Carbon has certainly eclipsed Ti in road bike frames due to the lower materials and labor costs. Until they figure out how to attach racks (with reasonable weight capacity ratings) to carbon frames, they're not likely to become mainstream for commuter bikes. All the metals will likely remain the material of choice in commuter bikes for the foreseeable future.

The nice thing about Ti for a commuter bike is it's pretty much indestructible, and it doesn't require paint. The scratches, wear and tear commuter bikes see in bike racks just buffs right out with a Scotchbrite pad. Good as new.

For this reason, earlier this year I picked up a '96 Litespeed Classic. It doesn't have rack mounts, but the purpose of this bike is to see if Ti lives up to its reputation for ride and durability, before I pony up for a custom-made Ti commuter.

This is the first build-up, using components borrowed from my steel roadie.


I've been using it to commute on the middle two days of my four-day work week (and for weekend rides). I haul in my stuff with a racked bike on Monday, use a racked bike to haul it all home on Thursday, then ride the Litespeed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. It's been working out real well.

I'm liking the frame a lot, as much for the classic parallel 73° geometry as for the feel of Ti. I haven't decided if I like Ti or steel better, but since I commute year 'round, I wouldn't want to subject a custom steel frame to the road salt, so in the commuting role, Ti will be the choice for me.

If you're looking for an off-the-rack Ti bike for commuting, Lynskey's $1,400 Cooper CX frame looks like a good platform to build from.