titanium - winter / all round bike. Help!
Scrumple
Posts: 2,665
I have a Planet X SL Carbon road bike. It does me fine.
I want to buy a winter hack, that will take mudguards etc and see me through the wet / cold so I can put the carbon away until spring. I do 11 miles each way on my commute, with hills!
I was going to buy an alu cheapo, and use it only for winter. Then I thought why not spend a bit more on titanium and have a bullet proof 2nd bike that can work all year round. The extra benefit would be a more comfy bike (25 wheels, maybe sportive frame) that I could cart about and use when the carbon was too delicate. Tjhat way it wouldn't just get garaged in the warmer weather as there are times the PX is to delicate to take out.
I was seriously considering the £799 PX sportive?? I could build it up to suit me.
Am I daft, or is this a better idea than something like a Ribble winter hack, spend less, and just revert to my carbon in spring?
I dont want to ride to compete, I just want a 2 bike set up to cover all my needs.
Money isn't a huge issue. If the PX ti frame isn't amazing value I could just buy a ready built Sabbath. Guess I am after the perfect 2nd bike to cover the need for durability, mudgaurds, and something different!
I want to buy a winter hack, that will take mudguards etc and see me through the wet / cold so I can put the carbon away until spring. I do 11 miles each way on my commute, with hills!
I was going to buy an alu cheapo, and use it only for winter. Then I thought why not spend a bit more on titanium and have a bullet proof 2nd bike that can work all year round. The extra benefit would be a more comfy bike (25 wheels, maybe sportive frame) that I could cart about and use when the carbon was too delicate. Tjhat way it wouldn't just get garaged in the warmer weather as there are times the PX is to delicate to take out.
I was seriously considering the £799 PX sportive?? I could build it up to suit me.
Am I daft, or is this a better idea than something like a Ribble winter hack, spend less, and just revert to my carbon in spring?
I dont want to ride to compete, I just want a 2 bike set up to cover all my needs.
Money isn't a huge issue. If the PX ti frame isn't amazing value I could just buy a ready built Sabbath. Guess I am after the perfect 2nd bike to cover the need for durability, mudgaurds, and something different!
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I have a second Ti bike (Litespeed Siena) and it's great!
I'd go for what you want.
With the advent of Crud Road Racer guards an MGC frame is no longer essential!0 -
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My winter bike is an Enigma Etape, bought for the reasons you mention - durability, comfort, full mudguards - no reason your winter bike should be a lesser bike than your eummer bike if you can afford it. Just means I have two best bikes.Carlsberg don't make cycle clothing, but if they did it would probably still not be as good as Assos0
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I have a planet X sportive a great bike, you would be happy on it all year round. At that price a bargain too.0
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I run a ti bike all year. Just the job.
No one should ride alu if they can afford ti. 8)Facts are meaningless, you can use facts to prove anything that's remotely true! - Homer0 -
I have a Sabbath Silk Road as my winter/foul weather/training bike. Once you've ridden a good Ti frame, there's no going back
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I recently bought a Van Nicholas Yukon in order to keep my carbon bike in the garage for the Winter.
I'd recommend the Ti option, as you can afford it.
They are a lovely ride, too...Start with a budget, finish with a mortgage!0 -
I'm sold!
Makes sense.
Only issue is you have now mentioned the Enigmas, PX, Van Nicholas, Sabbath, Litespeed...
So, moving the thread on, just how good a bargain is the £799 PX frame? Too good to miss, or shall I just look for a fully built bike?
I don't want really aggressive geometry, as I am not out to compete, but I don't want a sit up and beg. Guess I need to go road test some.
Reddragon, what makes you go for the road rather than the sportive? I was thinking that a bike with bigger wheels (25's for a sturdier commute) and all round use would maybe suit a sportive rather than a road spec?
