Titanium or carbon??

explosifpete

I'm after a new bike/frame but am not sure what to go for.

I do race crits and will most likely do some road racing in the future, like sprinting, but also just like going out and riding my bike, racing my mates up hills and the like

Currently i ride a Ridley Excalibur

That one in fact, There is nothing wrong with it other than the op tube is a touch long and that I work in a bike shop and keep getting offered shiny things!
I have narrowed my options down to 3 frames

first is a Kuota Kult, this is the easiest as there is one in the shop and i could have it cheap.
It is an older model with a bsa b/b and non tapered steerer

Next is a Kuota kebel 2012 model so bb30 and tapered steerer and most importantly in a nicer color!

last option is a custom geometry Sabbath mondays child.


Any thoughts would be appreciated

mjbennett

You seem to be in the fortunate position of being able to try the rides first. I'd ride all three, then buy the one that feels best.

explosifpete

I'm gonna take the kult out this weekend and then a Sabbath silk road next week end so that should answer some questions
.
ATM i'm thinking the Sabbath is the prettiest and proabaly the best but I cant help but think nearly all good bikes are carbon, but then on the other hand i'm pretty sure a lot of that is hype as titanium is so much more expensive for the manufacturer

Scrumple

No contest - ge the sabbath and it will last for years!

Quite a racy frame though... not for long distance comfort.

explosifpete

Hence the custom build! If i get one it will be with a 55 toptube and a 160 headtube so i don't need spaces, In fact i spoke to the designer and he said they are lengthening the head tubes this year

banditvic

Carbons going to be the faster ride, but in 3 or 4 years time when you come to sell, you will get most of your money back on a titanium frame.

Scrumple

This idea with Ti is you keep it! It is a perfect one bike solution.

And then buy a carbon for summer days as a treat.

rogerthecat

Scrumple wrote:

No contest - ge the sabbath and it will last for years!

Quite a racy frame though... not for long distance comfort.

+1 easy option.

napoleond

Steel.

Scrumple

Bamboo?

clarkey cat

wood.

jordan_217

Are Sabbaths financial woes behind them now? I'm alluding to whether or not a warranty would mean anything 12 months down the line.

Steel? Wood? Bamboo? Pah, dried Weetabix is where it's at.

explosifpete

I should be out testing the ugly kult but the rain is bouncing off the floor!!!!

sungod

i think the kult looks quite distinctive, maybe it's not a pretty bike, but it's got that function over form look about it, and imho if it's cf what's the point of trying to look like a metal bike

now, if you want a pretty bike, as napd says, steel, mmm