ExMachina

I'm getting geared up to drop one to four "large" on a new frame set. Question is, how to best spend the money?

Currently I have an Aluminum Trek w/ carbon seat stays, fork and seat post. It's an okay ride but some of the chip seal roads around here can get fatiguing on longer rides.

So, my first thought was to go with a full carbon bike and keep my aluminum bike just for races. That's where the $4000 figure came in.

But then I came up with great (hair-brained?) idea of getting a "do-it-all" titanium frame and salvage all the components off my Trek. That would save me a few thousand bucks, plus it would give me a bulletproof frame that I wouldn't have to fret over.

So my question is this: can a "stiff" titanium frame that can hold it's own in sprints and crits (I'm 210lbs) still offer a significant decrease in road noise during century rides?

agilis

Yes. I do all on my Merlin and am VERY pleased. Owned 3 carbon frames and came back to ti.

SoreFeet

Swapping components is the logical way to go. If you want more comfort get a frame that will let you run larger tires. Longer chainstays can really help absorb road shocks. Don't overlook a good steel frame also.

ExMachina

Yes, I already have two steel bikes and they are great rides. I just worry about rust. I know that with a little care it will never get bad enough compromise the integrity of the frame during my lifetime, but last week, when my *brand new* steel fixed gear got a little bit rained on and I saw rust within hours, well...I freaked.

ExMachina

That's good to hear. Which Merlin did you choose?

kergin

You might want to use some T9 Frame saver on that thing.

agilis

I have a Merlin Agilis... the new "Works CR" has similar geometry. Nimble, climbs great, comfortable, well built, classic.

M_S

You want comfort? Pop some 25mm tires on the Trek.

I do agree with the comment about longer chain stays though. The design of the frame probably makes a much bigger difference than the material.

brians647

That said, at 215lbs, my ti bikes have been plenty stiff. You'll enjoy the ride, lively but with give in it.

ExMachina

So is that it:

5 out of 5 dentists surveyed recommend titanium over carbon?

Are there no carbon-istas who want to chime in here??

I wouldn't MIND a new Tarmac, ya' know

M_S

Carbon or not the Tarmac is probably not the bike you want if comfort is a large consideration. From what I understand, however, the Roubaix would be worth a look.

Dick Rhee

For racing I would guess that the carbon bike would be best especially for someone over 200 lbs. A good Ti bike can be comfortable while being somewhat nimble and quick to ride, but I've yet to hear of a ti manufacturer that boasts of a "beefy BB area".

The 6/4 tubing (which is supposed to be stiffer) is supposedly unavailable to bike manufacturers as of this year due to it's increased demand in aerospace, so you may be stuck with the standard 3/2.5 as well. I have a 3/2.5 Ti bike and it rides great, but I'm only at 170 and still notice a little flex when riding hard.

Scooper

Reynolds 953 and Columbus XCr get around the rust problem. My latest (and probably last) bike has a 953 frame.

jimblairo

The Caylon Pro team uses Litespeed Siena's and they just swap wheel sets between crit and road races.

ExMachina

My next-next-bike is going to be a hand built (my hands!!) 953, lugged steel fixie.

bo00on

i would like to recommend carbon over titanium however i've never ridden a titanium frame bike. the closest i got to titanium was my Mizuno forged titanium 9.5* driver (with a CF/graphite shaft, of course). the thing about CF frame is that you can get really stiff ones that feels no better than aluminum or noodly ones that feels like you're riding in mud. the best thing to do is to go to your LBS and test ride a few CF and Ti bikes.

me personally, i like my CF bikes (Pedal Force RS & ZX3, and Specialized Roubaix) and can spend many hours on them. And the roads here in Auckland, NZ, isn't exactly the smoothest in the world.

boon

StanSeven

"Brand new" steel frame and you saw rust?!!!! Is the steel painted? This might be the most absurb statement yet on BF.

ExMachina

It's a fixed gear. The paint wears away in the rear fork ends on these types of bikes very quickly. That's where the rust was.

ExMachina

Thanks boOOn. The test ride is a great idea and one that I should prioritize--we've got a local shop that will (I think) loan/lease you a CF or Ti bike for several days.

Man, I would love to cycle around NZ sometime (even if the roads aren't smooth )

Surferbruce

you can get a complete ultegra LOOK 555 for like 2300$. plenty stiff enough with a superb ride quality.

ExMachina

yes yes yes. dang it.

i've just been pricing new ti frames and am leaning toward getting a used one. that's ONE advantage of titanium i guess; i would never feel confident buying a used CF frame.

cat0020

Air pressure in your tires may have more to do with the ride comfort than frame materials..

abqhudson

My 2 cents. Ti all the way. Sold my custom carbon and bought a used Serotta Ti frame - best ride ever. Serotta if you can afford it (and you can - if you are patient and buy used) - or, Jim Kish will build you custom Ti frame at a very reasonable price - his customers rave about him.

Scooper

Serotta built the 1998-2001 titanium Paramounts under contract to Schwinn during the Scott Sport ownership, and these show up from time to time on eBay. They're often real bargains.

ExMachina

^^^ red rims w/ green tires on a blue frame...very nice!