jlapennas

I found a pretty good deal on a Litespeed Tuscany that is probably either a 97 or a 98. It doesn't have the GET tubing or at least no to the same degree as the newer models. It might have a flatted down tube at the bottom bracket? I've heard that Litespeeds may have gone down in quality lately (maybe) but I'm wondering if this frame is likely to be significantly less stiff than a newer one (with the emphasis placed on "significantly" - I'm not a serious racer). Does anyone have any experience with older Tuscany's? Also, can anyone with an old catalogue tell me if its a 1" or 1 1/8" headset because I want to upgrade to threadless. Thanks.

Moonshot

I wouldn't say that anywhere near Ooltewah, Tn...

The welds on my '04 Tuscany are perfect.

Anyway, a friend has a pre-GET Tuscany and he loves it. He talked me out of a steel bike and into buying Ti. Sorry, I can't say if the pre-GET is more compliant or not. Have you been able to ride it yet?

jlapennas

The main beef I've heard about newer Litespeeds relates to aluminum shells (or something) in the head tube and integrated headsets. I know people debate this all the time but if you've ever really contemplated the physics of the situation or looked at a beat up bearing set, cup, or cone I think it's clear that the headset is about much more than steering and it needs to be fully replaceable.

davis

Litespeed has moved away from integrated headsets for 2006: 2006 Tuscany

Nessism

Finally, LS has gotten the clue that integrated headsets are not all their cracked up to be. The new Tuscany also has a down tube that's ovalized in the proper direction at the bottom bracket to resist sway. It's about time.

Regarding the origional topic, LS switched over to 1-1/8" steerer tubes in 2001 for the Tuscany line. That's the year they upped the size of the down tube from 1-3/8" to 1-1/2" as well. Based on this fairly small down tube, I'd expect the older frame to be a fair bit flexier, but ride better, than the newer one. Stiffness or ride quality, you can't have both.

Hope this helps.

Ed

HJR

I bit off topic, but I have heard that LS changes things subtly from year to year. For example, I was told that the Tuscany in 2003 and 2004 was noticeably stiffer than 2002 to the point that it was "too stiff". I heard they reverted back in 2005 to the more "forgiving" set-up. I don't know if it is true. Maybe some of the LS experts may know more.

Nessism

In 2004/5 the Tuscany has a tall oval down tube, 2001/2 had a more moderately sized and ovalized down tube (I'm not sure about 2003). The problem with tall oval down tubes is that they resist vertical flexing of the frame, which wrecks ride quality, and the major axis of the ovalized tube is oriented the wrong way to help ward off lateral flex at the bottom bracket. I think the 2006 Tuscany has kept a fairly large down tube but now it's properly ovalized in the proper directions.

floralcitytd

I ride with someone who has a 97 Tuscany. It has a 1" headtube.