Road Cycling - Habanero Titatanium Road Frame for $699

What have you heard about this Habanero company who manufactures what appear to be quality Ti road frames for $699? You can get a complete bike from them with Ultegra for $1800 to $2040 depending on options, or with 105 for $1540 to $1800.

So what's the scoop on these guys? Why should I buy a good quality steel frame when I can get a good quality Ti frame from Habanero for a price that's in the same ballpark?

Check them out at http://www.habcycles.com

I just found this website today while avoiding doing some actual work and wondered the same thing.

Has anyone heard anything about Habanero Cycles? The website claims that offshore welders are used and that reduces the cost but how is the quality?

Thanks in advance,

Honestly heard about them a bit ago when searching the forums here, they been around for a while, heard a few good things. And they give you a 14 day money back guarntee, so not much to lose if you get it and don't like it.

I was just reading up on these bikes again, after posting. Sheldonbrown sells their roadbike, in my opinion that says alot about them.

Follow the link on Habenero's site to the newsgroups (through google/deja), there is just a ton of information posts about them.

Hi,
I test rode a Hab Road bike at Harris Cyclery.
It's a great bike. But, my experience with great bikes is extremely limited, so take that with a grain of salt. But I can tell you it was a real effort to get off it. It begs to be ridden.

I don't know anything about this company's bikes, but I do know that all Ti isn't the same just as all steel, etc. Find out if the it's butted Ti, what the allow ratio is, and the quality of the build before you purchase. I have seen some ti bikes that I don't think are as great as a good steelie. (sounds like I ride steel doesn't it?) - wrong!

Thanks for the feedback guys. I've been in touch with Mark and he's already responded to a few of my questions. I'm still not sold on the whole idea of a Made In China Titanium bike but the newsgroup postings are mostly positive from what I've read.

Anyone else?

Thanks again,

Originally posted by Brian_T
... I'm still not sold on the whole idea of a Made In China Titanium bike but the newsgroup postings are mostly positive from what I've read.

Anyone else?

Thanks again,

That would be the least of my concerns actually, I think there is more of a stigmata about buying a higher end bike that was made in the far east than any real reasons. Sure you don't get that bragging right of saying it was hand built in a cottage in the hills Italy by some old guy who has been building frames for the last 40 years...but quality wise I don't think there would be any issues.

Andrew