I am considering purchasing a 2006 Tuscany, and using either a Ksyruim SL or ES wheelset. I am trying to visualize how it will look with either or both of these, however pics would be much better. Anyone have any pics of a Tuscany (or even any naked ti bike) with SL or ES wheels ?

Thanks,
Doug

Take a look at these two links:

http://forums.roadbikereview.com/showthread.php?t=39798

http://forums.roadbikereview.com/showthread.php?t=76438&highlight=wound+up

What did you decide to get?

Thanks!

I am considering purchasing a 2006 Tuscany, and using either a Ksyruim SL or ES wheelset. I am trying to visualize how it will look with either or both of these, however pics would be much better. Anyone have any pics of a Tuscany (or even any naked ti bike) with SL or ES wheels ?

Thanks,
Doug

Take a look at these two links:

http://forums.roadbikereview.com/showthread.php?t=39798

http://forums.roadbikereview.com/showthread.php?t=76438&highlight=wound+up

What did you decide to get?

Thanks!

Tigoat, thanks for the links. Both of these bikes look good, however what I really wanted to see was a pic of a naked ti bike with the current Ksyrium ES wheelset, the wheels with the red hubs, one red spoke, and black spokes and rims. Your second link has the TDF edition of the Ksyriums that were made a few years back, and though pretty neat, I wasn't really thinking of those. I have the 2006 Ksyrium SL wheels on my Eisentraut (I thinnk you have seen the pic, you replied on that recent thread as well), and if I decide on those, I would probably just buy the Litespeed with conventional wheels / Dura-Ace hubs, to reduce the cost. However, if I get the bike at all (still wrestling with the geometry / fit uncertainties, and still have to get my wife to "buy" the idea, and as of yesterday she wasn't to thrilled about ME spending $4000 on something for just ME (we have 7 year old twins, ALWAYS someplace for our money to go), I was really thinking about the ES wheels, hopefully someone will have this combo already and post a pic for me to see. Or maybe you can dig up some more pics that were posted already :) BTW, I saw the pics of your new bike (I think it was your bike, a custom frame ti, correct ?), pretty nice. If I am mistaken and it isn't your, pretty nice anyway.

Thanks much,
Doug

Save the money. If you are looking for performance improvement, the differences in the two wheels are not noticeable unless you are trying to make a living at this. I have 2 sets of SL's one tubular and one clincher. I use the tubular set for cross on my Litespeed and they look great but then again looks don't mean much is you get dropped off the back or struggling up a climb. Enjoy!

Save the money. If you are looking for performance improvement, the differences in the two wheels are not noticeable unless you are trying to make a living at this. I have 2 sets of SL's one tubular and one clincher. I use the tubular set for cross on my Litespeed and they look great but then again looks don't mean much is you get dropped off the back or struggling up a climb. Enjoy!

I have a 2006 SL wheelset on my present bike, and if I do go ahead and get a new bike now, possibly a Litespeed, I wasn't looking at the difference in peformance as the factor. Let's face it, I think I am safe in saying that with high end bikes, I am not the only one who values what my bikes look like, or maybe is after a unique look. I wouldn't expect to notice a difference between the SL and ES wheels in ride quality, however visually there is a big difference. Retail MSRP, there is about $325 between the two, the ES being more expensive. In the package price I am looking at with the Litespeed Tuscany, the difference is about 1/2 that, about $165. Now, if I am spending $4000 give or take for a new bike, I would spend another $165 if it gave me the look I like and with no adverse affect on performance.

Any pics anyone, if a naked ti bike, with Ksyrium ES wheels ? I would really like to see one if any of you out there have this combo.

Thanks,
Doug

Here a Moots with those wheels.

http://www.moots.com/bicycle.php?ID=1

Hello Doug.

Another Doug here and new to the forum. I am trying to decide between the SL and the ES wheels as well. I am buying a Dura Ace Litespeed Tuscany. The price difference is small when you consider it with the complete bike. I like the look of the ES, but I am a "Clydesdale", and I worry I am too big. The Ksyrium's are supposed to be very strong, but the Mavic website doesn't give a lot of information as to any limits. Have you heard about any weight restrictions ?

Thanks, Doug

Hello Doug.

Another Doug here and new to the forum. I am trying to decide between the SL and the ES wheels as well. I am buying a Dura Ace Litespeed Tuscany. The price difference is small when you consider it with the complete bike. I like the look of the ES, but I am a "Clydesdale", and I worry I am too big. The Ksyrium's are supposed to be very strong, but the Mavic website doesn't give a lot of information as to any limits. Have you heard about any weight restrictions ?

