Ti vs. Steel for Commuting

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Okay...blatant thread hijack for just a moment....
This is soo strange! I just had a dream last night that my bike disappeared. It woke me up, I was so stressed out.

That's not all. Two nights before my stolen bike dream, I dreamt that some teenagers bashed up my beautiful bike while I was in a store buying a bottle of water for just a second.

I don't usually have such dreams, and two of them within 3 nights.

[ilima]

My pure road bike is Ti, and my commuter is a steel 'cross bike.

Although I'm a fan of steel, if I had to pick one--I'd pick Ti.

[kfergos]

That's not all. Two nights before my stolen bike dream, I dreamt that some teenagers bashed up my beautiful bike while I was in a store buying a bottle of water for just a second.

The other night I dreamed that my brand new chain was covered with rust. Guilty conscience?

Thank you all so far for the ti/steel input -- I admit I'm still in a quandry, but I'm going to try to find a ti bike I can take for a test ride to see how I like the feel.

[Grits]

[QUOTE=BleeckerSt_Girl;352597]
One he has loaded with racks and uses as a grocery bike (!!) .


Ha! I just put the rack back on my Terry Classic and am using it as my grocery store bike! (But I lock mine up. Guess that's the difference from not being wealthy!)

My Terry is steel, and I just got a new mid range road bike. I can't tell a lot of difference in comfort level, but gosh, the road bike sure is easier to pedal from point A to point B just from the weight factor, especially if there are any hills in the way.

[amy]

So, I showed my husband a picture of my future ti bike. "Honey, I reeeaaalllly like this." By his reaction, I don't think I'll be getting it for my birthday. Several thousand dollars... what's the big deal??

[Blueberry]

I actually got a quote on this one, but when I talked to the dealer, they said the Club Racer was a lot like the Nor'Wester, except the Nor'Wester is a little cheaper. However, the Club Racer is on my list too.

Hmmm...good to know. I don't have a local dealer for Indy fab, so I can't get prices. I'm starting to think about the same type of bike - and am going through much the same debate. I do know that Indy Fab will make the Club Racer in Ti (though I really don't want to think about how much it would cost). Out of curiosity, have you looked at the Seven Muse? I know if can be built up lighter, as more of a century bike. Just wondering

Of course, I'll be saving up for a while for any of the above.

CA

[kfergos]

My LBS loaned me an amazing bike to test-ride the feel of titanium: the Seven Elium SG (which frame starts at $4,000; the entire bike I'm considering would cost ~$4,200) with Dura-Ace components, perfectly adjusted to my size based on my fit specs.

Wow.

I spent the whole time trying to think of superlatives grand enough to cover the experience, but although I'm a writer for a living, I still failed. The bike practically climbed hills for me, smoothed out bumps, cornered tightly, and ate up the miles seamlessly. *Swoon* I practically cried when I returned it to the shop. Now to convince the dh that I need a similar (albeit significantly cheaper) steed myself...

Question for those of you with custom bikes: Did you find the price tended to increment up as you designed the bike, or was the estimate close to your ultimate price? Also, what should I ask the bike shop before actually committing?

[Ana]

Is it common for Seven dealers to let you test ride a bicycle? Just curious. I was thinking about wandering over to my local Seven authorized dealer.... I've had intense post-ride headaches and I'm wondering whether it's from the rough ride on my aluminum Lemond Tourmalet or not I'm so sad because I love my bike and I love cycling but my last headache was so bad, I cringe when I think about riding

[kfergos]

Is it common for Seven dealers to let you test ride a bicycle? Just curious. (

I don't know about in general, but when I asked "Do you have one I could test ride?" my LBS was able to get me one within a day. My LBS (Landry's) is a chain of 4 stores, and they apparently have bought some stock Sevens for people to test ride. It can't hurt to ask!

[IFjane]

Question for those of you with custom bikes: Did you find the price tended to increment up as you designed the bike, or was the estimate close to your ultimate price?

I have a custom IndyFab Ti Crown Jewel (complete with sterling silver headbadge) and love every inch of her! I love her so much I did not even get her painted (saved $$); accordingly, her name is Godiva 'cause she is naked, except for some strategically placed decals....

Before, I had a steel bike & the ride was great though the bike did not fit me. When I got the new bike, the ride was so amazing I could not believe it. Twitchy? Yes, if I want her to be. Like butter? You bet! I don't have to worry about rust; I don't have to worry about scratching the paint; I only have to worry about her leaving me unexpectedly. Fortunately, that hasn't happened so far. I travel with this bike and I ride at home with this bike. As of now, it is the only bike in my stable and I see no reason to have another. In contrast, my DH has four.... And he's not even here to ride them!

I commute on my bike, though not regularly for a variety of reasons (mainly because I seldom can stay at my office all day but must travel to schools throughout our district), I ride centuries on her and I ride short, fast rides. She is great and I could not ask any more of a bike.

To answer your original question, no, the price of the bike did not inch up because of the design. There were add-ons (the headbadge, for one) that added to the price but they were like options when ordering a car. I found that IF (because of my LBS) was a fabulous place to have a custom bike built. And Ti is the way to go! The $4200 price tag does not sound out of line to me. But then, if you knew what I spent on mine (not just from IF, but on upgrades to the wheels, drivetrain, etc.) you wouldn't believe it.

[7rider]

Oooo...the Elium is a swoon-inducing bike! I don't think I'd be brave enough (or rich enough) to have one built as my commuter, but it is a glorious road bike. DH actually pushed lightly for me to get an Elium when I got my custom Seven...but I "settled" for the ID8!

Question for those of you with custom bikes: Did you find the price tended to increment up as you designed the bike, or was the estimate close to your ultimate price? Also, what should I ask the bike shop before actually committing?

I had a good idea of what I wanted on my bike, component wise, before I ordered. So my LBS quoted me an "out the door" price for the built up bike. I guess if I varied from that list, we'd discuss changes in the price, but there was no change in the ultimate price when I picked it up.

From Ana: Is it common for Seven dealers to let you test ride a bicycle? Just curious.

Some shops carry a few stock Sevens on hand for demo purposes. Sizes are limited, of course. Best to check with your shop. Of course..post-ride headaches could be a function of how hard you push yourself compared to how you are eating and drinking on the bike (or not). Check the nutrition forum, and search on "headaches".

[Blueberry]

On the test ride front - I just figured out that when you pull up a dealer on Seven's website, you have the option of looking to see what bikes they have available to test. I'm sure there will be changes - but it might give you an idea...

I've been drooling at the Indy Fab Club Racer in ti - but it seems to be significantly more expensive. Maybe one day....

CA

[kfergos]

I'm taking the plunge -- I'm going to order the titanium commuter. And lots of bike locks.

[gnat23]

-- gnat!

[smilingcat]

must be in a really bad neighborhood?

must really love his or her bike?

or perhaps bit paranoid about theft?

or could it be static art with message?

beats me. Looks like a good bike for a workout. Can you imagine trying to climb some of the hills in SF with that thing oui!! and coming down on a coaster brake.

back to Ti/steel. I'm still biased to Ti. (cause it sounds more exotic )

smilingcat