Apart from that down-tube... I forgot to tell you other reasons why I was disappointed with my Zipp 2001. It lacked adjustability. I ended up going from a large frame and large beam to having to find a medium beam to go with my large frame so I could get the right fit. After that I was compromising because the headtube was too long. Another thing I hated about Zipp was how heavy mine was. You can't feel fast if you have the heaviest bike in the transition area.

Messing with elastometers and complicated beam mechanisms was not fun either. Now it's true that the Zipp frame doesn't have a set of seat-stays and I appreciate that from an aerodynamic perspective but with that said I must also add that no seat-stays today is a curse. Why? Because getting a Zipp now days will require you to find one used and without those seat-stays (if it been put on a bike trainer) it may be ruined!

Now let's turun our attention to the TitanFlex. It is adjustable, light and thin through the downtube and you can email the inventor (Tom) with any questions or issues! There is no mechanical complexity or structural issues to worry about. You will be able to put it on the trainer and even get a polished and clear anodized finish (so that it is shiny like the last generation of softrides). This also saves weight.

I suppose it really depends on your goals. If you collect bikes then buy a Zipp because it represents an era and time-period but if you want to ride it fast (as I did) know that you will be disappointed in the down-tube thickness, weight, poor position and mechanical complexity.

If you aren't dissapointed with the Zipp (for the reasons I listed above) then I think you will always wonder if your Zipp frame was abused over the past 10 years and if that abuse will be resulting in any kind of structural failure during your use of the frame. Remember that it is carbon fiber and you have to respect it. Obviously not everyone respects their bikes.

If you can find one unused and still in the bubble wrap then that's different but I bet you will still hate the frame for other reasons that I listed above. I wish you look in your quest.