TI
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You are currently reading a thread in /n/ - Transportation
You are currently reading a thread in /n/ - Transportation
What is /n/'s opinion on titanium bicycles?
>>946937
Over priced. Heavy. Pretty. Would own if I had dentist money.
>>946937
Costs a LOT, welding is critical (ie some factories will build chamber filled with inert gas to weld the frames in as slightest contamination will ruin frame), still have to use carbon forks, never have to paint it so it will always look nice even if abused
Aluminum is lighter.
>>946937
Would buy a custom one if I had the money
Overpriced
Overweight
Overhyped by owners
They look nice but so do the other 5 titanium bikes that look EXACTLY the same.
Owners think they are elite for having one, when the only reason they bought one and not a $10K Italian carbon masterpiece is because they assume everyone who doesn't have one, thinks they are elite for having one.
They are the Range Rovers of the bike world.
>overpriced
>about probably the only NOT overpriced bike thing ever
I don't like nor want titanium but it's probably fairly priced considered how extremely expensive it is to manufacture.
This shit costs around 2k-3k and it's just a helmet made of the thing. Yes, this is SURELY overpriced, but fuck if titanium ain't expensive.
I'd rather ride steel, not because I'm poor, but because I actually prefer the ride. I do really love how Ti bikes look though!
>>947137
Why are non-cyclists so preoccupied with image to the point where they reject useful things to avoid being confused for someone they're jealous of?
Not as light as carbon, lighter than steel, not as stiff as carbon, stiffer than steel, way more durable than carbon, elite vibration dampening. I'd say they have their niche for a rider who doesn't need the stiffness/responsiveness of carbon i.e. They're not going to be racing. But want a comfortable ride that will last a long time, while being a step up from steel
ITT: Poor, jealous faggots.
I got mine just because it was relatively inexpensive compared to bikes in my lbs with similar components. The shiny bare ti seems to draw eyes, probably tapping into some kind of subconscious of humans, i always get questions about it. Really, $1600 is still below a lot of carbon bikes out there, priced similar to alu bikes.
>>946937
They look cool but cannondale caads are nicer bikes overall in component comparability than the litespeeds
And the double butted steel is a nicer ride for people who don't race and just use bikes as fitness equipment
>>947184
I think titanium frames are for the guy who wants to drop 3/4s of the group he rides with
But fails to realize that everyone else is on a Sunday ride and he's the asshole drafting everyone, passing aggressively and dressed in a full race kit while some dude is just riding with his wife
Remember to put on your thinking cap, kids. Feed a troll, make /n/ worse
>>947184
How does aluminium fit into the line up?
It's the cheapest of the lot, lighter than steel but heavier than carbon (not sure how it compares to ti), fairly durable as it doesn't corrode and can be fairly easily repaired.
I've heard people say it doesn't dampen road vibrations as well hence a lot of bikes having carbon forks, so does that mean alu frames are generally stiffer than carbon or does carbon's versatility (laying it into the mold in various directions and thicknesses etc.) make up for that?
>>947197
What do you mean? Do you think titanium is a poor choice? Just curious.
>>947198
Aluminum corrodes that milky white shit on your aluminum frame is aluminum oxide it slowly converts when exposed to air but it's like a scale where it makes the Rockwell strength a little stronger (doesn't help onnroad bikes unless you're the type to hammer your frame?)
>>947204
He's referring to that shitposter over there who uses run on sentences
>>947205
Of course it can corrode, but it generally doesn't when exposed to rain (road salt may be a problem though) unlike a steel frame. Most of my frames are aluminium (one's partly carbon) and get left out in the rain fairly often with no issues.
>>947205
Aluminum oxidizes near-instantly, and a the oxide is invisible. Corrosion isn't something that'll happen unless you're biking in an acid environment or something.
>>947191
would ride. how often do you use those cross top levers? the $1400 version of that seems fine too.
>>947230
I've removed the levers. Not really visible, but the levers are a pinky away from the sides of the bars. I can't get enough leverage, as the bar diameter is too wide to push it closer to the stem. So it's like braking at the pivot, not a whole lot of braking force there. Note that it's the smallest model, so the handlebars are only 40cm.