Thanks, Doug

Are you buying from Colorado Cyclist ? I ordered my Litespeed Tuscany / DA / Ksyrium ES bike yesterday :D :D They told me that strength wise, ES no less strong than the SL, and that they had a 300 pound guy riding ES wheels. I weight 215+/-, and have been riding Ksyriums SL (2006) wheels for over a year. Before that, the original (all black, no milling between spokes) Kysriums for 4-5 years. No problems at all, for me anyway.

Doug

Doug :

I am buying from Colorado Cyclist. The Tuscany has been discontinued, and C.C have a good price. It sounds like you are buying almost the identical bike as I am. I want the ES wheels. I upgraded to a Chris King headset, and I am toying about the idea of getting Zero Gravity brakes for the envy factor. The brakes and the wheels are the last 2 things to decide on. Thanks for the info.

Doug

I have to decide everything by Friday.

Doug :

I am buying from Colorado Cyclist. The Tuscany has been discontinued, and C.C have a good price. It sounds like you are buying almost the identical bike as I am. I want the ES wheels. I upgraded to a Chris King headset, and I am toying about the idea of getting Zero Gravity brakes for the envy factor. The brakes and the wheels are the last 2 things to decide on. Thanks for the info.

Doug

I have to decide everything by Friday.

Yes, good price at Co Cyclist, $1799 for frame and Easton EC90-SLX fork is $1000 off what they previously priced this combo at, I believe. They now show $1599 for the frame only, however I was told yesterday when calling to place the order they will honor the frame/fork price of $1799 for a week, I believe. Yes, the Tuscany has been discontinued, as Litespeed is apparently going to offer only sloping top tube bikes in 2007. Litespeed will build anyone a custom frame, certainly nowhere near $1799, with a level top tube if one is desired, though in 2007 a custom frame would be the only way to get a level top tube Litespeed after the 2006 models are gone. Yep, if you get the Ksyrium ES wheels sounds like we will have very similar bikes. I too am getting a Chris King headset (a red anodized one, how about yours ?) red bar tape and the Look KEO pedal, Sprint is the model, I think, that is bright red (IF ANYONE HAD AN OPINION ABOUT THE KEO vs. THE OLD ARC LOOK PEDALS, I WOULD LOVE TO HERE IT, SO I COULD CANCEL THE PEDALS IF I DON'T HEAR GOOD THINGS), though the Dura-Ace brakes are fine for me. I upgraded the saddle and stem though. Total cost, including shipping, was just under $4100. :blush2: My wife reluctantly gave me the "OK", though I don't think she really approived, she allowed me to "go for it" :thumbsup: Hopefully she won't continually remind me about this purchase in the months to come, and just let me enjoy it !!! Hopefully it will be here in about a week, maybe a little more. They say 3-5 days to build it, more like 3, they aren't busy right now, then UPS ground from near Denver to Kansas City metro. I am hoping to take it out for it's first ride next weekend, provided there isn't anything wet on the roads.

Doug

Doug :

I have a 59 cm on hold with the SLX fork. They will hold it until the weekend, than they offer the $1599 one with the cheaper fork after that. I will phone on Friday and finalize the order. I asked about the Look CX6 pedals, but they are not for big riders. C.C suggested I go with the Keo sprint or Chromoly. After a lot of discussion about the compact crank, I decided to go with the triple. Some of the longer rides I do are in the mountain passes, and I need the low gears. I am going with the black tape and headset. If the pedals only come in red, I might have to rethink this one. I added an Easton wing bar, and upgraded the tires. I was going to upgrade the saddle, but decided to go with the stock seat. I believe it says Douglas on it, so if it is comfortable, I will keep it. I didn't see the link for the pedals on their web site, so I don't know the price yet. My wife has given me the green light on this one. I expect the brakes will be an extra 200 dollars, but I they haven't got back to me with a price yet. I spent ~40K last year upgrading the (her) Kitchen / Dining room. I kept joking that 20% of the cost of the renovations is what I get to spend on my new Road Bike. $4500 will be a bargain. Sadly, I will have to wait until April to ride the bike. I have ice and snow outside, and I currently riding my `96 S-Works as my winter commuter. I have reflective tape with the bike's name "Crankenstein" on the chain stays, as I pieced it together with old parts from my broken Cannondale and Rocky Mountain.

