could this be the end of titanium bikes?!

triban

interesting...

A new alloy has been developed, it is as strong and light as titanium, but is only 10% of the cost to produce.

http://www.gizmodo.co.uk/2015/02/new-iron-aluminium-alloy-is-good-as-titanium-at-10-per-cent-of-the-cost/

alan_sherman

Interesting - but not necessarily the end of titanium bikes as there is no mention of corrosion resistance in that article. The alloy may well rust like steel so require paint. I think the lack of the need for paint (and therefore scratches and chips) is a major plus for titanium frames. Mine looks as good as the day it was bought, it is 6 or 7 years old.

If it is less prone to brittle failure than aluminium alloys then it may replace aluminium bikes.

southdownswolf

The cost of the tubes is not really of great concern, it is how easy the material will be to work with. How much is a set of tubes compared to the cost of buying a frame? 5-10%?

markhewitt1978

What about compliance too? Not so much of an issue for a car but for a bicycle it's critical.

ademort

The article does not mention anything about welding or the conditons required to join the two parts together.

simon_masterson

I wouldn't say so. Ti has always been a bit of a niche interest - as long as it's been available mainstream, it's never been the lightest, stiffest, most affordable or most durable.

kajjal

Road bikers will buy anything as long as it is expensive