>>947190
Hnnnnnngggg more Ti porn
>>947198
There is a reason people buy 30 year old 10speed bikes on Craigslist, steel lasts forever. Aluminum has a fatigue life, the rougher the conditions you ride your bike in, the shorter the life will be. Titanium shares steels ability to withstand endless fatigue and has the additional advantage that it won't rust. If you want one bike that will last your whole life and is very low maintenance then you can't beat titanium
>>947233
Thumbnail made me think it was a huge chainring
>>947233
Bikes direct?
>>947273
Yah m8
>>947233
Man I see so many of those bikes direct to bikes on Craigslist dirt cheap too like $350ish
But buying used no name brand from a dodgy website just because I like the base material isn't a good move
>>947233
>gossamer cranks
fare thee well my sweet grams
>>947190
I mean, yeah, I am jealous. But of all the bikes to build with Ti over carbon, a TT bike where aero is the most critical seems ridiculous.
>>947281
That bike lives in a garage and maybe sometimes a trainer
>>947280
The bike is fairly light actually, but regardless of the bike I always bring too much with me. I carry a spare chain in the saddlebag everywhere I go. I'm not very particular about weight, since I'm a flatlander for the most part
>>947286
>no fenders
>knobbies
>>947287
I swap tires pretty often, contemplating getting another wheelset to make it easier. Looking at chinese carbons. As for fenders, i really only need it during winter when everything is salted and grimy. The point of cross is getting dirty, no?
titaniums great, every serious cyclist needs one for the winter training.
My pipedream bike is the Thomson Elite 275. Ti framed sexiness
>>947301
But it's just a Lynskey with thomson cockpit and post.
>>947303
I thought this was their own frame?
>>947304
90+% of Ti frames that aren't shit come from Lynskey or Lightspeed. None of the major manufacturers produce Ti frames in house, they just contract it out to one of the two.
>>947190
That seat tube is an absolute disaster. I'm sure that thing rides nice but dear god is it ugly.
>>946937
They are the best bikes that exist
>>946939
>heavy
lolno
>>946972
>have to use carbon forks
lolno
>>946973
fuck you fred
>>947137
>overweight
kill yourself faggot
>>947190
>tfw I am one of the poor, jealous faggots
>tfw I don't have a titanium bicycle
>tfw that bicycle is beautiful
hold me anon
I want pic related
>>947316
With those aero tubes, I would guess that the ride isn't the same nice that one would expect when they think of titanium frames
>>947172
Because they're not cycling for cycling's sake, they cycle because it's yet *another* way to project an elite image.
Jokes on them because when I see a titanium bike I ask them how does it compare to carbon.
>"oh well.. yeah it's much... b-b-better.... looking..."
>>947321
All the negative points brought up about titanium ITT are valid. Stop shilling for carbon posting a 15kg MTB that only a self absorbed faggot would consider owning.
>>947321
God, that HDR is disgusting.
Want a bad ass, inexpensive Ti bike? Check out Charge!
>>947286
>I carry a spare chain
Why in the name of all that is holy would you do that? Carry a quick link.
>>947348
In case he reaches 2000 miles on his bike ride, so he can change it before it damages any other parts.
>>946972
If welds are such a big problem, why don't they make lugged titanium frames ?
>>947418
It's even harder to braze titanium and gluing metal bikes together is so 1980s.
>>947394
But you silly man, you take the broken link out, put in the quick link to put the chain back together and ride on. If your chain is now half a link too short, you keep from cross-chaining big/big for the duration of the ride.
You don't need to carry a whole fucking chain. It's silly. Stop it.
And you realise you can cut a piece of chain from the new chain and splice it in with the (not so-)old, replacing the damaged section?
>>947418
>>947439
Isn't that lugged carbon?
When people say "lugged X" dont they usually mean the tubes?
>>947309
>90+% of Ti frames that aren't shit come from Lynskey or Lightspeed. None of the major manufacturers produce Ti frames in house, they just contract it out to one of the two.
this is not true at all, Lynskey/Litespeed are ok, but by no means top of the line. The Lynskey brothers started Litespeed, then sold it, then started Lynskey when the non-compete clause expired
>>947441
What are the top of the line manufacturers? Legend?
