Ti vs. Steel for Commuting

[GLC1968]

Wow, I was just thinking about this exact question yesterday.

I ride a 2004 Terry Classic for my commuter and it's 531 Reynolds steel. It's a 19" and set up in the exact same cockpit/configuration as my 'go fast' bike. My 'go fast' bike is a 19" 2005 Terry Isis - Titanium (the only year they made the Isis in Titanium). Both bikes have the same saddle and handlebars. The Classic has lower level componentry, gatorskin tires and touring grade wheels. Both bikes will hold racks and fenders.

My commute is 19 miles each way. This has lately been my only biking. Yesterday, I got out for a 25 mile ride with H and I took my Isis for the first time in MONTHS. It felt the exact same as my commuter as far as my position/comfort - but MAN...was it smooth! It was also much lighter (lighter wheels, no rack, Ti vs steel, etc)...but the part I noticed was that it felt like the road was glass. If steel is 'real'...Ti is BUTTER.

Since then, I have been debating using the Isis as my commuter. I figure it may be worth it since it's the only riding I get to do these days and there are some rough roads I commute on. My only 'fear' is leaving this lovely Ti bike locked to a bike rack at work. It's fairly secure - but I seriously doubt that anyone has ever tempted fate quite that much.

If you have a secure place for it, I'd go with Ti. Seriously - I was amazed at the difference all over again this weekend!

Edited to add: One other thing - the tires/wheels on my Isis should have left me feeling more of the road imperfections than the tires/wheels on my Classic. The fact that is was smoother meant that the difference was truly in the frame. That said, the right wheels/tires can make a HUGE difference in bike feel, too.