Stickney

I am trying to decide between a Litespeed Solano or Tuscany (2005 models). Unfortunately, neither model is available for me to ride, nor is there any other litespeed dealer nearby. My question is, is the enhanced frame tubing shapes of the Tuscany worth the premium over the Solano? Or are the ride qualities quite similar (ie, a enthusiast like myself would never know the difference? Also, is the Solano a pre-2004 Tuscany?

Thanks for any help on this.

rjjasick

I bought a 2005 Solano this year and love it. I was told that the Solano is the 2003 version of the Tuscany. As for ride differences, I can't tell you much about that.

As for details, the Tuscany frame is 88 grams lighter and has a 2.4 cm longer head tube. I think the tubing shape is the same clover leaf but am not sure.

My only complaint is the Supersonic wheels that came on the Solano stock seem to get water inside the deep rims and I had a hard time getting the water out. Granted, the time I rode in the rain with this was a massive downpour.

Stickney

Thanks! I checked out the 2003 Tuscany geometry specs and the 2004 Solano and they differ in head tube lenght much the same as the 2004 Tuscany.

No geometry expert, the longer head tube will theoretically provide a slightly more upright position I guess, not sure if it is enough to make a huge difference though (2 cm though, probably could).

The real design wheels are carbon? May I ask how big of a rider you are? I am a clydesdale (6'2" 240), and will sacrifice a light wheel for a one that is stronger.

RC2

Neither, my vote would go to Moots Vamoots.
https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycling/116804-mmmm-yet-yer-bling-fix-here.html

KirkeIsWaiting

My advice would be don't buy any without riding.
I drove 100 miles to find a dealer and made two visits before finally bringing home the one I had built.
I thought I'd settled on the Firenze until I rode it. Same company but the geometry is much different. Unless your quite sure that you know what you want, I'd say concider your purchase wisely. Get what's exactly right for you. Don't settle.
I'm thrilled with my new ride. I've got the Siena, this geometry worked for me. And I built it with Campy and spec'd, with much research the remaining components.

I think most will agree, the Litespeed is an amazing ride.

watchman

I'll have to agree with Kirke, my litespeed too is an amazing ride.

motomickey

I bought the Firenze, then decided that it wasn't stiff enough, sold it, and went with the Tuscany(04). Amazing ride, and still just as comfortable. I would also have to agree, don't settle. I love the Tuscany. My tuscany came with Krysium Elites, and I just upgraded to a more Clydesdale friendly orion II. Nice difference. Also, I upgraded my forks to EASTON SLs-lighter and nmuch stiffer than the standard forks that come on litespeeds. Not sure if the REAL DESIGNs are better or not.

velocipedio

it also depends on whether it's a standard threadless headset [solano] or an integrated headset [tuscany]. integrated has no external races, and the head tube is consequently a bit longer.

the tuscany is a bit lighter and stiffer than the solano, but they're both great bikes. you really can't go wrong.

gabiker

I'd say get the Tuscany, but only because I ride an 04 and I agree with everyone else it is an amazing ride.

rjjasick

I'm 5'8 185 the wheels are still questionable. My fiance rides them more than me, she's 5'10 180. The front wheel is still true. The back wheel has a bit of a wobble, not much but I'm VERY picky about my wheels being true. The other possibility is that it may have been off when I got it, I didn't check it before hand and I have had one other instance where I got a new wheel that was slightly untrue at purchase. I also had to tighten the thru bolt, I think it's called on the rear hub, it came loose and was causing play on the cassette and bearings. Since I tightened it up things have been very smooth on them.

With the probably 300 miles on them they are a good aero wheel set. I don't have any problem climbing on them as much as you can 'climb' in Minneapolis. They really shine though on Time Trials or riding above 20 MPH as you would expect. Riding them day in and day out though, I think you'd be better off on something else. I have a pair of Ksyriums I use for every day riding and use these wheels to TT. Though my fiance seems to grab them and put them on her bike all the time when I'm not looking. She loves them.

Stickney

All,

Thanks for the help. I have test ridden everything in my size that I could get my hands on, I just haven't gotten my hands on these bikes -- so the responses have helped validate what I was thinking.

The local bike shop will order this bike for me, so the components will be based on my measurements, it certainly won't be custom, but not off the rack either -- which helps ease my fears about not riding it (not entirely but . . .). They guarantee fit as well (though if that means they would send back a frame for a different size, or just keep changing stems, bars, cranks and seat posts i am not certain).

Does anyone know if the 2005 Solano, shown with a yellow paint job, changes in price if you choose just to get it with brushed ti?

Again, Thanks, will keep you posted on my decision.

motomickey

You might want to check with preownedbikes.com if you want to save some money-also, with the model year coming up, 05 stuff may be on there more and more. Preownedbikes.com is owned by ABG, who is the parent company for Litespeed, Merlin, Quintana roo, and tomac.

velocipedio

the brushed finish is the same price as the painted finish.