Mountain Biking - FS: Ti vs Aluminum

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Gingereute
03-23-10, 03:35 AM
I am a relatively light (130lb) xc rider and want to build my first full suspension bike. I have most of the parts already except the frame, so I was looking around on the web, especially Titus. It seems as though the titanium frames are twice the price of aluminum ones.
Is there any advantage of having a ti frame, or does it just make you look like a show off who has way too much money to burn?
I could afford to splurge on the ti frame, because I have most all the other parts, but don't want to if there is not that much benefit in weight, handling, durability or otherwise. If I build this, I do expect to keep it for awhile.

Any opinions out there would be welcome. Thanks.

mtnbiker66
03-23-10, 07:25 AM
If you're building a FS bike go with aluminum. The draw of a Ti bike is it flexes some and that makes a better ride for a hardtail(plus it's very durable).
sscyco
03-23-10, 09:33 AM
I have 2 Ti hardtails and I love them - I would would not own a Ti full suspension because I don't see an advantage Ti has to aluminum in that application - I think the rear shock/suspension design dictates the the ride quality more than the material - the main thing the material needs to do in that application is stay stiff and light. Carbon and aluminum = stiff and light - Ti = light and compliant.

Gingereute
03-29-10, 05:48 PM
I am a relatively light (130lb) xc rider and want to build my first full suspension bike. I have most of the parts already except the frame, so I was looking around on the web, especially Titus. It seems as though the titanium frames are twice the price of aluminum ones.
Is there any advantage of having a ti frame, or does it just make you look like a show off who has way too much money to burn?
I could afford to splurge on the ti frame, because I have most all the other parts, but don't want to if there is not that much benefit in weight, handling, durability or otherwise. If I build this, I do expect to keep it for awhile.

Any opinions out there would be welcome. Thanks.

Thanks for the input on my issue, what you are explaining makes good sense and saved me a bunch of $$$.