Ultimate N+1 (once in a lifetime buy) Carbon or Titanium?

[cyberknight]

I'm with Ian here. It's horses for courses. Ti is understated, whereas carbon tends to be more 'blingy' and in your face. (I generalise of course). If it's a bike for life, I suspect today's carbon bikes will be more prone to going out of fashion simply because of the wide variety of designs and the constant 'innovation' by the manufacturers. Whereas Ti bikes do tend to look the same (due to not usually being painted and following more traditional designs I suspect) and so may stay in fashion for longer. I generalise again. Of course, all that only matters if you care deeply for how it looks! What really matters is the ride, and try before you buy is going to be critical.

I'll declare my hand here, I have an Enigma. And I find the ride quality just brilliant - comfortable, but with a decent turn of speed when you put the power down. So, if I was spending £5k on a bike, I'd be off down to the Enigma factory in a shot to be measured up for a handbuilt, bespoke, British made Ti bike.

Got to agree with this , for that sort of money i would be going bespoke and i had a titanium bike 20 years ago and it was the most comfortable bike i have ever ridden.If your going for a bike for life then i would go for something that fits like a glove and can be ridden all day over a bit of bling anyday and in my case titanium fits the bill.

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

Might be worth mentioning, the concept stores can get demo bikes from Specialized you pay £40 for the privilege, of course you leave your credit card details which means if you do not return the bike you get the bill. This gives you the opportunity to live with the bike for a couple of days.

 

[smokeysmoo]

Colnago Master gets my money

 

[fossyant]

I'm sort of going through the same thoughts should my claim get sorted. Head says canyon ultimate Slx with super record and r-sys wheels, with a nerve mtb chucked in, all for 6k, or a colnago, spesh tarmac.

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[fossyant]

Also on the list is an enigma elite with SR or a Rourke 953, but the wait is over 6 months for the Rourke, (already checked).

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[fossyant]

Ps Enigma will paint Ti for an extra 250 which is what I would pick

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[Doseone]

Carbon AND Titanium

 

[2pies]

Sounds like you want something sexy to ride and talk about on club runs. There are a couple of guys like that at my club, one of whom recently treated himself to a Trek Domane 6 that is fully customisable. Lovely looking bike and the guy is super friendly as well, so no one begrudges him.

I wouldn't bother with Ti bikes, as you say, they look dull and aren't that sporty, much more suited for minimalist folks on longer rides.

I'd go for something like a Look 695

 

[totallyfixed]

I wouldn't bother with Ti bikes, as you say, they look dull and aren't that sporty, much more suited for minimalist folks on longer rides.

A bit harsh, in the International CiCLE Classic in Rutland yesterday Ti bikes were much in evidence, quick, can take the knocks and frame usually guaranteed a lifetime. You say boring I say understated and even a bit retro, when I take my Van Nick out on a club run it is the only Ti bike there, all the rest are carbon bling and as such have a limited shelf life as the fashion is constantly changing. I have had a Ti bike now for 12 years, list of faults:

 

[vickster]

Condor...mmm...ok I've always rather had a thing for yellow transportation

http://www.condorcycles.com/2011-Range/9468-Condor-Squadra-2012-Frameset/flypage.tpl.html

The carbon/titanium jobbie above is rather lush but over £6k for just the frame!

 

[black'n'yellow]

something else worth considering is that within the next couple of years, just about all high end frames will be electronic shift AND disk-brake compatible. Personally, I would hold off for about 12 months before spending that kind of money - would be a shame to spend £5k on your 'ultimate lifetime uberbike' now, only to find that it is effectively obsolete in a couple of years time...

 

[User482]

something else worth considering is that within the next couple of years, just about all high end frames will be electronic shift AND disk-brake compatible. Personally, I would hold off for about 12 months before spending that kind of money - would be a shame to spend £5k on your 'ultimate lifetime uberbike' now, only to find that it is effectively obsolete in a couple of years time...

Sounds like another reason to have a frame custom-made...

 

[User482]

A bit harsh, in the International CiCLE Classic in Rutland yesterday Ti bikes were much in evidence, quick, can take the knocks and frame usually guaranteed a lifetime. You say boring I say understated and even a bit retro, when I take my Van Nick out on a club run it is the only Ti bike there, all the rest are carbon bling and as such have a limited shelf life as the fashion is constantly changing. I have had a Ti bike now for 12 years, list of faults:

On the other hand, a perusal of popular mtb forums suggests that Ti frames are prone to cracking. It seems that Lynskey are the worst affected, and I've not seen any problems with Van Nic.

 

[ianrauk]

On the other hand, a perusal of popular mtb forums suggests that Ti frames are prone to cracking. It seems that Lynskey are the worst affected, and I've not seen any problems with Van Nic.

But Lynsky make/supply VN with frames do they not?

 

[User482]

But Lynsky make/supply VN with frames do they not?

I don't think so - see this.

http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/lynskey-or-van-nicholas-ti-456