Ti or Carbon - your opinion appreciated

[Edition 507]

Looking to buy a new frame and need some advice or opinions to help me decide. Basically, what is best, Carbon or Titanium? A mate of mine says Titanium as it is bullet proof, whereas Carbon is the in thing but can be damaged much easier. Titanium not very pretty while Carbon is beautiful. So, it has come down to two frames basically, a Scott Addict or a Litespeed Ghisallo. What is you opinion or experience?

[fatcyclist]

Now you're opening a hornets nest. Everyone has a different opinion.

 

I own a older model Litespeed Ultimate...love it.

 

Also own a Van Tuyl alu with carbon stays...love it.

 

Two very different rides. Prefer the Litespeed, but due to it's age it's a bit heavy...but it's bomb proof!

 

If I had the cash, I'd buy ti over carbon, but thats just me

[Fire]

are u a cyclist or a model on a bike and wanting to look beautiful? go for titanium,who wants to be in? titanium is responsive and last longer! go for it!

[KingPigeon]

How about both?? a carbon/Ti hybrid.

[Fire]

yes,that would b the best option!

[E1A104]

Ti .... Go for the Litespeed or look at a Titus

[Trispoke]

Difficult choice. How much will you be traveling with the bike, and how often do you crash?

Titanium is less likely to sustain catastrophic damage, and gives a great ride quality. Carbon is (for the same weight at least) quite a bit stiffer than Ti. So it depends on which characteristics you value in a bike, and on how big and/or heavy you are. For very tall guys I would say go carbon, as Ti is more likely to flex, especially on the lightweight bikes.

 

[BikeMax]

I have had a Litespeed Ghisallo and now ride a Stevens carbon - they are both great frames, but on balance I found the ghisallo to be a little too flexible (and I am only 70kg) when really pushed. The ride and stiffness of the carbon makes it a better race frame IMO.

[Anticlimb]

Is weight an issue when you want to go the carbon way ? That is rider weight . I am 1.97m tall and pull the scale at 102 kg . When I look at the carbon frame it looks breakable .

Is it a wise thing to buy a carbon frame overseas ? Will it get damaged when shipped to me ?

[Trispoke]

If a frame is well packed it should not damage, but the luggage gorillas can break anything if they really try.

In terms of backup it is always better to buy locally, but overseas pricing can be a big draw card.

The biggest issue for a guy of your size will be stiffness, and there carbon is likely to be better than Ti.

 

[hitman]

I recently purchased a Litespeed Ghisallo and am loving it! I have never ridden a full carbon frame so cannot compare the two. I am not a lover of flashy items and the understated beauty of the titanium frame appeals to me more than a flashy, colourful carbon bike. Take a look at my beauty:

[Edition 507]

You guys are making it a difficult choice for me. I currently ride a carbon frame with carbon deep section wheels and tubbies and Eish, it is a harsh ride. Sounds like Ti will be a little more forgiving. I weigh 70kg and ride a small frame, and I want a good climbing bike. So would flex be such an issue on a Ti for me?

[GoLefty!!]

Design design design design..

 

Does nto matter if it's a Ti or a Carbon frame. The 100gr difference between the two will make little difference to how good you climb or sprint.

 

Ti is tougher than carbon so will go through life mostly unblemished. It it looks tired, remove the decals and polish it lightly with P1000 paper and hey presto, it's new again! You can;t do this with carbon.

 

Carbon though can be formed and tuned into any shape far cheaper than Ti and hence it's the latest fashion. It will also last you a long time abut will not remain as fshionable because the model lifecycle is much shorter than for Ti frames.

 

buy the bike that fits, nuff said.

[Christie]

There was an article on the Cervelo website (its not on there anymore) where some magazine tested a bunch of frames for mass & stiffness. The litespeed Ghisalo was the most flexible of the lot, the Scott CR1 was the second stiffest. Imo the Addict will be a better option if racing & climbing performance is your first priority. If you want a more comfortable ride, get a steel frame, go one size up on your tire size & get a plush saddle. If pride of owneship, stand out in the crowd etc. are more important, get Litespeed Vortex - heavier than the Ghisalo but a sounds like it is coluld be a better race bike (Lance used one with Trek lables on to win some stages during some of his earlier Tour wins)   

[Red Zone]

Go Titanium, the durability is worth it. a light fall can total a carbon frame. Ti is for life, which is why I wont by another bike until I can get my litespeed.

[Christie]

..a light fall can total a carbon frame

Well, that will depend a lot on the situation. I've crashed twice without any damage to my carbon frame. A friend crashed and a car drove over his bike, smashing the frame to bits. No frame would have survived that smash, regardless of material.