Who's your ti frame builder?
#52
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I have a Seven. Getting a custom bike was fun. I didn't really need the custom dimensions but having the tubeset spec'd to my riding style is cool. I went with the lightweight model (Aeros) but the rear was built stiffer.
#54
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With the right sticker kit, a brushed finish Ti Bike can look ok. I agree though, that some of them look rather bland.
#56
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I ride a Merlin, or the rack, so to speak and really like it. I is a 2001 frame and very comfortable. Not quite the climbing machine that my Orbea Orca is but much more comfortable on the rough stuff. My sister rides a custom sized Serotta Ti. Also a beautiful bike.
#57
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Sorry, keyboard is acting up. It is an "off" the race stock sized Merlin, circa 2001/
#58
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the responses are interesting...only one serotta so far? well, I'll be the second. I have a 2002 Legend Ti with brushed finish and polished logos. the tubes are very stiff and great ride. I'm not sure my next bike will be ti.
#61
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lynskeys budget division...planet x/scanatatteallette
#62
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I gather there were some QC issues with earlier fabrication at Merlin, which built Tom's bikes (and still do, though the company was bought by ABG 10 years ago or so).
I bought a Spectrum a few years ago. Went to Tom's barn for the fitting, came up with a custom paint scheme, had him build the complete bike, etc. Fit was absolutely perfect out of the box, and I have no concerns about its long term durability.
I bought a Spectrum a few years ago. Went to Tom's barn for the fitting, came up with a custom paint scheme, had him build the complete bike, etc. Fit was absolutely perfect out of the box, and I have no concerns about its long term durability.
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Spectrum Ti Super | Landshark Roadshark | Serotta Colorado | Gunnar Crosshairs | Trek 9800 | Santana fillet brazed tandem | K2 Easy Roller | Dawes (BD) Bullseye 1x1
Spectrum Ti Super | Landshark Roadshark | Serotta Colorado | Gunnar Crosshairs | Trek 9800 | Santana fillet brazed tandem | K2 Easy Roller | Dawes (BD) Bullseye 1x1
#64
Peloton Shelter Dog
That Spectrum had some nice snap.
#65
Peloton Shelter Dog
#67
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I got a TST, made right here in Kennewicke WA.

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#68
Peloton Shelter Dog
My Spectrum was an early 90's model (c. 1991) straight gauge tubing frame, not butted tubing (which I believe is stronger
The frame didn't break until 1996, at that point it had 40K miles on it
I was the second owner, so Merlin wouldn't fix it for free, that's why I tossed it.
I've been riding this Ibis Titanium Road since early 1996, it must have 40-50K miles on it by now (only gets ridden a couple of thousand miles each year now, I have a bunch of bicycles). Still feels new.

#69
Peloton Shelter Dog
Consider that fact that even if Ti would last 100K miles (and most Ti frames probably would) VERY few ever get ridden that far. I'm an avid racing cyclist, my Ti frame is 13 years old now, and it may not even have 50K miles on it. I was out of the sport for 5 years, and now I have two newer road bikes, a TT bike and an MTB that I also ride. So the Ibis has become my rain/snow bike for the most part.
Still love the feel. I think that Ibis Titanium Road is one of the finest Ti bikes ever built. Hell, I may be riding that bad boy when I'm 70+.
Still love the feel. I think that Ibis Titanium Road is one of the finest Ti bikes ever built. Hell, I may be riding that bad boy when I'm 70+.
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#71
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My '99 Merlin probably has around 50k miles on it, racing and riding, and looks/rides like new.
I'd like a new frame...just for the sake of having a new frame but to get something similar to my Merlin would be pretty much a needless purchase and now that I no longer have access to wholesale or Team supplied I really don't want to spend the money either lol.
But looking at the quality of construction is sure nice and makes me want one regardless.
I'd like a new frame...just for the sake of having a new frame but to get something similar to my Merlin would be pretty much a needless purchase and now that I no longer have access to wholesale or Team supplied I really don't want to spend the money either lol.
But looking at the quality of construction is sure nice and makes me want one regardless.