Spokane, Washington
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It's the Tuscany or Classic model model that is of most interest to me. I wonder if any are floating around out there for sale?
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Steel lover, but then I like Ti with carbon too.
Licensed bike geek.
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Dave_Thompson
prophet
Reged: 12/19/03
Posts: 720
Loc: Spokane, Washington
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Well, I did it. I pulled the trigger on an '04 Tuscany. It gets shipped to me the middle of next week so at least I'll have something to do until the snow melts. It's my first Litespeed and I'm anxious to compare it to the Serotta and Merlin I've owned.
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Steel lover, but then I like Ti with carbon too.
Licensed bike geek.
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Cranky
new member
Reged: 12/30/03
Posts: 12
Loc: Sausalito, California
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Dave,
Congrats on your first Litespeed! I have a 2003 Vortex, not custom like Kahuna's. It has Ksyrium SSL wheels with a Campy Record triple. I love this bike. It handles very well, quick response, great climber but can be a little harsh on rough roads as Kahuna mentioned.
I had a steel Bianchi Veloce as my first bike so the difference to move up to the Litespeed was astounding as you can imagine. Got the bike last June and have a little over 2500 miles on it, with no problems yet.
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Triman
new member
Reged: 01/23/04
Posts: 17
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Look at my post on the Calfee page. I just got a Vortex, picked it up on Saturday. I did just over 5100 miles on my Calfee Tetra Pro which I got in January of 2003. I only have about 125 miles on my Vortex, but keep looking on this forum and I wil let you know about my experiences.
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Kahuna
Forum Admin
Reged: 12/11/03
Posts: 162
Loc: Maui, Hawaii
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Triman,
I owned a 2003 Vortex for a short while before I sold it. I found the bike to be a fantastic handling machine but not nearly as smooth and compliant as my Calfee Tetra Pro. If you find the Vortex harsh riding, you might want to try using a comfortable set of wheels like Topolino paired with supple tires like Veloflex Pave (22) or Conti GP3000 (23). Stay away from Michelin or Vredestein Fortezza as those tires ride pretty hard and transmit a lot of shock. Also stiff alloy wheels like Mavic Kysriums will only accentuate the harshness. Put the right set of wheels, tires, and your favorite, most comfortable saddle on your Vortex and you should be able to go like hell all day long.
Aloha,
-K
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Dave_Thompson
prophet
Reged: 12/19/03
Posts: 720
Loc: Spokane, Washington
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I'm in the process of removing the components from my Calfee to put on the new Tuscany. Unfortunately I won't be able to ride it for a while. I'm taking the train to San Diego, for a week's mini-vacation and to watch my son graduate from Marine Corps boot camp. And there's still snow and ice on the ground here, which will probably be here well into February.
The shaped down tube and top tube of the Tuscany are sort of sexy. It's interesting to rub my hand over them. Hmmmm, maybe I've been stuck in the house too long!
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Steel lover, but then I like Ti with carbon too.
Licensed bike geek.
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Triman
new member
Reged: 01/23/04
Posts: 17
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Thanks for the suggestion, but I think my wife would prefer that I put up with some harshness rather than get a new set of wheels.
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Triman
new member
Reged: 01/23/04
Posts: 17
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What components will you use to replace those you removed from your Calfee? I just picked up a new Vortex, a 2004, about a week and a half ago. It has the new Dura-Ace components with a 12-25 cassette, Ksyrium SSCs and a Fizik Arione saddle. The new 10 speed is great; it is especially quick in the shifts between the chain rings, much smoother than the 2003 Dura-Ace I run on my Calfee.
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Dave_Thompson
prophet
Reged: 12/19/03
Posts: 720
Loc: Spokane, Washington
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I'm stripping the CALFEE for sale as a frameset (frame, fork & headset), so nothing will be replaced.
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Steel lover, but then I like Ti with carbon too.
Licensed bike geek.
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sawbones
new member
Reged: 12/29/03
Posts: 8
Loc: Kern County, California
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I think Donny is getting a Ghisallo himself soon. The reason he did not get it sooner is the cost. I agree with you, Donny can ride circles around most people. I rode with him last in December 8 weeks ago.
