I just saw the Victoire TT bike on ST article and have lusted after Rob English’s TT frames since his own bike was featured on ST a few years ago. Has anyone used these or similar steel Tri/TT bikes? They look so clean and neat.
I just saw the Victoire TT bike on ST article and have lusted after Rob English’s TT frames since his own bike was featured on ST a few years ago. Has anyone used these or similar steel Tri/TT bikes? They look so clean and neat.
http://www.victoire-cycles.com/...se-TT-triathlon.html
http://www.englishcycles.com/cat/custombikes/ttbikes/
I have nothing to add outside of I think those machines are beautiful!
I think the Victoire is pretty cool…but that fork is BEGGING for an Omega X on the front of it, instead of the behind-the-leg type.
Also, I think I would’ve used the “gusset” tube at the headtube junction as a routing path for toptube cable entry instead of having them come in on the side…
I have a custom titanium TT bike (aka “Thermopylae”) that I’m selling actually, if you’re interested in buying one.
The ride quality of Ti (and steel) is quite magical, and I think for the right rider the increased comfort is worth the trade-off of aero carbon fiber tubing. I also find the aesthetic to be kind of badass.
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/bik/d/custom-titanium-time-trial/6612928644.html
I have a custom titanium TT bike (aka “Thermopylae”) that I’m selling actually, if you’re interested in buying one.
The ride quality of Ti (and steel) is quite magical, and I think for the right rider the increased comfort is worth the trade-off of aero carbon fiber tubing. I also find the aesthetic to be kind of badass.
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/...rial/6612928644.html
I’m thinking you didn’t read Greg’s article 
https://www.slowtwitch.com/Tech/The_Frame_Material_Debate_6881.html
I did read the article actually, and my take away was pretty much:
– You can build a great bike out of any material.
– You can also build a dog bike out of any material.
– Overall, the old stereotypes are true, but by no means universal.
– Greg seems to land on steel as his favorite.
It’s all very subjective really. And geometry / setup is clearly more important than frame material.
I had custom Ti TT bike as my do it all bike + a steel fixie winter bike (to train proper spin technique and comfort at a broad cadence range) for a decade and they served me well. Right now I’m on a lightweight carbon kick. The bikes are faster and more responsive, but subjectively missing something. It’s like the difference between a 964 911 and a modern 991. Sure, the 991 is faster and objectively better in just about every way, but the 993 has its charm.