Titanium 29er Hardtail

LurvsMTB

Likes Bikes
I did a brief search of Ti 29ers on the forum and not a lot came up, although it could be said I have missed something, so if this has already been discussed to death, please point me in the right direction and forgive me.

I have started dreaming of another bike to add to the shed, and started thinking hardtail 29er. I don't like the idea of carbon MTBs as I am likely to drop the bike in rock garden or something... I like the idea of something durable. But I am afer some more info, so I thought I'd ask some experts!

Starting thinking what should it made of, Alloy, Carbon or Ti, and started to like the idea of Ti.

Questions:

Are there Ti 29er hardtails available in Oz 'off the shelf' or do they need to custom ordered?

How do they handle? Geometry ok? Can you bend Ti without compromising strength?

Cost comparison with carbon/alloy? Assume it will be pricey for a frame? less than $2k?

I'll leave it there for now, I am probably just dreaming, but hey, you've got to start somewhere!

Cheers
 

silentbutdeadly

has some good things to say
Are there Ti 29er hardtails available in Oz 'off the shelf' or do they need to custom ordered?
Both. Many brands too. From Voodoo through to Van Nichols and Lynskey, onwards to Moots and Gellie and out to Black Sheep and beyond...

How do they handle? Geometry ok? Can you bend Ti without compromising strength?
Like steel. Kind of. Bear in mind that there are a couple of different grades too.

Cost comparison with carbon/alloy? Assume it will be pricey for a frame? less than $2k?
Upwards from a grand for the frame only. Just remember that a bicycle frame is not just the sum of its parts but also the skills & techniques involved in putting them together...
 

PedalPhil

Likes Bikes
Lynskey are rather nice, I have a Sportive built up with SRAM Force running racks/fenders decked out as a commuting/winter bike, great ride and looks awesome, almost as quick as my carbon roadie (but stick panniers on anything and it will slow you down) and handbuilt in the US.

http://www.bikepro.com.au/ProductDe...geline-29-SL-with-free-industrial-mill-finish
The guys are the local distributors. When I bought my Sportive it was a smidge cheaper than CRC by the time you factored in Import Duty & GST - not to mention having a local agent if things go pearshaped.
 

frensham

Likes Dirt
LurvsMTB;2457404 Questions: Are there Ti 29er hardtails available in Oz 'off the shelf' or do they need to custom ordered? How do they handle? Geometry ok? Can you bend Ti without compromising strength? Cost comparison with carbon/alloy? Assume it will be pricey for a frame? less than $2k? I'll leave it there for now said:
I have a Lynskey Ridgeline 29er. Absolutely love it. Purchased the frame from CRC ($560 cheaper than here). Built it up myself. Brilliant and beautiful bike, handbuilt in Tennesee.... There is a distributor here and I think they sell complete bikes too. Van Nicholas have always gotten excellent write ups (frame made in taiwan). And then there is Black Sheep - just like riding a work of art (pricey though).
You can probably get a carbon frame cheaper but it appears to me that carbon frames are built as stiff and light frames (harsh?) whereas titanium always remains compliant - both are very 'quiet' on the trail. You should be able to pass a good titanium frame onto your grandchildren.
 

PedalPhil

Likes Bikes
I was seriously thinking of going this option, but the XTC Composite for $2.2K was too hard to say no to.

The ride on a titanium roady compared with carbon is much nicer, soaks the bumps up but still has plenty of stiffness when loaded up and climbing. I can only imagine that a Ti 29er hardtail would be like.
 

Sumgy

Likes Bikes and Dirt
Lots of options available via Koiled Imports from Blacksheep, Form, Vulture and their own brand.
All custom.
 

ViS

Likes Dirt
I have nothing but praise for Triton. Great product, great company. The build quality is as good as I've seen anywhere. The welds are just beautiful. Full custom frame for $1025 delivered. Take advantage of the high $AU.



 

findbk

Cannon Fodder
Yeah, i built up a Lynskey Pro29 earlier this year.
Best thing i ever built, ridden and owned!
Worth every cent.


photo.jpg
 

LurvsMTB

Likes Bikes
Thanks for all the replies folks. These bikes look like the ducks guts.

The Blacksnake for sale is way too big for me, I'm 170cm, so way too big!

Some of those Ti frames look great, the dream has become stronger...

Nice to hear that they ride nicely, was worried they would be a little harsh, but that sounds like that is not the case.

So it looks like you can a great frame for anywhere between 1200 and 2000 bucks. If you go a custom build, what is the best way to measure yourself up. I'd imagine it would be a reasonably specialised gig, so a local bike shop expert could be good? Or is there some sweet software out there where you measure yourself up and dial in the figures and it spits out a set of numbers?

Cheers again. Lurvs.
 

Drew Peacock

Likes Bikes
Another vote for Lynskey

I have a Lynskey Pro29 (the one with the sexy curved top tube) built up as a single speed, it is the ducks nuts for ride quality, handling and comfort. It is my ride of choice in 24hr and 100k races and at under 10kg it is easy to man handle when needed.
 

LurvsMTB

Likes Bikes
I have a Lynskey Pro29 (the one with the sexy curved top tube) built up as a single speed, it is the ducks nuts for ride quality, handling and comfort. It is my ride of choice in 24hr and 100k races and at under 10kg it is easy to man handle when needed.
That Lynskey looks sweet, love the twist in the tubing.
 
Top