Trying to decide between steel or titanium rear frame Brompton,
is there much difference in the ride quality between them ?
Thanks in advance for any advice,
martianone

I am on a waiting list for the S6E-X (Ti), so I cannot tell you first hand experience. By the book, Ti is more flexible, should affect as a more smooth ride. In practice, people from Bromptontalk claim there is no difference.

No difference according to friends who have both. Realistically, the suspension block is going to overwhelm any minute difference.

By the book, Ti is more flexible ...

Why is that? Doesn't it depend on its construction; i.e. thickness of the tubes?

I rode a Ti Brompton. I doubt that there is any difference between the two other than their respective weights.

Titanium and steel are rather similar in their properties. Biggest differences AFAIK are that ti is lighter and more expensive.

I've read that titanium spokes have more give, lending a more spongey, shock absorbing ride - so there must be something in it when it's mooted that Ti is a little more flexible I'm inclined to agree.
I went to my bike shop and asked for magnesium spokes for teh lightness. They laughed at me for some reason.

My sister (graduate of the famous Tufts School of Engineering with a BS in Mechanical Engineering including 20+ years of experience in industry) told me to stick with a straight steel frame bike. She said you are paying more for ego, rather than any real gain in perfomance. And the metal would not last as long as steel. So my Brompton, two Dahons, and even my old Phillips are all made of steel in their respective frames.

I've read that titanium spokes have more give, lending a more spongey, shock absorbing ride - so there must be something in it when it's mooted that Ti is a little more flexible I'm inclined to agree.
I went to my bike shop and asked for magnesium spokes for teh lightness. They laughed at me for some reason.

From what I gather in S.B.'s article on touring frames, a lot depends on the construction.

http://adventurecycling.org/resources/Brown_FrameMaterials.pdf

Anyway, I would try to find one for a test ride.

the "titanium" brompton is actually the same steel main frame, but with titanium rear triangle, forks, seatpost, etc.