Titanium bikes

olddgreg

I'm curious.
Do they really last forever? Or is this just marketing hype?
I've been reading previous posts on Bikeradar after doing some digging, I can't understand why choose titanium over steel, aluminium or carbon. Whats the unique selling point except for it won't corrode and 'won't break'?
If I did fancy an expensive, fast and exotic titanium bike that still retained a smooth ride, what should I look at?

andyp

I've a De Rosa Titanio that I bought in 1999 that is still in mint condition. I've ridden it a lot, in races, sportives, in Flanders, in the Alps, and in all weathers including through the winter. It's taken a lot of abuse yet still comes up looking as good as new after a proper clean.

Here it is in it's current guise;



In terms of ride quality, I own, or have owned, steel, aluminium, carbon and titanium bikes and for an all round road bike I still think Ti offers more than any of the others.

RonB

I think the phrase "a picture says a thousand words" might apply

hugo15

I've got an Airbourne from 2002. It still looks really good. A quick wash and then wipe the tubes with a bit of WD40 on a rag and it comes up looking like new.

What sort of price are you looking to pay? I would probably get a Seven or Merlin frame if I had the cash.

agnello

sweet bike andyp!