radanpopovic

Hi to you all! I have posted in this category because of you who have skill and knowledge in making frames. I hope that you can make professional judgement on this one.

It is really important for me , so any help will be deeply appreciated.

I am considering one titanium frame manufactured by VOTEC from Germany(VOTEC V.MA Titan) https://www.bikester.at/fahrradteile...rt/318503.html

They say that frame has been crafted in 2012 and that there was only small number of them produced.

Company have a turbulent history to say at least. Two times going bankrupt,and two times taken over by some other bigger company.

As i have learned researching , they make frames by themselves. Some say that VOTEC have good reputation regarding frames build quality. But no one can give me none info on their titanium frames quality.

I am on pretty tight budget here. I can spare no more than 1200 euros whole together. Price for the frame alone is 599 + travel to Austria(50 euros)+shipping to Graz(20 euros) = 670 euros total.

It is way out of mu budget BUT i am willing to stretch if it is a good deal, mainly because i have heard that Titanium is unmatched as frame material. Light as aluminium - strong and durable as steel.

Carbon does not qualify in my case because i have 110kg ,and i have heard that carbon is not quite good when it comes to durability , which is very important factor for me along with all other factors regarding the frame itself. Am I right?

Aluminium is quite alright but if i could buy mentioned titanium frame for 200 euros more...what do you think?

I have an impression that titanium brings together lightness,durability and stiffness , all in right proportion , which makes it ideal frame material in my eyes...correct me if I have wrong impression please.

Ok ,all that said...let me come to the point:

1.I want to build bike for city,light off road and touring(15 days per year)(mid aggressive ride style , 110kg;2m rider)

---Question is : Does titanium as material(and this particular frame itself) qualify for that purpose?

2. If it does qualify... is it, and if it is, how much it is a better choice than aluminium(without price comparing , just pure : which one is better?)

3.Regarding the price difference ( i could buy excellent, used aluminium frame for 200 euros) does buying Ti frame makes logical choice?

4. Last one...if Ti is so much better, and if you do suggest for me to buy it, I need to verify quality of this particular frame.

---Question : Anybody who have any info on this frame or manufacturer(VOTEC Germany)...please share your data with me so i can make a good choice. I am suspicious because of its low price. Only real info i have on this frame is from a guy that own one. I am in contact with him by e-mail.

He said :

I use the bike with Rohloff hub gear and it works well.
Now I am riding 1.000 km an no problems with the frame, I have use the bike for camping an transport
130 kg.
Frame size XL for me is OK (2 m )
I have bought a special rigid fork, I use for 28 “ a fork with 450 mm distance to the fork crown.
(save the frame geometry )
Because the long distance(of the fork i presume), disc brakes are not a good decision for the fork.

PLEASE HELP ME NOT MAKE THE WRONG CHOICE. IT IS A HUGE INVESTMENT CONSIDERING MY EARNINGS (1200 euros is nearly 2,5 x my salary)...BUT I LOVE BIKES AND I WANT TO TRAVEL WITH IT. I AM FASCINATED WITH TOURING!

Thanks in advance
Best regards from Radan Popovic a chef from Serbia...

blakcloud

Ti is a great material to build with but so is aluminum, steel and carbon fibre. They are all great material to build bikes from each have their own advantages and disadvantages. Your concern with buying something that is not appropriate since this can be a costly mistake, suggests you should spend your money locally. Buying something sight unseen and not having any support may not be in your best interest.