Sawbones
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Dave_Thompson
prophet
Reged: 12/19/03
Posts: 720
Loc: Spokane, Washington
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I finally got my 'new' Tucsany built. Fitted with Dura Ace/Ultegra triple stuff, and I'll put a Brooks (!) saddle on before the season starts. Damn it's a good looking bike! I gotta quit fondling those shaped tubes, my wife is becoming suspicious. I've posted first pics in the Photo Gallery.
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Steel lover, but then I like Ti with carbon too.
Licensed bike geek.
Edited by Dave_Thompson (02/11/04 02:31 AM)
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Nev
captain
Reged: 05/03/04
Posts: 376
Loc: Never where I want to be
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So what's the verdict?
I've had my eye on the Tuscany for some months now.
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Dave_Thompson
prophet
Reged: 12/19/03
Posts: 720
Loc: Spokane, Washington
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The Tuscany was an O.K. bike, better than some, not as good as others. I was quite surprised how 'vanilla' it was, rather lackluster. It fit me well, but other Ti bikes I've owned felt better to me. I've had Serotta, Colnago and Merlin. The Colnago was a noodle and I sold it quickly. The Serotta and Merlin were very good, lively, good handling and felt 'sprightly'. The Tuscany was, well, just O.K. I've sold the Tuscany. I've just purchased a Moots Vamoots Compact frameset and should have it in a week or so.
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Steel lover, but then I like Ti with carbon too.
Licensed bike geek.
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Nev
captain
Reged: 05/03/04
Posts: 376
Loc: Never where I want to be
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WOW! That was a short honeymoon.
I guess the wife is relieved, eh?
I'm disappointed. Your experience doesn't help me. I'm a mountain biker who's going to drop some serious $$ on more road bike than I'm entitled to: selling extra mountain bike + just got bonus + tax refund + selling a bit of annoying stock + a little of my own $$. Haven't even ridden a road bike in a few years. Going to make a one time purchase that will last me years and years and expand my ride time dramatically -- rallies, hours and hours of nothing but pedaling, getting out when the trails are muddy. Always thought LiteSpeed's are the best looking. Good rep. No rational reasons. Like I suggested, I don't deserve this much bike. But I'm going to do it any way, and it will get ridden. Maybe a Vortex? Or where else should I turn?
Quote:
Dave_Thompson wrote:
The Tuscany was an O.K. bike, better than some, not as good as others. I was quite surprised how 'vanilla' it was, rather lackluster. It fit me well, but other Ti bikes I've owned felt better to me. I've had Serotta, Colnago and Merlin. The Colnago was a noodle and I sold it quickly. The Serotta and Merlin were very good, lively, good handling and felt 'sprightly'. The Tuscany was, well, just O.K. I've sold the Tuscany. I've just purchased a Moots Vamoots Compact frameset and should have it in a week or so.
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vaxn8r
contributor
Reged: 12/19/03
Posts: 222
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I seem to recall Kahuna had a very favorable impression of his Vortex, which he sold to get a Legend, which he sold to get a Spectrum (?). I don't know about the details but I remember he really liked the Vortex. Kahuna?
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Dave_Thompson
prophet
Reged: 12/19/03
Posts: 720
Loc: Spokane, Washington
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Nev: Bear in mind that my opinion of the Litespeed is just that; my opinion. There are others out there that love or hate them. Other opinions, unless unanimous, shouldn't dictate your purchases. The fact that the Tuscany didn't light my fire means squat. Ride one yourself and develop your own feelings about it.
Any good road bike will last you for years and years, along with expanding your riding time. There's a ton of more than capable bikes available. But you need to ride every one you can lay your hands on, because there is only one that will light your fire.
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Steel lover, but then I like Ti with carbon too.
Licensed bike geek.
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Nev
captain
Reged: 05/03/04
Posts: 376
Loc: Never where I want to be
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Hmmm...Legend as in this Legend?
http://www.legendbicycles.com/
Wonder why he sold it?
Quote:
vaxn8r wrote:
I seem to recall Kahuna had a very favorable impression of his Vortex, which he sold to get a Legend, which he sold to get a Spectrum (?). I don't know about the details but I remember he really liked the Vortex. Kahuna?
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Dave_Thompson
prophet
Reged: 12/19/03
Posts: 720
Loc: Spokane, Washington
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Quote:
Nev wrote:
Hmmm...Legend as in this Legend?
http://www.legendbicycles.com/
Wonder why he sold it?
