deacon mark

I rode an AL frame with carbon fork was very good. Then I went to a full carbon bike and much better ride maybe only a bit faster in the sense it was lighter frame. The CF just rides pretty nice dispite what anyone says but I suppose a good AL or steel frame might be close but my experience tell otherwise.

Now what about Titanium frames? Never rode a bike with a TI frame and don't know anyone who does but a very good cat1-2 racer told me that if he has his pick he would go Titanium. So I ask the group if anyone rides one and if they could give some feedback. Clearly titanium can last forever if you don't go crazy. I am specifically interested in how the bike takes rodes and being smooth or harsh in the ride. My AL frame bike was nice but no way did it dampend the road vibrations like the CF bike. I also did not pay a huge amount of money to upgrade either.

MrTuner1970

I own two Ti road bikes. One is a 8-9 year-old Dean El Vado, and the other is a Lynskey R330 that I bought this year. Unfortunately, I've never ridden either an Al or a CF road bike, so I can't compare to them. The Ti ride is great. Most of my rides are on not-so-pristine roads. I never get "beat up" from the bumps, though. Smooth, smooth, smooth.

When I was considering my new road bike earlier this year, I looked at CF bikes. I'm sure a good CF bike is sweet. But I felt better with the thought of metal under me. And as you say, Ti will last forever under normal use.

Fox Farm

I ride a Merlin Ti and an Orbea Orca carbon bike. I have owned an all aluminum Cannondale and steel bikes too. The Merlin is a really nice ride, for sure. Lively as you would call steel, light but not like a carbon bike, and surprisingly stiff but not rigid. It seems to float over the rough stuff. The carbon Orca is a very responsive bike, particularly as a climbing bike. It moves very quickly. It's wheel base is a little shorter than the Merlin, particularly in the rear chain stays, so that is part of the reason why it feels so responsive on the hills. It is also like 15 pounds with my best wheelset on it. The Merlin is a few pounds heavier. The Ti frame is very very durable. No scratches, chips, dents. The old Cannondale circa 1990 was very responsive but could some times feel darty in its ride. Not really all that comfortable for long days in the saddle but a very responsive bike. The best way to really judge one bike against another is to jump from one to another back to back on the same day.

Most people who race do not use a Ti bike because they are a bit more special and who wants to crash one? They are not to be babied but also not thrashed to hell.

jimblairo

[QUOTE=deacon mark;10164580Now what about Titanium frames?

I have a Litespeed Ultimate which has a very stiff front triangle and short chainstays. The ride is very plush in that it seems to soak up the road vibration.

I also own a Litespeed Pisgah mountain bike which is also extremly comfortable to ride.

My CF ride is a Specialized Roubaix which has a relaxed geometry but it has zerts which I really don't like. However, the ride is comfortable.

I also have two zona steel frames to compare with but overall the ride of Ti is superior as far as comfort is concerned but a ti frame with 6/4 incorporated in the front trianle and 3.2/5 in the rear can be very stiff and also comfortable.