cheesus311

I am in the market for a new road bike and I am looking to spend somewhere between 900 and 1500 dollars. I will likely go used. I was talking to a buddy of mine who is an experienced cyclist and he suggested that I try to go with a titanium frame as opposed to the aluminum that I was planning on. He said that steel would also be preferable over aluminum, both because they are what he deemed "bulletproof." He said that I would never break a titanium or steel frame like I might an aluminum one. He himself said that over the years he broke three or four aluminum frames. He also said that the rear derrailler hanger for an aluminum frame often bends and then has to be professionally bent back. I'm wondering what people's thoughts are on this subject. Is titanium really "bulletproof" and superior to aluminum? Also, what are the reputable manufacturers of titanium frames? The majority of information that I have found is on Litespeed. They seem to make very nice bikes from what I read. Thoughts?

captnfantastic

he broke 3 or 4 alu frames?? how big was he? How big are you?

ElJamoquio

New road bike, $1200, titanium?

ElJamoquio

I only have 18,000 miles on my Moto in pothole-city. It must be due for some breakage soon.

Phantoj

Titanium frames last forever, until they break....


Since budget is a consideration, I'd recommend aluminum.

jonestr

Is your friend riding aluminum bikes from the 80s? 99% of aluminum bikes have replaceable derailleur hangers and have been that way for at least 10 years. Steel frames also need to have their hangers aligned sometimes as well.

If you can find a ti frame in your price range it will would be a nice way to go. You might have to settle for 9spd, but that is not really a big deal.

Randochap

The concerns outlined by your friend are true but perhaps overstated. I'd be more concerned with the "feel" of the ride.

It sounds like you can't afford titanium though. Since budget is a consideration, I'd recommend steel.

bigskyTi

for $1500 you cna find a good used Ti bike. I guess the real danger of an Al frame nowadays is that the tubes are very thin and are prone to denting. Once dented the structural integrity is at question and you may not be comfortable riding it. A Ti frame can take more of a hit as well as Steel.
Ride characteristics are indivual to the frame not the material, but Al has a bit of a rep for being harsh as compared to Ti or Steel.
I have 4 Ti bike and love them all. Probably the best thing about a ti frame is that it will always look new. No paint to scratch and decals that can be replaced.

swif

Maybe I'm just the hulk...

PlatyPius

Titanium or steel have a nice, smooth ride. Aluminum can, and usually does, have a harsh ride.

I can ride 60+ miles on my steel bike and feel fine.
I can ride 40 miles on my aluminum bike and have my back go out for 3 days afterward. That's why I sold the aluminum bike.

dorkypants

Try reading Sheldon Brown's page on bicycle frame materials https://www.sheldonbrown.com/frame-materials.html and also the set of pages on metallurgy as it applies to bicycle frames, by Strong Frames https://www.strongframes.com/material...c26d9cabe3fdb8.

merlinextraligh

Nothing is bullet proof. However, if longevity is a key consideration, it does argue for Ti over Al.

One, because Ti has a fatigue limit and Al doesn't. Thus Ti can be stressed below its fatigue limit forever without fatiguing the metal. Al is getting one cycle closer to failure with every stress. Admittedly in a modern Al frame this isn't a significant consideration for many years.

Two, Modern Al frames are awfully thin in spots, and subject to the Beer can effect. My wife's CAAD 7 was destroyed falling over sideways in the garage, and striking a Christmas tree stand. I've never seen a Ti frame fail from a small side impact to a tube.

Three, if it doesn't have a replaceable derailleur hanger, a bent derailleur hanger on a AL frame can render the frame useless.

All that said, doesn't mean that there aren't good Al bikes, or that any particular Al bike might not outlast any particular Ti bike.

But, if longevity is you key metric, the odds favor Ti over Al.

dorkypants

"Aluminum is harsh" is a myth. Counterexample: Al frames made by Alan in the early days were characterized as being limp and whippy (because the tubing diameters mimicked steel). Frame geometry and tire pressures have a lot more effect on perceived "stiffness" and harshness than frame material.

Aluminum does have more catastrophic failure characteristics than steel or Ti. Carbon fiber can shatter quite spectacularly.

Avalanche325

I am a fan of Ti. Smooth ride, no paint, no rust, and the frame should last for many years. I have about 12,000 miles on my LiteSpeed and I love it.

LiteSpeed is the benchmark in Ti frames. There are also some other good manufacturers out there including Seven and Merlin.

Ti is a good purchase if:
1. You are getting the bike that you want.
2. You are not the kind of person that wants a new bike every other year.

cheesus311

My buddy is probably 6'1" or 2" and I would guess 180 pounds. I am 6'0" and 160. He is a very strong rider and a track racer. He has been training for about ten years now and said that his first few bikes were aluminum. He said that two of the bikes broke at the bottom bracket, while sprinting I think, and the other broke at the seat stay. It wasn't from any sort of crash, I know that. He is likely a much more dedicated rider and harder on his equipment than I will be. I believe he said that all of the frames were Fuji, and since he bought the warranty, he had them replaced for free. I have actually found a few titanium bikes in my price range, all Litespeed, but I just wonder if I really need to go titanium. I do like the idea of having a bike that will last a lot longer, though.

timmyquest

When bike frames wreck:


TI wreck


Steel wreck


Aluminum wreck


CF wreck


Buy accordingly...

PlatyPius

Aluminum bikes, AS MADE TODAY, tend to ride harshly. Yes, Alans were incredibly "soft". AL frames today are not soft. They are rigid to the point of harshness.

I disagree with Sheldon on this one.

timmyquest

Nothing feels faster to a n00b than flimsy, harsh riding, aluminum frame. I know because i remember the feling.

cheesus311

I am intrigued by newer steel frame bikes, but I don't really seem to be able to find much information on them. The VAST majority of the bikes that I find are aluminum. Who makes new steel frames with modern technology and components?

timmyquest

You are just asking for trouble

cheesus311

How so?

timmyquest

Didn't you see the photo?!!!!!!??!?!?!???!!!!!???!!!?!?!?!!!!

frank828

https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...hamp_ti_09.htm
1700 new titanium bike(when they get them back in stock)

you guys knew it was coming

haha

Randochap

Marinoni: steel and titanium.

jonestr

I like the stuff Soma is putting out. Lots of small builders making great steel frames, but they are going to cost you.