Aluminium to Titanium

[Ajay]

Do you have experience of switching from an Alu road bike to Ti?
Frame geometry and components/ wheels being equal would I really notice a significant improvement in ride quality/ comfort?
Last year I did most of my riding on my steel tourer, now I'm back on the Alu I'm feeling a huge drop in comfort (obviously, given the differences in the set ups)
I'm toying with idea of transferring my Alu bike's kit onto a Van Nich Mistral frame set, but am struggling to justify the cost "in the current climate".
For non-competitive long day / multi day rides would it be worth it?

 

[simon.r]

I've never ridden a Ti roadbike, but I do have a Ti MTB. It's lovely to ride and does have that slight 'forgiving' feel without being noticeably flexy.

Having said that, IMO, there's very little difference between a good steel frame and Ti. I doubt I'd be able to tell the difference in the ride if I didn't know what the frame material was, although I do think I'd tell the differnce between steel/Ti and aluminium.

Also bear in mind that not all Ti frames are equal, just as not all steel or alumnium frames are equal, even given the same geometry.

Ti does look good tho

 

[Lard Armstrong]

I am on my second Ti bike, VanNicholas Yukon, which is superb. Weighs only a few Grammes more than my Scott CR1 carbon fibre bike (itself a very comfortable and nippy Sportive-type bike), but handles beautifully. Firm, but not harsh like aluminium or some carbon frames can be. Very comfortable on long rides, I have a Brooks Swift which also helps. The feel is similar to a decent steel bike, IMO.

Aesthetically, I like the no-paint simplicity ( any marks would rub out with wire wool) and the durability, given that Ti lasts forever. You need to remember this when you part with your cash, it's a lifetime investment.

My bike is also quite versatile; club run, sportive but it is also up to light touring duties. The frame has rack fittings, which is helpful.

I have 5 bikes and ride my Van Nicholas the most.

Big tip: if you are interested I would talk to Fat Birds in Hunstanton (gave me a great deal, much cheaper than the Van Nicholas website), or Bike Plus.

I also looked at Sabbath, and Enigma, but they don't suit me personally.

 

[PpPete]

No experience of moving from alu to Ti, but I moved from a steel tourer (531 framed Dawes Galaxy which I upgraded with faster wheels and modern drive train) to a Van Nic Yukon. Both have Brooks Swift saddles although the one on the Galaxy is older and softer. I'd say the Ti frame / carbon fork combination of the Yukon is more comfortable, soaks up the bumps better than all-steel.

 

[Ian H]

The quality of build is far more important than the choice of material.

 

[ColinJ]

Lower your tyre pressures!