>>947271
This
>>947441
I never said they were the best, I just said between them they produce the majority of non-garbage tier Ti frames. Most of which are produced under contract and badged as mainstream brands such as that Thompson or Kona.
What alloy?
>>947442
You really have to just check the bike forums to find recommended Ti bike builders, a few Ive heard were good are Baum, Firefly, Eriksen, Tommasini, De Rosa, Mosaic, Merlin
I am going to buy either a titanium roadie or a track bike at some point, just because it is a novelty metal.
>>947462
There's no reason to get a titanium track bike. Weight doesn't matter in track because it's essentially flat, ride comfort doesn't matter because track is smooth. Velodromes are mostly indoors, so you don't need the weather resistance. It can't be aero either, and is not as light as aluminum or carbon. On the other hand, titanium chainstays are flexy and stiffness is important when you have a fixed drivetrain.
>>947459
Forums typically have paid spokespepople posting or "respected members of the community" getting free bikes in exchange for a glaring review
>>947463
This is actually some useful information. Thanks for enlightening me.
>>947233
>cyclocross
D R O P P E D
>>947464
you are a fucking retard
>>947510
Yes but dont call me that, im aware of it.
Ti frames were The Shizzle before carbon.
Welding Ti frames is still a hands-on labor intensive process and the best makers finish their work like fine artists.
A Ti frame owner feels that their frame was custom made by a craftsman and they may take some pride in knowing the name of that person.
The truth is an expert framebuilder can make an aluminum bike that will feel like a steel or titanium bike, at least for a while until metal fatigue becomes an issue. And the only way I can tell the difference between a $1000 carbon frame and a $10000 carbon frame is the paint and stickers the manufacturers put on it.
>>947463
Last I checked friction was coefficient of friction times the normal force and you need to overcome friction to move so I'm gonna have to ask you to boop on outta here
>>947543
Well done for doing physics when you were 15 mate you've really enlightened us all
>>947532
>And the only way I can tell the difference between a $1000 carbon frame and a $10000 carbon frame is the paint and stickers the manufacturers put on it.
either you're not a particularly strong rider, unable to reach the limits of even a cheap carbon frame, or you're full of shit.
There are big differences in stiffness, handling, and in particular in high speed / windy conditions, aerodynamics.
But I'm sure you're right a Cervelo S5 or Merckx 525 is no better in any measurable way than a Dengfu or Planet X Pro Carbon.
>>947532
>1k grabbon
You can also check for that when you hear a sharp crack and sweet realease shortly after. Joking aside, well made carbon is really light and dampens road vibrations really well, but 10k is well after the point of diminishing returns.
>>947603
Stiffness and handling in particular are defined almost exclusively by the frame. Not having really crappy flexy and heavy cranks / chainrings / wheels / stem etc. is an important part of maximising the good points of a frame, but if you dress a mediocre frame in all kinds of exotic carbon bits and pieces with full DA 9000, then it's just a pig in very expensive lipstick.
I have a $3000 budget and am looking to get a new road bike. I'm not interested in racing, but love going long distances (+60 miles)
Would something like a Litespeed t7 be a good choice? I'd like to buy new. And I'd rather have a frame that would last a long time with 105 componentry then a carbon frame (that won't be as durable) with ultegra.
Thanks /n/
>>947616
Just get a habanero and watch /n/ shit itself with rage because you got something with a hispanic sounding name (yes, this is an actual reason given by one of our "bike experts" for why some brand is shit)
>>947616
http://www.jensonusa.com/!FSh3VpALoDVMV17bAwEURg!/GT-Edge-Ti-Ultegra-Jenson-Bike
>comfy
>triple triangle coolness points
>under budget, but with Ultegra
>new
>that triple triangle tho
>>947632
>rim brakes
>$2300
lol why
it can't be used for racing and it's not a weight weenie bike, you're gimping yourself for no reason, just because it has a high MSRP
>>947543
>friction
what
>>947532
Actually, big manufacturers are better able to tune aluminum because hydroforming. It all comes down to if you want 5 stock aluminum frames, or one custom outdated "lifetime" frame. If you need custom geo, the answer is simple. If you plan on not being left behind by new standards or there's a risk of it being destroyed in a crash, the answer is also simple.
