Is Titanium worth it?

[samsbike]

I have a different perspective and probably closer to velovoice, in that I think fit and the geometry is much more important.

I have a ti, that has a triple and its got some far out geometry on it - long headtube, and chainstays. Despite running marathon plus its an incredibly comfortable bike but I suspect the difference between it and say a salsa vaya (in steel) is about £700 and half a kilo or so.

Mine is painted so I don't get to appreciate all that lovely ti in the flesh so to speak.

However, in addition to fit I would get whatever makes you go 'wow - and I confess plain old ti, does have that wow factor.

I would love a carbon domane, but the paintjobs don't seem that exciting (except the orange and black one from last year).

Test ride loads and I would recommend a try up to Spa Cycles taking various bikes out, so you can see the difference in material, as the geometry will be the same.

 

[Tenacious Sloth]

To be fair (and I'm sure Graham knows this), Hunstanton is at least a two hour drive from here so it's not exactly down the road. I was lusting after a Ti frame, but since my Fratello disc arrived I'm thinking Ti would have to go some to provide a better ride.

I did actually take a drive up to Hunstanton, but they didn't have a built-up Kinesis, just a frame hanging from the ceiling.

The thing is, everyone says how much smoother a ride titanium is over other materials, but I would like to confirm this for myself. Particularly as I bought an aluminium frame Merida Ride over the carbon version last year after test riding both for a good 45 minutes, as I couldn't feel any difference in comfort or stiffness.

Graham

 

[vickster]

@samsbike if you have deep pockets Trek do custom paint jobs in some pretty exciting colours!

 

[vickster]

I did actually take a drive up to Hunstanton, but they didn't have a built-up Kinesis, just a frame hanging from the ceiling.

The thing is, everyone says how much smoother a ride titanium is over other materials, but I would like to confirm this for myself. Particularly as I bought an aluminium frame Merida Ride over the carbon version last year after test riding both for a good 45 minutes, as I couldn't feel any difference in comfort or stiffness.

Graham

I thought Fatbirds offer test rides, could you try some other brands, they do most of the main Ti options except lite speed

http://www.fatbirds.co.uk/bike-hire.aspx

 

[Flying Dodo]

Try looking on (for example) YACF for some stories of the horrors of dealing with Enigma. Poor customer service, failure to deliver to deadlines, custom frames that weren't correct...

I know some people swear by them but I personally know five people who have had problems. Everyone I know who have gone for Sabbath or van Nicholas, on the other hand, have had nothing but praise...

From what I understand, the Enigma customer service problems were several years in the past when different people were involved, as it's not been a recent issue. I don't have an Enigma though, as I'm very happy with my Linskey framed Ti bike from Planet X. I have tried riding carbon but found it harsher, plus I wasn't too impressed on a Specialized Tarmac that I could push in the top tube with my thumb. Having said that, there will be a greater range of riding experience, depending upon exactly how a carbon bike is built, so it will be possible to get a carbon bike to ride as well or better than a Ti bike.

Personally though I think many carbon bikes look so ugly having a massive built up bottom bracket area, but ultimately it's got to be down to a rider's own choice as what they feel looks and rides the best.

 

[ianrauk]

Is Ti worth it?

Good God yes.. even on looks alone...

Sorry.. really sorry... I just can't help myself can I?

 

[jowwy]

Yes....buy it, ride it, dont look back

Enjoy

 

[vickster]

@jowwy had a Sabbath Aspire

 

[jowwy]

@jowwy had a Sabbath Aspire

Yup a visually stunning and beautiful bike to ride indeed........

 

[Flying Dodo]

Is Ti worth it?

Good God yes.. even on looks alone...

View attachment 141213

Sorry.. really sorry... I just can't help myself can I?

I'll have to sort out a photo, now that the bike has new wheels, chainset etc.............

 

[outlash]

I did actually take a drive up to Hunstanton, but they didn't have a built-up Kinesis, just a frame hanging from the ceiling.

The thing is, everyone says how much smoother a ride titanium is over other materials, but I would like to confirm this for myself. Particularly as I bought an aluminium frame Merida Ride over the carbon version last year after test riding both for a good 45 minutes, as I couldn't feel any difference in comfort or stiffness.

Graham

And yet there's a guy in the local CC who reckoned his alu framed Merida crosser was so harsh, it was unrideable on tarmac. Personally, I don't think there isn't a 'night & day' sort of difference between frames and materials, plus there's the rest off the bike's components to take into account.

But then there's this.....

 

[Supersuperleeds]

I've recently bought a Van Nic Ventus & would highly recommend Ti. Have a carbon from Planet X which I love, but the Ti just edges it for me. It doesn't feel as quick off the mark as carbon & not as quick up the hills, but it's no slouch & is far more comfortable for longer rides. I've done about 500 miles in the month or so I've had it & the only problems I've had are, the seatpost wasn't long enough & the bar tape is coming away in places, but it's white anyway, so not practical
I got mine from Long Eaton cycles who were very good on the price & service

I'm thinking of going with the Ventus, just need to decide if I want 105 or Ultegra on it; £300 difference not sure if it is worth it. Then I've got to get my lazy arse over to Long Eaton to sort it

 

[ianrauk]

I'm thinking of going with the Ventus, just need to decide if I want 105 or Ultegra on it; £300 difference not sure if it is worth it. Then I've got to get my lazy arse over to Long Eaton to sort it

Get the 105 and upgrade as and when.

 

[doog]

Is Ti worth it?

Good God yes.. even on looks alone...

View attachment 141213

Sorry.. really sorry... I just can't help myself can I?

That looks very nice. How do you find the ride compared to Alu or carbon....is it some kind of sweet spot , looks aside ?

 

[Supersuperleeds]

Get the 105 and upgrade as and when.

Cheers, that will make it easier to get the purse string holder to agree