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

[ianrauk]

I don't think so - see this.

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

Sorry, I think it's Planet X they supplied.
Some one will be along to confirm, Teef definitely has a Lynsky Planet X

 

[User482]

Sorry, I think it's Planet X they supplied.
Some one will be along to confirm, Teef definitely has a Lynsky Planet X

Yup, the Ti456 is an On-One, which is the same company as Planet X. It seems they've switched to VN...

 

[jayonabike]

Thanks for everyones replies, I'm more confused than ever now
I (think) i've narrowed it down to either the Tarmac carbon frame or the Enigma Excel, with a Mercian as an outsider. Decisions, decisions! As for the gearing I'm not so sure now about electronic and might just have normal Dura-Ace. But then that could all change by tomorrow...

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

As for the gearing I'm not so sure now about electronic...

Out of curiosity what are you not so sure about, I may be able to offer further insight on living with Ultergra Di2, standard Dura-Ace Di2 and modified Dura-Ace Di2 to help you be certain with your choices, what ever they be.

 

[black'n'yellow]

I've only ridden Di2 on a test rig, but my initial thoughts were that while it all works very well, rear shifting was no better and no easier than a properly set up cable system - the only difference being slightly more 'finger effort' for the cable system. Front upshifts - on the other hand, were a different matter. Very easy, even under load - and that's something you can't guarantee with cable systems - if you can even manage it at all.

Again, this stuff is in its infancy, just like disk brakes on the road. There are plenty of other shift options, like hydraulic, which haven't been explored yet. Again, another reason to hold off on a 'once in a lifetime' purchase.

 

[Sittingduck]

Something bespoke. Go with the heart over the head and you will know it when you see it Jay!

 

[topcat1]

Hello Jay,how about a delta7 ?
Mosquito bikes have some nice independant ti bikes

As for D/A di2, my poor planet x nano is lucky to be ridden once a month even in winter

i'd say give di2 D/A a test ride first, (coz it's great)

I do like Boonens' new roubaix sl4

 

[Garz]

My "ultimate" bikes would be handbuilt too and I'd have a "distance" bike, a "fast" bike, a "utility" bike etc.

That way I'd get far more for my money than just having one "uber" bike that spent more time in the garage than on the road.

Don't quite agree with this one for a number of reasons. The main being the OP asked for ultimate bike not bikes and I think I would spend more time in the garage if I had to maintain and store three separate machines.

I had a random wife moment where she must have seen me eyeing up a C+ roundup of Titanium machines. She said I could get one if it was a bike to last a lifetime...

I still bought a couple of old relics to do up and commute on, but the Ti machine has been a dream to ride and ticks all the boxes especially for sportives and long rides. Steel would be another option as already mentioned, however I was put off by carbon as I would be frightened of scratching or pranging such an expensive piece and I'm not exactly racing on it each weekend.

I got an Enigma Etape with Paul Hewitt hand built wheels, so far covered over 4k miles in just over a year - love it.

 

[Garz]

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.

Poppycock, they look ace and can look sporty just like any bike if you want it to. Sexy to ride and looking cool are more for the snobs and those with small weeners.. seeing as we are stereotyping

 

[2pies]

Poppycock, they look ace and can look sporty just like any bike if you want it to. Sexy to ride and looking cool are more for the snobs and those with small weeners.. seeing as we are stereotyping

Touche!

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder I suppose.

 

[lukesdad]

First thing you ve got to do Jay is work out want you want the bike for . Then how long you want it to last, will you ever get the chance to do this again get my drift ?

 

[GrumpyGregry]

fwiw a chap in our club, in his 70's, is now on his third "one bike for the rest of my lifetime" bike....

once you're infected n+1 is incurable.

 

[jayonabike]

First thing you ve got to do Jay is work out want you want the bike for . Then how long you want it to last, will you ever get the chance to do this again get my drift ?

I want the bike to be light for club runs and comfortable for nice sunny day long rides & I want it to last until I can't cycle anymore. I doubt I will get the chance to spend this amount on a bike again. Titanium seems to be ticking all the boxes at the moment, I would love a carbon bike but from a longevity point of view Ti seems to get the upper hand.

once you're infected n+1 is incurable.

Yes I know, this will be my 6th bike....

 

[jayonabike]

Out of curiosity what are you not so sure about, I may be able to offer further insight on living with Ultergra Di2, standard Dura-Ace Di2 and modified Dura-Ace Di2 to help you be certain with your choices, what ever they be.

I don't know, never having used it I need to try it out first. I doubt I could afford to go for the Dura-Ace Di2 So it would have to be Ultegra. But the Ultegra Di2 bikes I've seen have a bulky battery strapped to the frame which spoils the lines somewhat. Whereas normal manual Dura-Ace is the same price as Ultegra Di2, and is the top spec in Shimano hierarchy.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

I want the bike to be light for club runs and comfortable for nice sunny day long rides & I want it to last until I can't cycle anymore. I doubt I will get the chance to spend this amount on a bike again. Titanium seems to be ticking all the boxes at the moment, I would love a carbon bike but from a longevity point of view Ti seems to get the upper hand.



Yes I know, this will be my 6th bike....

Sixth?




























Ruddy lightweight.....