Discussion
I'm an old codger now, regular cyclist for 40 years, used to race, done long rides and audaxes, PBP etc, had a year off because of injury but want to get back into it and considering a Titanium framed "race" bike.
I've had steel, aluminium (never again) and Carbon framed, each have merit and problems (aluminium framed failed on me at 25 mph braking into a corner resulting in severe damage to me - hence never again).
Can anybody shed light on potential real world problems with a Ti frame?
I've had steel, aluminium (never again) and Carbon framed, each have merit and problems (aluminium framed failed on me at 25 mph braking into a corner resulting in severe damage to me - hence never again).
Can anybody shed light on potential real world problems with a Ti frame?
(IMHO of course).
I can only suggest you try Titanium. I have always cycled and own several bikes/frame material.
Ti is a pleasant ride which soaks up the bumps well while being tough & lightweight. My build is a light tourer specced with Sram Force/Red, frame designed by Mark Reilly, but upgraded with specific mods including Hunt wheels. I also off-road it some times, a great allrounder strong & light.
I still ride a steel frame 531 which is remains pleasant if feeling a tad weighty these days compared to more modern offerings - its a 1977 Carlton campag equipped and very elegant but of its time like a classic car it now gets occasional use.
Also i have 2 full carbon bikes a MTB with Shimano XTR and Road bike with Dura Ace/Ultegra. So all makes of group sets too.
They all have their own personality, although Ti is my favourite frame material. Any weaknesses are rare and revolve around the weld joints but can be repaired on the rare occasion of any issue. Never owned an alloy frame though !!
Ti is a pleasant ride which soaks up the bumps well while being tough & lightweight. My build is a light tourer specced with Sram Force/Red, frame designed by Mark Reilly, but upgraded with specific mods including Hunt wheels. I also off-road it some times, a great allrounder strong & light.
I still ride a steel frame 531 which is remains pleasant if feeling a tad weighty these days compared to more modern offerings - its a 1977 Carlton campag equipped and very elegant but of its time like a classic car it now gets occasional use.
Also i have 2 full carbon bikes a MTB with Shimano XTR and Road bike with Dura Ace/Ultegra. So all makes of group sets too.
They all have their own personality, although Ti is my favourite frame material. Any weaknesses are rare and revolve around the weld joints but can be repaired on the rare occasion of any issue. Never owned an alloy frame though !!
I've had two Ti mountain bikes that I owned for at least 5 years and currently own a Ti gravel bike and IMO they are amazing.
I'm 17 stone and never had a failure on any of my Ti bikes and I was never afraid to chuck the mountain bikes around or ride them hard.
They all ride superbly, I love the fact there's no paintwork to scratch.
I too have had carbon, steel and aluminium frames but my favourite bikes have all been Ti.
I would also look at Reilly, they look great.
On another level is Sturdy Cycles, they're doing some amazing things with Titanium.
I'm 17 stone and never had a failure on any of my Ti bikes and I was never afraid to chuck the mountain bikes around or ride them hard.
They all ride superbly, I love the fact there's no paintwork to scratch.
I too have had carbon, steel and aluminium frames but my favourite bikes have all been Ti.
I would also look at Reilly, they look great.
On another level is Sturdy Cycles, they're doing some amazing things with Titanium.
Edited by bigtomski on Wednesday 4th October 15:46
Have a look at Enigma. I’ve had an Etape frame of theirs since 2013. It’s built up with mudguards, heavy Mavic Open Pro’s but it’s a sprightly thing to ride & I really enjoy the winter miles I do on it. A pal has the more modern disc version & rates it. They seem well made frames & they have plenty of choice in their range.
Edited by andySC on Wednesday 4th October 16:47
Thanks all, reference the Alu' frame that failed, just below the weld between head and down tube (down tube side) effectively the front end bent up and over I went.
I will have a look at the recommendations for frame, I will be buying used, don't really want to build up from a frameset.
I will have a look at the recommendations for frame, I will be buying used, don't really want to build up from a frameset.
sherbertdip said:
bobbo89 said:
I've seen enough cracked Ti frames to be put off them personally, especially when you consider the cost.
That is concerning, can you relate to manufacture, usage/age and road/off road usage?Go with a recognised brand and you should be fine. I’ve had this Cove Hummer for getting on 15 years now, although it’s definitely a garage queen nowadays, it’s survived being thrashed down all the famous decent in the Peaks and shrugged it off.
Another vote for Enigma here. Have had an Echo for around 6 years now. Specced with Ultegra and some Fulcrum Racing Zeros it’s taken me through 6 full years of riding every week 3 times a week whatever the weather, multiple Alpine excursions, multiple sportives, a 254 mile ride in one day and general work 40 mile commutes in the dark/rain/sleet etc.
It doesn’t excel at any one particular thing, but it does do everything to a very good level without complaint or fault so is my go to bike (out of the 25+ I have in the shed)
Go for it I say!
It doesn’t excel at any one particular thing, but it does do everything to a very good level without complaint or fault so is my go to bike (out of the 25+ I have in the shed)
Go for it I say!
I have a Ti gravel bike which I’m really happy with, aside from an infuriating creak which I’m trying to diagnose… I don’t have anything to compare it to, having not really ridden much before this, but I’ve smashed the miles out this year and it’s been very capable.
https://www.planetx.co.uk/products/titus-goldrush-...
Titanium is a fantastic material for a frame if it has been put together properly.
I love the Cove Hummer, the one I rode was made by litespeed in the USA, was fantastic.
Moots are another great company to look, as their titanium frames are one of the best I have seen.
I ride steel now as I prefer the ride,
I was looking at the new Gravel Bike that Curtis Bikes in Somerset have just launched, 853 steel and an absolute masterpiece in frame building.
Perfect for the roads where I ride, in fact the roads everywhere at the moment.
I love the Cove Hummer, the one I rode was made by litespeed in the USA, was fantastic.
Moots are another great company to look, as their titanium frames are one of the best I have seen.
I ride steel now as I prefer the ride,
I was looking at the new Gravel Bike that Curtis Bikes in Somerset have just launched, 853 steel and an absolute masterpiece in frame building.
Perfect for the roads where I ride, in fact the roads everywhere at the moment.
pastrana72 said:
Titanium is a fantastic material for a frame if it has been put together properly.
I love the Cove Hummer, the one I rode was made by litespeed in the USA, was fantastic.
Moots are another great company to look, as their titanium frames are one of the best I have seen.
I ride steel now as I prefer the ride,
I was looking at the new Gravel Bike that Curtis Bikes in Somerset have just launched, 853 steel and an absolute masterpiece in frame building.
Perfect for the roads where I ride, in fact the roads everywhere at the moment.
Now that is a thing of beauty I love the Cove Hummer, the one I rode was made by litespeed in the USA, was fantastic.
Moots are another great company to look, as their titanium frames are one of the best I have seen.
I ride steel now as I prefer the ride,
I was looking at the new Gravel Bike that Curtis Bikes in Somerset have just launched, 853 steel and an absolute masterpiece in frame building.
Perfect for the roads where I ride, in fact the roads everywhere at the moment.
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