I picked up this first year 1998 Litespeed Tuscany frame - 59 cm - sans fork last year. Ragged decals were removed and the frame was given the full rehab treatment with progressive cuts of 3M abrasive pads. Looks near new now. I showed the frame to a frame-builder friend (https://cyscocycles.com) who worked for Litespeed for a number of the early years. He said this frame is likely built from Sandvik tubing, apparently high purity stuff and a relative rarity anymore considering that Chinese titanium production is more readily and economically available. It's possible he built this very frame back in the day. Cool.

The fork is an Edge repainted by local whizkid painter Jamie White. Various French, Italian, Japanese and American custom bits from 3 decades make up the rest. Titanium seat post (Campy), titanium stem (Litespeed).

Of particular note is the one-off titanium crank set. It was apparently built by Garrie Hill, a prominent figure in the human-powered transportation movement. https://www.recumbents.com/wisil/barr...cudaplans2.htm
I have some pics of the cranks before installation if anyone is interested.

As usual, the build finally takes place when a pleasing and harmonious critical mass of parts is accumulated. No great preconceived notions about how the final thing should look. Everything was stripped to the bone for super detailed, optimum C&V performance rebuild. Adjustments for fit and test rides are yet to come.

Cheers,

J

Beautiful job on the frame, it looks fantastic.

Good job on the polishing - there's a fine line between just right and whoa!, that's some shiny titanium. Did you Pledge it yet to keep the fingerprints at bay?

Hot dang that looks good. One thing that's always kinda irked me about titanium frames is the black front fork not matching. You did well there!

Awesome. Whats funny is no color anywhere, except....... the shifters.
.

Well, that's badass. Can't say I'd have built it up with parts older than the frame, but it sure does look good. Did you respace the rear axle to 130mm?

That crank is too cool. And, man, what a cool paint effect on the fork!

Wonderful job!

...more pics....

j

Yeah, Colonel, as I favor friction shifting it's "neo-retro", updating in the backward direction. It's also a six speed freewheel, did you notice? Bruised, altogether.

I did not respace the rear axle as it is already at 126 mm. Just a nudge inward on each chainstay and everything lines up fine.

Thanks,

J

And finally, a few more.

j

Whoever built that frame had steady hands, what a beautiful job.
That is a one-of-a-kind bike, and in a very good way.
Tell me it weighs about the same as a good steel bike!

David, I installed pedals and weighed it as shown. Weight with pedals is a smidgeon over 20 lbs.

J

Can someone please explain the word Titanio to me when used in conjuction with this titanium frame. I ask because the Fi:zik saddle I just got has it spelled out on the rails.

All you need is some red cable end crimps. What a stunning bike.

In this case my use of it is simply poetic license. A grammatical device to imply significant titanium content.

J

Super bruised, and sweeter for it, like the bruises on apples and bananas.

What ever happened to the Giordana?

Agreed.

Really excellent work sir. Very cool.

That should be a strong performer with that fork.

Quite a comfortable ride as well.

Robbie, the Giordana is solidly in queue. I'm close on being able to finish the Specialized Allez Epic I've had waiting even longer. Then the Giordana will get a treatment.

Thanks for everything, I've not forgotten where the Giordana and a number of other interesting projects over the years came from.

Best,

J

WHat a great looking bike.

Nice! You ever take it off any sweet jumps?

What a beauty! I love the combination of decades. It speaks to your entire cycling life: a little of what was cool when you were in your teens, 20s, 30s, 40s...

I am most intrigued by the cranks. Very cool.





Needs red chainring bolts to match the shift levers.

Beautiful J!!

Jake

Beautiful bike ,, great job ,. one day ill polish mine . this is my 1996 giordana titanium frame fully updated .

Sha-Zaam! I like just the hint of color ..

Great job J.

Scott

Beautiful build. I love the eclectic mix of parts, especially that crankset. (Btw, I haven't seen those cranks before, but if that is indeed a One-Off crankset, I suspect it was made by Mike Augsperger, who left Merlin to start One-Off Handcycles; I work with his sister.)

If you want another hint of color...