garskoci

Hello!

I finally found a good price, well I think it is, on a Tuscany. $2400. But this is for the '04 model. Nothing wrong with that! The only thing that I can see that is different between the '04 and '05 is it looks like the diameter of the seat tube has been increased to 31.6mm. I'm not very big, 5'9" 175lbs, so I'm not sure how much it would matter. Does anyone know of any reason that I would want one over the other? For another $500, I can get the '05 at Colorado Cyclist. I just don't know if it's worth the extra cashola!

Carlyle

is the 04 model new, too?? That is a very good price for a new tuscany, if that's the case (let me know if they have a 59cm ) The 04 model has a 31.6 seat tube as well... I don't think there are major differences in the two frames, and frankly, that would be very subtle anyway. You might check out what the stock wheels are -- that could make a bigger difference. If the wheels are not too different than why not go with the 04 model?? I have an 02 model that is too big for me for the most part, but it's still the best bike I've ever ridden.

garskoci

Yes! Brand spankin' new! The '04 has the 31.6mm seat tube? LS emphasizes the dia. in the '05 description. Funny..... I don't see any difference then. Sounds like a deal then! The wheels should be the same. Mavic Ksyrium Equipes. Not the best.... But not junk.

If you really want me to check on the 59, I will. lemme know!

Carlyle

THe 04 website for litespeed said 31.6... and a few weeks ago i probably would have had you check on the 59, but I bought an 02 vortex on ebay...where do you live, anyway...who knows with a nice frame like that??

garskoci

I'm in Chicago. Just for kicks, I'll ask if they have a 59.
I don't see any difference between the two. Even the labels. Although, I can't see them very well in the pics. I'm hoping that it rides as sweet as everyone claims. I think that it will fit my needs and at a great price! It makes a person wonder about the mark up on bikes. I found a similar deal a few years ago on another Ti frame.

TimB

04 seat tube = 31.6mm internal diameter
05 seat tube = 31.6 internal diameter


Litespeed only make a structurla change to the Tuscany every 2-3model years.
I upgraded my 02 to 03 spec by changing the stickers on the downtube...

PS: If i change this bike, it's going to be with a Vortex.

sch

The '04-'05 Tuscany bears a lot of resemblance to the now D/C Palmares and
has some resemblance to the Ultimate. Its price has rocketed up as well from
the $1800-2400 range 4-5yrs ago to $4000 ++ now. Litespeed has gone
crazy on their pricing. $2400 sounds like a great price for '04, $2900 an
excellent price for an '05. Steve

Carlyle

they've gotten a lot more expensive in the last few years, and in my opinion, I really prefer the pre-04 vortex and tuscany rides (i've had both) to the new fancy frame sets. The new vortex seems super stiff to the point of being harsh...

Avalanche325

Check the components. Components in 05 are more expensive than the same ones in 04. Some 05 bikes have downgraded components compaired to the same 04 model.

"I'm hoping that it rides as sweet as everyone claims."
You should really test ride it before getting emotionally involved.

roadbuzz

I *think* that the Tuscany of 4 or 5 years ago just used round tubing, instead of "geometricly enhanced" or otherwise shaped tubing that the higher end 3/2.5 Ti bikes used. The Tuscany was their most popular frame, based on my observation, so they monkeyed with the tubing and jacked the price way up.

gabiker

I have an 04 and love it. I have only seen pictures of the 05 and it looks like the exact bike with the exception is they put some Real Design parts on it which is one of there companies. I certainly wouldn't spend more on the 05 unless it had the new Ultegra 10 speed. It is a great ride...

sch

Roadbuzz has it right. The original Tuscany was round tubing, slightly bent seat stays, generally
like the Classic in design from its inception about '99 through '03. It is a completely different beast
now, and priced to match the former Palmares. The name of the game is change and Litespeed
acts like a digital camera company. Steve

Carlyle

yeah, the "old" tuscany frame has essentially been reborn as the "solano."