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06-13-07, 04:25 PM
OK, so I have been wanting a Ti frame for a while. I met with Mark from Habanero and the money back offer was too good to pass up. Especially for a guy like me, who is ultra "quality" oriented. I'll bring anything back that does not meet my expectations, and I mean anything. I ended up with a 55cm "cross" frame.
I added a Sibex Ti fork (the heavier "no crack" version) and a sweet looking Taiwanese Ti seat post. I put the other components from my previous bike on and went riding.
Wow, this thing performs! I'd like to think it is faster due to the slighty lower weight, but I do not have a computer on it, so who knows? Anyway, the ride is fantastic. Riding over "bots dots" (those road reflectors) really shows how well this frame performs. THUMP THUMP with no shock felt at all in the hands or seat. Off road is even better. It feels so smooth. But the interesting part is that it also feels very connected, accelerates well and does not have a flexy feel. The brakes do not chatter and give a very powerful feel too. I think the reason for all this is likely due to the frame having stiffness where needed and a bit of give in the rear stays (which have a tiny bit of an S shape to absorb shock).
Another interesting thing is the extreme quietness of the frame. My steel bikes, carbon bikes and aluminum bikes all make more noise.
I did not want to post anything about this frame right after building it, as I wanted to get to know it first. Sorry for making everyone wait.
Conclusion, I cannot see myself riding anything but a Ti frame from now on. Especially one that is overbuilt enough to handle my agressive riding. I like it more than any frame I have ever ridden. It suits me well.
Chris
I added a Sibex Ti fork (the heavier "no crack" version) and a sweet looking Taiwanese Ti seat post. I put the other components from my previous bike on and went riding.
Wow, this thing performs! I'd like to think it is faster due to the slighty lower weight, but I do not have a computer on it, so who knows? Anyway, the ride is fantastic. Riding over "bots dots" (those road reflectors) really shows how well this frame performs. THUMP THUMP with no shock felt at all in the hands or seat. Off road is even better. It feels so smooth. But the interesting part is that it also feels very connected, accelerates well and does not have a flexy feel. The brakes do not chatter and give a very powerful feel too. I think the reason for all this is likely due to the frame having stiffness where needed and a bit of give in the rear stays (which have a tiny bit of an S shape to absorb shock).
Another interesting thing is the extreme quietness of the frame. My steel bikes, carbon bikes and aluminum bikes all make more noise.
I did not want to post anything about this frame right after building it, as I wanted to get to know it first. Sorry for making everyone wait.
Conclusion, I cannot see myself riding anything but a Ti frame from now on. Especially one that is overbuilt enough to handle my agressive riding. I like it more than any frame I have ever ridden. It suits me well.
Chris