Assuming that C&V is an evolving concept and not limited to steel bikes, Which Ti bikes do you think are or will become classics? I have a few ideas, but what to find out what you think. Oh, and photographic illustrations are always appreciated.

Thanks

Litespeed and Merlin just off the top of my head.

In 30 more years.
After the revolution the rebel alliance will have to use all steel bikes with downtube shifters due to being bulletproof and repairable. At that time the Ti bikes will be rare collectors items because all the good metals will be salvaged for their weapons building capabilities.

Teledyne made a titanium frame in the 70's, I think. I'm sure it's collectable at this time.

I'd have to agree with the Litespeed and Merlin suggestion. I'd also add Lynskey to the list.
-Gene-

I don't see C&V as limited to steel - if my early 80's bikes with downtube friction shifters are considered C&V bikes than there are plenty of aluminum, carbon, titanium bikes that qualify. Keeping to the topic at hand, though, my dad's mid-70's Teledyne Titan ti bike would definitely qualify.

If it has not inevitably cracked apart.

-Kurt

I think Flema's are kind of cool. These early Ti frames were crudely welded and made with pieces that look like they came from an Erector set, but for me that's a lot of the charm.

I remembered there was a problem with them, but I did not remember the exact issue.

I do remember they were really expensive.

No one has yet mentioned Speedwell Gear Casing, as ridden to TdF victory by Luis Ocana.
Future classics: Bill Holland, Passoni.

Kellogg Spectrum

I hope a 1997 Serotta Ti with Campy Record Titanium will be a classic in about 2 weeks.

I think ANY 20+ year old Ti bike will be a collectors item. It's not like there's low-end titanium bikes.

I'm wondering if the ones made with CP will hold up as well. Or maybe they just will ride noodly. A noodly ride could mitigate against collectibility, at least among the folks who value vintage bikes primarily for the ride quality.

Bontrager Ti Lite's are a classic. I sold mine several years ago. Frame's alone are going for $900 on eBay.

To be completely accurate, Ocana only rode the Speedwell on mountain stages, and I believe (but am not sure) that he swapped back to steel for most of the descents. Speedwells had "standard" sized tubes, which meant that, like all such Ti frames, they were light light light, especially by the standards of the mid-1970s, but noodly. They still deserve a place on the list as the first Ti frame embraced by a top pro.

Another shout-out for the Teledyne Titan. Yeah, it cracked because of having to create down-sized places on the tubes for shift levers and front derailleurs and such, but they were the first I can remember who understood that oversizing the tubes was the way to make a Ti frame stiff enough for serious racing-type use. It was the real forerunner of every Merlin, Lightspeed, Serrotta Ti, etc., out there, not to mention showing the way for aluminum frames and latter-day steel ones. The Titan may not have succeeded in its own right, but it was very influential throughout the industry.

BTW, In that 1973 Tour, Merckx didn't ride, and Ocana was head and shoulders above everyone else. I think he would have won on a kiddie tricycle. I don't think he ever rode that well again.

Moots!

Where's the Colorado love y'all?

A non-broken Teledyne, there were a couple of better models too.
That Panasonic Titanium we've all been drooling over.
Merlin's and Litespeeds, I'd say especially the Kellog branded ones and the polished ones.
Maybe a Seven in time.

I doubt they'll be changing hands in yard sales and swap meets, though.

Well pointed out. He definitely didn't ride the Speedwell for the whole race. However, to be completely accurate, I have read that he rode his Speedwell in the final TdF TT.

+1 Litespeed and Merlin

Of course, Merckx had already beaten Ocana that year, in the Vuelta. That race probably wasn't mountainous enough to suit Ocana, to be fair.

One of my friend's out here has a Moots Ti Cross bike. It's the only bike he can beat me on long (4 mile) downhills with. The thing is rock solid, and darn good looking, too.

Truth be told, there are a lot of contemporary USA builders who are making fantastic bikes out of Ti. Every one of them is 'collectible'.

I have one friend who is almost the proud owner of this exceptional Ti frame, here is a short blog entry (w/pics) from the builder:
https://strongframes.com/blog/?p=1279

He is so going to leave me behind in the TdS this year riding that bike.

+1 on Bill Holland. I had the pleasure of seeing one of his bikes. I'd buy it now or in 30 years.

...cough...cough...Airborne....like this one.

Here ya go. Not vintage by any means, but without a doubt classic, in the sense of serving as a standard of excellence. My ubiquitous white garage door will crack apart and go out of style before it does.