Show us your Titanium....

[I'm With Stupid]

Is there any reason they're all exactly the same colour?

 

[PMarkey]

Spa Audax Ti. Straight out of the box.

View attachment 8467

Needs some fettling.

How are you liking the Spa Audax Ti ? Seriously thinking of getting one but was thinking Shimano 105 triple groupset rather than the SRAM Apex compact , Though that's because I've never ridden a compact setup more than anything else . I need to sort a test ride out really but any input gratefully received


Paul

 

[ACS]

How are you liking the Spa Audax Ti ? Seriously thinking of getting one but was thinking Shimano 105 triple groupset rather than the SRAM Apex compact , Though that's because I've never ridden a compact setup more than anything else . I need to sort a test ride out really but any input gratefully received

Paul

I can only provide some initial thoughts on the bike as I have only managed to do about 100 miles on it to date. I purchased the bike for Audax riding so I have changed over the saddle for my trusty B17 and added some SPD pedals. Spent some time adjusting the position and generally tinkering until I felt comfortable. I normally ride Tricross Sport (Shimano Tiagra Triple) and the change over to the SRAM felt a little strange at first but after a couple of miles I never gave it another thought, smooth, precise and crisp changes everytime. The compact set up had enough inches to allow this fat boy to complete the Kinross Sportive (140 km, 1800 m of climbing) without hitting the big one on the back.

I finished the Sportive without the stiffness in the shoulders and the twinges, aches and pains I have come to accept when I was using the Tricross for longer distance (100Km plus) rides. The lack of road buzz was noticeable by its absence, I found the handing to be reassuring and stable without being boring or negative. The handling coupled with responsive brakes and great stability at speed inspired confidence on the down hill sections.

Compared to frames made by other makers it looks a little industrial, understated perhaps, basic even but do not let this put you off visiting Spa who will let you ride a demo bike (phone them in advance), they even suggest an excellent test route. I think I was out for about an hour and when I got back to the shop I could not stop grinning. If it had been summer I would have come back with flies in my teeth, I really did enjoy the experience that much.

I did discuss having a 105 triple on when I was ordering the bike. The response I got to the question was "why do you want to downgrade the drive train, increase the over all weight and the price?" Fair reply I thought.

On reflection I believe that I have made the right choice of bike for my level of riding: Audax / Sportive, mid pack. I would recommend a test ride due to the level of investment necessary and think the advice and guidance provided by Spa is first class.

 

[PMarkey]

Thanks for the prompt reply , I will definitely arrange a test ride this week and try out the SRAM Apex , I've heard plenty of good things about Spa Cycles so feel sure that I will get good advice .

Many thanks , Paul.

 

[gaz]

Is there any reason they're all exactly the same colour?

People want to show off that they have a titanium bike?

 

[Garz]

It's a generic troll type post to chef up the debate. Some builders offer painted Ti frames if you want it to look like any other generic blue/white/red/black bike!

Apart from picking your own colour scheme - a la Rob Penn, to personalise your machine (steel) it will be an off the peg like any other; Titanium does not corrode therefore does not require an abortion paint scheme or paint job comprising of the basic colours listed earlier.

The only time people will get a chance to work out you have a titanium frame is if they have heard of the specific brand or the bike is stationary enough. When I am overtaking people or they are passing in the opposite direction I doubt they are secretely trying to establish what frame type I am on, nor do I care.

What I did care about was splashing out £2k+ of my money on a bike that I wanted. If someone else prefers a different material then good for them, it's not my job to convince them they made the wrong choice.

 

[avsd]

Thanks for the prompt reply , I will definitely arrange a test ride this week and try out the SRAM Apex , I've heard plenty of good things about Spa Cycles so feel sure that I will get good advice .

Many thanks , Paul.

Paul - Spa are a great company to deal with. Only been able to use the web/mail service but they have been excellent especially when some things went missing in the post. One of my top three firms to deal with.

 

[Andrew Br]

After changing the fork, tyres, and saddle and adding another drinks bottle and Road-Racers the bike looks like this:-


12-03-24 Enigma on Monsal Tunnels route by Chocolatebike1, on Flickr

Sorry for the scuzzy picture; it was taken on the Monsal trail on a weekend away.
Since taking that picture, I've removed the guards (hence buggering summer for everyone) and dropped the stem down by one spacer.

This what it looked like when I first got the bike:-

11-06-09 Disc braked Enigma road bike RHS by Chocolatebike1, on Flickr


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[Garz]

This what it looked like before:-

After?

 

[MacB]

This is my road/cross Ti from Burls now updated to my preferred colourscheme and with new steel forks.

There will be another Ti picture to follow soon just waiting on a couple of backorder items

 

[Andrew Br]

After?

After changing the fork, tyres, and saddle and adding another drinks bottle and Road-Racers ...................

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[Garz]

.

So "before" it has no guards and lower bars, in the photo so do you mean that bottom picture should read "after"... ?

 

[Andrew Br]

So "before" it has no guards and lower bars, in the photo so do you mean that bottom picture should read "after"... ?

OK, I've changed the wording on the second photo.


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[Garz]

There will be another Ti picture to follow soon just waiting on a couple of backorder items

You have another one? <awaits picture>

 

[ianrauk]

My new Van Nicholas Euros. Have yet to ride it but must say it's delightful to look at..and feels lovely...