[QUOTE=Red Baron]thylacine writes:
The weight difference between steel and Ti is about .25 of a lb
Sorry thylacine, the engineer in me asks - is a lb of steel .25 heavier than a lb of Ti? (GRIN)
I believe you mean weight density, if so I believe you are in error. Ti is about half as light.
Thus an equal volume of steel = twice as heavy as an equal volume of Ti, at least Archimedes would say so. And I bet he would have chosen a litespeed!
Good site to visit:
http://www.caree.org/bike101framematerials.htm
An any case, Ti bike tubes are thicker than steel bike tubes to achieve the necessary strength. Ti bikes therefore usually weigh only slightly less than the equivalent steel bikes. Ti has it's own characteristics that make for a different ride than steel. A well made steel and a well made Ti bike will ride similarly with some differences. Some riders like the ride qualities of one over the other. Both (of the well-made bikes) will last much longer than an owner will most likely keep it. So it's really a personal value/judgment call as to which is better.