Titanium vs Carbon Fiber

goonz

Hi all I know this must be done to death on here already, but I tried searching but failed at finding the threads that may have already been discussed on the above topic.

I am hoping to build my own bike deciding on purchasing a frame from the far east and having a go. I have always wanted a CF frame, they look great and will undoubtably be fast, however I am also drawn towards Ti wth its great strength and longevity.

What advice can you give into which frame is better and which I should go for?

nicklouse

Quite a popular question.

viewtopic.php?f=40013&t=12870604&hilit=Titanium+Carbon
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goonz

Thanks a lot, just what I was looking for.

Brian B

I have a great carbon bike that handles likes its on rails, light, great looking and climbs like a demon and can easily handle anything I can throw at it.

Currently purchasing a Van Nic Astreus Ti because I think it will suit my riding style of sportives and long 150mile runs better and also because when I have done timed events on my carbon bike vs my old winter alu bike I see very little difference in time beacuse it aint about the bike.

flasher

I have both, and like them each as much as the other, buy what you like the look of the most, Ti won't slow you down, that's for sure.

loismustdie

Brian B wrote:

I have a great carbon bike that handles likes its on rails, light, great looking and climbs like a demon and can easily handle anything I can throw at it.

Currently purchasing a Van Nic Astreus Ti because I think it will suit my riding style of sportives and long 150mile runs better and also because when I have done timed events on my carbon bike vs my old winter alu bike I see very little difference in time beacuse it aint about the bike.

I have an Astraeus, I bought it to go alongside my Trek Madone SL. In nearly two years since I think I've ridden the Trek maybe three times. Enjoy the VN, it's awesome.

smidsy

goonz wrote:

Thanks a lot, just what I was looking for.

Let's hope you are a better cyclist than you are a searcher of forums

ShutUpLegs

"

jordan_217

Depends on what you want from a bike and what you'll be using it for. Ti and carbon bikes (well bikes made from any material) have different characteristics, strenghts and weaknesses. However bikes made from the same materials can also feel totally different too, depending on manufacturing process, geometries and the finishing kit involved.

Shortlisting some bikes and getting out for a test ride is the way to go IMO.

I've been riding a Ti bike for the last year and I love it to bits. 99% of the time its every bike I could ever want but when I really want to go balls out I find that it's not as responsive as I'd like and the back end feels like its skipping around when I'm out of the saddle going for it. Climbing is where I really notice it though, the back end just feels a bit numb and woolly.

Dont get me wrong its a cracking bike but sometimes I do miss the Scott CR1 I sold to help fund it. That was just a point and shoot bike that felt very nimble and responsive. I do however remind myself that I'm not in bits after 4-5 hrs in the saddle and the majority of the time the Ti bike serves me well and when I was going through the buying/test ride process last year it was the bike that stood out the most and the one I really wanted. Regardless of its 'flaws' I dont regret my choice.

MattC59

jordan_217 wrote:

I've been riding a Ti bike for the last year and I love it to bits. 99% of the time its every bike I could ever want but when I really want to go balls out I find that it's not as responsive as I'd like and the back end feels like its skipping around when I'm out of the saddle going for it. Climbing is where I really notice it though, the back end just feels a bit numb and woolly.

It's those silly curved seat stays, my Esprit climbs like a rocket

jordan_217

MattC59 wrote:

jordan_217 wrote:

I've been riding a Ti bike for the last year and I love it to bits. 99% of the time its every bike I could ever want but when I really want to go balls out I find that it's not as responsive as I'd like and the back end feels like its skipping around when I'm out of the saddle going for it. Climbing is where I really notice it though, the back end just feels a bit numb and woolly.

It's those silly curved seat stays, my Esprit climbs like a rocket

You know, I think you're right. Hopefully a dab of CAAD10 will be the perfect remedy

Monty Dog

My current stable comprises 2 titanium, 2 carbon and 2 steel bikes. Whilst carbon rules the roost for race bikes, I'm still a sucker for metal. If you're not racing, or a very powerful rider then titanium is great - and on our rotten, potholed roads you appreciate the smoother ride.