Titus or Wilier?

badhand

Still on my quest to get that first road bike, the nice chaps at Liphook Cycles let me out on four bikes today. Various alu/carbon/full carbon choices. Top ride was a Titus Modena built by the shop with a Dura ace chainset and 105 groupset for £1395 or full Ultegra for £200 more.

Coming home and scanning for reviews of the frame it seems to be 2006/07 bike. They didn't tell me that. Does it make any difference and should it be cheaper?

Anyway, I will also be testing the Wilier Mortirolo Veloce at the weekend and I have high hopes for that. But thats £1650 for veloce.

Struggling to find reviews/ comments on either and would appreciated all your stories, advice on frame longevity, components, etc.

Many thanks

kingrollo

I have been looking at the wilier bikes - though the slightly higher priced Izoard - they are pretty well rated bikes. Personally I would think going for a dura ace grupo in that price range would mean corners have to be cut elsewhere, most likley wheels or the frame itself here !

Personally, I prioritize the frame over gruppo - I reckon unless your a serious racer - I 105 groupset will be more than adequate - the only difference with the higher end groupsets is the finish, and weightsaving - If I want to save 200g - Ill try and shift it from my waistline !

Another bike I have been looking at - and one you may want to consider - is the Kouta Kharma 2009 - very nice and the rrp is £1500 - but have seen it for £1250 - make sure you get the 2009 model though

there is probably nothing wrong with a 2007 bike - but look at the current model and see what changes have been made. also bear in mind that the 2010 bikes will on sale in September - hopefully there will be some deals on 2009 models then !

a_n_t

well the mortirolo came 3rd in the "best bike of 2009" in this months C+.


I love mine.

badhand

there is probably nothing wrong with a 2007 bike - but look at the current model and see what changes have been made.

Well I've had a good look and it seems that Titus aren't even making those types of frames anymore. Looks like they are only doing titanium. Does that mean that the carbon tubes, held together with the alloy lugs turned out to be a sh*t idea so they binned it?

Haven't looked at the Kouto yet but I'll have a quick eye up. Choices choices...

badhand

a-n-t, What bike have you got? Also, what size are you and what size bike did you get?

halfmanhalfsnookermachine

Hi there

I bought my bike from Liphook Cycles last year - a Wilier izoard. I tried the Mortirolo and was very impressed all round, excellent comfort, quick, great value and with some Italian flair. I went for the Izoard as i could afford the difference - thats all otherwise i would of had the Mortirolo. Can't comment on the other bike you are trying but you might get a good deal on the 2008 Mortirolo.

One thing I can comment on is that Trevor at Liphook cycles knows his stuff (he's an ex racer), didn't rip me off £25 to test ride anything and always looks after me when I go in - this includes cutting my steerer for free once i had decided on the height I wanted (6 months later!), and giving me at least 2 services for no charge.

As for the groupset, its really a personal choice, I previosly use Shimano but am now fully converted to Campag - its really up to your preference and what you prefer.

Hope that helps, good luck!

HMHSM

badhand

Thanks for that. I've been dealing with Nigel in there and he let me out on 4 bikes yesterday. They do seem to know their stuff and it's nice to find a shop I could keep going back to. Shame they didn't have any Wiliers in stock to play with...

a_n_t

badhand wrote:

a-n-t, What bike have you got? Also, what size are you and what size bike did you get?

mortirolo, XL, think i'm 6'2"

Click the link below.

badhand

Nice pic! Thanks.

I'm 6ft and going to try an XL tomorrow.

Can't wait

badhand

Well I tried it... and I liked it!! XL seemed to be ok. Need a slightly shorter stem and the guy in the shop turned it upside down so it felt a tad more comfy, and it did!

I really liked the campag shifters too which I thought I would hate.

Very happy, but not as happy as the long suffering family I keep dragging round to stand in bike shops as a deposit while I go out for a spin...

Order coming very soon. Wonder if Liphook cycles can match Epic's prices???

Philip S

I'm 6ft and have a L Mortirolo, which feels right for me. I guess it depends on leg length, torso length, arm length and all that.

The Mortirolo is great bike.

badhand

It looks like the top tube length on the large would be ok and negate the need for a shorter stem, but wasn't sure about the seat tube? Is it just a case of raising the saddle?

a_n_t

yeah, pretty much. I've always gone off toptube length, the seat tube is what it is!