Ti

[anonymous-user]

So I want a Ti frame. I have nailed it down to two three options.

1. Spin Spitfire. Good - UK bike, niche manufacturer. Bad - odd ETT length
2. No22 Great Divide. Good - decent geometry. Bad - Enve fork not spec'd in my size, press fit BB, expensive.
3. Enigma Equinox. Good - perfect geometry. Bad - not the sweetest looking. Premium for Enve fork

Does anyone on here own one of the above? I really want to go with the Spitfire, I love their philosophy and what they do but unsure of the geometry. I'll be up there to ride one next week.

Ta.

[Disco You]

Why not, burls or kinesis?

My vote would be to order one from Russia/China to my own specification, though, a la:
http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=40...

[Jimbo.]

Out of those three, the Enigma by a mile. The fork you can change at a later date if you wish, and you're purchasing it to ride, not look at...

[ro55a]

A mate of mine has the enigma, we are doing the London to Paris in 24 hrs next month, him on the enigma. We have done a few thousand miles in the last few months and he has had zero problems, loves it. Plus Sean Yates has one so...... If its good enough for him then you have no problem.

[Justin S]

Seven Cycles ?

[anonymous-user]

Disco You said:

Why not, burls or kinesis?

My vote would be to order one from Russia/China to my own specification, though, a la:
http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=40...

Scared to death of dealing direct with China, prices look great but...

[anonymous-user]

Justin S said:

Seven Cycles ?

Never seen them before £5K for the carbon/Ti frame. Wow!

[anonymous-user]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

Do you have a link for that?

[Dowks]

http://pretoriusbikes.com/

Not sure of your price point but my Pretorius is

[anonymous-user]

Dowks said:

http://pretoriusbikes.com/

Not sure of your price point but my Pretorius is

Another new name to me.

Thanks for the link

[Justin S]

yonex said:

Never seen them before £5K for the carbon/Ti frame. Wow!

You dont need a carbon Ti one, but Rob used to run Merlin Ti Works and his quality is probably the best . If I wanted a final bike in life, it would be one of those. They spec it to what 'you' want it to do, by changing tube diameters and shapes. Its not a normal bike frame. One to lust after.

[markcp]

Firstly, as an owner of a Merlin Extralight for the last 8 years which still looks new, I'd endorse the choice of ti. In my eyes its perfect for a life-long bike.

I've got no reason to change, but if I had to I'd be looking at Baum, Firefly or Independent Fabrications. Funnily enough I probably wouldn't choose the recent Merlin reincarnation as it strays away from the original ethos too much.

Finally, I upgraded to Enve from the OEM fork and its certainly worth it - much more stable ride and lighter to boot

[simonk68]

• cough* Lynskey *cough*

[Matt_N]

Baum would be my choice.

[redwedge]

Passoni XXTi

[anonymous-user]

Some of those Baum bikes are astonishing. Can't commit to that amount for a frame though.

[The Walrus]

Another for lynskey and sabbath or deda, MadDad seemed very happy with his.

Have you had a look on Fat Birds

http://www.fatbirds.co.uk/1019/titanium-road-bikes.aspx

[Rob_T]

Titanium as an amazing material for bikes. I recently bought a Kinesis - I have nothing to compare it to - but it is apparent that the material makes a huge difference. So much of the vibrations seem to be absorbed through the frame that by the time they reach the saddle there is nothing there - it feels really smooth. You really can cover long distances with minimal effort and minimal tiredness. I think which ever you go for you will not be disappointed. I'm now getting rid of all my drop bar bikes and just keeping the Kinesis and the mtb. The Kinesis is a cross bike but seems very capable as a fast road bike as well. All i need to do is swap the tyres from my commuting 32mm to 25mm. My bike has a fairly relaxed geometry and I did have it fitted, all of which helps. Even so you can tell the titanium is really working in your favour. And it's light.

Good luck with your shopping and post some pics up when you do finally get one.

[neilski]

Van Nicholas?

http://www.vannicholas.com/

The Astraeus looks good, not sure what your budget is though.

[nike 5]

Can't talk from personal experience, but friends rave about their




Custom builder,

http://www.traversbikes.com/store/p10/Road_Elite_F...

To coin their company motto - they're awesome.