Doug

Doug :

I have a 59 cm on hold with the SLX fork. They will hold it until the weekend, than they offer the $1599 one with the cheaper fork after that. I will phone on Friday and finalize the order. I asked about the Look CX6 pedals, but they are not for big riders. C.C suggested I go with the Keo sprint or Chromoly. After a lot of discussion about the compact crank, I decided to go with the triple. Some of the longer rides I do are in the mountain passes, and I need the low gears. I am going with the black tape and headset. If the pedals only come in red, I might have to rethink this one. I added an Easton wing bar, and upgraded the tires. I was going to upgrade the saddle, but decided to go with the stock seat. I believe it says Douglas on it, so if it is comfortable, I will keep it. I didn't see the link for the pedals on their web site, so I don't know the price yet. My wife has given me the green light on this one. I expect the brakes will be an extra 200 dollars, but I they haven't got back to me with a price yet. I spent ~40K last year upgrading the (her) Kitchen / Dining room. I kept joking that 20% of the cost of the renovations is what I get to spend on my new Road Bike. $4500 will be a bargain. Sadly, I will have to wait until April to ride the bike. I have ice and snow outside, and I currently riding my `96 S-Works as my winter commuter. I have reflective tape with the bike's name "Crankenstein" on the chain stays, as I pieced it together with old parts from my broken Cannondale and Rocky Mountain.

Doug

"On hold" ? I didn't know you could do that at Co Cyclist, though I thought about asking, to give me a bit of time to work it out with my wife, and not let the 61 cm size get sold out. I didn't upgrade the bar, the salesman I was talking to made a case for the aluminum bars, one point (though I haven't crashed in years) is that with CF bars, if you go down, time to replace. And the weight was only a few grams different. I was really trying to stay within the $4000 price point, though I would think I have a day or 2 to possibly change things if I want. I asked about the CX6 pedals, they didn't say a thing to me about my size (I am 215 pounds, almost 6 foot 3), but did state that the KEO design was all Look was manufacturing right now. I have ridden on those tires before, so didn't upgrade them, though I have been riding mostly Conti tires for years (GP3000, Attack/Force, now GP4000). Went with a Flite saddle, and as we don't have mountains here (though many shorter hills, some up to 15 percent grade), I went with the 39/53 double crank. Did send an email this morning asking about crank length, as I ride 180mm cranks now; the order was placed with 175 mm cranks.

Doug

I offered to pay for the frame and fork in December as I was planning to buy the bike after Christmas. They said they could hold one while they got me the information and pricing. The 59 cm is as close in specs to my current bike. I am 6' 3" as well, but tall in the body, not legs. I went with the Easton AL wing bar hoping to get a little more comfort. I added some additional GP all season tires as we get snow on some of our rides. The double crank is better for shifting, but most of my rides are in the foothills/mountains. I ordered the 175 mm crank as that is what I have on all of my bikes. Time to take the kids out for lunch. Thanks for the info. If you have anything else to suggest let me know. I think the Tuscany will be a great bike for both of us.

I found some more free pictures for you:

http://cgi.ebay.com/2006-Litespeed-Tuscany-Ti-Titanium-Easton-EC90-slx-fork_W0QQitemZ130065079861QQihZ003QQcategoryZ98084 QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I found some more free pictures for you:

http://cgi.ebay.com/2006-Litespeed-Tuscany-Ti-Titanium-Easton-EC90-slx-fork_W0QQitemZ130065079861QQihZ003QQcategoryZ98084 QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Thanks tigoat, I have actually already seen that one. I placed my order for the Tuscany with Dura-Ace 10 and Ksyrium ES wheels Tuesday, from Colorado Cyclist. They built and shipped it on Wednesday, UPS ground to me and it is in the city, on the truck, and will deliver today. FAST, FAST, FAST, 3 days. I have a friend, who could ride a 59 (I bought a 61), and I think he is keeping his eye on that ebay listing. Might rain here tonight, but supposed to be dry tomorrow, low about 30, high about 43. If it drys off I will ride it tomorrow, AWESOME, that I am getting it so fast. When I ordered it, I was hoping that I would be able to ride it next weekend, never thought it would get built (I placed the order late Tuesday, about 5 pm), shipped and delivered (it should deliver today, it arrived in the city last night) in 3 days, from placing the order to (hopefully) having it in my hands :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