No,Legend as in this Legend: http://www.bikefanclub.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=625&password=&sort=1&cat=507&page=1
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Steel lover, but then I like Ti with carbon too.
Licensed bike geek.
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Nev
captain
Reged: 05/03/04
Posts: 376
Loc: Never where I want to be
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Ah...thank you Sir.
Talking model, not brand. See how much catching up I have to do? So any thoughts on how I should spend my good $$$? Posted a fuller query on the General Thread if you're interested.
Quote:
Dave_Thompson wrote:
Quote:
Nev wrote:
Hmmm...Legend as in this Legend?
http://www.legendbicycles.com/
Wonder why he sold it?
No,Legend as in this Legend: http://www.bikefanclub.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=625&password=&sort=1&cat=507&page=1
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Dave_Thompson
prophet
Reged: 12/19/03
Posts: 720
Loc: Spokane, Washington
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I'm a licensed bike geek and an unashamed bike slut! Because life is too short for bad wine or bad bikes, I always have some of each. My previous advice to you; that you ride everything you can plant you butt on, stands. That said, I am a big fan of used. Used because you get a bigger (by about 200%) bang for your buck, and if you make an unwise purchase, it doesn't hurt as much. Unless you get a cutom-made, then all bets are off.
The Litespeed was a good lesson for me. That is, the more hype surrounding something, usually the less substance. Another, reverse example is Serotta. Very low key, and a hell of a good bike. I'm currently in negotiations for a used Legend in my size. I've owned three Serottas and I think Serrota is a brand you should seriously consider. Its owners are fiercely loyal, often owning more than several Serotta brand bikes, which speaks well for the brand. Serottas are often considered 'forever' bikes.
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Steel lover, but then I like Ti with carbon too.
Licensed bike geek.
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Kahuna
Forum Admin
Reged: 12/11/03
Posts: 162
Loc: Maui, Hawaii
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Quote:
vaxn8r wrote:
I seem to recall Kahuna had a very favorable impression of his Vortex, which he sold to get a Legend, which he sold to get a Spectrum (?). I don't know about the details but I remember he really liked the Vortex. Kahuna?
Slight correction - I've owned my Spectrum before either the Litespeed or the Serotta. As for the Vortex, this bike was the bomb in terms of steering and handling, but keep in mind this bike was custom designed by Kirk Pascenti at ABG/Litespeed and wasn't your typical off-the-peg Vortex. Among other things my bike had a front-end geometry that bore no resemblance to the production model.
The downside to my Litespeed was in the vertical compliance department. I found the bike to be was fairly harsh compared to what I'm used to (Spectrum, Serotta, Calfee, & Trek and an assortment of lugged steel frames). A couple of times I got a few jolts through the seat tube that were well... let's just say uncomfortable. I'm sure the ride could have been made a lot smoother with different wheels (e.g. Topolino) and a different saddle however, before I had a chance to experiment, I was presented with an opportunity to get the Serotta Lengend Ti at a discount and sold the Vortex to give it a try.
The Serotta turned out to be another very good bike, but like Dave Thompson's Tuscany experience, it just didn't light my fire quite enough. I couldn't push it to the max for some reason and found myself dumping speed when I should have been pushing for more.
Indeed this proves everyone is different. Many people swear the Serotta is the pinnacle of all bikes and I respect their opinion but it's just that - a personal opinion. As for me, when it comes to titanium, I'm pretty much sold on Tom Kellogg and Spectrum for many reasons. I were to get another (I'm thinking about it) it would more than likely be another Spectrum.
Hope this helps.
-K
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vaxn8r
contributor
Reged: 12/19/03
Posts: 222
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Kahuna, sorry I missed the entire first page of this thread. I hadn't realized you had posted twice already. My post must have been confusing. Sorry...
Back to bikes.
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Mattbikeboy
new member
Reged: 04/05/04
Posts: 6
Loc: Las Vegas
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Okay, I'll pipe in.
I bought a 2004 Tuscany towards the end of last summer and I love it. It is stiff enough for my weight (240lbs) with only a few creaks when I'm pounding away in a sprint or climb. I also haven't owned a round bike since my old schwinn continental in the early '80s. Having been riding only mountain bikes since 1987.
