Titanium ????

[Alan O]

Aluminium can be anodized, which provides a surface that is hardier and more resistant to corrosion - I think it effectively produces a cleaner, thicker and tougher oxide film than would happen by normal exposure to air and moisture.

I've no idea if it's used for bike frames or if it's the reason why some apparently untreated frames have lasted well, but I thought I'd throw it in in case it's relevant.

Wikipedia's take on it is at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anodizing.

 

[dnrc]

One of the main reasons I bought a Ti bike is because it has no colour, just bare metal. I also took off all the graphics. My Van Nick is just a plain metallic looking frame.

Exactly what I did to my van nic euros. Looks fantastic.

I have 2 titanium bikes, there are various arguments for stiffness, lightness blah blah.

I bought them mainly because they look absolutely beautiful.

 

[Steve T]

I've got 2 Ti Bikes both bought at a reasonable price second hand - both fantastic machines and definitely have a 'bling' factor but I'm not sure either offers much over the carbon bikes I've owned though and seem to command a hefty premium for it.