Doug

Thanks tigoat, I have actually already seen that one. I placed my order for the Tuscany with Dura-Ace 10 and Ksyrium ES wheels Tuesday, from Colorado Cyclist. They built and shipped it on Wednesday, UPS ground to me and it is in the city, on the truck, and will deliver today. FAST, FAST, FAST, 3 days. I have a friend, who could ride a 59 (I bought a 61), and I think he is keeping his eye on that ebay listing. Might rain here tonight, but supposed to be dry tomorrow, low about 30, high about 43. If it drys off I will ride it tomorrow, AWESOME, that I am getting it so fast. When I ordered it, I was hoping that I would be able to ride it next weekend, never thought it would get built (I placed the order late Tuesday, about 5 pm), shipped and delivered (it should deliver today, it arrived in the city last night) in 3 days, from placing the order to (hopefully) having it in my hands :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

Doug

Cool!

Apparently you are getting a whole bike from CC? It is great to see another titanium bike fan, although I am not a Litespeed fan, but I respect all ti frames. Let us know how everything will turn. Thanks,

Cool!

Apparently you are getting a whole bike from CC? It is great to see another titanium bike fan, although I am not a Litespeed fan, but I respect all ti frames. Let us know how everything will turn. Thanks,

Yep, tigoat, ordered it 3 days ago, and it should arrive today. They must not be too busy this time of year. Curious to know (or maybe I don't want to know :) ) why you don't like Litespeed. I haven't ridden one, actually, ever; I am buying it on faith, based on opinions of other riders I know. Considering that I ride a custom (Eisentraut) frame now, deciding to go with a off-the-rack frame was a tough decision, that I hope I don't regret. I read various posts on this forum, and did some digging on my own. If I were to get a custom ti frame (I really wanted to go ti, as my Eisentraut is steel, wasn't going to buy another steel frame, already have (a good) one), I don't know of a frame / fork (the Litestpeed Tuscany frame and Easton EC90-SLX fork, $450 on it's own from CC) anywhere, custom, that comes anywhere near the $1799 price I got. I have read many good things about Carl Strong frames, and I could also have gotten an Eisentraut in ti, or maybe a Serotta ti (if I robbed a bank). For me, right now, those frames would have pushed the price more than I felt was a possiblility for me, at this point in time. And with the wife planning a Disneyworld trip in 2008, wouldn't have happened that year either. At worst, if I am not happy with the Litespeed, I break it down, sell the frame, consider it my lesson learned, and just wait a while while I acccumualte the funds for a custom frame. If that possibility becomes reality, perhaps my wife won't realize how much more it will cost :) being broken apart into multiple transactions (maybe I should have thought of this sooner !!!!). But I am hoping and thinking that I will like the fit, and ride, of the Tuscany, and all will be good for me :thumbsup: I have never ridden a ti bike, never even ridden one with a carbon fork. Should be a fun experience for me :D

Doug

Well I think those on sale Tuscany framesets from CC are a very good deal and I don't think you will be disappointed with one, assuming fit is not an issue. I just don't like Litespeed using those exotic tube shapes, along with those cheesy aluminum riveted mount bosses and seat tube clamp. For me it is just unfinished business to pop rivet those mounts in place and slap a loose clamp on a perfectly welded ti frame. It is a cheap way to finish off such an expensive ti frame. I like all those things welded on my ti frame just like the rest of the tubing...With that said, I think the Tuscany will be one heck of ti frame for a rider new to titanium. Enjoy your New Year present, cheers!:thumbsup:

I know several people who have Ti bikes, and with the exception of the 6/4 bikes, I haven't met anyone who has a complaint. I have heard complaints that the GET shaped tubes are not as strong as the conventional tubing, but if the bike frame comes with a lifetime guarantee, I am not concerned. Litespeed could take a lesson from Cannondale about the finished look, but hopefully the bike won't be going slow enough for people to note the minor details. As far as the pricing goes, I haven't seen anything that even comes close. I ordered my Tuscany yesterday, and it was just under 4500 dollars once I added the extras. From what I was told, Colorado Cyclist is dropping the Litespeed line, and they are liquidating their stock. This weekend is the last chance to get the best pricing between 2006/2007 prices. I looked at the CC Douglas, but for the price, the Tuscany was to good of a deal. Carbon appears to be the frame of choice these days, so the Ti companies are offering less selection for 2007. I had a 98 Cannondale, but found the Al frame too harsh for the century rides (more of a fault of the Cannondale design than the frame material). I tried a carbon frame, but it felt 'dead'. I currently have an Reynolds 853 steel frame, and it is great. I hope my Tuscany is a little bit better.

