Road Cycling - Question about frame material Ti, or Carbon

I am in the market for a NEW frame and need input about the two types of material I am looking at. A little bio, I'm 40/Male, I weigh 185-190, depending on how bad I get hahaah. sorry.... I am riding a Giant TCR 1 Med, and I am looking for a frame that gives a better ride. The two frames I am most interested in are the Litespeed Siena, and the Giant TCR 1/0 Carbon. I have my eye on a 2003/in box Giant but I am a little leary of the carbon due to my size. I ride btween 4-5K miles a year, may net seem like much to most but here in Mass. we are sometimes forced to take the winters off. I really enjoy 60-100 mile rides, so you can see why I am looking to get off the Alum. frame.

Any input is app. JD

A few years ago, I upgraded from a Cannondale R600 aluminum bike, to a Trek 5200 carbon bike, and I've been very happy with that decision. Especially on rough roads, the carbon frame seems more comfortable to me.

My weight varies between 177 and 188 (depending on the ratio of bike time to sitting at the computer time), so I think your weight is not much of an issue with regards to the frame. You might want to be careful about your wheelset choices, however (my Trek came with Rolf Vector Comps, and they have been bulletproof for me).

Have you tried one of the Trek 5xxx models? They're very good, IMO.

I've never ridden Ti, so can't comment on that frame material. Either way, enjoy your new bike!

Easy,
a Ti bike will last indefinitely. Carbon is anybody's guess. I just bought a 20 year old steel bike, wonder if carbon will go the distance like Ti or steel. There are so many wonderful bikes out there. Go ride a few, find one you love. I would try a Litespeed Tuscany, perhaps an Airborne Valkrie. A run over to Harris Cyclery would be worth the time if they have a Waterford
you could try. They sell Habanero, and that was the smoothest riding performance oriented bicycle I personally have tried. I have only tried one of the more expensive Lemond bikes, but that was great; the riding position wasn't right for me, but I could live with that easily enough. You know, I have never been down to Belmont Wheelworks ( I think that's the name, huge bike shop in Belmont) but I would just bet they would be worth the drive. And I haven't even mentioned the pretty Italian bikes in Cambridge!

I'm with SSP it's Trek OCLV or nothing - I am 210 lbs. and put these frames through hell with only accolades and a smile on my face. Stiffness, response on climbs and absorption over rougher surfaces are all natural advantages. Titanium is fun to say but it's carbon all the way (just keep repeating that!)

Another vote for the "Magic Metal" here. Only one word needed to describe my Ti bike.... Smoooooooooth. :D

what about the famous flex I hear so much about?

what about the famous flex I hear so much about?

There is one Ti frame(maybe more) that I know of that is marketed specifically to the bigger/heavier rider-the Colnago Ovalmaster. Colnago's own promotional material says this. This model has been discontinued for 2004 because of lack of demand,, but if you look around, I think you can still find one, probably on sale. I have one and it is fine.

Just pulled the trigger on a Litespeed Siena frame, thanks for the input

Just an addendum, at 240 lbs I have been assured that the Trek 5200 OCLV 120 Carbon frame will last for years and years. I met a guy who says he has been riding a carbon frame for over 5 years and the lightest he weighed in that time was 210, but he usually went about 230.

what about the famous flex I hear so much about?

Ya know? Every time I hear about this flex issue it's from someone who doesn't or never has owned a Ti bike. Makes me go Hmmmmmmmmmm. :)

this debate will never end. you've got to wrap your legs around each and decide for yourself. you won't regret either.

if you want this to be your last frame, then go for Ti as it should live a long life.

if you like to 'lease' and upgrade every few years, then a CF may be better for its iffiness concerning longevity.

don't listen to mushy CF or flex in Ti (BTW, some flex is good)

this is a nice decision to have to make. either way, enjoy it.