AEsco48

Yes i am relatively new to cycling....my current bike needs to be upgrade (1983 Schwinn , rigged with a 10sp cassette, and wheels that are not round)....in the near future im going to get a Litespeed Vortex with the Record Group....i fully understand that the bike is great how it comes from the factory...and i know that the biggest improvement i can make to my riding is the engine.....working on that part

But i am just curious what components would you guys would switch out....and why/what are the benefits...also a good way for a newbie to learn whats good, better and why

The only thing i have planned so far is to get a set of Ti Speedplay Zeros, and Zero Gravity Calipers (ill admit it...engineering bling), and ill probably switch out the saddle to one with a central cut out....oh and im looking or the best handle bar that has the optimal cable housing routing to eliminate or lessen the ridge created by the cable housing under the rubber hood flaps...or keep the one it brings...

Here is what the Vortex comes with according to Litespeed

Campagnolo Record 10s
Handlebar: ITM Millenium Wing
Stem ITM Millenium 4-Ever
Grips / Bar Tape Cinelli Cork
Saddle fi'zi:k Arione
Seatpost Real Design Carbon
FD Record
RD Record
Shifters Record
Cranks Record 39/53 (non carbon)
BB Record
Cassette Record 12\25 (not sure if its the Ti)
Chain Record (not sure if its the Ultra)
Calipers Record
Wheel set Ksyrium SL
Tires Rubino Pro Slick

Here is a pic of the bike https://www.litespeed.com/images/2005/lg/vortex.jpg
And here is a link to the specs https://www.litespeed.com/bikes/2005/...ts.aspx?k=road


Thanks guys...i hope you guys dont take this post as a Fiji Cyclist type post....i really do want to learn

John H.

I would re-wrap the handlebars with Deda tape.

roadbuzz

Saddles are a personal thing, but I'd have to replace the Arione with an Alliante'.

my58vw

That bike in the photo has dura ace on it... keep it that way... j/k

That is one hot bike... a little over my budget (expecially after spending 4.2k on a tt bike) but... here are some things you may consider if you are a true "weight weenie".

Aluminum Handlebars and stem go to carbon if you want to vibration dampening. You will not save much weight but looking that you want zero gravity brakes then a little bit here and there will make a difference. There are lighter forks out there... such as the easton SLX EC-90 fork at 330 grams (that is 100 grams lighter). You may want to look at a little better tire (like the vitoria open corso CX's).

That is one awsome bike and it would be fine stock, more than I could ask for it I wanted campy...

AEsco48

Thats it?

simplyred

Yeah man,
Nothing else

Record is ELITE. Nothing is better... and personally... if you're new to cycling.. your body is going to be spoiled by Record. There's absolutely NOTHING [drivetrain-wise] you need to worry about... a Ti bike w/ Record... dang... You better be Tour material... J/K ^^

But seriously, you should ride a Vortex to see if you like the geometry.
Don't buy Ti, CF, Al, or Steel until you know which one you like...
Take as many test rides as you need... looks like you're willing to put the money up, so might as well get what's best for you.

And yes, you do sound like Fuji_cyclist...
Just buy the bike, pedals.... ride first... THEN decide what you want to swap out... if you're completely happy stock, why waste money?

Bruco

You're looking at a whole lotta bike. Make sure you get it properly fitted and then ... ride it. If you're bitten by the upgrade bug even before you ride it, you should either consider another bike (more to your liking), or forget about it altogether. I don't think you would be easily satisfied.

khuon

Upgrade your experience first. Once that's done, you'll know exactly what you'll want/need to upgrade on the bike. It's hard to tell what's lacking if you don't have any experience with what you've got. Ride the bike for a while and then you'll figure which direction to head.

AEsco48

The only reason i asked is to learn about other components maybe not made by either Campy or Shimano.....this massage board has helped me learn a lot about the industry...

like i would have liked if some one said....th lightest cranks in the world are mode by XXXX brand and they are 200 grams lighter then DA....thing like that...just so that i am aware of these other not so popular products....mind you i just started to work a t a LBS so all this knowledge helps...

but yea i do not have any plans to upgrade the bike for a very long time.....