dalava

Looking into getting a used Ti bike for riding around during recovery days and/or commuting. I've heard names such as Merlin, Litespeed, and Seven, but don't know what's the difference between these brands or their model range or their specific geometry, and perhaps there are other options are out there.

Not looking to spend a whole lot of money, less than $1500 may be, so older model would be fine, I can upgrade components from my "parts bin". Anyone with some suggestions?

Szczuldo

just go with steel for commuter/recover day bike. A much cheaper alternative to a bike that according to you won't be ridden as much.

ccdisce

I suggest Merlin Extralight, Merlin Ti Rd, Litespeed, Serrota (sp?), Colnago, Lemond, Ibis.

I think $1200 is achievable with some dipping into the private surplus parts bin. What size frame would you be looking at as the medium size frames are not easy to find?

ripperj 

https://cgi.ebay.com/Lynskey-R120-Pai...QQcmdZViewItem

A little more $$,but not much.
I just got the next model up-still doing the build, but the frame looks awesome. Really, really nice paint and great welds. The company is owned by the guy that started Litespeed.

Hobartlemagne 

Habanero is the best deal you'll find on a new Ti frame. I have one and recommend it.

VTHokie1001K

I'll second the props for Lynskey my father just got the R320 and loves it....and you're right the welds are great

Stickney

Merlin and Litespeed used to be independent boutique TI manufacturers (Litespeed was founded by Lynskey). They are now part of ABG, and many will say that their quality and offerings have deteriorated as a result. Even so, if looking for a used TI, both are frequently available on ebay and an older model would certainly be in your price range. Merlins in their day were probably a bit higher end than Litespeed.

Sevens are excellent bikes, but you may not find one for 1500. Serottas are probably also going to push that figure.

As far as geometry, model, type, -- Litespeed made several models. The Vortex and Ultimate models are race oriented. Tuscany, Solano, Arenberg, Classic, Firenze are all more all arounders. Look at the Litespeed website under bikes, they have links to several years of their website archives. The Merlin site has some old detail as well. I am not as familiar with either Seven or Serotta, but I know Serotta has an active forum, as well as a classified section where Serottas are available.

Many will say TI is overkill for a utility or commuter bike. Having only two bikes, I frequently use my TI bike for commuting and it works fine. I don't like to jump curbs with it, but, I sure do enjoy riding it. If you want a maintenance free frame with some good ride characteritics, TI makes some real sense. I know I sure like how light my TI bike is when I have to carry it up or down stairs. But I am getting old, haha.

MONGO!

I saw a very nice Everti go for $1600 on ebay a couple months ago.

grahny

I have to say Lynskey, just because mine has been fantastic - but it would be a shame to get one just for recovery days (are we all getting recovery bikes now too? man I'm falling behind ).

dalava

Not sure what the range is for medium size, but I normally ride 56cm frame. I think that's large, no?

dalava

I will check out the Lynskey... "for recovery days" is just an excuse to get 2nd bike

sam83

+1

In general, the ride is similar. My main ride is a Moots Vamoots, which rides like buttah and is way out of your intended price range. Had a Litespeed Solano which was just a jag more responsive, but was not as smooth.

A friend gave me his lightly used and almost forgotten 1996 Univega Superstrada steel bike. It's got a 46-36-26 crank and a 7-speed RSX STI and I gotta say it is a nice ride for just dinkin around or riding a more "social" century. I'm planning on taking it on Cycle North Carolina at the end of next month!

I've also got a Salsa Casseroll single (steel) I ride fixed, bit it also comes in a triple UNDER $1500 NEW. You can put some FAT tires on that baby!

Of course Ti won't rust, but then again, all of my road bikes are in the house and TN is not hard on frames anyway.

sam83

My Moots was, "The last bike I'll ever buy".

I've told that lie twice already in the last 3 years!

Vireo

Here's a thought --- how about you don't get Ti. Ti is over rated, over priced and it is a dying breed.

Someone else said steel I second the motion. I think steel is a much better option for the commuting and recovery day riding you want to use this bike for. Should you choose to put on big miles (centuries, doubles or brevets) steel would still be a better option.

BHBiker

Nope Ti is not dead. Its just not as easily affordable as all the cheap china made 3rd rate non branded carbon framesets out there.

But if people can afford it...they would love to have Ti. Sadly not a lot have access to it.

prendrefeu

True, but note that Ti won't oxidize (rust) - all weather material. Each material has its own ride qualities. Ti is in no way a dying breed - just a very expensive breed that is not getting much press these days.

NealH

Another vote for the Lynskey and, this particular offer appears to be a bargain.

ripperj 

Vireo-Why can't you put big miles on a Ti frame?

Vireo

You can put long miles on a Ti frame. My point was he is currently looking for a recovery day, commuting bike but IF he wants to put on longer miles he can with the steel bike I recommended. Steel is also easier to repair if you are "out there".

In my shop I have seen plenty of Ti (Litespeed, Merlin) frames that were cracked. I'm just not a fan of Ti.

Vireo

Ain't that the truth!

In my shop we have these bikes. They priced at cost or close to it and they haven't EVEN been test ridden in 1 1/2 years. I can't remember the last time someone asked me for a Ti bike. BTW, we do close to 10M of business.

Litspeed Blade 53cm full Dura-Ace

Litspeed Ghisalo

Litspeed Sienna

Litspeed Vortex

merlinextraligh

Other than price, what would make steel a better option?

Ti is going to be lighter, won't rust, will be at least as comfortable if not moreso than steel.

late

.


You aren't looking for another toy. You want a commuter. Something that can take big cushy tires and have a big cushy ride. Something you can throw a rack on and fill up with groceries. Something that dosn't need babying. Something you can ride across the country when you're ready.

Vireo

Since your username is a Ti model I won't be able to change your mind. You are correct Ti would be lighter. I have ridden Ti (several models) for extended periods of time, as in weeks at a time and century plus rides and wasn't wowed by it. I have a custom Serotta steel frame that I ride all my early season brevets (200km, 300km, 400km and 600km) on. A very nice ride and weighs just shy of 17 lbs (55cm) with pedals.

To me the extra expense and reverence that people hold for Ti is unwarranted. Also all this rust talk is rubbish. I have three steel frames one is a Bianchi 1988 lugged frame not a speck of rust on it and I live 3 miles from the ocean and ride on the coast often. Don't you guys/gals clean your bikes?

dalava

So, if I want to expand my search to include steel frames, any brands/models should I focus on? I know Serotta made some steel frames, so is Bianchi, but do they still make them?

merlinextraligh

I own 3 steel bikes, 1 Ti bike, 1 aluminum bike, 1 carbon fiber bike, and 1 boron carbide ceramic metal matrix bike.

The best you can do is accuse me of bias against bamboo