Enjoy your new bike.
Doug

Well I think those on sale Tuscany framesets from CC are a very good deal and I don't think you will be disappointed with one, assuming fit is not an issue. I just don't like Litespeed using those exotic tube shapes, along with those cheesy aluminum riveted mount bosses and seat tube clamp. For me it is just unfinished business to pop rivet those mounts in place and slap a loose clamp on a perfectly welded ti frame. It is a cheap way to finish off such an expensive ti frame. I like all those things welded on my ti frame just like the rest of the tubing...With that said, I think the Tuscany will be one heck of ti frame for a rider new to titanium. Enjoy your New Year present, cheers!:thumbsup:

Did first ride this morning, 40 miles. Seatpost clamp (admittedly, I don't (yet) have a torque wrench, and don't know how tight to tighten it anyway (www.fullspeedahead.com site lists torque specs at 143 inch/pounds, however another respondent states that is the seat clamp bolt, and that maybe 50 inch/pounds would be good for the seatpost clamp. Anyway...........I tightened it using the short end of the allen wrench, but it slid down noticeably in first 10-15 miles, so I moved it up, and tightened it a little more with the long end. I rode a total of 40 miles and it didn't move much after that, but a little. I will try the hairspray tip. Overall, the ride didn't go too good. When it was assembled, the mechanic(s) made a few goofs, I would expect something, but these were glaring. After about 3 miles of fairly easy flat / downgrade pedalling, I hit a moderate hill (only have short, sometimes steep, hills in Kansas), and the chain kept skipping on the cogs, at first I thought it was trying to shift. So I played with derailleur adjustments, no better. After further examination, found (the connecting pin) a link that wouldn't straighten out, and if pedal backwards it would always catch in the derailleur (no, I don't pedal backwards when I ride, just forwards ). Tried pivoting the link as far as it would go, both ways, and flexing the chain sideways to loosen it up. Was just fine for maybe the next 20 miles or so. Last 15 miles were hell, stopped to mess with it maybe 10 times, still an issue at ride's end. That wasn't all, when in the big ring (the mid point position of the DA front derailleur), the chain would rub on the inside of the derailleur cage if pedalling at any intensity in the 3 biggest cogs. Using the barrel adjustment didn't make enough difference in position to stop the (really noisy) chain rub. And would rub some in the 4th largest as well, if standing and putting some effort into it (at the times the chain wasn't skipping). Those 3 things were the major issues, though the shifter/brake handles weren't mounted in the same place, the stem wasn't straight, and the handlebar (the shop's recommendation) is awful, slippery, thin, don't like the look. I will be pulling it off tomorrow and trash canning it. There is something to be said in buying from a LBS, in the aspect of getting the kinks out. I can't realistically ship it back to the shop for them to fix it. I am sure all this can be worked out, just more hitches than I would have expected, most of it just seems like hasty or sloppy wrenching in the build up.

Doug

Doug--

Sorry to hear about your problems. I would call CC to complain about all your problems and see if they will compensate for a proper setup and tunning by a LBS. If you do not like the handlebars or any component for that matter then just ask them to exchange for something you like better. You paid a lot for the bike and should be happy with everything. I am sure CC will do something to make it better but you will just have to deal with them about the problems. Keep us posted...Thanks.

Did first ride this morning, 40 miles. Seatpost clamp (admittedly, I don't (yet) have a torque wrench, and don't know how tight to tighten it anyway (www.fullspeedahead.com site lists torque specs at 143 inch/pounds, however another respondent states that is the seat clamp bolt, and that maybe 50 inch/pounds would be good for the seatpost clamp. Anyway...........I tightened it using the short end of the allen wrench, but it slid down noticeably in first 10-15 miles, so I moved it up, and tightened it a little more with the long end. I rode a total of 40 miles and it didn't move much after that, but a little. I will try the hairspray tip. Overall, the ride didn't go too good. When it was assembled, the mechanic(s) made a few goofs, I would expect something, but these were glaring. After about 3 miles of fairly easy flat / downgrade pedalling, I hit a moderate hill (only have short, sometimes steep, hills in Kansas), and the chain kept skipping on the cogs, at first I thought it was trying to shift. So I played with derailleur adjustments, no better. After further examination, found (the connecting pin) a link that wouldn't straighten out, and if pedal backwards it would always catch in the derailleur (no, I don't pedal backwards when I ride, just forwards ). Tried pivoting the link as far as it would go, both ways, and flexing the chain sideways to loosen it up. Was just fine for maybe the next 20 miles or so. Last 15 miles were hell, stopped to mess with it maybe 10 times, still an issue at ride's end. That wasn't all, when in the big ring (the mid point position of the DA front derailleur), the chain would rub on the inside of the derailleur cage if pedalling at any intensity in the 3 biggest cogs. Using the barrel adjustment didn't make enough difference in position to stop the (really noisy) chain rub. And would rub some in the 4th largest as well, if standing and putting some effort into it (at the times the chain wasn't skipping). Those 3 things were the major issues, though the shifter/brake handles weren't mounted in the same place, the stem wasn't straight, and the handlebar (the shop's recommendation) is awful, slippery, thin, don't like the look. I will be pulling it off tomorrow and trash canning it. There is something to be said in buying from a LBS, in the aspect of getting the kinks out. I can't realistically ship it back to the shop for them to fix it. I am sure all this can be worked out, just more hitches than I would have expected, most of it just seems like hasty or sloppy wrenching in the build up.

