ti on a budget, is it worth it ?
My experience with Airborne is nothing but positive. I have a Spectre, and I love it. The warranty is great, but I haven’t needed it. The frame arrived within 3 days of my credit card clearing. I get lots of positive comments on it, it rides great, and has helped me improve my bike times significantly over the Cannondale R600 I was riding before. The best thing is telling a rider of that “other” Ti brand how little you paid and watch the look on their face.
thanks tri-bri2, did you choose the Spectre over the X-1 or is it just that the X-1 is new? and do you think the frame is stiff enough for a 195lb masher? any sizeing issues? thanks
Rode a Habanero for 3 years. It was great but not quite the right size. This year I went with a custom aero aluminum frame which fits me much better. I am a big guy and it was plenty stiff. Not quite as stiff in the BB as my aluminum frame but definately acceptable. Oh and their customer service is outstanding.
Billb,
The X-1 was not available when I got my frame. It looks like they may be phasing out the Spectre. As far as frame stiffness, my Spectre is more than adequate for me (at ~155-165 lbs.). I came off a Cannondale R600 that is stiff as hell. According to Ric (read the weightlifing post if you have an hour or to to kill) you shouldn’t be applying much force to your pedals anyway. But I digress. Sizing was good for me (6-1, 33" inseam–I am pretty evenly proportioned) at the 58 cm frame. Airborne has an extensive sizing process on their website, you can email them if you have problems, and–best of all–they have a fit guarantee. You can return/exchange the bike if it doesn’t fit right. I don’t think you’ll be dissatisfied.
BC