Yeah, I used to have a bit more white in both places. Eg. serfas stitched tape. Going full white I have really no desire to do -- cleaning reasons mostly, but also (just my opinion) a bit too try-hard.

I use old-school Off-The-Front white bar tape since 2004, the material is like shower curtain, wipes off dirt & grease easily and very durable; lasts about 3-4 years, 2k mi. annually. I usually replace the tapes the same time I replace brake pads.



To avoid heel strike when you turn the handlebar?

Does it effect the handling?

Seems like the front fender/tire would hit your thigh when you turn the handlebar?

Ever consider changing to a smaller front wheel, 24" or 20"?
You have front disc brake anyway, smaller front wheel would allow the fork to be mounted correctly, disc caliper to be on the correct side of the bike and less chance of heel or thigh strike when you turn your handlebar.
Then again, that head angle is tough to compensate. Is it intentional to have near vertical head angle?

Responses below in bold italics.

A full explanation of the reverse rake is here: https://rothrockcyrcle.wordpress.com...cumbent-bikes/

Interesting, I never though flop would cause much concern on a short wheelbase recumbent.
I normally ride a Vision R40 or SatRDay as short wheelbase recumbents,
I guess I have experienced the "flop" in tight turns, but never thought about it as a significant issue.

I have been meaning to complete my titanium recumbent build for the last couple of years, but it's difficult to find a replacement fork for 1" steertube with disc brake mount.
I would like to go to a smaller front wheel than 700c, wouldn't mind a smaller rear wheel, too.

My first Ti frameset/build. It's just about done and hoping to get it on the road first thing Sunday morning.

Flop isn't an issue when turning. In fact, flop actually makes the process of turning slightly easier as the bike is "wanting" to turn. Excessive flop is a problem because it promotes steering overshoot when trying to balance and go straight at low speeds.

Recumbents that use more conventional steering geometry can and do work OK. They just aren't ideal.

I love George Reynolds bikes. I have two of them - Wishbone Classic 26/20 and Wishbone RT 26/26. If you ever want to sell that T-bone of yours, let me know. George used steeper steering angles than just about anyone else. He was onto something. My two Wishbones both have steering angles at around 79 degrees. The Wishbone Classic has a negative rake fork and the RT has a zero rake fork. I know the Z-bone used a zero rake fork too. Not sure about the T-bone, though. The Zevo just takes the design approach George used on the Wishbones and Z-bone and extends it a bit further. George's Wishbones were a partial inspiration for the Zevo.

My first Ti build, a Lynskey Helix disc road is just about done, sans the bar tape which finally arrives tomorrow. I took it out this morning for what was supposed to be a quick, 10-15 mile loop ended up being close to a 50 mile ride. I didn't care about the temps hovering in the low 30s and I just kept going, enjoying my morning ride. I was expecting an ultra smooth, predictable, calm ride because of its Ti construction and it didn't disappoint. Even when out of the saddle, it reacts so smoothly and almost a bit too well behaved for me. It is comfortable, nimble and most of all, the handling is on point which is a huge plus for me. That is the one ride characteristic that usually helps me decide whether or not I keep a bike.

Beautiful bike. Those are some manly drops in the world of compact bars, you must be a gymnast in your spare time.

Thanks. I'm definitely no gymnast, lol. I think the angle of how the pic was taken makes the drop much deeper than it is. Plus, I favor and use handlebars with traditional drops/bends such as this 3T Superleggera.

Beautiful build! Have you gone tubeless on it yet? The ride is even better.

Thank you. Still waiting for the bar tape since USPS feels it needs to collect dust for a couple days at their sort facility in Brooklyn before delivering it back to Manhattan.

I'm setting it up tubeless this weekend. I have the same GK tires but in 38s on my SBC all-road and ran it it tubed for the shakedown ride and then went tubeless afterwards.

Nice but that seat cover.... should I clean my shoes on it?

Wish Ti bikes were less expensive-would love to own one someday. The frames have several nice qualities about them.

Don't knock it 'til you've tried it; it's lightweight, offers decent padding, it doesn't collect water/sweat nor heat up like foam; it's easily washable, cheap and very durable.

There are certainly deals to be found for used ti frames, if you know what you're looking for.

I bought my brand new Lynskey disc gravel frame on eBay for less than $500 back in 2018.

My current 2001 Litespeed Ultimate was purchased used back in 2004 for $1700 as complete bike, sans pedals.

It is all about knowing what you're looking for and be patient while looking at multiple sources.

whole different level of quality.have to see in the flesh to appreciate,very underrated,IMO.

Look at Lynskey

out of my price range. Maybe a used one someday.

I don’t have much info on my bike’s origins. I bought it in 2004 or 2005 from the original owner who raced got it through team sponsorship from Higher Gear around Chicago. It’s probably a 2001 or 2002. It had full Dura Ace group set, 3T stem and bar, Thomson seat post and Fizik seat, LeMond carbon fork. I replaced the original wheel set a long time ago and don’t remember the originals, maybe Zipp. I haven’t seen this orange and blue gulf livery on any other LeMond. It also has a (race number?) tab on the underside of the top tube.

I haven’t rode my ti mtb for a couple of years, and last time I picked up the frame when reorganizing my garage, I realized there is a crack in the chainstay ☹️

I have 3. One I bought and two that I built. None of them cost over $2500. I rarely think Ti bikes look good, but I am a fan of the ride to be sure.

That bike is a beast! I look forward to seeing it completely built out.

My baby. We call him Ed.

Every time I see this bike for sale on CL and FB I have to remind myself that I'm WAY too old for it.

Unless I'm mistaking it for another just like it... ...either way, I love it.