Titanium Racer

Nothing wrong with 'cheap' Chinese titanium - all but at most 2 of the frames listed above come from a factory in Taiwan/China (including 'stock' Enigmas). I've just bought my sixth custom build direct (5" fatbike) - never experienced any problems, or failures. I have seen quite a few 'premium' titanium frames break - mainly due to poor quality construction leading to accelerated fatigue failure.

I have an Enigma Esprit, really enjoy it. Certainly worth a look. Sometimes I think I 'need' something a bit stiffer but it's not really an issue. It comes across as character rather than a problem. Silky smooth ride and with a good set of wheels it's stood up to some pretty testing rides.

Other than a single speed for getting knocked-off/crashed into during my London commute, it's the only bike I need.

http://weightweenies.starbike.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=111955&sid=...

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5572/14562527970_eb4617cbf6_c.jpg

However... Cadance Performance in Crystal Palace, London had some half price Legend Titanium framesets a couple of weeks ago. Might be worth a call.

I bought a Van Nicholas Aquilo this summer following an insurance payout after a few bikes got nicked. I looked at the Enigma Equinox but couldn't find a bike to look at in the flesh other than their factory in Sussex. In the end i saw the Aquilo and loved how it looked so opted for that. I built it up with Ultegra 11 speed, 3T finishing kit and some FFWD carbon/alloy clinchers and it rides like an absolute dream. Its heavier than my last carbon bike (Cube Agree) but my Strava times were up everywhere so I think the 1 kg difference is negligible. Its quite stiff for a Ti frame but doesn't rattle my fillings like the carbon bike did on dodgy road surfaces. I reckon you could price a build for 3 grand easily (mine was around 4) with a lower groupset and cheaper wheels. I can't speak for the other brands but I sure there are lots of good Ti bikes out there. Yes, some welds may fail but I've had mates whose carbon frames have cracked and Al bikes that welds have gone. Just make sure the warranty is decent...I think Van Nicholas have a lifetime warranty for manufacturing defects and will replace it (not repair it)

I've got a titanium bike. The company that made it went broke and I got it welded up again

https://audaxing.wordpress.com/2011/12/24/it-was-dead-but/

Titanium failures are not uncommon. If you get one either get a really cheap one from china and plan to replace it or get a really expensive one from a trust worthy outfit and expect some warrantee replacements

Don't be suckered into the myth that titanium is stronger and more durable than anything else. It is a great material, better ride than steel, light, no rust but welding it seems to be less of an understood process than welding steel.

It's difficult to assess what type of bike is the most durable: carbon would last the longest but surface scratches and wear eventually weaken them. Steel would be good but it rusts. Titaniums Achilles heel seems to be random manufacturing defects

Since no thread on bike choice would be the same without some lame and pointless comment on aesthetics, and since Ti bikes aren't painted (so the "everything's stealth black these days" and "ooooh, I don't like that paint job" comments are moot), can I just say that I really don't like the Van Nicholas logo?

@Bobbydazzler - yes, I just put my back out looking at it properly!

And a picture! Well, was going to be a picture but is upside-down! Anyone know how to turn it around???

I've had an Enigma Esprit for the last 2 1/2 years, and it's fantastic. I've had various other bikes alongside it [Genesis Equilibrium - what a ride, but much heavier and not as agile, Boardman 9.8 SLR - slightly quicker, a bit stiffer, but felt much more 'serious'], and this wins every time for the smile it puts on my face. It's just very very quick while feeling completely alive. And the classic looks and Ti 'colour' still makes me want to look at it all the time.

I built it up myself too. With SRAM Rival, Easton EC90 forks, Pro-Lite Bracciano's, Lynskey Ti seatpost, Schwalbe Ultremos, Spin Ti headset and the rest of the finishing kit it came it at 7.2kg exc. pedals and cages, and well within £3k. I've now got Columbus minimal forks - light but I'd say a bit flexy. I'm keen to get an Enve 2.0 fork to give it more stiffness.

