Riding Impressions
05-13-04, 08:21 PM
#1
Diesel Power
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2004
Location: CT
Posts: 54
Bikes: Specialized Allez Elite 2003, Merckx Majestic
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Riding Impressions
Greetings,
Appreciate hearing your riding impressions with ti frames vs al. Looking at a Merckx Majestic for my 2nd bike. Plan on using it for those 50+ mile rides. Want comfort and good performance. Short test ride at the LBS seems good, but how is it on those 3-4 hr rides. Also, any experience with Mavic Open Pro wheels?
Thanks,
jshct
Appreciate hearing your riding impressions with ti frames vs al. Looking at a Merckx Majestic for my 2nd bike. Plan on using it for those 50+ mile rides. Want comfort and good performance. Short test ride at the LBS seems good, but how is it on those 3-4 hr rides. Also, any experience with Mavic Open Pro wheels?
Thanks,
jshct
05-14-04, 04:36 AM
#2
Wind Breaker
Join Date: May 2003
Location: In the Dutch mountains
Posts: 802
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
jshct,
I rode a Cannondale CAAD2 bike (stiff alu, poor fit) before converting to Ti (Litespeed Arenberg, less stiff but a good fit). The 'feeling' of those two bikes is hardly comparable. But in my case the switch resulted in less 'pain' (the CAAD2 was simply not 'forgiving' enough), more comfort and better handling. I like how the Litespeed 'glues itself to the road', adsorbs shocks and accelerates when urged to do so.
That being said, you should take into account all components; frame material alone is--probably--not the decisive factor. My guess is that some of Ti's reputation as the 'magic material' is more mythology than actual fact (yet psychology is also part of your well being on the bike
). In other words, steel, alu or carbon are not per se 'inferior' or less comfortable. What is a true advantage of Ti for me, though, is that it is durable, doesn't need (vulnerable) paint and simply looks terrific. Weight is not the issue (really light Ti bikes are hardly affordable). I do not have the leg power to challenge the Arenberg's stiffness (bottom bracket; steerer tube), but I know there are less flexible frames around.
The fit, geometry (e.g., 'tourer' vs. 'racer', 'nervous' vs. 'compliant', 'American' vs. 'Italian'...) and build quality of the frame are just as crucial as the material(s) of the tubes. And it gets even more complicated beyond the frame choice: wheels (haven't ridden the Open Pro's, but they get good reviews everywhere, including on this Forum), tire pressure, fork, saddle...
The Merckx Majestic could be a very nice ride. Many roadies like the Merckx geometry. The build quality will be good (the Majestic is manufactured by Litespeed, if I am not mistaken). So I wouldn't hesitate and go for a longer test ride (including, if possible, some climbing and rough roads). You would certainly earn 'style credits' (in my book), for the Merckx! There are already enough carbon Treks.
I rode a Cannondale CAAD2 bike (stiff alu, poor fit) before converting to Ti (Litespeed Arenberg, less stiff but a good fit). The 'feeling' of those two bikes is hardly comparable. But in my case the switch resulted in less 'pain' (the CAAD2 was simply not 'forgiving' enough), more comfort and better handling. I like how the Litespeed 'glues itself to the road', adsorbs shocks and accelerates when urged to do so.
That being said, you should take into account all components; frame material alone is--probably--not the decisive factor. My guess is that some of Ti's reputation as the 'magic material' is more mythology than actual fact (yet psychology is also part of your well being on the bike
). In other words, steel, alu or carbon are not per se 'inferior' or less comfortable. What is a true advantage of Ti for me, though, is that it is durable, doesn't need (vulnerable) paint and simply looks terrific. Weight is not the issue (really light Ti bikes are hardly affordable). I do not have the leg power to challenge the Arenberg's stiffness (bottom bracket; steerer tube), but I know there are less flexible frames around.The fit, geometry (e.g., 'tourer' vs. 'racer', 'nervous' vs. 'compliant', 'American' vs. 'Italian'...) and build quality of the frame are just as crucial as the material(s) of the tubes. And it gets even more complicated beyond the frame choice: wheels (haven't ridden the Open Pro's, but they get good reviews everywhere, including on this Forum), tire pressure, fork, saddle...
The Merckx Majestic could be a very nice ride. Many roadies like the Merckx geometry. The build quality will be good (the Majestic is manufactured by Litespeed, if I am not mistaken). So I wouldn't hesitate and go for a longer test ride (including, if possible, some climbing and rough roads). You would certainly earn 'style credits' (in my book), for the Merckx! There are already enough carbon Treks.
05-14-04, 04:48 AM
#3
Wind Breaker
Join Date: May 2003
Location: In the Dutch mountains
Posts: 802
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Check out this thread. It's specifically devoted to the Majestic. Unfortunately, none of the posters have actually ridden the bike. There are many other titanium-related threads out here. Seek and thou shall find...
05-14-04, 11:56 AM
#4
newbie newbie
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Happy to be in FLORIDA
Posts: 633
Bikes: Titanium Indy Fab 29" mtb
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I currently own a Ti and CF bike. In the past I have also owned steel and aluminum. Even though some people swear by them I do not see myself owning another aluminum bike in this lifetime. It was just a super stiff and uncomfortable ride.
Of the two bikes I currently ride the "plushest" ride is the CF. The Ti though is very similar in comfort. The Majestic is a great looking bike and coming from EM I am sure its a winner.
As to the Open Pro's I am currently using them on my roadbike. They have about 2500 "clydesdale" miles on them. They are still as true as the day I walked out of the shop with them. As far as affordable road wheelsets go I don't think anyone would say you were going the wrong way by going with the OP's.
Of the two bikes I currently ride the "plushest" ride is the CF. The Ti though is very similar in comfort. The Majestic is a great looking bike and coming from EM I am sure its a winner.
As to the Open Pro's I am currently using them on my roadbike. They have about 2500 "clydesdale" miles on them. They are still as true as the day I walked out of the shop with them. As far as affordable road wheelsets go I don't think anyone would say you were going the wrong way by going with the OP's.