Too much choice, and sadly no stockists to compare them all. Makes recommendations more useful (though everyone just recommends their own make of purchase!).0 -
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At £799 the Planet X does look a good buy, particularly given receny price increases, although if you phone Greg at Sabbath or Jim at Enigma you may get a deal. Enigma usually do show deals, and I was given the same deal over the phone as I couldn't make the show (Frame, Forks, and headset for frame only price of £999 - frame only is now £1,130 :shock: ). Fatbirds also throw in forks and headset with Sabbath and Van Nicholas.
I self built with Enigma finishing kit, Centaur, Kysrium Elite, Arione saddle for just under £2k - built up with lesser wheels was £2,300 from Enigma so may be worth shopping around depending which frame you go for.Carlsberg don't make cycle clothing, but if they did it would probably still not be as good as Assos0 -
I was hoping for a better deal than £799 at Planet X for the Pro Road must admit, though of course it's still good value.0
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I've seen the VN Euros go for that money (new). Similar type of bike I suspect - sloping geometry, straight gauge tubes etc. nothing fancy but a nice design and VN are usually well put together. I've got an Airborne and it's a lovely frame imo.
See fatbirds and bikeplus for any VN dealsFacts are meaningless, you can use facts to prove anything that's remotely true! - Homer0 -
I got the VN Yukon, specced with Shimano Ultegra 6700, Easton finishing kit + full length mudguards. Handbuilt 105, 32h/Mavic Open Pro wheels... £1947
I'm happy with that
Got it through Fat Birds. Could have got the Sabbath September for about £100 less...Start with a budget, finish with a mortgage!0 -
I have a very nice Focus Cayo which is my pride and joy. I am a commuter and it would break my heart to ride it in salt and ice, don't mind a bit of rain though. I wanted a bullet proof winter commuting bike and I have found it in a Boardman SC singlespeed bike with SKS mudguards and I am very happy with it. It cost £499, a bargain. A singlespeed similar bike would tick a lot of boxes for anyone wanting a winter commuting bike.0
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Since you mention that you want a bike you can 'cart about', you should have a look at the Richey Breakaway series - according to the C+ reviews they are as good as you could hope for from a Ti or steel frame (they do both), but they can be packed into a compact bag - very handy for travelling to sportifs by flight or train or bus.0
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Thanks - but don't want anything I can pack up (hugely expensive) and have no interest in a singlespeed. Have you tried huge hills on a ride?! My trek to work pushes me hard on a compact...0
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Scrumple wrote:Thanks - but don't want anything I can pack up (hugely expensive) and have no interest in a singlespeed. Have you tried huge hills on a ride?! My trek to work pushes me hard on a compact...
Ritchey Breakaways are just like regular bikes, they just have subtle couplings added:
http://www.ritcheylogic.com/dyn_category.php?k=97991
The ti is expensive, but looks terrific (guy I know has one, insists its as good as any top of the range ti bike he's ridden). But the steel ones are much better value.
http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/ ... rbon-11378
I believe Enigma are now doing their frames with couplings too.0 -
If you look at the Fatbirds site there are deals on titanium frames for about £799 including forks and headset - so the Planet X deal isn't amazing - it's decent - just not amazing if you're looking for really aggressive pricing.My cycling blog: http://girodilento.com/0
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ScottieP wrote:If you look at the Fatbirds site there are deals on titanium frames for about £799 including forks and headset - so the Planet X deal isn't amazing - it's decent - just not amazing if you're looking for really aggressive pricing.
Personally I prefer the idea of a Lynskey american-made frame, over a chinese made frame with cheap forks and headset.
I'm not saying there's anything wrong with Chinese built, it's just Lynskey have such a good reputation.0 -
Where do Sabbath source their frames from. I am drawn to them, for some reason...0
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China0
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Just as I started to make my mind up.
That said, who cares where they come from, the stuff is bombproof wherever it is made.
The more research you do, the more confused you get!0 -
Just cos it's from China shouldn't affect your judgement though...
