Habanero vs BD MC vs used Frames
 

So I was pretty much set on getting the BD Ti Ultegra Compact bike next Spring for about $1,700 (or $1,800 if they raise their price.)

While idling I started to look at the used market and found that I could get older Ti framesets for less than the framesets price from BD. I think if I am prudent with component choices (getting some used, and some while on sale) I can get within the price of the BD bike. But of course there isn't a warranty.

There is also Habanero to consider as there frame is slightly more expensive than BD but with less stigma.

In the used market I have seen 2002-2004 Litespeed Tuscany framesets sell at $800-$900. Is that a good price? My question is whether it is a good value to go that route vs the Habanero or BD.

The complete bike price for the Hab is more expensive than BD.

The Litespeeds look nice but they are older. However, as long as they are not cracked I assume that they will last as long. The BD Ti,....well it is BD, good value but it is not as "sexy" a brand.

Tubing-wise, Habanero and Litespeed are straight gauge where the Motocebane is butted. Although I am not sure if it really matters if I don't race.

What do you guys think?

I would not buy a BD bicycle. There have been many issues documented here in bf with broken and switched parts, improper assembly and issues of moral turpitude*

Habs. are built to a low price point. They are a simple and low cost frame.

If you want "sexy" or a name brand and you have limited funds then I'd be looking at getting a new Lynsky, or a used Moots, Litespeed, Merlin etc.

When you speak of butting you have to also know which tubes are butted and by how much. In a titanium frame if your main tubes are butted and the wall thickness is 0.9mm at the butts and the center is 0.7mm there wont be much weight savings to speak of if that was the intent. The seat tube should be butted near the top where the seat post goes in. Butted main tubes are easier to dent. This is a disadvantage of butting main tubes.

*Moral turpitude is a legal concept in the United States that refers to "conduct that is considered contrary to community standards of justice, honesty or good morals."--wiki

figure out what you actually want out of the bike. if the name means anything to you, you probably will never be happy with the bd bike.

why are you going Ti?

I dont think i would personally buy a used bike frame of any material that i could not personally inspect prior to purchase. if i could, i wouldnt hesitate to buy a used Ti frame.

I think you should reconsider what you really want, and what is important to you.

I need custom geometry, so I have ordered a Habanero.

If you are comfortable with a stock frame, confident in sizing/fitting issues, and are comfortable with your own wrenching, there is nothing "wrong" with BD - the pros and cons have been bantered around back and forth countless times on BF.

Supposed I could inspect it in person before buying? Would that make buying used a more certain process?

To answer why I am interested in Ti. I currently ride a heavy steel bike. Despite the weight, I like the feel of steel and I picked steel over AL on the same budget when I bough the bike (never tried carbon though.)

I want a lighter, more responsive bike that has the characteristics of steel for general riding, longer distance rides where hills are common...

If it's a few hundred dollar swing, just get the one you want because you'll be more likely to ride it more.

I think I am resolving to this. With the used frame it is not going to be that expensive and I do get to put on the parts I am interested and if the frame breaks later it is not a big issue to transfer the components to another frame.

Didn't they have a group buy on the Soul frames earlier in the year that was around the same price range?