Originally Posted by gabiker
I recently ordered a Litespeed Solano, because it has a ride like steel only stiffer and more responsive
A good Ti or Steel bike will last you a lifetime, but the verdict on carbon frames as far as longevity is still out, but it is a very smooth ride as well.
Solano-great choice!
bikebean,
Let me say that carbon can dampen vibration but it can still be harsh and stiff.
It also can be numb or dead feeling compared to titanium and steel. By that I mean it has no feel, no feedback.
Carbon does have a longer life than aluminum (the shortest life) but not as long as titanium. It is more fragile too, however a good carbon bike can be a wonderful thing.
Beyond those factors, I would look at how long a company stands behind their product (warranty). Especially if this is a stretch or max. of your budget- you want assurances in the worst case or the unlikely case of bad quality control.
If you are looking for Litespeeds at shops, maybe they have a floor model in your size at discount. The Firenze is hot right now so it might be hard to find one just sitting around- however, they might have another one that they can make a great deal on.
good luck