My first titanium
07-07-21 | 08:38 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 686
Likes: 264
From: Redmond, WA
Bikes: '07 Bill Davidson, '86 Nishiki Tri-A, '87 Centurion Ironman
My first titanium
After couple of steel frames, got a titanium one. 
From seller, it is a 2003 Litespeed Firenze.
Going to rebuild it with a shorter crank arm - 172.5mm is not for me.
From seller, it is a 2003 Litespeed Firenze.
Going to rebuild it with a shorter crank arm - 172.5mm is not for me.
07-08-21 | 03:00 AM
#3
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 3,678
Likes: 2,053
From: Sussex County, Delaware
phtomita , nice looking bike and I am happy for you. I purchased my first, and only, titanium bike in 20017. It is a 2003-04? Airborne Zeppelin purchased from an Ebay auction. Ti is very close to riding high quality steel with considerably less weight. The durability and ease of cleaning/polishing the ti is a definite plus. Enjoy the ride and be safe.
07-08-21 | 08:45 AM
#5
Thread Killer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 13,140
Likes: 2,162
From: Ann Arbor, MI
Bikes: 15 Kinesis Racelight 4S, 76 Motebecane Gran Jubilée, 17 Dedacciai Gladiatore2, 12 Breezer Venturi, 09 Dahon Mariner, 12 Mercier Nano, 95 DeKerf Team SL, 19 Tern Rally, 21 Breezer Doppler Cafe+, 19 T-Lab X3, 91 Serotta CII, 23 3T Strada
Wow, it looks to be in very good condition! Congrats,
07-08-21 | 07:20 PM
#6
Clark W. Griswold
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 18,252
Likes: 6,624
From: ,location, location
Bikes: Foundry Chilkoot Ti W/Ultegra Di2, Salsa Timberjack Ti, Cinelli Mash Work RandoCross Fun Time Machine, 1x9 XT Parts Hybrid, Co-Motion Cascadia, Specialized Langster, Phil Wood Apple VeloXS Frame (w/DA 7400), R+M Supercharger2 Rohloff, Habanero Ti 26
Love all three of my Ti bikes. Looking to add more to the collection (at some point further down the line). You will love it.
07-08-21 | 08:59 PM
#7
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 2,382
Likes: 1,269
From: Hotel CA / DFW
Bikes: 80s Colnago Super/NMx, 50th Daccordi, Pinarello's, Guerciotti's, Masi NS, 90s DB/GT Mtn Bikes, 90s Colnago Master, 96 Serotta Colorado TG, 95/05 Colnago C40/C50, 06 LS TI, 08 Lemond Filmore FG SS, 12 Cervelo R3, 20/15 Surly Stragler & Steamroller
07-10-21 | 04:16 AM
#8
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 5,187
Likes: 1,936
I have owned two titanium frames and loved them both, and am looking to get a third. They ride like top shelf steel, but really don't save much on weight compared to a top shelf steel frame. The benefit of not having to worry about paint makes a huge difference to me and is the reason I am geeked out on titanium.
- Need to remove the spacers and replace bb.
07-18-21 | 02:01 PM
#12
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 686
Likes: 264
From: Redmond, WA
Bikes: '07 Bill Davidson, '86 Nishiki Tri-A, '87 Centurion Ironman
Moved all the hardware from my Nishiki to the Litespeed.
Noticed I don't have a closer photo yet .... So far around 100 miles on titanium on after couple adjustments. Very nice.
I noticed the wheelbase is shorter for the Litespeed that has a frame one size up from the Nishiki.
Noticed I don't have a closer photo yet .... So far around 100 miles on titanium on after couple adjustments. Very nice.
I noticed the wheelbase is shorter for the Litespeed that has a frame one size up from the Nishiki.
07-24-21 | 03:41 PM
#13
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 686
Likes: 264
From: Redmond, WA
Bikes: '07 Bill Davidson, '86 Nishiki Tri-A, '87 Centurion Ironman
After some 250 miles .
Something is missing from when riding a full steel frame - my Tri-A was one size smaller and don't know what it is exactly. I will be keeping the Tri-A frame now. Initially was thinking on building it with a Ultegra 6700 and pass forward.
Since was a nice ride to pick it up and just 5 bucks, I got some more real state on my cockpit.
I like that bottle location
.Something is missing from when riding a full steel frame - my Tri-A was one size smaller and don't know what it is exactly. I will be keeping the Tri-A frame now. Initially was thinking on building it with a Ultegra 6700 and pass forward.
Since was a nice ride to pick it up and just 5 bucks, I got some more real state on my cockpit.
I like that bottle location
