On Tue, 09 Nov 2004 20:05:12 -0500, what ever wrote:

Who has a ride made with this wonder metal ? I intend it to be my next ride
( 50 cm + - & compact geometry as I prefer a low standover height) I'd love
to hear recommendations of brands models etc form anyone who has currently
or previously owned a Ti bike. TIA

I got a ti Habanero, from Mark Hickey (who often participates here, and
now that our election is over maybe he and I will agree more....). I got
it because my previous frame (aluminum) broke.

I have been completely satisfied with my Habanero. While I am very
skeptical of the magic properties claimed for various frames, it did seem
that I could climb better with my new frame than with the old --- and all
the components were the same, only the frame was changed. Some of that is
new-toy thrill, but maybe some of it is the geometry, and some was the
stiffness. At any rate, it fit perfectly (though that is not hard for me;
I take a fairly standard 56cm size), and has held up fine so far. It was
also very nicely prepped; the headtube and bottom bracket arrived already
faced and ready for assembly, which is not the case all the time. The
finish, brushed, still looks as good as new, or would if I ever cleaned it
up. My only complaint is that the decals aren't all that durable. Big
deal.

Best thing is that it was cheap. Well made, and cheap. Welded in China,
but the welds are as nice as any Seven or Litespeed. The tubes are not
butted, but that is a big investment in terms of $/gram. It is the same
3/2.5 Al/V alloy that most builders use, not the inferior "commercially
pure" ti that some cheap frames are made of.

Mark uses standard geometry, not compact, but you can get a custom frame
for a few dollars more. His frames start at $695.

--

David L. Johnson

__o | "Business!" cried the Ghost. "Mankind was my business. The common
_`\(,_ | welfare was my business; charity, mercy, forbearance, and
(_)/ (_) | benevolence, were, all, my business. The dealings of my trade
were but a drop of water in the comprehensive ocean of my
business!" --Dickens, "A Christmas Carol"