carbon rails vs. titanium rails

landdnl
landdnl Posts: 64
edited August 2013 in Workshop
Ok, next month I'll be building up a Ritchey Road Logic frameset. I thought I had the BOM set, but now I have a question. I was going to go with the WCS Carbon Streem saddle w/carbon clamp kit(165 grams/$132 total), but someone was suggesting titanium rail option for more comfort(200 grams/$99). My reasoning for doing this build is to have a bike that is less susceptible to crosswinds because of the smaller diameter tubing(custom wheelset for same reason) and this also will be my century ride bike on somewhat flat terrain. There's some areas where the tarmac is kind of groovy and not in a 60's good way.(horizontal 1.5 to 2" wide and deep). I'm dressing it up with 7900(I already have minus crank), and Ritchey components(superlogic & WCS). I'm trying to keep the weight down(a little over 16lbs.), but comfort trumps weight on this build. Having said that, if there's not much of a difference in comfort, I'll take the "shave a few grams option"(I know, the lighter the bike the more susceptible you are to crosswinds). Any opinions on which way to go?

Comments

  • diamonddog
    diamonddog Posts: 3,426
    I doubt you would notice any difference in comfort levels, I have a saddle with carbon rails and as opposed to the old one with steel rails there is no discernible difference. :)
  • imposter2.0
    imposter2.0 Posts: 12,028
    As above - just buy the cheaper one, on the basis that there will be no noticable difference. Also, I don't buy the 'crosswind' argument. Given that the rider makes up the largest part of any profile presented to the wind (in any direction), you are unlikely to see a benefit there either.
  • satanas
    satanas Posts: 1,303
    edited August 2013
    IME the only things that affect crosswind stability much are front wheel side area, and total surface area presented to the wind. Front rims with very deep sections or very wide composite spokes can be extremely annoying, and front discs - even in the 17" Moulton size - are bad news.

    If you're worried about comfort, the important things are:
    1. Correct fit
    2. Saddle shape that fits *you* best
    3. Wider tyres at minimum pressure
    4. Avoiding super stiff frames/forks/wheels/seatposts/handlebars
    5. Frame geometry that gives appropriate handling

    Nothing else is going to make much difference IME, and if fit is out by much then nothing will be comfortable. The only things I've noticed with saddles (while riding) is the shaps and the padding or lack thereof. I doubt very much that the rails will make any significant difference - just run a few less PSI in the tyres!
  • dennisn
    dennisn Posts: 10,601
    landdnl wrote:
    My reasoning for doing this build is to have a bike that is less susceptible to crosswinds because of the smaller diameter tubing(custom wheelset for same reason) and this also will be my century ride bike on somewhat flat terrain.

    So, do you have a bike for days when it's not so windy and another bike for century rides that have a few hills in them? How about a bike for days that it's windy yet hilly?
    Sorry, couldn't resist. :oops:
  • landdnl
    landdnl Posts: 64
    dennisn wrote:
    landdnl wrote:
    My reasoning for doing this build is to have a bike that is less susceptible to crosswinds because of the smaller diameter tubing(custom wheelset for same reason) and this also will be my century ride bike on somewhat flat terrain.

    So, do you have a bike for days when it's not so windy and another bike for century rides that have a few hills in them? How about a bike for days that it's windy yet hilly?
    Sorry, couldn't resist. :oops:

    I do a 23 mile round trip commute to work, so this bike will be for that. When you're going 50 to 65 KPH downhill with trucks next door you want to be able to hold your line.
  • landdnl
    landdnl Posts: 64
    satanas wrote:
    IME the only things that affect crosswind stability much are front wheel side area, and total surface area presented to the wind. Front rims with very deep sections or very wide composite spokes can be extremely annoying, and front discs - even in the 17" Moulton size - are bad news.

    If you're worried about comfort, the important things are:
    1. Correct fit
    2. Saddle shape that fits *you* best
    3. Wider tyres at minimum pressure
    4. Avoiding super stiff frames/forks/wheels/seatposts/handlebars
    5. Frame geometry that gives appropriate handling

    Nothing else is going to make much difference IME, and if fit is out by much then nothing will be comfortable. The only things I've noticed with saddles (while riding) is the shaps and the padding or lack thereof. I doubt very much that the rails will make any significant difference - just run a few less PSI in the tyres!

    My current bike meets all of the above criteria. I agree. Fit is everything. Without a good fit and equilibrium between your arms, bottom, and to a lesser extent knees, it doesn't matter what cushy components you have. You won't be comfortable(or fast). IMO saddles are always blamed first when someone has a sore bum. Replacing it might help but odds are they don't have a proper setup to begin with.
  • Yossie
    Yossie Posts: 2,600
    As above: I have both carbon railed and Ti railed Selle Italia SLR 135g jobs: absolutely no difference at all in comfort but the carbon one looks cooler so therefore 2mph more top end.

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