If I did it again? Maybe Campag or Ultegra, but definitely all black wheels like Mavic Ksyrium SLR's. I had a pair of H Plus Son handbuilts and they looked incredible until the brake track anodising wore away.

Hope that helps

my choice would be... Gilbertson Titanium Bikes

my choice would be... http://www.gilbertson.nl/

I bought a Moots Compact SL in August it has transformed my cycling in comfort, enjoyment and improvement in performance. Google Moots and have a look at some of the links to find out more about the light weight a build quality.

Hi, I also had the same requirements as you and after a long hard research I found my Sabbath September Ti.
What a machine, light, fast, extremely comfortable and really good looking - could ride her all day. It was able to take full mudguards and 25mm tyres.
Oh, she was a brilliant bike,,,,,,,,,,,,, and then I regretfully sold it in a 'fit of madness'. Regretted her sale ever since.

Regards,

Trikeman.

Well firstly, have you seen the reviews for the Aquilo and Spitfire?

http://road.cc/content/review/61298-van-nicholas-aquilo
http://road.cc/content/review/40913-spin-spitfire-mk-iii-supermarine

However, this cropped up in another thread recently:
http://cielorossobikes.com/cielo-rosso-custom-built-titanium-frames-601-...
Now at £700 it would probably be under your radar, but given that it's a full custom Ti frame from a British firm (although manufactured in the far east) and they look classy, I wouldn't write it off. If I recall correctly, Simmo72 on here has one and loves it. You could try PMing him. If it worked out, you would be left with funds for some serious parts...!

Thats a nice budget to have!!!

I have a titanium Guru Praemio which I'm very happy with.

I'm also a massive fan of Enigma bikes and would love to own a Evoke Disc.

At the upper end of your range would also be a Legend Prince or ILRe. Stunning bikes.
Any Legend bike is in a class of its own.

http://www.legendfactory.it/eng/ilre.php

Take a look at Qoroz.

Drop them a line, the sales/after sales support is 2nd to none.

http://www.qoroz.com/race-won/

I built this below 6 months ago and i love it.

Shimano 6800 complete
Mavic open pro's on CK r45's
Ritchy bars and stem

it's 16.5lb

Kinesis do at least one Titanium frame I believe. Would definitely be on my shortlist.

You might look at a Spin Spitfire MkIII. I had pretty much the same criteria as you, and wanted something other than the (clearly very good) Van Nics and Enigmas. I built it up with 11-speed Chorus and Archetype rims on R45 hubs, and it's a peach. I've ridden the Roubaix cobbles, the Tour of Flanders climbs, the Alpe d'Huez and the Stelvio on it (as well as a couple of thousand miles a year), and I absolutely love it. Still puts a stupid grin on my face three years down the line.

I have an Enigma Equinox and cannot fault it; it certainly hits the spot in terms of a balance between comfort and a club do-it-all machine. It is very sprightly - both in terms of acceleration and steering. It is fitted with Athena and Mavic Elites. It makes me smile every time I ride it.

I support the comment re the cycle to work scheme and max of £1K.

Moots has a new do-it-all CX-like frame out? Not too racy, but may work and within budget if you meant £3k for frame.

I have a lovely VN Aquilo as well as an older Euros (not made any more) Both are fantastic bikes. I love the classic looks of titanium and the fact that it stands out in amongst all that carbon. I've tried a few carbon bikes but none of them have made me smile like these two.

Heres my Aquilo :

A budget of "3000ish" as you suggest isn't possible on cycle to work if I recall correctly. There is a maximum spend of 1k, the rules don't allow you to spend over this and only put the first 1k on cycle to work either.

I've found if you are on good terms with your LBS they will sometimes 'edit' the receipt to get you around this limit, but worth noting in case you were not aware. Also, yet another reason to become good friends with your local bike shop.

I don't have the Aquilo but I do have a Van Nic Chinook and it certainly fits the bill for classic looks, longevity, speed, nimble handling and all day comfort. I built mine with Campag Centaur and Zondas. I can't fault it at all, it rides like a dream. I love it so much that I just don't have n+1 in mind.