titanium or carbon

john74
john74 Posts: 254
edited August 2007 in MTB general
just wondering what the pros and cons are between carbon and titanium frames, because i like the cannondale taurine and a titanium van nicholas both roughly the same price. i thought titanium would be stronger in a stack but i have been told otherwise. any advice welcome.
2010 Forme Reve
2010 Giant Talon 1

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    they both have advantages and disavantages over steel or alloy.

    i would have neither.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • john74
    john74 Posts: 254
    why not ??? :shock:
    2010 Forme Reve
    2010 Giant Talon 1
  • streako
    streako Posts: 2,937
    I have had a Carbon Scott which was light but harsh. I would probably try a Titanium next time for a light racing frame.

    Trail type riding I would stick to steel.
  • passout
    passout Posts: 4,425
    I've hear of titianiums snapping - see the road forum re litespeeds.
    Build quality is the thing but carbon is less proven than ti where MTBs are concerned.

    Personally I'd go for carbon though from a big co like Giant or Scott - they will've done the R&D. Better value I reckon.

    The Merlin (Leyland, Lancs) Rock Lobster Ti is good value & well build. Worth a look.
    'Happiness serves hardly any other purpose than to make unhappiness possible' Marcel Proust.
  • Steel has the best resistance to fatigue imo. Alluminium lasts well but doesn't resist hits that good. Carbon fibre's made out of weaves, so I'm not really sure. Personally I'd not trust Carbon fibre DH bars. Titaniums metal and closer to steel so it'd flex slightly while still holding the strength i'd imagine.

    I've always known that steel bends and alloy snaps, thats why I like to ride with steel bars. I've seen a pair of steel bars bend while doing a stair drop (alab gi's) And it'd of been rather nasty had they been alloy and snapped! tbh I'd never want any part of my bike to snap during a crash!

    What sort of riding do you do btw?
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    Titanium starts to become flexy as frames hit the 3lb barrier, but carbon can still build into a stiff frame well below that value. As above careful build is key, and CF is becoming more refined. Sometimes with superlightweight frames you just have to expect less life. To a point, steel and ti can be flexed an infinite number of times and not fatigue. Personally if I was to invest in a hardtail frame to last me the rest of my days it would be a medium weight ti offering, or steel.
  • supersonic wrote:
    Personally if I was to invest in a hardtail frame to last me the rest of my days it would be a medium weight ti offering, or steel.

    What about alloy like my Mongoose Tyax Elite? That will last right?

    Can I leave the bike in the rain btw? (just want to be sure)
    Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Elite 2010
    Mongoose Tyax Elite 2007
    Carrera Limited Edition TDF

    Full suspension - King of the forest!

    If anyone rides in Sulham Wood give me a shout :).
  • paulf2007
    paulf2007 Posts: 341
    If its a hardtail titanium would give a comfortable ride. I have an airborne black widow ti bike and it rides over the bumps real nice. I also have a carbon trance, being full sus its comfy and also very responsive. what are you thinking about, hardtail or full sus?
    van nicholas is the new name for airborne. quality kit
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    The mongoose is heavily constructed. The frame wont corrode in the rain, but the rest of the bits will...