The Tuscany rocks, I test rode everything I could find in my size -- including Cannondale, Trek 5200s, Specialized and Giants. It is a blast to carve down twisty smooth roads and I haven't had any nasty jolts in my backside with it (combination of my weight and the curved seat stays). I definately get more of a jolt from the standard Litespeed fork. I think I'll be upgrading that soon anyway.
I've got over 2000 miles on it and it is a blast to ride.
Build:
59cm 2004 Tuscany
Full Ultegra -- including SPD-SLs
Ksyrium Elites
3t Forgie Xl stem and Bars
Vetta V100 Wireless
Selle San Marco Aspide
I was worried about aluminum frames wearing out quickly with my weight so I went for the new Tuscany frame with the large GET ti tubing. Maybe in the future I'll switch everything over to Campy Record.
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Nev
captain
Reged: 05/03/04
Posts: 376
Loc: Never where I want to be
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Quote:
Mattbikeboy wrote:
Okay, I'll pipe in.
I bought a 2004 Tuscany towards the end of last summer and I love it. It is stiff enough for my weight (240lbs) with only a few creaks when I'm pounding away in a sprint or climb. I also haven't owned a round bike since my old schwinn continental in the early '80s. Having been riding only mountain bikes since 1987.
Mattbikeboy,
Thanks for piping in.
I've been looking at this bike for a very long time. Have gone away and come back to it many times. Your impressions brought me back once again.
If I may impose, below are two reviews, actually one review and one description I hadn't seen before. Like your impressions, both are more reasons this may well be the bike for me. Would you agree with both of these?:
http://www.bikesportmichigan.com/reviews/tuscany03.shtml
and
http://www.competitivecyclist.com/za/CCY?PAGE=PRODUCT&PRODUCT.ID=160
Thanks for you time if you have,
Nev
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Mattbikeboy
new member
Reged: 04/05/04
Posts: 6
Loc: Las Vegas
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Yep, sure would. I really have rediscovered my love for road riding. It is a great all around ride. Several weeks ago I was riding with the fast guys for the first 3/4ths of a metric century (then we hit the hills) and even got to lead for 6 or 7 miles. Anyway I also commute to work on it several days a week and do my morning rides as well. For a mountain biker it is pretty amazing that I'm averaging 80-100 miles a week and sometimes even more if there is an event or something else going on. It definitely is a great all purpose bike. Very fast when I want to be -- but a stable fun ride when I'm just cruising. One of the best things though is the durability (remember I weigh in the 240 neighborhood).
I'm to the point were I have to put some new tires on the thing (my back tire has developed a decidedly flat profile). I even sprung for a new Dura-Ace chain last week.
I'm looking forward to getting away from Vegas this summer and doing some riding in a greener environment.
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Nev
captain
Reged: 05/03/04
Posts: 376
Loc: Never where I want to be
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Quote:
Mattbikeboy wrote:
Yep, sure would. I really have rediscovered my love for road riding. It is a great all around ride. Several weeks ago I was riding with the fast guys for the first 3/4ths of a metric century (then we hit the hills) and even got to lead for 6 or 7 miles. Anyway I also commute to work on it several days a week and do my morning rides as well. For a mountain biker it is pretty amazing that I'm averaging 80-100 miles a week and sometimes even more if there is an event or something else going on. It definitely is a great all purpose bike. Very fast when I want to be -- but a stable fun ride when I'm just cruising. One of the best things though is the durability (remember I weigh in the 240 neighborhood).
I'm to the point were I have to put some new tires on the thing (my back tire has developed a decidedly flat profile). I even sprung for a new Dura-Ace chain last week.
I'm looking forward to getting away from Vegas this summer and doing some riding in a greener environment.
Thank you, Sir.
Turns out I took the plunge on an 02' Vortex. Two separate shops says the Tuscany's are at least a month away -- I guess you're not the only one to know their goodness. Near as I could tell, deciphering the shop BS and all, the 04 Tuscany is very close in frame design and lenghts at the 02 Vortex. They even called Litespeed to get some this info, my 02 vortex is 6-8% stiffer than the 04 tuscany, whatever that means...
In any case, indications suggest I actually came pretty close to the 04 tuscany without the wait. I'm happy. Road one hour this morning. That's it till next week. Heading out for some mountain biking till Monday. Thanks for your postings Matt. Happy roads and trails to you.
Nev
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