The excellent front page article about the Lightspeed gravel bike got me thinking - what’s the point in titanium for that application, other than it looking extremely cool?
Running wider tyres with a massively increased volume and lower pressure surely makes the properties of the frame material, which apparently is so critical for a road bike with skinny tyres, largely irrelevant.
I built a cross bike last winter, used the cheapest aluminium cross frame and fork I could find, and it rides really nicely on 622/30 tyres, despite it being hugely overbuilt (chain/seat stays are just gigantic on it compared to a standard road bike)
It seems to me that ride quality is going to determined, in this case, more by tyre volume/pressure and that the properties of the frame tubeset will be subsumed.
You’re right, as far as “ride quality” goes. Frame geometry (BB drop, wheelbase, chainstay length, trail) will probably also influence that more than frame material as well. Don’t forget bar tape, padded saddle, etc.
The biggest benefit of titanium for an adventure/cross/gravel bike is probably durability. It’s going to resist impact better than any of the other frame materials, and impact is more likely with this type of bike than most others. If you use thick enough steel tubes to resist denting easily, you’re going to have a really heavy bike.
This is also a case of, do you want a frame that is going to last 10+ years, or do you consider it a somewhat disposable item that you’re willing to replace every 2-3 years. Personally, for most of my bikes (including 'cross bikes), I go with the latter. I assume that spacing, BB spec, brake type, headset size, and enough other things will change in the near future that I’ll likely want something newer every 2-3 years. So I spend/budget accordingly.
Yes, and if you rode that Lightspeed, you’d feel the difference between it and your bike. Steel and more so Ti have just enough flex to ride as Niner says with their MCR, like a magic carpet.
For two years, I rode a rigid steel singlespeed mountain bike. Except for the big hits, it was just as comfortable as my aluminum front suspension bike with similar wheels and tires. Pressure on both was 18-19 front/ 23-24 rear.
My theory on a ti gravel bike is that it would also be an all weather bike, and ti doesn’t rust/corrode as easily (at all?). it is also lighter and people might be afraid of rocks that get thrown up at the frame. we all know how fragile carbon is
Isn’t the main flex point, other than the tyres, the fork? That’s certainly where I seem to feel the lovely springy ride of my steel frames road bikes is coming from.
Just celebrated my 20th year riding a Lynskey titaniun 26er. There is something about they way it rides that can’t be put into words but is oh so wonderful. That plus the fact that the frame is absolutely maintenance free has made it by far my all time favorite bike.
They were popular in their time. I think quill stems are still widely used. I’ve considered getting either an ENVE carbon fork or one of the Whiskey carbon forks for my gravel bike. The Whiskey fork accommodates a thru axle which would make the whole thing very manly.
Isn’t the main flex point, other than the tyres, the fork? That’s certainly where I seem to feel the lovely springy ride of my steel frames road bikes is coming from.
I traded the steel fork on my rigid bike for a carbon one. I lost almost a pound in weight and that make it ride better but it didn’t change the cushioning. Then I traded the aluminum bar for a ti bar. It was almost like riding on a cloud!
I have three road bikes, all set up with the exact same position and I ride with similar tires and pressure. The Trek 5200 (carbon) hurts my back after 45 to 50 miles. Colnago Dream HP (alu and carbon) is the snappiest, best handling bike I own and never bothers my back. Look steel bike with carbon fork; smoooooth.
Yes, tire choice and geo / fit are of utmost importance for this type of riding. Tires and tire pressure make a BIG difference for mixed terrain / gravel riding more than most road cyclists would guess. Cheap cross tires vs Challenge cross tires - a world of difference in course feel and handling.
Ti is a nice, but generally expensive, proposition for this type of build due to weight, durability, ride quality, no paint to chip, etc. So, I’d be happy with it. No doubt about it. Do you need it? Needs vs wants are a totally separate discussion, but Ti is a nice material choice for this type of application.
Yes, I also agree with the poster who said ride one, and then you will know. My stiff as a board aluminum cross frame was substituted for a nice carbon one and I could tell the difference.
I do however counter the argument about Ti vs Steel vs Carbon longevity. Ti is good, yes. But this thought or meme that carbon spontaneously explodes after 3-5 years is pretty much nonsense. Stuff breaks. People riding all kinds of material bikes can have issues. A poor weld, your steel or Ti bike might crack, It can happen. And steel is not some fragile Lilly w/ a low shelf life compared to Ti. Based on what evidence due to typical riding load cycles?
All that being said, I think aluminum is a fine material for a cross or mtn bike and you can get great deals. I would put a “flexy” quality carbon post on it though; it’ll make a difference.
Would I ride that T5? Damn straight I would. It looks totally awesome.
PS I wouldn’t call 30s massive gravel tires (unless they are those “fake” Michelin 30s).
If you want to play the gravel, get some real tires like Challenge GGs - 38s and ride awesome. If cross is your game, get some Grifos or any of the Dugasts then you will know the way!
