Adam-from-SLO said:You do have to consider rider weight into the equation though.... the lighter , the better. If you are heavier.... go with something top end(Merlin Extralight... or a custom Seven ..... maybe an uper level Litespeed..... I.F. , etc.) ....... a TST, Dean, lower end Litespeed(Douglas??), or early Euro Ti. frame - I'd stay away from if your over 200 lbs. Also, seriously consider frame design/workmanship. For example: an early Euro Ti. frame- 1992-95 Colnago Bi-Titan..... nice frame overall - its a 6/4 Ti. frame custom drawn for Colnago.... should be fine for riders up to 200 lbs ...... but factor in how much use its gotten over the years(almost impossible to find a new/never used one).
I have a TST, which also makes Douglas and used to make Dean. It has straight 3/2.5 tubes. At 150 lbs I find it plenty stiff for climbing, but I can get it to flex quite a bit in a sprint. I agree that it would feel too soft to a heavier rider. The custom route is probably ideal if you have $2-3k to spend on a frame. These days companies like Seven have a lot of tubing options, and they can put a set together to work for anyone.