Triathlon - Titanflex - Anyone ride one?

So i've been thinking of putting together a dedicated triathlon bike for a while. I've had my eye on Softride but since they company is kinda in limbo right now i've started to consider a Titanflex Transition frame. They're not uber expensive (~$1200 over on www.trisports.com) and i figure i'll just pick up a Bikesdirect bike and transfer the components... :)

what are the benefits of those style of frames over a standard double triangle?

Aerodynamics (no seat tube or seat stays) and comfort. The TI is relatively flexible to begin with and the lack of seatstays or seat tube means no road vibration going directly to your behind.

Better off finding a SoftRide R1/Fast style frame, they hold up very well. I have a qualifier style and the only thing that has worn out is the pin that the upper carbon bar pivots on, and its been like 5k+ miles on the frame. The Fasts don't have the upper pivot and don't move side to side as much.

But if your 200lb+ don't even think about getting a beam bike.

I'm still keeping an eye out for a softride. :D The Titanflex is my backup if i can't find one by late next year.

ever considered trying to find a y-foil?

If you're planning on doing tris, they might not allow bikes like that. Just something to consider.

And, from what I can tell, the transition has two down tubes anyways, so what are the aerodynamic advantages. It seems like it might even be worse than a traditional frame. It seems kind of gimmicky, and it seems like it could fail pretty easily too. Just my $0.02.

If you're planning on doing tris, they might not allow bikes like that. Just something to consider.

And, from what I can tell, the transition has two down tubes anyways, so what are the aerodynamic advantages.

tri's have much looser restrictions on bike design than most TT races.

and this one looks pretty damn aero. i agree with you about the transition though.

tri's have much looser restrictions on bike design than most TT races.

and this one looks pretty damn aero. i agree with you about the transition though.


yeah, that thing looks pretty aero. Of course, I weigh 265, so I'd probably just break the seat post right off of there.

yeah, that thing looks pretty aero. Of course, I weigh 265, so I'd probably just break the seat post right off of there.

yeah, i think they are rated up to 225. so drop some poundage and you could ride one no problemo. :)

just saw this over on slowtwitch.


http://www.testrider.com/fly.aspx?layout=player&video=3

I was skeptical, but I'll admit it: that video was pretty convincing. I hadn't even considered the fact that you can completely change the geometry of the bike.

I only have a few beefs. First of all, it didn't seem like a very subjective, neutral video. It makes me wonder if TitanFlex paid them.

They also talked about how great the power transfer is, but the seat sure seemed to be bouncing up and down a lot. I don't know how that affects power transfer from the pedals, but it sure seems like a lot of wasted energy.

Other than that, it looks like a pretty innovative design that has some definite benefits.

I was skeptical, but I'll admit it: that video was pretty convincing. I hadn't even considered the fact that you can completely change the geometry of the bike.

I only have a few beefs. First of all, it didn't seem like a very subjective, neutral video. It makes me wonder if TitanFlex paid them.

They also talked about how great the power transfer is, but the seat sure seemed to be bouncing up and down a lot. I don't know how that affects power transfer from the pedals, but it sure seems like a lot of wasted energy.

Other than that, it looks like a pretty innovative design that has some definite benefits.

i watched a few of their videos and they seem to have a lot of praise and not a lot of negative points.

from the reading ive done it takes awhile to get used to a beam bike, so the bouncing is normal for someone thats not used to it.

i watched a few of their videos and they seem to have a lot of praise and not a lot of negative points.

That's what makes me think they might be getting paid. Either that, or it really is a great design. I'd like to think the latter is true.

Do you have one of these bikes, or are you considering getting one or something. I'm not trying to be a jerk, you just seem really interested. If you do have one, or if you do get one in the future, you should post your thoughts about it, because it seems like it really might be a great design.

I'm still wanting/planning on getting one. :) But probably not until next fall/winter. I've got two other frames in line to be built up... :(