DasProfezzional

I don't generally frequent the road bike forum (too much carbon,) but I figure I'll ask if anybody's got any experience with Litespeed Siena's.

I'm just about to graduate, and since I'm going to college in Canada (many fewer bills for tuition,) my parents offered to buy me a new frame/fork. I've already got a pretty good setup on my aluminum Jamis ('06 Centaur, FSA SLK carbon c-set (to be sold,) and FSA cockpit components,) so that's no concern, and though I'm gonna end up buying some new stuff with the money from selling it, I want to keep my frame/fork/headset (King, of course,) price around $2200, with my employee discount included.

I can probably get a deal on Litespeed stuff, since QBP deals them, but I'm wondering what kind of bike it is. I know I want titanium, because I'm not impressed by carbon's long-term prospects. But I'm not too sure what to make of the Siena, or really any bike on the Litespeed line. My ride priorities, in descending order, are:

1. Bulletproof
2. Stiff
3. Comfortable (still important, but, you know, least of the three.)

To give y'alls a little perspective on the bike I imagine, it will have the aforementioned kit, plus a Chorus Ultra-T crank (the SLK's a be-hatch,) and Record hubs laced 32 spoke 3-cross (back AND front) to DT rims. Again, something that I could race (on my sexy college varsity team,) but more importantly, something that wouldn't flake out after dropping off a few curbs. Thanks for the input.

daytonian

Tuscany owner here. Awsome bikes that you can race on and not worry about durability.

Ramjm_2000

The Sienna is my favorite Litespeed model. It's also the choice of their professional team as it's designed to be their best all around bike. From everything I've read the Ghilsalo is their ww/hill climb machine and ther Vortex their stage racer. The Sienna is supposedly stiffer in the BB while still being compliant. If I were shopping for a Litespeed, the Sienna would probably be it (well they do have a new model Archon??out that's supposed to be the best of the Ghilsalo, Vortex and Sienna combined so I'd have to consider that one as well).

VeganRider

As far as bulletproof, I got hit head on this winter on a Litespeed ti. My 30mph + and her 10 or 15 mph = destroying: handlebar, stem, computer, shift levers, light, both water bottle cages (must have been when I splattered against the grill of the car), tore my Look cleats apart; frame? 4 years old and still like the day I bought it. I really love that bike.

DasProfezzional

Thankee much for the input. I don't suppose anybody could speak to the price of one of those babies? It's just a phone call away, I know, but I figure if I need to be checking out other options, I should start now.

And how about ride quality? Some people seem to make a big fuss about that 6/4 versus 3/2.5 distinction. Are they just silly folks?

Ramjm_2000

Here is the not so great part, I think the Sieena retails around $2700. It's a great bike for sure but at that price I'd much rather go with a custom Carl Strong or House Blend Lynskey L3. The L3 in particular is just an awesome deal (around $2500 if I recall). As for 6/4 vs. 3/2.5 most 6/4 bikes only have 1 or 2 6/4 tubes in the front triangle anyway (to shave a bit of weight). There are some exceptions but those that do use 3/2.5 in the rear triangle for it's ride characteristics. Lynskey has made someone on this forum a sub 1000gm custom L3 that is supposedly rather stiff so light 3/2.5 is definately doable. IMO 3/2.5 is more than adequate in the weight dept and it rides like a dream. My Lynskey Custom L3 weighed in right at 1140gms for the frame.

crdean1

Love my Siena. I have been riding it for about a month now, and I have no compaints. I love the frame, it rides great and is also light. I bought it because I wanted the long term dependability of ti. The only thing I will be doing to the bike is changing the wheels to Ksyrium ES because the Real Design Ultra -
Fly wheels aren't stiff enough... I weigh 190, and am about 6'0. I ride a ML. Any specific questions or pics? Just let me know and I would be happy to help out.

DasProfezzional

Got one. How much did you buy it for? If you don't mind me asking. For the frame or for the whole kit, all I'm looking for is a ballpark figure, since there's going to end up being a whole bunch of price monkey business anyways.

