advice on buying: litespeed siena vs tuscany

[salj]

Right now I am riding a litespeed tuscany (2003 or 2004 i think) that a friend leant to me. But litespeed doesn't make that bike anymore.

Just saw a NEW Siena Litespeed 2008 full dura ace--King headset--reduced from $5,900 to $3,900--in a bike shop here in NYC

Is the Siena comparable? In what ways is it different to the Tuscany?

should i buy this bike? Also are there any things I should look out for to check on the bike before I buy...

I am looking for speed and the ability to ride for long distances and to challenge myself (used to run but injury has prevented me)

any advice and also if you think this is a reasonable deal (what else whou

[Andys1]

Hi Salj,

It depends what kind of riding you will be doing. When I first consideraed buying a Litespeed I was toying up whether I should buy a Tuscany or Siena. As  iwas a racer I went with the Siena and never looked back. The siena is a lot stiffer and a little lighter, also the Tuscany was designed more for cycle sportives as it had extra clearance for a triple.

I love my siena, had it for over seven years and havent looked back except when I had problem with the integrated headset. But that was sorted a 5 years ago and havent had any problems since.

Hope that helps

 

[Chookman]

Not sure about the Tuscany but I own a 2008 Siena and now wouldn't ride anything else. I use it to train 4 days a week and race on it at least once sometime twice most weekends. I crank out approx 500km in training and races will vary between a 2 day tour or a criterium. The Crit track is where the bike really comes alive. Its compact frame is ultra stiff, it corners well and climbs superbly. I previously owned a standard geometry Cannondale before the Siena which was good but never great. The first time I rode my Siena it was like putting on a pair of old socks. The bike fit extremely well and simply felt great.