Steel vs Titanium frames.

racingt
racingt Posts: 108
edited August 2010 in Road buying advice
Hi guys, thinking about my next ride, for brisk outings, not racing, but going as well as I can, and thinking about steel vs titanium.
More specifically a custom built XCR versus a far east titanium.
I'm stock M@S sizes so probably don't need the custom build, just wondered how the ride would compare ??
Ridden lots of steel, no titanium - am I missing something?
Cheers
Racingt

Comments

  • mrushton
    mrushton Posts: 5,182
    edited August 2010
    Titanium has a certain 'something' that altho'similar to steel is more sublime. BUT it depends on what steel v what titanium. An expensive steel bike -IF/Pegoretti/Waterford will feel expensive as will a high end Ti like Moots or Serotta. Given money/room I'd have all those makes.
    M.Rushton
  • jairaj
    jairaj Posts: 3,009
    the ride would depend on the frame design as well as the material. Not sure its accurate to generalise so much. Maybe if you had a few particular frames in mind people might be able to give better feedback?
  • racingt
    racingt Posts: 108
    Well, specifically, I'm looking at an Enigma Extensor, to replace a Look KG281 carbon frame, and complement my Roberts Audax. Looking for comfort primarily, followed by speed. My Look is fast, my Roberts is comfortable, and I want both attributes in one bike if it's possible!
    Started off looking at Ti, then Jim at Enigma suggested the Extensor, so I am seeking enlightenment!!
    Clearly, I 'm not worried about lowest possible weight - 3/400g is nothing extra to carry around.
    All advice gratefully recieved!!

    Racingt
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 79,666
    I'd go for the steel...

    I have a Ti road bike and it's nowt spesh.

    I'd love a classic geometry steel bike, a Colnago Master X Light or Enigma Esprit would be good...
  • DaSy
    DaSy Posts: 599
    As said above before, the material is only a part of the equation, Ti can be made into a very lack-lustre frame, in the same way as steel can be made into a very lively ride, but the reverse is also true.

    For me, my Litespeed Icon is an absolutely ideal frame. It is light, lively and comfortable, with lots of stiffness for a Ti frame.

    I would be inclined to get a good quality steel frame than a mediocre Ti one though, if that was my choice.

    Ti is very easy to own though, with no worries about corrosion or even the finish getting marked over time, so can be a low maintenance frame for life, if that is what you are looking for, just don't go for cheap Ti would be my advice.
    Complicating matters since 1965
  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    I've have XCR - being stainless it's as durable as titanium. I've got a couple of steel bikes and a couple of titanium and they all feel different - a lot depends on the design of the frame and your weight / style of riding too.
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • racingt
    racingt Posts: 108
    Good points thanks.
    I must say the Roberts is a keeper, absolutely lovely, but times have moved on, and I don't think Roberts have. Builld quality is superb, despite being 12 years old, so I think I will probably go for the top quality steel - even after these years the quality shines through, and the fillet brazed frame makes me feel happy every time I ride it. Damn!! Perhaos I should just upgrade it with Athena 11 speed and poss carbon forks to reduce the offset.
    The problem is, that it is like updateing an old computer - better off buying new!!

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