OK- I the original owner of a '96 Catalyst, built w/ Campy 8 spd. Have put 1,000s of miles on it. My opinions;
Ride quality - relativity heavy (for Ti), as these frames where early straight gauge. You can push the BB sideways standing beside it, and can feel it move when climbing. Not a show-stopper, just different.
I quickly replaced the AL fork with CF Profile, made a noticeable difference - overall, the bike rides plusher than anything else I've ever had. I call it my "Old man ride-all-day bike. It soaks up road hash and bad pavement like it doesn't exist.
Tire size- I run 25mm Vittoria Open Corsas - the rear clears the front derailleur band by approx. 1 mm. - that's the limiting point.
All in all, this is probably not an ultimate grail bike, but also probably one that they will bury with me- I'm not giving it up.


[QUOTE=mongol777;20204030]I am thinking of adding Ti frame to my stable. Came across this frameset - seller wants a bit much in my opinion but this thread is not about the price.
I am looking for opinions/thougths on the frame itself (I know several forum members own Catalysts) - how do you like ride quality, is it on the stiff or noodle side (I am OK with both sides of the spectrum), do you think it will take actual 700x25 tires, anything else worth mentioning?
I remember there were some rear triangle alignment problems in some years - were Catalysts frames part of that?
Pictures of course - seller modified frame finish (decals removed, etc) and this is part of the reason I am hesitant to pull the trigger as I'd rather get unmolested example. I also only need bare frame (have fork I want to use and all the parts) and he is not willing to part out.