Litespeed Classic vs. Tuscany
Brian DeSousa
bikes seem to have changed enough to warrant asking again...
Anyway, I'm having trouble deciding between a Litespeed Classic or
Tuscany. Both have the geometry I want for long, slow rides. Also,
according to the Litespeed website, both will accommodate a triple
crank.
My particular problem is that I would need a 63cm frame (I'm 6'2", 170
pounds), which would require a custom build for the Tuscany, but it's
an off the shelf size for a Classic.
I don't like the integrated headset on the Tuscany, but that wouldn't
be an issue since I'd be going custom - I'd have them put a
conventional headset instead.
So other than real minor differences in geometry, it looks like it
boils down to curved (Tuscany) vs. non-curved (Classic) seat stays.
My LBS doesn't stock the Classic because more people for the Tuscany
because it's supposedly a more comfortable ride (in part due to the
curved seat stays offering more shock absorption). I would value the
extra comfort - but is the difference really noticeable?
Thanks,
Brian DeSousa
Orange, California
Brillig
news:d5059e89.02032...@posting.google.com:
> My particular problem is that I would need a 63cm frame (I'm 6'2", 170
> pounds),
63 cm seems pretty big for someone 6'2".
~
Brillig
Change yipee to yahoo to reply
Mike Jacoubowsky
Depends upon how it's measured (might be center to top, or even center to
top of seat collar, which yields a much smaller actual frame for the same
numerical measurement than does a center to center measurement) and also
what the top tube length is. If the top tube is relatively short, then
someone 6'2 with somewhat shorter arms & torso might fit it nicely.
Or, it could be pretty big for someone 6'2".
--Mike--
Chain Reaction Bicycles
http://www.ChainReaction.com
"Brillig" <MWille...@yipee.com> wrote in message
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Steve Yeatts
Steve
Charlie C.
news:d5059e89.02032...@posting.google.com:
'd have them put a
> conventional headset instead.
>
> So other than real minor differences in geometry, it looks like it
> boils down to curved (Tuscany) vs. non-curved (Classic) seat stays.
> My LBS doesn't stock the Classic because more people for the Tuscany
> because it's supposedly a more comfortable ride (in part due to the
> curved seat stays offering more shock absorption). I would value the
> extra comfort - but is the difference really noticeable?
I bought a Litespeed Classic over a Tuscany mostly because I thought the
Classic looked better. : ) I don't like those curved seat stays very much!
The way it's touted is that the Tuscany is a more economical version of the
vortex - it's a good, stiff, quick-handling bike. The Classic is the better
frame for long-distance riding. Of course, that info and a quarter will buy
you a cup of coffee (come to think of it... it won't even buy the coffee).
Obviously the best thing to do is ride both of them (even if you have to
visit a couple of stores). Other then that they are both great frames and
you will certainly enjoy whatever one you buy.
Charlie
A Muzi
news:d5059e89.02032...@posting.google.com...
I have no opinion on your main question but any difference among seatstays -
curved, aero, carbon or whatever - is purely psychological driven by
advertising.
They are a pair of closed triangles. It does not matter.
Sky Yaeger of Bianchi, showing her famous cynicism, put a carbon wrapper on
a chainstay a year or two ago. Of course the reviewers raved over the
"improved handling". Yeah right. Like wallpaper "strengthens"walls.
--
Andrew Muzi
http://www.yellowjersey.org
Open every day since 1 April 1971
Brian DeSousa
> news:d5059e89.02032...@posting.google.com:
>
> > My particular problem is that I would need a 63cm frame (I'm 6'2", 170
> > pounds),
Brillig <MWille...@yipee.com> wrote in message news:<3ca0f31c$0$3767$8e9e...@news.atx.net>...
> 63 cm seems pretty big for someone 6'2".
Litespeed measures it 63cm C/T. My current road bike is 60cm C/C,
which works out to 61.5cm C/T. Plus the Litespeed has a 72 degree
seat tube angle, while the angle on my current bike is 74 degrees.
Here's a pic of my road bike (sorry I forgot to take the seat bag
off):
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/briandesousa/files/mybike.jpg
When I was using Looks I had the seat post all the way out to the
minimum insertion line. The post is about 1cm lower now that I'm
using Speedplays.
If I were a racer I'd get the 61cm, but for the kind of riding I do, I
think I'd like the 63cm better.
Brian
Mark Hickey
>I have no opinion on your main question but any difference among seatstays -
>curved, aero, carbon or whatever - is purely psychological driven by
>advertising.
>They are a pair of closed triangles. It does not matter.
Andrew (as usual) is dead on. Try to compress a pair of those curved
stays, and you'll see that you'll blow the tire and wreck the rim
before you get any real deflection out of it.
People ask me all the time what the advantages of my S-stays are over
my straight stays. I always tell them that other than a bit of extra
heel clearance, some people think they look sexy.
>Sky Yaeger of Bianchi, showing her famous cynicism, put a carbon wrapper on
>a chainstay a year or two ago. Of course the reviewers raved over the
>"improved handling". Yeah right. Like wallpaper "strengthens"walls.
Beautiful! I should put an "ALUMINUM" decal on some of my bikes and
see if test riders complain about the ride quality.
Mark Hickey
Habanero Cycles
http://www.habcycles.com
Home of the $695 ti frame
Patrick Lamb
>
> >Sky Yaeger of Bianchi, showing her famous cynicism, put a carbon wrapper on
> >a chainstay a year or two ago. Of course the reviewers raved over the
> >"improved handling". Yeah right. Like wallpaper "strengthens"walls.
>
> Beautiful! I should put an "ALUMINUM" decal on some of my bikes and
> see if test riders complain about the ride quality.
Isn't that what Litespeed has done?
(gd&r)
Pat
--
Correct email address like pdlamb 'round-about comcast point net.
Cloubike
riding buddy has a Classic. The chainstays are a little shorter on the Tuscany,
but only by a few mm. Otherwise, other than the curved stays (which I don't
really think do much), the bikes have identical geometry. The Tuscany is a
little sharper - handling and might marginally be the better bike for
criteriums, the longer wheelbase might marginally make the Classic better for
all-day rides. In reality, these are hypothetical - both are fine bikes. Over
the last few years, some of the little niceties justifying the Classic's
greater cost (braze on FD, integrated seat collar) have disappeared, so I don't
really understand the cost difference on the current models.
I echo what others are saying about size - I'm 6'1" with long legs and a 59
fits me like a glove - have a friend measure you carefully (check out
Serotta.com or coloradocyclist.com) or better yet get fit for the bike at a
good shop before you commit to the 63. BTW, I love my Tuscany, but by the time
you pay for custom geometry on it, you'll be near the same price point as some
much more desireable customs.Check out Habanero for another fine ti builder
(who can do custom much cheaper than Litespeed).
Lou D'Amelio
Gary Mishler
custom route goes is that Litespeed is much more expensive (~ $450) for a
custom frame compared to others. Also, some LBS's will tell you that
Litespeed is very slow in delivering custom frames.
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