New Bike Recommendation

[mauisher]

I'm looking for a new bike and am asking for your recommendations. I would like a travel bike with S & S couplers. It could be out of titanium or carbon. I live very close to the sea and would not like steel or aluminum. I'm of average proportions and have been riding a stock frame, so a custom frame may not be mandatory.

What frame builder would you recommend? I'm currently looking at one builder and would appreciate any other of your recommendations. Thanks so much for your help!!!

[Blueberry]

I would be very leery of carbon with S&S - just because of the packing/unpacking/potential for damage.

I'm pretty sure Lynskey can do S&S and I have nothing but good things to say about their bikes.

[mauisher]

I'm in agreement with the care needed with carbon, although I travel with my carbon frame and have no problems so far as long as it's been packaged correctly.

Any of you on the forum who have used Lynskey titanium bikes with S&S couplings? I'm seriously thinking about using them. Thanks, again.

[roguedog]

Titanium frame builders, in order of price (more or less):

De Salvo
Carl Strong
Hampsten
Spectrum
Moots
Erickson
Crisp

There could be others but these are the well known ones that i'm aware of.

[pll]

You mentioned custom might not be necessary. I know someone who travels with Ritchey Logic Break Away (http://www.ritcheylogic.com/dyn_prodfamily.php?k=365046) bike. Looks sharp.

[mauisher]

Thanks for your reply. I've heard that the Ritchey breakaway does not pack into the minimum size required by airlines for regular baggage...it's an inch or two too large. Also, not sure the geometry would work for me.

Anyone had any experience with Lynskey frames (former Litespeed)????

Thanks

[roguedog]

I think Jobob has one. Maybe she'll see her name in lights and come on stage :)

[NbyNW]

Another option: you might be able to get a frame builder to install S&S couplers on your current bike.