Patriot

As an update to the 3/2.5 Ti thread I started a few days back, I thought I would post a pic of the frame I am considering, for y'all to chime in on. All I have to do now, is save up.

I am looking for a good mid-grade Ti frame to build up into a good cruiser, not a weight weenie climber. Anyway, I got a pic of the one I like. It has an ovalized downtube, and appears to have some slight outward curve in the stays, instead of being perfectly staright. It's a 3/2.5 frame. Weight about 3.3-3.5# I think. Made by TST, and cost $600. Seems like a decent deal to me, especially for new Ti. I am not sure of the warranty, I would assume at least 3-5 years or better, but I'll check into it to make sure.

Opinions?

hi565

ugh newb.

Its whatever fits you.

sydney

I think you get more for your money buying used.

ivan_yulaev

Perfectly fine choice.

I've never dealt with TST. Have you looked at Habanero frames?

sunninho

So, you've resolved the whole obsession issue with your other half, I see

EricDJ

Check your email. I sent you some info for Ti frames that will have a lifetime warranty by a known company for that price.

Patriot

I think TST used to make frames for Habanero.

Problems if I buy used. I get no assurance on it's condition, no warranty, and no gaurantee it hasn't been crashed, even if they say it hasn't.

sydney

^^^....got a whole garage and basement full or them and not a one has an issue.Would not have had the pleasure of owning any of them at even a sale price for new.

EricDJ

Let me know when you get the email.

Patriot

Got it. I may just look into it. If they have something with traditional geometry and level top tube, I may consider it, as that is primarily what I'm looking for.

cydewaze

That thing reminds me of a Nashbar Frame'

Thylacine

TST either does or has made a lot of Ti frames in the US for a LOT of the major players.

Those generic TST frames - it you can get one to fit - aren't a bad option.

Airbornes, Habaneros, Spicers, etc. are all made in China, and IMHO you'd be better off looking for a used quality frame on eBay. You'd get a better frame that way, and you'd also be helping the planet as a bonus.

55/Rad

Sydney - you must have a good frame you'd be willing to part with for a song - after all, you've....

Which only makes me wonder where you keep all the carbon, aluminum and steel frames? The neighbors must hate you.

55/Rad

Patriot

Funny you should say that. With exception to high-end Litespeed or the like, you can take any Ti frame with round tubes, strip it down, and it will look like a Nashbar frame. Seven, Merlin Xtra-lite, Classic, Ind Fabs, etc etc, all have round tubes, and look like any other. Only the decals give each a distinct look.

In the end, does it look like a Nashbar frame? Yup, I guess it does.

It won't when I get done with it.

sydney

Get some stick on letters from wallmart that spell HUFFY .

sirshane13

Hmm,

It's all about the details. Welds don't look that great to me, especially at the dropouts, though it's hard to tell from here. The down tube looks to start out aero in the front and flatten out to the BB, which I like (reminiscent of LeMond Al bikes). Standard head tube design (me likey).

But my Habanero has some other small details that I dig. Chain hanger. Thick dropouts. Frame pump peg. S-bend seat and chain stays. Welded seat post binders.

My vote is for a Habanero.

clfjmpr44

I was going to put a good word in for Habanero as well, but after reading how non-quality my frame is...it will be on e-bay tomorrow. Thanks thylacine for the tip.

ViperZ

I like it and at that price, it would make an excellent custom "One Off" project. A nice blank canvas if you will.

If you look at the welds of Blandin's TST, they look as good as a Merlin or Litespeed from what I can see.

djbrod

Here's my TST built up. It's an earlier model year with round (but over sized) down tube. The welds are simply beautiful. (will take pics if anybody wants them)

It was part of my move from Al to Ti and did not disappoint. It smoothed out the ride considerably and remained very stiff so I can put some muscle into the climbs.

I've only seen one other out on the road in Vernon, CT. I stopped and talked to the guy and we both agreed that it was a lot of frame for the money. It was purely coincidence that we both built the frames up with the Centaur group.

It's 3AM and I just finished cleaning it. I love mine, I say buy it.

Patriot

Seems odd, but I have been considering a cheaper Mirage group with a compact crank. Mainly because, I would probably use the Mirage stuff later to rebuild my old Centurion, then upgrade the Ti bike as necessary with something better. Not sure, but a Centaur group would also be nice. Heck if I wanted to stick with black shifters, I could go Chorus.

djbrod

My checkbook couldn't handle it, but I say go for it!

pshaw

Do I see a triple?

Patriot

Well, considering I already have a Record group on Trinity, the Chorus would almost be a whoopy-doo step for me. Oddly, for the purpose of just being differant, the 9s Mirage group would almost be preferable to me, regardless of the cheaper price.

djbrod, check out the brakes I found in the other thread. Very interesting.

djbrod

Torn PCL!

Patriot

Ewww.