This is NOT asking about the benefits of Ti. Nor is it a "Carbon vs. Ti" thread. I know better than that.

I'm seriously thinking about buying a Ti for my first road bike in 26 years. Budget is tight, so it would either be a Motobecane new or something used. Also, I don't plan on flipping the bike any time soon. I tend to obsess over my decisions, buy the best I can afford and keep it for a while. For example, my current "road bike" is my mid-90's RockHopper with slicks.

I see some names listed for sale that I have not seen discussed here much. Being that it will most likely be used, warranty support probably isn't an issue, so I'd like to look toward brands that wouldn't make me miss the warranty. From my search and a year or so of lurking here, I know Merlin, Seven, Lynksy, Litespeed, Moots and the Motobecane have good reputations, not that I can even afford some of those used. What about Serotta, Dean, Torelli, Douglas, or....? Are there any I should stay away from?

Would you buy a new Motobecane for roughly the same as a used brand X?

I see two used that are local to me that I'm tempted to go look at. One is a Lynksy R230 (Campy) and one is a Torelli (not spec'd well, but that can be changed over time).

I have ZERO plans or even hopes of ever racing. I'm mid 40's and just want to put comfortable miles on with groups to keep up fitness and lose a "few" pounds. I may do a tri someday, just to say that I did it and plan on my first century since high school in April.

Then again, after all this obsessing, I may just break down and go buy the Giant Defy Advanced.

Thanks for any input.