Titanium Bike - should I or shouldn't I?

HonestAl

Hi, I'm new to the forum, and fairly new to cycling but I've been bitten by the bug. I'm lucky enough to have a TCR advanced which I think is great. However being the big kid I am I'm looking longingly at various Ti bikes for longer rides. Given that the geometry of a more relaxed bike would make a significant difference over the TCR, how much difference would the material itself actually make?

I'm sure there are lots of threads on the pros and cons, so if any long term members want to point me at them, I'd be grateful

Thanks

Anonymous

To cut to the chase -

Buy one. You won't regret it.

ride_whenever

buy a polished lynskey helix, you wont regret it...

jimmcdonnell

Saw my Litespeed on eBay, bought it, still get slightly aroused by riding it. Get one.

flasher

Love my VN 8)

softlad

I've never ever ridden a carbon bike - went straight from a handbuilt 653 to a Van Nicholas Chinook. I always wanted a Ti frame and I don't regret it one bit...

Slow Downcp

I was in a similar position recently - got a Kuota and wanted something for longer, more relaxed rides. Bought an Enigma Etape - superbly comfortable, excellent service from Enigma, and rides superb. Also has clearance for full mudguards and bosses for rack for touring if you want without making the bike feel slow (if that makes sense).

Moaner

Ti Van Nic Amazon - absolutely love it.

brushed

Titanium bikes are expensive but should last alot longer than the black plastic frames popular with the pros and spectacular to see in a crash.

I have owned and enjoyed a handful of different ti frames.The ride quality can vary from vague and comfy to stiffer but still comfy. Ideal for long events / rides

The finish is bomb proof and understated. I can't recommend them highly enough.

US made ones have the best welds: for good value US made look at Linskey / Planet X
Far East versions offer better value: Van Nicholas, Sabbath
For most kudos go for Serotta, Seven, Merlin all US made

I think Enigma are making theirs now in the UK.Their Far East versions looked nice.

The downside is if there is a problem they are difficult to repair so I would avoid second hand as you will not get the benefit of a warranty.

Maybe have a look Van Nicholas first : lots of choice

careful

+1 for VN. In my case a Yukon is my do everything & long distance bike. Light, comfy, beautiful finish, not prone to damage, lifetime guarantee and no paint to scratch, and it even has rack mounts and mudguard eyes - what more could you want

topdude

Another +1 (or is it +2 ?) for VN.
I bought a Euros frame and forks last June and built it up myself.
It is a smooth light and comfy semi compact with no paint or lacquer to worry about, and no garish colour scheme, also scratches can be polished out with a scotchbrite pad.
It is more of a race geometry sportive so no fixings for mudguards or racks but that suits me.
You should go and try a few Ti bikes then decide

Steelride

+3 for Van Nicholas. I'd go for Lynskey if you want to spend a bit more.

toontra

+4 for Van Nicholas. Why spend more!

morrisje

Don't forget Sabbeth Bikes. They have got this special offer at the moment:-
http://www.sundaybicycles.co.uk/special_offers.php

Monty Dog

BTW weld aesthetics have very little to do with strength - it just takes longer and costs more, but if you've got deep enough pockets, it'll probably be a Moots, Dean, Serrotta or Seven. For understated Italian class there's always Passoni, Bertoletti or DeRosa. Luckily there are lots of far east produced frames for decent money like Enigma, Sabbath or Van Nicholas. I think ti is one of the best frame materials if you plan on keeping the bike for a while or withstanding the rigours of touring or travelling.

Anonymous

The Planet X Ti bikes are made by Lynskey and look good value too. I'd go for a Sabbath personally as I have had them personally recommended and the company is local (albeit frames made in China).

I don't think you can go wrong really...

greg roche

Sabbath made in China? Some, not all.

USA welds are the best? Not really. In fact, not at all. Neat doesn't always mean strong. Of the suppliers we use the only one welding in a box (ie. tamper proof, inert environment) is the Chinese one.

Still not 1 frame broken / returned and we're 3 years in. Can't really improve on 100% record.

Watch for new products in 2010, from design and aesthetic prospective, we think we're about too move significantly ahead of the competition - at any price point.

That is all.

Greg

www.sabbathbicycles.co.uk

Anonymous

Sorry Greg, didn't know that they weren't all made in China, I just remember reading the blurb when Sunday Cycles started up... (Not that I'm bothered where the frames are made as long as they are good quality!)

I'm looking forward to seeing these innovations as I aim to replace my second bike frame in the nearish future with some Ti or steel.

greg roche

Keep an eye on the Sabbath - Claytan team bikes as the season progresses in the Premier Calendar. We'll still have the current models, but we have some exciting material technologies which Iain's done some very big sums and very complicated drawings about. All i can tell you is that finished product is about 30% lighter for a given stiffness / ride quality and they look shiny.

We're design led - thats to say Iain designs a product then we look for manufacturing capable of delivering what we want, so we will source from anywhere in the world. For example, we spoke with Lynskey about manufacturing the new TT product which you might have seen launched at the TCR show in February, but they couldn't do it, whereas the Chinese supplier could... so China got the business.

Greg

HonestAl

Thanks guys, not a whole lot of reservations about Ti there then

Reckon I'll be cranking up the pressure on the purchasing committee (aka the wife!) Greg's teasers about shiny new Sabbath bikes sounds intriguing, hope something becomes visible before I decide to spend my hard earned cash (assuming she who must be obeyed says yes ) Any more views are of course welcome

doyler78

Love my Planet X Ti Sportive. I like its understated look, the fact that it is a go out in any weather bike, is easier to maintain the look & doesn't kill me after a few hours riding

I have a carbon bike as well and love it too for completely different reasons. I ride the bike that takes my fancy that day and both make me smile.

stagger

doyler78 wrote:

Love my Planet X Ti Sportive. I like its understated look, the fact that it is a go out in any weather bike, is easier to maintain the look & doesn't kill me after a few hours riding

I have a carbon bike as well and love it too for completely different reasons. I ride the bike that takes my fancy that day and both make me smile.

+1 for the ti sportive, v nice ride, ticked all the boxes for me for 'one bike to do it all'