It's Ti bike time, and my myriad of choices have been narrowed down to 2 bikes - the Serotta Fierte Ti, and the Litespeed Siena. Both are set up similarly (Ult-10, Ksy Elites, carbon post/bars) and run about the same price from my LBS. Rides appear to be fairly similar (may be leaning toward the Serotta for smooooothness). Anyone have a preference based on other reasons? Either company have better customer support? Quality pros/cons? Frame issues i don't know about? One inspire more bike lust than the other? Anything that I'm not thinking of beyond the usual stats?
Two great choices...not having ridden either (which is 99% of what I'd base a decision on given the amount of $$ we're talking) I'd lean towards the Serotta for nothing other than the fact that I like and respect the brand. That said, I'd find them and ride them, and throw in the Moots vamoots as well. Fun stuff.
I have a Litespeed Tuscany and love it - however, I've not tried the Serotta -
My Tuscany is an '03 and at that time there was an issue with the internal headset bearing cups - they creaked under "out of the saddle" uphill load - Litespeed responded quickly and provided improved replacement cups at no charge - it's been over a year and no problems since.
New Litespeeds come with the improved cups.
I always wanted a Litespeed - just because !! and I'm happy with it.
In spite of himself, Boudreaux does have a valid point ! if you poll enough you'll get pluses and minuses for each bike ! ultimately , you'll have to decide but hopefully you have more information now than you did b4 entering this forum and are closer to an informed decision.
It's Ti bike time, and my myriad of choices have been narrowed down to 2 bikes - the Serotta Fierte Ti, and the Litespeed Siena. Both are set up similarly (Ult-10, Ksy Elites, carbon post/bars) and run about the same price from my LBS. Rides appear to be fairly similar (may be leaning toward the Serotta for smooooothness). Anyone have a preference based on other reasons? Either company have better customer support? Quality pros/cons? Frame issues i don't know about? One inspire more bike lust than the other? Anything that I'm not thinking of beyond the usual stats?
Thanks in advance everyone!
I've been told it's a win-win situation. Heh.
Ride them both and follow your instincts. I have owned 3 Litespeeds and still own a Blue Ridge Litespeed touring bicycle. I built mine custom with Waterford Touring fork. It is very quality but has more limitations in tire/fender clearance than I like. I also own Serotta road. I really like the F1 fork for it's stability and the frame quality .... especially the way the rear dropouts fit into the chain stays & seat stays. Make sure whatever you choose it meets your needs and fits you right.
It's Ti bike time, and my myriad of choices have been narrowed down to 2 bikes - the Serotta Fierte Ti, and the Litespeed Siena. Both are set up similarly (Ult-10, Ksy Elites, carbon post/bars) and run about the same price from my LBS. Rides appear to be fairly similar (may be leaning toward the Serotta for smooooothness). Anyone have a preference based on other reasons? Either company have better customer support? Quality pros/cons? Frame issues i don't know about? One inspire more bike lust than the other? Anything that I'm not thinking of beyond the usual stats?
Thanks in advance everyone!
I've been told it's a win-win situation. Heh.
Dunno know about everyone else, but I would not let the choice of buying a 4 grand bike rest with some anonymous person at the other end of the internet.
Which do YOU like better? My preference in your decision is meaningless. That being said, I have an 04 Siena I really dig. Never rode a Serotta although I hear John Kerry is a big fan.
In another post, Kerry had turned up at a LBS wondering why he was getting flats and it turned out he was riding w/o rim strips. Not sure I'd attach much meaning the the man's preferences.
I raced a Litespeed classic for one season and then i bought a Legend Ti. for racing I would go back to the Litespeed,but for all round, summer, racing, enjoyment smooth plushness I would buy another Serotta.
Why a lot of people spend a lot of time just spouting off i will never understand. Hope it makes you feel better. Thanks a lot, however, to the people who took the time to give me constructive input on my question. Off to the shop tomorrow to give both of them third rides before i pick...
Why a lot of people spend a lot of time just spouting off i will never understand. Hope it makes you feel better. Thanks a lot, however, to the people who took the time to give me constructive input on my question. Off to the shop tomorrow to give both of them third rides before i pick...
Make sure everything on them is identical,otherwise it's apples to oranges. Also a blind test is more meannigful.Try not to run into anything.
As a shop employee, I'd say that I've noticed a definite decline in Litespeed's customer service in the past couples years. They used to be great about taking care of people, but recently it has been harder to get them to fix problems and respond to questions.
I work at a shop that carries both Litespeed and Serotta. I prefer Serotta. I like the people at Serotta, but I also get tired of seeing everyone on a Litespeed. If I could have any bike, it would be a Legend Ti.
I lvoe my Litespeed. In terms of service, you also need to consider the bike shop. I got my bike at a shop that offers free lifetime tune ups. If you're spending over $2000, a bike shop should offer some sort of service.
