Titanium vs. Carbon frame?

Which one fits you best? Also depends on the kind of racing (and
perhaps training if you'll use the bike there as well....light and
responsive makes sense on a technical or hilly course, but not that
critical for a flat course. Once a bike gets up to speed, the relative
weight becomes a non-factor...it all becomes how well you ride the
bike, and subsequently how well you'll be able to run after the ride.

Mike C

cwhitmore said:

I'm in the process of buying a bike for a half-ironman in October. I've test
ridden a Giant TCR all carbon frame and a Litespeed (Tuscany) Titanium
frame. The Giant felt a little more responsive and lighter, but the
Litespeed felt a little more solid out of the saddle.
Anyone else have comments suggestions?
Carlton.

Carlton, I just replaced my Titanium Eddy Merckx Majestic (made my Litespeed)
with a Fuji Team Carbon 2 months ago. The Ti frame was built up with Ouzo Pro
carbon steerer fork. Great ride -no complaints at all. I purchased the Eddy in
1998 and I just wanted a new bike. I was was ruining a mix of 8 speed stuff.
The Fuji carbon is also a great ride. It’s a bit different but equally good.
Both bikes are quick/responsive. Not sure of the geometry. The Fuji probably has
a bit more laid back seat tube. I am primarily a roadie, do a few tris/duals a
year, so I prefer road geometry to a tri specific geometry. The biggest
difference to me is the carbon tends to dampen road vibration on rough roads
better than the Ti. I ride a lot of rural farm-to-market roads. Not quite
pave’ , but a low quality tar & gravel mix so I appreciate the damping. One
thing to consider when you test ride bikes is the quality of the wheels/tire on
the bikes They probably have a big impact on the initial ride “feel”. A good
quality tire inflated to max pressure on a light/stiff wheel will make a big
difference in the feel of a bike on a short test ride. Wheel/tire pressure could
account for some of the difference. I expect that you’ll be happy with
either. Get the one that fits you and your style of riding.-and stirs you’re
juices! Some of the best bike advise I ever got was 25 years ago when I was
looking for my first Italian racing bike. An old shop dog told me “I’ve
ridden/raced 20 or more brands of bikes and there's not a nickels worth of
difference between them, but if you think one bike is magic, by all means get
it and ride it like a dream. I bought a Cinelli Super Corsa– it must've been
the right bike because I’m still riding bikes 25 years later. Anyway it’s not
about the bike-it’s about the motor! Good luck rick.

cwhitmore said:

I'm in the process of buying a bike for a half-ironman in October. I've test
ridden a Giant TCR all carbon frame and a Litespeed (Tuscany) Titanium
frame. The Giant felt a little more responsive and lighter, but the
Litespeed felt a little more solid out of the saddle.
Anyone else have comments suggestions?
Carlton.