And by the way Ramjm, that's a fantastic looking cycle.

crdean1

I bought mine as a demo from the LBS (I got a very good deal for a bike that has been ridden a handful of times). The one next to it, which had not been ridden but had all of the same specs, was on sale for $4100 with full Ultegra and Ksyrium Equipe wheels. I think you can find a 2006 on the net for about $3500 w/ Ultegra, and as I understand it, the frame for 2006 is the exact frame for 2007.

Edit: Looks like you just need frame/fork, which usually retails for about $2700 by itself. You might be able to find a 2006 for a little less, even though there is no difference.

Edit 2: $1599 for frame/no fork https://www.coloradocyclist.com/commo...277&TextMode=0

Ramjm_2000

Daz,

Thanks. I forgot that colorado cyclist is blowing out their litespeeds, I'd jump on the deal crdean linked for sure!

brians647

I have the 2006 Siena and love it. From what I've read, the 3/2.5 ti is the way to go. Read the tech section over at Seven's site. I think that all they use is 3/2.5 on their bikes, and they make a very good technical argument as to why. Good luck!

DasProfezzional

Jesus Chresus! I don't even think my employee discount can do better than that. I'm a gonna make some measurements, then make a decision. I'll let you know, thanks a lot!

Edit: Alas, it appears I am too late. No mo'!

DasProfezzional

I bought a Tuscany! Anybody here? Ha! $1600 from Colorado Cyclist. Sucker's just like the Siena, but with a traditional geometry, which I like better anyways. I'll post some pictures in June, when it's built up, and done!

crdean1

Congrats on the bike, can't wait to see pictures!

bigtea

I got my 2008 Litespeed Siena 3 weeks ago, replacing my 2004 Litespeed Firenze that was totaled when a car hit me last fall. I'm 58, six feet tall, and weigh 220 pounds. Buying another titanium bike wasn't a difficult decision for me. Carbon is a disposable material with great appeal for mass production companies seeking customers who replace their equipment every couple of years. Titanium can last a lifetime and appeals to customers who seek comfort, durability, and beautiful craftsmanship. An extra four ounces of weight is meaningless to anyone but pros and obsessive amateurs. If an extra hundred grams bother you, leave one of your water bottles behind. How's the ride? It's exquisite, thank you.

dcbikeguy

Here's mine. Just over $5K with all the bells and whistles. Love it. Don't race, but it was pretty comfy on a century last fall.

zencadance

Wondering if yours came with the easton fork?Have thought about changing the real design fork I got with mine for the easton,but I'm just changing for nothing?

dcbikeguy

Mine was an upgrade at time of purchase. Chances are you wouldn't notice the difference. You can always upgrade later - probably pick up one for cheap somewhere if you take your time.

markfosterTT

ZenCadence
I love the Siena. I started off with an 02 and now have the 07. Unfortunately, the 08 has a longer head tube that would suit me better, but it was a deal I couldn't pass up. I would show a picture, but the build is almost exactly as dcbikeguys - except I have KsyriumSLs.

About the fork, I would recommend the Reynolds Ouzo Pro for that bike. The bike is know for an occasional high speed twitch/wobble, something that is a bit un-nerving. I have experienced it with both the stock RealDesign and the Easton SLX forks.

If you want to upgrade, go with the Reynolds. I haven't had any problems with it.

KirkeIsWaiting

geez! just buy mine!
what size do you need?

it's a great bike, built it 2 yrs ago, it's campy, campy ergo wheels..
ride is smooth, responsive just as you'd expect.
But I have to tell you, it's the geometry I still don't like... I mean the LOOK of it.
I shouldn't complain but I just can't seem to get past that.
And my next bike is in the works...

woodboy

The Stoli Vanilla?

bigtea

I pondered the upgrade too, but came to realize that it would have marginal (if any) benefit for me. I'm fifty eight and ride for fitness and fun. My performance metrics aren't going to stress the Real Design forks. On the positive side, the front end comfort of my Siena is superb. I have a Ritchey WCS stem and FSA Wing Pro bars, a very rigid setup, and the forks do a great job of taking the vibration out of the road.