I’m in the market for a new road bike and recently have really started liking the idea of a used titanium (feel free to critique this thought as well) – budget is no more than $3,000.
Just for a little background, all I’ve ever ridden is my trusty steel touring bike/tank (Trek 520 – great for touring, not so much for tris and road riding). I do a wide range of riding – including leisurely rides with family, centuries, club rides, training rides, and tris – all of which will be done on this new bike. I’d consider myself a decent cyclist (definitely not great, but not a beginner either…averaged just under 21 mph in last HIM on the steel touring bike).
Anyway, I’ve come across a used 2005 Vortex for sale and am wondering if it’s the bike for me. From reviews I’ve seen (hoping to actually ride it myself soon) I’ve gathered the following:
Fast
Must be “ridden” – no easy rides on it
Not exactly a “comfortable” ride
Potential issues with wobble at high speeds downhill
Would this be a fairly accurate description? What else can you add that you think I should be considering?
As far as Litespeed is concerned I had been looking at the Tuscany/Siena route, giving up some speed for comfort. The more I think about it though, maybe I’m selling myself short and should just say screw it, go for the most fun, fastest bike I can get while I’m young, then worry about comfort some time down the road.
Anyway, I know your first thought will be that this is purely a personal preference thing, which I totally agree with, I just want to get the opinions of those out there (especially since any test rides will be limited).
I borrowed a vortex for awhile when I was between bikes, it was a 2005. It was sweet, like all Ti Litespeeds. If I ever come up with a pile of $$$ that size, thats the bike I would buy.
I saw a new (2003) model Vortex with Ultegra on it at my LBS today. It showed a regular price about $5400.00 and sale price of $2699 I believe.
I am not sure what size it is, but you could call Bicycle Village in Aurora,CO to ask. (303)-750-1064 ask for Jonathan or Andy and tell them Zev told you to call.
I’ve ridden my Vortex for 2 years and have nothing bad to say about it. I find it very very comfortable at all speeds and have never had any problems with wobble at high speeds downhill. I have had it out on fast group rides with the roadies as well as slower touring centuries and it is at home doing either. I am a little biased towards riding TI but if I did not like the bike, it would be gone.
I’ve heard rumors of speed wobble, but it seems to be isolated to certain sizes and also may be attributeable to the fork. I have a 2002 or 2003 Ghisallo and heard rumors about the same thing but never experienced it myself. Litespeeds are great bike and i can’t believe you would be disappointed.
I’ve got an 05 Vortex I’ve been riding since I bought it new. Absolutely great ride. I’ve done many hilly centuries on it and love how it climbs. It also eats up road bumps quite well to give it a smooth ride. No wobble problems at all. I highly recommend it.
I bought a used 2001 Vortex last winter and I’ve loved it since. I bought it for 1700 in great condition. No complaints whatsoever, and I’ve been up to 45 mph without death wobble. My previous bike was a steel Bianchi which was a great ride and a tad more comfy, but I race a lot and wanted to try something lighter than steel.