>>947616
> then a carbon frame (that won't be as durable) with ultegra.
What about Dura Ace with a lifetime no questions asked warranty for $2,300?
http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_579666_-1___
>>947616
for $3k you can get an Eriksen frame that is custom made to your body type and riding style (endurance vs racing) and level of durability. But $3k is just the price of the frame itself
>>947331
>compared to carbon
Well, when I crash it I'm sure as hell I can safely ride it for another few seasons and continue to crash without worry.
>>947304
No. It's built for Thomson by Lynskey.
See also: Salsa's Ti bikes through 2013ish (after that they switch to a Taiwanese sometime around 2013-2014)
>>947309
I think Lynskey OEMs more than Lightspeed does, at least nowadays. There are also a lot of small Ti builders out there (Steve Potts, etc).
In the past 2-3 years the Chinese and Taiwanese have really been moving into this market. Against my better judgement, a friend of mine is getting a custom Ti frame from China; we'll see how it turns out...
>>947770
>hurrdurr crabon coconut fibre brittle
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xreZdUBqpJs
5:00 faggot
>>947798
those are MTB frames, MTB are not light weight and built strong and heavy in any material. Try and find someone doing those same tests on a sub-kilo carbon frame if you like to see explosions
>>947824
How about frames the same 2.5kg frameset weight as titanium instead?
>>947824
>in4b alu/steel/titanium road bike folding over upon tipping against post
>>947828
If people were smart they would buy carbon road bike frames in the 2.5kg range and end up with a very durable frame that will last a long time. But people have to be weight weenies and we end up with fragile frames that will only last a few years
>>947798
>hurr durr Carbon glue deteriorates from salt or sweat
Keep crying over carbon, your tears polishes my bikes.
>>947846
>Carbon glue
That's hillarous, anon. Good one. You almost had me going there.
Practically speaking, does titanium need a chainstay guard? I noticed most Ti bikes do not come with protectors.
>>948533
You should yes. Titanium is softer than steel and will get really scuffed up by a chain. But it is not good aesthetics.
>>948538
Aight m8 thanks.
they are for people who dont race but ride a lot and are fast
>>947832
That must be why my friend's 9 year old 800 g carbon frame has gone so bad... oh wait, it's still perfect.
>>949395
What frame was 800g 9 years ago? Serious question.
>>949397
probably a small sized early Cervelo, which ironically had a crappy reputation for reliability (bb issues iirc)
>Aluminium
reasonably light
recyclable as fuck
Stiff
Corrosion resistant
Fatigue life?Like you'd ever ride enough miles to break an alu frame
bretty pretty(when made into nice shaped,bare alu is pretty ugly imho)
Economical wise choice
When made properly and butted af,has gr8 ride quality
A very abundant metal
A mature,well understood material
Easy to machine
Many complex shapes possible due to easily being machinable
>disadvantages
little to no fred credit
Some alloys (mainly 2000 series) are very susceptible to breakage inducing corrosion
not as light as crabon
Not as earo as carbon
usually not used to its max potential(cheap alu shit is rampant,not limited to bikes)
Welding is very critical to durability,just like Ti
fatigue life can still be limited,especially when alu is shittily made
>>949397
Cervelo. It's small doe.
>>949407
This thread isn't about aluminum you fucking downtube
>>949666
it's not about forced memes either
They are for downtubers.
>>949815
Fuck you. Titanium bicycles are the least downtube-tier of all bicycles. Titanium is the fucking master race. Titanium bicycles are literally like Japanese girls: The best of the fucking best.
>>947286
>I carry a spare chain in the saddlebag everywhere I go
LQTM
>>949827
Korea would like a word with you
>>952090
>here's a bunch of words about a bike I've never ridden
>>952090
The tears of the poor
