steel v titanium

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Comments

  • APIII
    APIII Posts: 2,010
    inseine wrote:
    You don't seem to see many lugged steel bikes these days, are they not so fashionable or is it a weight thing?

    I don't think it's anything to do with waining demand. I placed my order today for a lugged 953 frame. Waiting list is 13 months.
  • I have a nice lugged Columbus steel bike.... I bought it second hand last year and I reckon it's about 7-8 years old but was in superb condition.

    With regards to the whole steel-carbon-alu argument you will do no better than reading this article from Rivendell Bikes in the USA:

    http://www.rivbike.com/article/bicycle_ ... _materials

    Very much in favour of steel!! :D
  • simpoman
    simpoman Posts: 29

    With regards to the whole steel-carbon-alu argument you will do no better than reading this article from Rivendell Bikes in the USA:

    http://www.rivbike.com/article/bicycle_ ... _materials

    Very much in favour of steel!! :D

    OMG what have I done..... I didn't realise that by buying carbon I am now certain to have a catastrophic, sunlight induced epic frame failure!

    Though having said that my Madone is in the LBS on a non catastrophic BB related issue and I now want and Extensor or an Astraeus!, :roll:
  • I was wondering how long it would take for the carbon crowd to start reminding us that their frames are lighter. I have a carbon frame now, but want something a bit special....a bit bespoke! Carbon is great for racing, but doesn't do it for me. I want that zingy experience!!
  • simpoman
    simpoman Posts: 29
    ....not 'the carbon crowd', am one of the 'I love bikes' crowd.

    Was very lucky to get my Madone at a price I couldn't refuse.....it is without a doubt the best bike I have had. Problem is it's back in the shop... sure it'll come back fixed or as new frame, but I am having trouble accepting I won't be here again. I won't pay out full price for similar again, I want something I know will outlive my next 30 (hopefully) years of cycling, i.e. Ti or steel. My point is that sites like the ones listed and many posters on this and other sites paint a picture of Carbon being barely able to cope with a ride to work, which is just nonsense. How can anyone believe that any mainstream manufacturer will knowingly produce a product that has a high chance of catastrophic failure, planting their customers on their faces in the road?

    Thing is all the naysayers sow that seed in people's normally rational heads (mine included)!

    Having said that I am very lucky to also have a VN Euros..... which is also back to shop with a frame issue! Please don't let that put anyone off, it's a great frame, nearly as good as my Madone......probably all-round better.
  • waterford123
    waterford123 Posts: 172
    I've got a Waterford S33. It's True Temper steel and it's a beautiful ride. They don't look that sexy on their websites but get one on the road and I think you'll love it.

    I had a Serotta legend a few year before that but sold it to help buy family stuff, to be honest the Waterford rides nicer, but it is a better set up for me.
  • Go Ti I have 3 Airbornes and they ride like a dream.

    Obviously they don't exist now but check out Van Nicolas who they were taken over by.
  • dbmnk
    dbmnk Posts: 217
    I've got some ol columbus butted steel bike with steel fork and an ol merlin ti with carbon fork.

    the steel sometimes feels dead to me, while the ti is the most joyfull thing i've ever ridden. That said, the ti rear triangle is way more flexy powering uphill - I've even made it ghost shift on that account.

    On the other end, the steel fork is way more flexy than the carbon (good for buzz), so I have two half baked bikes.

    I do prefer the ti, though, but as always it will depend more on tube diameter choice and geometry more than material once you go alloy.
  • eh
    eh Posts: 4,854
    I want something I know will outlive my next 30 (hopefully) years of cycling, i.e. Ti or steel.

    Don't get Ti for this purpose, it has a very nasty habit of failing, especially around welds. Amusingly aluminium is a good choice if you want a light but long lasting bike, but for some reason most people dismiss it out of hand. Otherwise steel should do 30 years if looked after it well.