Titanium Frames

[stuts]

Noticed a few for sale on here recently, always fancied one, just wondered if there was a consensus as to which is best?

Always fancied a Litespeed, for no particular reason, just like the look of them. Was offered one at a crazy price by the Irish distributor many years ago, but was skint at the time and passed on it.

So, is there any particular manufacturer thats head and shoulders above the rest, or does it just depend on personal preference?

Having seen keepitsteel's Airbourne in the flesh a couple of weeks ago, the voices have returned :shock:

Luckily, I'm still broke so in no position to do anything stupid right now, but whats the best ride, finish etc, best to buy modern, retro?

Anyone any good tips.

 

[tintin40]

Merlin is the name for me. The number one. Followed closely by Moots

 

[kanerdog1x1]

i too am a fan of merlin, although i have had a litespeed too. both good frames.

 

[cannondale king]

iv'e got one now that will be here next week god knows who made it as has no frame number and a seach for arp shows up nothing on it :shock: but cool looking none the less

 

[stuts]

Was just reminded by this thread:

http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=72323

I believe both Merlin and Litespeed manufactured frames for other companies bitd which were then rebadged as not many people had the expertise to weld titanium then.

Anyone know what frames were made by these companies, then sold as another brand?

 

[scant]

Anyone know what frames were made by these companies, then sold as another brand?

merlin built:
prototype salsa titanium
the 6 john tomac raleigh signatures
early marin titanium
early mongoose titanium
the lugs for the specialized ultimate

I'm not so sure on litespeed as I'm more interested in merlin, but I believe litespeed built:
alpinestars ti mega
lemond mtb
later marin titanium

I'll edit if I remember anymore. theres countless more for litespeed & a no doubt a few more for merlin.

 

[T'boo Ted]

I'm a fan of the nuke proof ti and the GT xizang...er fat ti, yeti arc ti... and well just about any ti

 

[Defiant]

I now own 2 Nuke Proof ti's and these are great riders. (1 is now being shipped from the US)
THe fat ti is also a lovely frame, beautifully welded, great technic used
But my favorite Titanium bike is the Serotta TiMax,..that one has the greatest weldings, ovalized tubes and very light at 1362 gram for a 18"

http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/viewto ... c&start=75

 

[Chris]

Having had a merlin mountain, a kona hei hei and a gt xizang I'm really surprised at the excellent quality of my raleigh team ti.

Chris.

 

[Dr S]

Although I'm now an IF owner (and it looks great but I have yet to ride it) I have to say the finest Ti frames i have ever seen are Moots. The welding is sublime and it just screams quality. The ride is fantastic too.