What bike should i go for ??

Question

Hi ! i am a lightweight rider , i was wondering should i get myself a carbon fibre bike frame ? or jus get a super light titanium bike frame ? hmm i am planning to get my own road bike.

Answer 1

It's a matter of personal preference.  My bike's titanium and I just didn't care for the "dull" feel of carbon fiber.  I also tour though, not race, and touring on a light-weight titanium bike at 16 pounds is pretty sweet.  

I recommend you go to a reputable local bike shop and test ride a number of different bikes and find which one feels right to you.  That's really the only way to tell.

Answer 2

Aside from money, all that really matters is the fit and feel of your new bike. Test ride both Ti and Carbon. I found that Carbon rode the best for me, but YMMV.

"Money is no object" is a universal lie. With respect to cost, competition and multiple sources make carbon more cost effective than Ti. Last summer, my new road bike was under $2K. You'd be hard pressed to find a Ti bike similary equipped for the same price.

HTH

Answer 3

This is a really good question, but there is no simple answer.

You should ride several bikes including frames made of Ti, Carbon and Aluminum.  Then, if possible, ignore the frame material and buy the one that feels best to you given the type of riding you like to do.

You may, however, need to consider your attitude to buying new bikes and the advancment of technology.  This may be a gross generalization about Ti vs. Carbon folks, but from what I've seen, Carbon people are early adopters, while Ti people value timeless grace.

Many people I know with Ti frames never intend to buy another bike.  They bought Ti for its durability and never expect it to wear out and don't seem to care that their bike may be eclipsed by future technologies.  Their bike is what they want now and as far as they can see it is what they want in the future.

Many of the Carbon frame folks I know bought their bike with every intention of replacing it in 3, or so, years.  Even if the bike is not worn out, they expect it to be eclisped by newer, lighter technology.  

People on aluminum and steel bikes seem to be all over the map.  Some are real traditionalists, some are bargain hunters, some love particular ride qualities of a given material, some could care less about any of that and just need a bike to ride.  

Hope this helps.

Answer 4

everyone has thier preferences.  since your budget included titanium obviously you are talking a high quality carbon, and either are a good choice.  the way i see it, titanium is a good choice for someone that is more of a traditionalist, that likes the feel and ride of an old steel bike.  it even has that look about it for the most part.

there is a reason carbon has just exploded onto the scene.  it provides a fantastic mix of ride and weight.  the only drawback is if it has a failure, its junk and can't be fixed, but how many people fix a bike anyway?  if i had my choice, i would go with a high end carbon bike.  personally, for price and all i like the kestral's, but when you get in that range, they're all good.

Answer 5

Go to a USCF bike race. Count the frames: 80% carbon, 15% AL/carbon, 3% titanium, the rest...

Titanium isn't that much more expensive. Carbon is well preferred for racing. However if you check what serious commuters and tourers are riding you'll find a lot more Ti, but still more carbon.