14max

Okay, at the behest of a few members (you know who you are) I test rode a Litespeed today. Specifically, I tested both a Teramo and a Classic. The Dura Ace equipped Teramo was in my size (59) while the Ultegra equipped Classic was a 57cm. What I thought was most interesting was that even though the Teramo was the right size and had the nicer components I liked the look/feel of the Classic more. It was a bit more compliant and felt more like the steel bikes I love.

Short story even shorter, I've decided to order one. As a matter of fact, I have one on order (pending component confirmation from Litespeed). I went with a 2005 Solano which has a nicer frame, full Ultegra, and a decent wheelset (Real Design). The price ($2k) was okay by me, too. Looking forward to this new ride...

BeeTL

The Solano is a beautiful bike. I like the polished Ti.

Ultegra 9 or 10?

If I remember correctly, Colorado Cyclist had these a year ago as their year end special like the Firenze in 2006.

Please don't let me know if they have one in a 49...

14max

It is brushed Ti and Ultegra 10 and, as far as I know, it's the only 59cm they have left in stock. As for 49cm I will ask tomorrow when I confirm the specs (bar width, stem length, crankarm length). It's the least I could do for you, BeeTL...

slvoid

Excellent..... *tears*

After so many weeks of watching you bounce from material to material like a pinball, it's finally good to see you've come back around and made the right choice. Now isn't this better than going to your grave never knowing the joy of Ti?

Looks like even though you couldn't get the 2004 firenze in full ultegra, you got the 2005 solano, which is pretty much full ultegra.

NealH

Great score. Litespeed is a fine machine and, the Classic is, well...a classic.

14max

I knew you'd be moved but I didn't expect the tears.

I'm just glad that I set my budget. I would've walked out with a Dura Ace Tuscany today...

14max

That Firenze was a steal at $1700 even if it was a triple and 9 speed. I am glad I was able to get a nicer bike with better components and wheelset for only $300 more...

fmw

I'm here. Congratulations. No doubt in my mind you'll love the bike. Here's a shot of mine. It has a Campy Record group and Ksyrium SL wheels. It is 16 lbs. of riding pleasure. Be sure to post some images when you get it.

14max

Your Firenze kicks butt. I will definitely post pics when it arrives...

tourist

Wise move. You'd have been kicking yourself over the LeMond, not a bad bike just not a Ti roadie.

14max

I know it. While the LeMond is nice it's not what I was really looking for. It's really kind of strange how I've evolved since joining the forums. I started out with aluminum racing (Cannondale CAAD7), sold it and bought traditional lugged steel (Rivendell Romulus), sold that and bought lighter weight racing lugged steel (Cinelli Supercorsa), only to want to go even lighter and more exotic with titanium. I hope this is my last bike for a long time...

slvoid

Say it... say I was right.

Watch in 6 months, "Guys, what kind of carbon bike do you recommend?"

tourist

LOL!!

daytonian

Welcome to the dark side.

slvoid

It's actually more of a greyish color.

BeeTL

I've got to say that the Ti thing has a certain appeal.

I expect to put several thousand miles on my steelie before it gives up the ghost for Ti, but I can still think about it.

A welded frame just 'makes sense' to me. Carbon, on the other hand, feels 'unnatural' as a material for bike frames. It just seems doomed to fail at all the composite/metal joints.

sshakari

Great choice on the Litespeed. I realy like my 2005 Teramo as it is a great ride. Here is a couple of pics:

C_Heath

Beautiful bikes, the salano is my Fav. I think I got that right.

I want to do a full build, Id love for it to be a Litespeed, mounted up on some Ksyrium ES wheels, man, that would look great.

gm1230126

Have three Ti's and two more on the way. You can't go wrong with Ti. Have had one other steel frame bike since 1991 and recently sold that. Here's the one I just completed building.

CycleFreakLS

Congrats! Enjoy the ride ... and welcome to the club!

classic1

Thanks babe. I love you too.

HAMMER MAN

outstandings! money well spent

14max

You were right.

I'll buy carbon next year...maybe. I love the lightness but I'm not convinced of the longevity (in spite of Viper's Trek 5000 lasting 17 years).

14max

"Long time" is very subjective...

14max

It's weird but welded titanium is okay by me but welded steel isn't. I prefer lugs when using steel. And like you said, carbon feels foreign. I took a couple of carbon bikes out for test rides recently and came back with a sense of not really knowing what to think of the ride...