Submitted by justin on Fri, 04/05/2007 - 10:45am
Posted in
Hmmm decisions decisions!
Firstly Paul ignore all Dans stuff about "birds digging Italian frames&components" when did you last meet a mechanical woman? hold on, meant mechanically minded before Syd gets too excited about the endless possibilities of that kind of gadget!
Frame choice first...
carbon light&stiff BUT got no soul, glued together in anonymous hi-tec factories in Taiwan then given a sticker to add personality!
Aluminium...runner up in the light&stiff stakes BUT usually a harsh ride,and common as muck
Steel...still a viable choice built by craftsmen, gorgeous ride quality, individual looks(not many people spec it for best bikes these days!) But it's a bit heavy...DeRosa, DeKerf,Serrotta Plus a host of UK builders Still use it
Titanium...This stuff gives a unique ride, comfy but quick, Steel like without the weight and rust!they can be rare and desirable especially boutique brands like Seven,Moots,Serrotta,Merlin and for some Litespeed(doesn't float my boat though!)Downside..not quite as light as carbon..though will crash better and probably last longer.
Berrylium...25% of people are so allergic to this stuff it kills them!...best avoid even if it is light and stiff!
the choice is yours......
You forgot Magnesium,
You forgot Magnesium, Pinarello Dogma, I know about the Pros and Cons of it for motor racing wheels, as thats all we raced. On but cant see its main benefits in bike frames, it dissapates heat well and is very light, but also quite brittle when cast. However if you remember in chemistry classes when you bring it up into a certain heat range with a bunsen burner, it ignites with a scary glow.
However if Pinarello make a 2 and a half grand frame out of it, then it must be good for something.
If anyone wants a frame building by me here, then please let me know, we have racks of mild steel mainly box sections and 3 Mig welders, We can custom size your frame, and when its finished It'll only weigh 46 kgs, and if you are lucky it may, look almost bike like. We can also do you some custom graphics (we have 3 different colours of marker pens, so the world is your oyster)
953 another choice -
953 another choice - different, stainless, shiny? Something to add to the list since its not really conventional steel?
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Carbon a fine choice for exotic shaped tubes and fairings, otherwise a little soulless - more of a tool for a job - I like people like Isaac for that kind of magic, missing from your list. IMHO I would find it hard to justify that kind of outlay on an every day bike - however if someone wants to gift me a Joule - then thats a tool you take from the shelf once a week, hurt yourself with, and hang back on the rack for the next time.
There was a time as a kid when it was always about the bike (to borrow a phrase), these days, while I wouldn't mind an upgrade to Chorus or Record, technically the weak link is me, specifically me and my belly. So choice of scant lightweight steed is not a pressing issue.
*However the Isaac Joule, if you have one, I would look after it real good.
Dare I ask how much does your current steed weigh, spec, and what are you looking to gain from the purchase?
Alas I know how much I weigh, but no idea how much my bikes do apart from "winter" "okay" "lightest I have".
Why not just let this tumble into a discussion on elite bikes lads - you *KNOW* you want to.
A Bikes A Bike
Come on chaps, you know there's an easier way to choose.
Write their name on paper, cut them up fold them and then pick one!!!
Sorted :)
!!The Bar Keeps Rising!!
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