Steelman v. Seven

[slinkedog]

SadieKate rides a Ti bike. Maybe she could give you some feedback if you pm her.

[aka_kim]

I ride a Ti Airborne Zeppelin and love it, but I really don't have a favorite frame material. I'm 5'7" so I don't have any issues with needing a small-sized frame, and was able to test ride stock bikes. I test rode steel (LeMond) and carbon (Trek) bikes before deciding on the Airborne. The next bike I buy could be any material - I'm particularly fond of lugged carbon right now...

Sheldon Brown, as usual, has a good brief summary of frame materials.

[bikerchick68]

Hi there! I ride a 49cm Litespeed Tuscany... ti frame... I LOVE this bike... I had a Lemond Buenos Aires prior with a steel frame and while it was a good bike, there really is no comparison IMHO... the ti is more comfortable hands down... when I got it I picked up speed and my climbing improved.. not sure how much of that was mental, but I think it's the bike!!!

I'd recommend test riding both and decide which is more comfortable for YOU! What goes for one does NOT go for all... sigh... that would be wayyyyy too easy! Good luck and hope you're happy on the new ride! And what a nice DH!!!

[tailtamer]

Seven Ellium (Ti & CF) owner here, also have a Litespeed Appalachian cross (Ti). Love the TI and find the CF smooths out the ride. The Ellium has both Ti and CF making for a very smooth ride, but the CF fork took a bit to get used to. Also have the CF bars and seat post. I ride mostly mountains and downhill descents at 45mph were a bit scary at first, just need to get you weight off the front and then she rides smooth as silk. I do have to be careful with the CF, can't crank anything on the tubes and heaven forbid if I should wreck !! I say go with the Ti and accessorize with CF.

Also think about what roads you ride. I live in the mountains and I personally believe the Ti bike is the best bet for my riding/climbing conditions. The CF is for my aching 44 year old body and it is just so darned purty !!