Mountain Biking - Hardtail Frames Ti or ?

I'm looking at getting a new frameset and would love some suggestions. Anyone have any experience with the Airborne bikes? My LBS has a Corsair built up that I want to try. Also heard that mongoose used to make a pretty nice Ti frame that was affordable.

Any other suggestions for lower end Ti or some options in steel and Al?

That pretty much narrows it down ;)

I had a Mongoose Ti for a while. Pretty nice frame, but I sold it to a friend because it was a little too big for me. Other than that, I've always ridden steel and think I always will from now on. I personally didn't notice a diff. in ride quality. I replaced the Mongoose with a steel Ibis Mojo and love it. Think about the reasons you want a Ti frame (I got a good deal on mine). You can get a hand built steel frame for the same or less and you have the option of having them repaired easily if you should ever need to.

Just my $.02

I will agree with Rider X. If you are going the hardtail route steel is the better choice. I have ridden many a Ti frame. I find that they handle like a wet noodle. They are a little too loose. You can get a super nice steel frame that will be alot stiffer, and handle better.
Gunnar, and Rocky Mountain for example are using the new Tru-Temper OX Platinum in their frames. Really nice tubing, and it hands down beats Ti in every aspect except maybe weight. I ride an OXIII frame and would not change to any other tubing maufacturer. IMHO!

Hi Dirt,

I think it's horses for courses on this one. I've always wanted a Ti bike (now in the next few weeks I will :thumbup: )just for the reason to try something a little different and special.

I've tried Steel, and Alu-minium and guess it's the next logical progression, apart from maybe Carbon Fibre / Magnesium, Metal Matrix etc. I've ridden a few Ti bikes, and loved every minute of it.

I've heared alot of good reports on the Airbourne bikes, and they look like a killer deal...again, it's whatever flicks your switch :). Maybe if I had the choice between a high end Steel Frame or a lower end Ti frame, that gap would decrease...I could imagine that Rider X's Ibis is a sweet ride.

Good luck on your choice matey

Rich

Ibis are super cool!!! You are a lucky man Riderx!
DS, Ti is cool, it is supposed to have great stress tolerance.And if you are looking for the lightest rig around Ti is certainly the way to go. But there is a price to pay.

Hunter - Rocky Mountain - my LBS has a demo for those guys but it is a FS rig. Will still check it out though - demo's are great, who knows, I may even enjoy playing on the dark side (FS). Thanks for the info on the OX Platinum, that merits additional research. Do you know how it compares with Niva Crome? I understand that the Niva Crome can't be Tig welded, so the price goes up as you pay for filet brazing (or so claims Santana).

I've got a decent steel frame (Kona Lava Dome he said sheepishly) but I'm afraid my racing bud's are giving me a serious case of bike envy.

The Rocky Mountain Elevation got great reviews at MTBR.com. If there was a Rocky dealer here in SC I would have gotten one instead of a Fisher.