Doug

FYI, CC is being dropped as a Litespeed dealer. Litespeed is going LBS only.

FYI, CC is being dropped as a Litespeed dealer. Litespeed is going LBS only.

Actually I have seen at least three local dealers dropping (or get dropped) the Litespeed product line in the last two years so it is not surprising to see another one. Thanks for the info.

From what I was told, Colorado Cyclist is dropping the Litespeed line, and they are liquidating their stock.

Here's more details on the Litespeed/Colorado Cyclist relationship in case anyone wants to know more.

http://www.bicycleretailer.com/bicycleretailer/headlines/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003494078

Litespeed Parts Ways with Colorado Cyclist, Focusing on IBD

DECEMBER 07, 2006 -- CHATTANOOGA, TN (BRAIN)--American Bicycle Group (ABG) brand Litespeed has parted ways with mail-order giant Colorado Cyclist, and will go strictly through the IBD channel.

“Over the past 12 months, we’ve visited dealers throughout North America in an effort to better understand their needs and concerns,” said Glen Harston, vice president of sales at ABG. “As a result, we have already taken significant steps towards solidifying our IBD relationships with stronger communications and a new distribution strategy.”

Since Colorado Cyclist was the brand’s largest dealer, Harston realizes making up for those lost sales isn’t going to happen overnight. “It will take us a while to recuperate,” Harston said. “We’re trying to do the right thing for our dealers. They had requested such a move.”

ABG also feels this move will translate into more efficient production and distribution methods, eliminating the need for the closeout sales that Colorado Cyclist has helped Litespeed manage in past years.

Harston said the split was amicable. “Litespeed is grateful to Colorado Cyclist for their help overcoming the over-production issues we encountered under previous management. We have certainly enjoyed a productive partnership,” Harston said. “We believe this decision is within the best competitive interests of Litespeed and, ultimately, our dealers.”


I tried a carbon frame, but it felt 'dead'.


I have a 2003 Tuscany and I got an Orbea Opal carbon bike last spring. It is amazingly stiff, but has the "dead" ride quality you describe compared to my Tuscany. The Opal has set a new standard for stiffness for me, so now I'm pursuing a titanium bike that is stiffer than my Tuscany. I'll probably be getting a Moots Vamoots in the spring.

It is disappointing to pay that kind of money, and have a rookie assemble the bike. I ordered a road bike 4 years ago from Bikes Direct, and had several problems. First, they shipped the wrong bike. Second, they marked it "Rush, Overnight Delivery", so I paid even more to ship the wrong bike. They agreed to replace the bike, but it took a lot to convince them I was telling the truth. I eventually got the right bike, but they didn't want to pay for shipping fees or the broker fees on the wrong bike. The replacement bike got tied up in customs, and too a couple of weeks to get it out. When I finally got the correct bike, it needed a tune up right from the box. The front deraileur was mounted too low (it the chain ring) and was mounted at a wrong angle to the crank. I had to tune the bike up before I took it for a ride. 4 years later, I still love the bike despite the rough start. Hopefully you will find the same with your Tuscany. I ordered the upgraded stem and handlebar for my Tuscany, so I hope I didn't throw away money on that. There are a few parts back-ordered, so it will be several weeks before I get my bike. Even if I did have it, it is snowing and -25 today, with a strong north wind. 3 more months of winter cycling to go before I can ride my Tuscany. I plan to take my bike to the bike shop, and get fitted. I will have them check it over and adjust the bike before I take it for a ride.
Ride Safe !
Doug