IIRC Sabbath have never had a frame fail.
Unlike Litespeed...0 -
Scrumple wrote:Just as I started to make my mind up.
That said, who cares where they come from, the stuff is bombproof wherever it is made.
The more research you do, the more confused you get!
Very true indeed, I don't think you would find a bad bike out of the brands mentioned here. Sabbath source from different countries for their products.
NapD's Litespeed is very nice, I have a Sabbath Silk Road I bought earlier in the year and like very much. Planet X's Ti bikes look to be better value now but only come in a polished finish.
have a look at Fatbirds and then call Greg at Sabbath, you will get plenty of food for thought and honest answers.
Good luck!
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It doesn't.
There's just too much choice and no outstanding bike for the money.
Makes it harder that they are not easy to find and try. I rode the PX one when I bought my SL but thought it looked a little plain and dull.
I just need to stop faffing and go for it. I'll see who can do the best deal on Monday, maybe.0 -
No answer until Monday at Sabbath. I have no idea which of their frames best suitesmy needs...
Basically a slightly tougher road bike than my PX SL, with room for mudguards, and fitted with 25 wheels, and a little more comfy, but still fast.0 -
Scrumple wrote:No answer until Monday at Sabbath. I have no idea which of their frames best suitesmy needs...
Basically a slightly tougher road bike than my PX SL, with room for mudguards, and fitted with 25 wheels, and a little more comfy, but still fast.
Either the Silk Road or the September from Sabbath. I went for the Silk Road because it has the shorter wheelbase of the two.
I've fitted full length guards to my Silk Road, I still run 23 tyres on it with a decent enough clearence.For once, I'm quite looking forward to winter........
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I got a Planet X Pro Road Ti Dura-Ace build around 6 weeks ago (should have waited a few weeks and saved £200 on the frame) The Sportive frame may be more to your style of riding. It will also take mudguards whereas the Pro Road will not.
I was after an all year round bike and a Ti framed build seemed to fit the bill. I looked into all different possibilities as I had a reasonable budget. The Planet X seems the best buy as you are getting a quailty frame built by Lynskey in the USofA for £799 in the KISS sale. No one else can offer that by a long way. I have no doubts however that all the other frames by the likes of Sabbath, Van Nichols, Burls etc.. are all excellent. I was torn between a Lynskey and a Sabbath as well as the PX. In the end the price and component offer of the PX won out.
I have been amazed how much of a difference my ride is from my alu Cube Agree. Miles are far easier there is no road buzz and it does feel like 'riding on a magic carpet' as some people say. I am less fatigued at the end of a ride the only downside has been that the bike has highlighted my fitness flaws.
As others here have said once you ride Ti there really is no going back.
I also liked the look of these
http://www.burls.co.uk/titanium.php
Here is mine (the Schwalbe Stelvios have gone as they are rubbish IMO)
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redddraggon wrote:Personally I prefer the idea of a Lynskey american-made frame, over a chinese made frame with cheap forks and headset.
I'm not saying there's anything wrong with Chinese built, it's just Lynskey have such a good reputation.
Care to explain why my forks and headset are 'cheap'? :shock: :evil:
Where do PX source their forks?
To OP, Greg Roche is a member of this forum, and may butt in with his five penneth.... Start with a budget, finish with a mortgage!0 -
hopper1 wrote:redddraggon wrote:Personally I prefer the idea of a Lynskey american-made frame, over a chinese made frame with cheap forks and headset.
I'm not saying there's anything wrong with Chinese built, it's just Lynskey have such a good reputation.
Care to explain why my forks and headset are 'cheap'? :shock: :evil:
Where do PX source their forks?
To OP, Greg Roche is a member of this forum, and may butt in with his five penneth....
Cro Magnon headset? never heard of them
ITM Visia fork - cheap and Nasty.
My P-X is going to have a Chris King headset and EC90 SLX fork0
