Strengths: It rides so well, it's light and beautiful, and it lasts forever!
Weaknesses: None yet!
Bottom Line:
I'm 51 years young and have been cycling for 46 years. I've had over 20 road and mountain bikes, and the Litespeed Siena is in a class by itself. I have not ridden seriously since the 1990s, but I had the urge to get back in the sport. Call it midlife crisis or just the love of cycling, but I bought a slightly used Siena with all new Ultegra 9 speed parts. It rides like a dream. It rides over bumps like they aren't there. I have ridden steel (I love steel)and aluminum, but titanium is magic. I have a compact frame, which takes a little getting used to, but I see many years of life in this bike (and me).
I purchased a small Siena in January and after building it I notice a wobble in the front end. After checking the headset I found that the cups that fit into the headtube were not true and had destroyed the headset. My mechanic from my bike shop called Litespeed and they agreed to send a new headset and cups. Litespeed said that the problem was on 2003 frames and the 2004s had been corrected. Not so, since this is a 2004. The problem continued even after replacing the cups and headset. Litespeed requested I ship the frame back to them. Then returned it and said nothing was wrong with it. We rebuild the bike and I continued to have problems. I would not recommend this frame nor any other since Litespeed's warranty department was of no assistance. And the kicker - since it took over 30 days to try to resolve the problem the shop I bought the frame from refused to refund the purchase.
Weaknesses: Don't forget the extra spacer in the headset. Headset will bind without it.
Bottom Line:
I bought this frame to replace a frame which was danaged in an accident. I needed a new frame quickly because of an upcoming organized ride. Of all the frames the LBS had, the 2002 Siena was the only one which fit me, so I bought it.
..And have not regretted it. This bike is as comfortable as a sofa. After a 60 mile shakedown ride, I took it on a century and it was so comfortable that I had no discomfort at all. The Siena really eats up the miles. Others have reported problems with the integrated headset. Mine wouldn't adjust properly either, until I added an extra spacer under the headset cap, as described in the Cane Creek documentation. Now its perfect.
Bike Setup: Ultegra double, Campagonolo Proton wheelset, Litespeed carbon fork.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
mountainman
a Road Racer
from London UK
Date Reviewed: May 13, 2003
Strengths: Stiff,light and very comfortable.
Weaknesses: crap headtube and headset still. Water bottles dont quite fit inside the tight frame.
Bottom Line:
An update from my entry last year, still luv the bike but the problem is the ovalised head tube, i still have problems with my headset as it moves around still and sounds like it got a bag of sand inside. saying that it rides well, comfortable, stiff, it has made me realise i'm a sprinter not a climber as the whole thing is just so stiff. it's a shame as the whole package is perfect except for the crap headset which i can't change as nothing else fits.
Strengths: Stiff bottom bracket, no flex for me (I am only 145 pounds, but could feel flex on my steel frame). Lighter, more lively, feeling. Durability of titanium is a plus too. No rust or metal fatigue worries.
Weaknesses: No custom fit! I got the right top tube length in the M size, but not the right seat tube angle (when comparing to my old custom fit frame). I had to get a no set-back seatpost to get the right position over the pedals. Seatpost is at its max height without having to buy a mtn bike seatpost (which is fine).
Bottom Line:
Just recently purchased this bike after riding a custom steel frame for the past 12 years. Got it new, but saved a ton on eBay on the frame ($600) and the fork ($150). This Litespeed is stiffer and faster feeling, yet just as comfortable as my steel frame over rough roads. It is also much lighter than the steel frame/fork (the carbon fork and integrated headset save a lot of weight). Handling is excellent: quick, predictable and stable. I cannot compare to modern aluminum bikes, but I am very pleased with the added stiffness and no loss in comfort of this frame. Unsure if the compact design makes any difference. If you compare the compact Siena to the tradition geometry Tuscany, there is no real weight savings. However, it may be stiffer? If you are looking for lightweight, the aluminum frames run a half to a full pound lighter, but you may not get the comfort or longevity of titanium.
The big three cities of Tuscany. Each unique. Each well worth visiting, but for different reasons. For me, Siena is all about wandering its streets, hanging out in the Campo di Fio Read More »
Hello,
I just purchase a used 2006 Litespeed Siena bike and thinking of swapping out the fork. I search around but can't find any info on the head tube diameter size. Does it used Read More »
I am going to sell my 2004 Siena and I am not sure how much to ask. It was never ridden in the rain and is in perfect condition, other than needing a new chain/ cassette. I have th Read More »
As said coming from a set of Neuvations SL3(27mm rim, round spokes), rear wheels replaced after hub failure, no questions asked fron John, even after several years of use: nobody b Read More »
