Buying Secondhand Titanium

[ChangFai]

I have always fancied owning a titanium bike, but I guess price has always been the issue for me.

A secondhand Enigma Effusion has appeared for sale in my neighbourhood, and after a couple of weeks, the seller has agreed to come down to what I was willing to pay for it.

I believe the bike is 8 years old, but I am now starting to ask myself if I am doing the right thing here?

I just would like some thoughts from people on buying secondhand titanium.

Is there anything I have overlooked?

And is there is anything I should specifically look for when inspecting the bike, before buying it.

All advice greatly appreciated.

 

[vickster]

I bought a used Condor Gran Fondo earlier this year. I’d lusted after one for about 6 years Condor had discontinued and I couldn’t justify £3k plus for the frame!)
It came from a bike shop in Bristol via eBay, presumably a PX so I had no concerns . It’s at least 10 years old I should think, paid just over £1k

Like any bike, give it a good check over and it should give you many many years of service.
Ti does mark and scratch but that’s part of its charm!
I’d rather buy second hand Ti than second hand carbon!
You can get new Ti bikes for around £1500 but not an Enigma (I looked at those very closely on my quest to buy my other Ti)

 

[fossyant]

It will be fine - just check for damage as you would any bike. Some folk on here think that carbon is the only answer !

 

[T4tomo]

If a weld goes or a tube gets damaged, at least with Titanium you can get it repaired. Granted, its a more specialist job than for a steel frame, but there are specialist Ti welders / repairers out there.

There is a school of thought that says if its survived 8 years, it must be built OK, so should be good for another 28.

If that the model with the carbon rear stays? - check carefully that the bond / joint between carbon and Ti is solid & sound.

 

[vickster]

If a weld goes or a tube gets damaged, at least with Titanium you can get it repaired. Granted, its a more specialist job than for a steel frame, but there are specialist Ti welders / repairers out there.

Indeed, I'm pretty sure Enigma could support with a repair

 

[cougie uk]

I have always fancied owning a titanium bike, but I guess price has always been the issue for me.

A secondhand Enigma Effusion has appeared for sale in my neighbourhood, and after a couple of weeks, the seller has agreed to come down to what I was willing to pay for it.

I believe the bike is 8 years old, but I am know starting to ask myself if I am doing the right thing here?

I just would like some thoughts from people on buying secondhand titanium.

Is there anything I have overlooked?

And is there is anything I should specifically look for when inspecting the bike, before buying it.

All advice greatly appreciated.

Only thing I hear about are the welds going so check them.

PX are doing brand new ti bikes for £1700 though if you can stretch.

 

[MyNameIsEarl]

If price or second hand is an issue, how about building up from a new frame for £500 from PX? - that seems like a bargain to me.

https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/FTPXTIX1/planet-x-spitfire-titanium-road-frameset

 

[ChangFai]

If that the model with the carbon rear stays? - check carefully that the bond / joint between carbon and Ti is solid & sound.

Yes, it has carbon rear stays and forks, so thanks for that.

 

[vickster]

Not sure of the benefit of those on a Ti bike? I’d want springiness not stiffness

 

[Venod]

Not sure of the benefit of those on a Ti bike? I’d want springiness not stiffness

I agree, I don't see any advantage with the carbon rear.

I would have no problem buying a second hand Ti frame in good condition, the Planet X linked in the post above is a bargain for a new frame.

 

[T4tomo]

If price or second hand is an issue, how about building up from a new frame for £500 from PX? - that seems like a bargain to me.

https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/FTPXTIX1/planet-x-spitfire-titanium-road-frameset

would you get a group set, decent wheels, tyres and finishing kit for £1000 to come in cheaper than the couple of Ti offerings at £1500 fully built? (or £1600 for the spitfire) its marginal by the time you factored everything in, assuming you can get hold of a group set.
The spitfire is rim brake, the £1500 Ti offerings on PX disc brake with RIVAL 1, which may or may not be a factor.

if you have a group set and wheels "in the shed / man cave", then absolute bargain.

I agree, I don't see any advantage with the carbon rear.

It was a bit of a fad / fashion back then. I had an alloy bike with carbon forks and stays, which makes more sense as the carbon allegedly eliminates some of the road buzz, and sheds a smidge of weight. Much less of an argument with titanium, although it looks quite cool.

 

[cougie uk]

I agree, I don't see any advantage with the carbon rear.

I would have no problem buying a second hand Ti frame in good condition, the Planet X linked in the post above is a bargain for a new frame.

I'd be wary of the Ti/Carbon bonding coming undone there - much easier just getting an all Ti (or even an all carbon frame).

 

[vickster]

May not take fatter than 25mm tyres (I dk about the Enigma) but Spa have a full 105 rim braked Sabbath for £1350
https://www.spacycles.co.uk/m1b0s223p3404/SABBATH-Aspire-105-R7000

 

[Arrowfoot]

If the difference between an 8 year old bike and new planet X is slight, go for the new. Might have to save up a bit more.

Older Enigmas had weld issues. Made worse by the conduct of the owner on repairs at that time. Google it. Have a Ti and love it.

 

[ChangFai]

I'd be wary of the Ti/Carbon bonding coming undone there

What happens if it does?