Knuckle contacted me about my Gary V Titanio and I figured I'd post my response to add it to the reference BF has become:
When I bought the Gary V, I was looking for a more-modern build (I collect old steel) that I could use primarily as a training bike--something I could kit-out well and not be too worried about if it got scratched or dinged. I've ridden it now for over a year, and I'm happy to report it has become my favorite bicycle. Mind you, this is in a stable that includes a custom Kirk, a full-carbon race bike, a Cinelli Super Corsa, and other highly-considered bikes. I find that I ride my Gary V more than any other bike. It's great for long rides, for training, for climbing, and pretty much everything.
I'm 6'3", 235 pounds, and a pretty strong rider. This frame is not whippy or flexible like the older Ti frames; it's flexibility seems only evident in the comfortable ride it produces.
I ended up with a 30.0 Thomson, which I SHOULD have just installed in the first place. I don't recommend the seatpost shims at all, especially if you're trying to weight-weenie the bike with a bunch of carbon bits. I found a Thomson Elite or Masterpiece is made in the EXACT size for this bike, and with the matching stem, you won't find anything carbon that really comes out lighter other than safety-be-damned stuff that I really shouldn't be riding.
The deep red paid is really top-notch, and easily matched with auto colors for touch-up (I'll give you my formula if you're interested).
Overall, I really can't recommend this bike enough. It's a LOT more bike that you'd normally get for three or four times the money. I will be testing this assumption shortly with the arrival of a new Moots, but I don't forsee parting with my Gary V anytime soon. It just WORKS, and works well. Plus, Tom at GVH is great. Please tell him that I sent you.
You can see photos of my bike at the GVH gallery, or at my blog:
http://www.oldfartcycling.org/
Just for reference, I have a standard frame, not the Aero-tubed one. I'd LIKE to have an aero-tubed one, too, if anyone has one to part with. 59-60cm top tubes, please.
