cyclokiller

Am I crazy to consider buying a Litespeed Veneto at 235 lbs? My Cannondale is too harsh and I'm hoping that the Litespeed will be more comfortable. Anyone had any experience with the Veneto?

late

I weigh more than you; and I have a titanium bike. I don't know a thing about that Litepseed. I wouldn't get some ultra-light model, you'll turn it into a bowl of overcooked pasta.

L J Horton

You shouldn't have any trouble with the Litespeed. There is no weight limit specified, and the frame has a lifetime warranty. You'll find the ride is smoother because it will absorb more of the road shock. If at all possible try to test ride one.

Rich Clark

Unless it's some kinda crazy-light racing frame, it's not the frame that's a problem for heavier riders, it's the wheels.

Any material can be used to create a stiff or compliant or flexy frame, depending on the designer's goals. And a frame can be stiff around the bottom bracket shell and still be vertically compliant otherwise. You have to judge a frame as a complete product, not just by one aspect of it like the material.

I've never ridden a Veneto -- it looks like a great all-day ride, though -- but there doesn't seem to be anything about it that would be a problem for a rider your size.

However, you have to test ride the frame, for fit and comfort of course, but also for sufficient rigidity. In particular, with the chain the smallest cog, stand up and hammer. This will tend to reveal if the frame is to flexy for you, if you hear the chain contacting the frame anywhere under maximum torsion.

RichC

RichC

TrekRider

What model of 'Dale and on what type of roads to you ride? Are they relatively smooth or are they relatively bumpy, chopped up????

The reason I ask is a 'Dale is currently at the top of my list for a new roadie next year. My LBS says at my weight, 240lbs, the stiffness won't be a problem.

epicycle

I've been wondering this for a while as well. I assumed I'd be stuck on steel forever. I'd be interested in hearing from any dales that are riding Ti.

late

Hi,
my Airborne is fast. If there was a little more give to the bike; I wouldn't mind. It all depends on how the bike is made. It would also depend, I suppose,
on how much stiffness you want. I have ridden a Ti bike that rode like a dream; but gave up a little speed to do so. I could have lived with it.
It was a Habanero road bike, btw. Harris Cyclery's Century Special.

cyclokiller

First of all thank you all for your help. My Cannondale is an R600 with Rolf Vector wheels and a Caad3 frame. The bike is so stiff that it tends to loosen my teeth a bit over rough chip seal and uneven roads. There is no give, however I am told by my LBS that the more current models are more comfortable (they have hourglass seatstays etc...).

wingsprint410

At your size you will have no problem at all with a titanium frame. I started out at 230 lbs. on a Litespeed Siena, and have had no problems at all. The Litespeed Veneto has geometry that is for a more upright riding position, it is more of a touring bike. You might want to look at a Litespeed Siena, it is close in price to the Veneto but offers carbon fiber stays, and it's geometry is road/race bike. The Siena is a compact frame design and is very stiff, but has a nice smooth ride.

You will notice a big difference when riding a titanium bike when compared to your Cannodale, it will be much smoother.

georgesnatcher

I have a ti mountain bike I use off road. I also have you beat in the weight by about 50 lbs. If ti will support me off road I see no reason you should have any problems with it on the road.

rsorganize

I have the LS Tuscany - 2001. I'm 215. Moved up from a Cannondale R600, also because it felt too harsh. Besides being a Clydesdale, am a geezer, too (54) - and, not a racer. The Tuscany has been everything I expected/hoped for. Going faster and farther, climbing better and feeling much less tired. I think my Velomax Orion wheels help and a Brooks Team Pro saddle. Good luck.

Pat

The newer 'dales are a bit less harsh then the CAAD 3 frames. CAAD 3 frame are a tad bit rough. But they are not as rough as the old Black Lightnings, Cannondale's first road bikes, which were amazingly stiff and transmitted all the road shock. But they handled great and accelerated great.

It really depends on what kind of feel you like. If you don't like a bike's ride, well you are the BEST judge of that.