Ti WSD Bikes

[Velobambina]

I'm interested in adding a Titanium bike to my stable. Any manufacturers out there do a Ti WSD model? I am thinking about maybe a Seven (thanks to Regina, LOL) or an IF, but I want to see if I can find something "off the rack" instead of going custom. I can't go with a men's bike because of the reach issue -- my torso is short. Carbon seems to be the material of choice these days, and I have what's probably an irrational fear of carbon failure. I just don't even want to get on a carbon bike, even though I have a couple bikes with carbon seat posts and forks. Let's just say that my last name is Murphy and I'm living proof of the saying, "if anything can go wrong, it will."

Also, I'm a steel girl. How does Ti feel/perform compared to steel?

[pll]

Good morning,

There is the Bella from Litespeed:

http://www.litespeed.com/bikes/new/bella.aspx

I currently own an aluminium bike and eventually I'd like to upgrade to steel or titanium (I also suffer of "fear of carbon"), so I will be really interested in your comments comparing steel to titanium.

Addendum: And there is also the Titus Estrella
http://www.titusti.com/estrella.html

[Kathi]

Serotta has a stock bike called the Fierte, it comes in steel, ti or ti/carbon. Also, check with Moots.

Why not custom? It doesn't cost any more than a stock frame with these companies. With a good, knowledgeable fitter a bike made for your body is a dream. You can't believe how wonderful it is to have every contact point of the bike match yours. When the bike matches your body the handling of the bike is perfect because stems, saddle position, etc. doesn't have to be changed to accomodate your body.

When I built my bike, I was concerned that custom wouldn't come out right too. But someone told me to find a fitter that I could trust then decide brand, material, etc. My fitter was so competent that nothing had to be changed from the initial set up.

With custom you get to chose your paint scheme, components (a biggie for me) and how you want the bike to ride.

If you have any fit issues, for me, short arms and femur, a custom frame can address them better than any stock frame.

Have fun shopping!

[Velobambina]

Kathi---I have two Lunas, so getting a third custom bike ... LOL. Ironically, my husband is pushing me to go w/the Seven. "I'll buy you whatever bike you want..." I just feel guilty about it. I ride every day, weather permitting, so all my bikes get lots of use, and I just got a cash award at work. If the stock bike came with Shimano components, I'd definitely end up swapping them out for campy, so I guess it would make the most sense to get what I want up front.

[ehirsch83]

Hey!
I just built up a litespeed bella frame,and I am loving it.
It is in transit from albuquerque back to south florida-when it gets here I will take a picture and post it for you!
I love how it climbs, it responds great in crits, comfy for a long ride- I feel it is a great all around, long lasting bike.

[anakiwa]

I bought a Serotta Concours this spring and love it! Serotta has different ti bikes, one stock and 3 custom bikes (price-wise the Concours is the middle of the 3 custom ones). I don't know what your price range is, but I'd definitely recommend looking at the Serottas if it's an option.

As far as the feel goes- I've ridden steel, carbon, and now ti. (My only significant aluminum experience is my mountain bike and given that the tires are so much wider I don't think it's fair to compare). I actually prefer steel or ti over carbon- something about the dampening of the carbon was almost numbing after a while.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Kathi---I have two Lunas, so getting a third custom bike ... LOL. Ironically, my husband is pushing me to go w/the Seven. "I'll buy you whatever bike you want..." I just feel guilty about it. I ride every day, weather permitting, so all my bikes get lots of use, and I just got a cash award at work. If the stock bike came with Shimano components, I'd definitely end up swapping them out for campy, so I guess it would make the most sense to get what I want up front.

Knowing all this?.......definitely get the custom Seven!!!!!

[7rider]

I
Also, I'm a steel girl. How does Ti feel/perform compared to steel?

Oh...and the magic of Seven's customization...
By adjusting and selecting tube diameters, wall thickness, etc., they can create ti frames that ride the way YOU want it to ride.
If you like the plushness and vertical compliance of a steel bike, they can make you a frame that does that.
If you like ultra-stiff for the quick-off-the-dime speed demon in you, Seven can make you a frame that can do that, too.
Check this out for more info on their customization process:
http://www.sevencycles.com/buildingbike/customization/

[Kathi]

Oh...and the magic of Seven's customization...
By adjusting and selecting tube diameters, wall thickness, etc., they can create ti frames that ride the way YOU want it to ride.
If you like the plushness and vertical compliance of a steel bike, they can make you a frame that does that.
If you like ultra-stiff for the quick-off-the-dime speed demon in you, Seven can make you a frame that can do that, too.
Check this out for more info on their customization process:
http://www.sevencycles.com/buildingbike/customization/

I know Serotta creates frames with you in mind and probably IF, Moots and Titus.

One thing I noticed about the few bikes I demoed, they didn't seem to have the "snap" of my Aegis. Serotta was able to build that into my Ottrott. Also, Serotta did a great job of raising my head tube to the height I needed without a lot of slope in the tt. I still can't figure out how they did that and still give me enough standover height.

And I agree, why waste time with a stock frame designed for an average rider when a custom bike can be tuned to your needs and riding style.

Don't know about Serotta's ti bikes but my Ottrott can be rebuilt in case it is damaged in an accident. The tubes are put together by lugs so they can be pulled out and replaced. I also have a crash replacement warrenty on it that is through Serotta.

If your interested check out the Serotta forum http://www.serotta.com/forum/index.php? Lots of information on all kinds of stuff including their bikes.

[Velobambina]

I'm very tempted by the Seven Alaris......

[bikerz]

I'm very tempted by the Seven Alaris......

I love my Seven Alaris - I've only had it a little while, but it is so smooth and snappy! My old bike aluminum, and really very stiff and jangly on rough roads, but I likes the acceleration. My Seven has the Ti smoothness (but not cushiness) and a really nice quick acceleration (like Regina describes).

(But I'm sure all the other Ti bikes are great too!)

[roadie gal]

Gotta throw another wrench into the works... How about a Sampson? He's a small builder in Colorado. I have an older (2001) Silverton that I just love. When you call them up you actually get Eric Sampson on the phone. He'll spend whatever time you need talking to you about your measurements, the kind of roads you ride, the amount of riding you do, etc. His stock bikes work well for me, but they also do custom for a lot less than the "name brands".

www.sampsonsports.com

Along with the Silverton in Ti, I also have a carbon Diablo done up as a tri bike. Both are great bikes.

I have no connection with the company. I just like to support the small guys.

[hirakukibou]

Another option is a Merlin. My DH has one and love it. They make a ws frame too.

Just a thought. I tried the Camena and thought it felt a lot like my steel frame. I ended up with a carbon bike, which felt different and really light. Good luck.

[luv'nAustin]

I ride Merlin's Camena. It has been a great bike for me. Bought her right off the the showroom floor and didn't need to make many adjustments at all.

Funny thing is...I'm thinking of adding another bike to my stable and would like to go custom this time. I want to send a bike up to North Dakota so that I don't have to ship one every time I visit. I was going to buy a Specialized Ruby to leave there, but the sales person started talking custom and my husband seemed agreeable. Guess he's feeling guilty about asking me to move across country, yet again. I'd miss my little Merlin, but would visit her often...

Good luck with your decision.