Ti advice please...

PeterF said:

I'm looking into upgrading to a new bike during the upcoming year. Titanium is very appealing to me for its strength-weight ration and durabilty. I have also heard that it can be a bit too flexible, which would not suit me as a 200 lb crit racer. Is that just a myth (similar to the "aluminum-is-too-harsh" myth)? Can anyone suggest a stock frame set that would be suitable. Thank you.
P
😕

You better try it for yourself. I am near 200, and have been riding Ti and find it an absolutely superior ride.

If your gonna look at Ti, look at Moots!

gruppo said:

You better try it for yourself. I am near 200, and have been riding Ti and find it an absolutely superior ride.

If your gonna look at Ti, look at Moots!

Thank you. What model are you riding?

PeterF said:

Thank you. What model are you riding?

A Vamoots with Dura-Ace group and Mavic Open Pro wheels.

I just upgraded from an aluminum Cannondale to a TST with Veloce components. I haven't gotten too many miles on it yet, but the ride is incredibly smooth, and I haven't noticed too much lateral flex in the corners. I'm only about 160 though.

Rode a Klein for 10 + years and switched to a Moots Vamoots w/DA, the difference in comfort and handling is superior to any steel or aluminum frame I've riden.

PeterF said:

I'm looking into upgrading to a new bike during the upcoming year. Titanium is very appealing to me for its strength-weight ration and durabilty. I have also heard that it can be a bit too flexible, which would not suit me as a 200 lb crit racer. Is that just a myth (similar to the "aluminum-is-too-harsh" myth)? Can anyone suggest a stock frame set that would be suitable. Thank you.
P
😕

The industry seems to be going carbon fiber. I wish I could report how smooth a carbon fiber bike is but I am stuck right now with a harsh aluminum frame. Although the stifness is nice compared standing on the pedals compared to my old steel bike. When I stood and mashed on short steep hills the chaint would rub on the front derailuer from the frame flex. I think for cost and ride the aluminum or steel with Carbon fiber seat stay looks the way to go.

PeterF said:

I'm looking into upgrading to a new bike during the upcoming year. Titanium is very appealing to me for its strength-weight ration and durabilty. I have also heard that it can be a bit too flexible, which would not suit me as a 200 lb crit racer. Is that just a myth (similar to the "aluminum-is-too-harsh" myth)? Can anyone suggest a stock frame set that would be suitable. Thank you.
P
😕

I purchased a Seven Axiom about 3 months ago. I compared Moots, Merlin, and Serotta. I found I could get a custom Seven for the cost of a stock Moots. Plus Seven is owned and operated by Rob Vandermark (previously w/Merlin). I found the custom Ti to be quite stiff and responsive but not harsh like aluminum. I'm quite happy with the frame and ride quality. Maybe worth a look...
You can check them out at http://www.sevencycles.com/bikes/road.html

[FONT=Times New Roman]I ride a Seven Axiom and it is an amazing ride. I am 6'5" 215 and it works for me.[/FONT]

Hi, I am 6'1" and 175. Had a Merlin for a couple of months. Smooth, yes, though not as smooth as I thought, given all the rap about Ti frames. Whippy and wimpy, too. Not a very good hill bike, though it was light. It could just be that particular make and model.

Went from that one to a Trek carbon frame...Really smooth and much better on the hills. Went from there to Aluminum(Cannondale caad 7) Outstanding on the hills, but awful on rough stuff and agony after a few hours in the saddle. Try a carbon frame for the best combo, or perhaps something like carbon/alu or carbon/ti.
Don Hanson