True, but that's also what people say who can't afford some uber pricey boutique bike.

Don't you get it- it's the amount of enjoyment the rider derives on the bike.

+1... and that may, sometimes, just possibly, include the bike itself

[quote=Briareos;6955569]
Ok, I've got 2 italian steel bikes, 1 russian Ti and now a taiwaneese (PedalForce) CF bike.

I find (found) Ti's great (comfortable, luscious) for long rides by yourself OR for riding in a group / race, where EVERYONE else is also riding on Ti.

If otoh, most others in your group or races are on bikes with beefier, stiffer frames & BBs, you'll have to output more wattage in the long run, just to stay even with the others.

As someone else said- ideally maybe have both a Ti and CF bike?

[QUOTE=ezee;7048003]I think someone who is serious about racing would have little interest in a frame choice that compromises response/quickness for any other quality, such as comfort, durability, or appearance. Perhaps that's why racers have more than one bike. I'd think a pure racing bike would not be fun to ride, except when racing.

All TI bikes are not flexy. There are many strong racing Ti frames that are as quick and stiff as any other out there. Ti is just another material that makes a good frame. I had a 2005 Vortex that was compliant and comfortable vertically but stiff as my Cannondale when you stood on it. Today I ride carbon, I am a bike junkie and will allways be switching around.

Look at the Tour photos 98-2003 or later. Mavic support bikes were allways Litespeed Vortex, today I believe they are Scott CR-1. Lance rode a vortex as his time trial bike in the Tour on two separate occasions. They were painted and badged as Treks. Those years, several other riders substituted the litespeed for their brand and had it painted to look like their sponsors. Look at the photos, especially the thin, shaped seat stays and chain stays. You will see the difference from the other team bikes. If you look at videos/photos of the tours, check the top riders bikes against the teams, it'll blow your mind.

Technology makes for great frames when using all kinds of materials. The sizing and feel to each rider is the most important factor. I like different bikes for different reasons. Ride different bikes and find your favorite.

I wonder how many bike owners here can't wait to swap out their bikes for new ones after 5 years.

It's a toy, not a wife.

Lance actually rode a LS Blade for the TT in 1999, not a Vortex. He rode a LS Ultimate/Classic in 1993 disguised as a Caloi. Richard Virenque rode the origianl Vortex rebadged as a Peugot among others in the TDF at the time.

https://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/a...ss-16248?img=6

Look, the bottom line is that the market will dictate what people will ride at the time. CF is king now because it is cheaper for manufacturers to produce and can be done so in Chinese factories at low cost. Titanium is more expensive and needs to be done under more strict conditions. Mark my words, as people become bored with CF, you will see more chatter about Ti frames again. I already see it. I own 2 ti bikes and 2 CF bikes. All have their benefits, but Ti if done right is as good or better than CF, more durable and less maintenance.

P.S., I had a 2002 Vortex but love the ride of my LS Solano much better. Vortex was too stiff vertically for my tastes.

I am 27 now. How about some tips on how to prepare for the midlife crisis for me?

i love my ti bike. a 4 year old serotta lend ti to be exact.. with a full carbon fork and carbon seatstays... yes it does flex.. i wanted it that way... ti is simply just beautiful... so is a good steel frame ( i'm thinking an independent custom with reynolds 953... mmmmm ) but anyway i'm in love with ti... it doesnt hur tthat i have ti inside me too tho

You'll know when it hits because during the day you'll be dropped by guys old enough to be your son and at night you'll be taking Viagra.

hahahahahahahahahahaha lucky i'm only 24 and havent hit my prime yet!