I have decided to replace the 10 year old Kestrel 200. I want either a titanium or carbon “Euro geometry” road bike (ie, close to 73 HT and 73 ST). I need around 54-55 top tube length and either standard or integrated head set is fine. Not interested in carbon stays on ti bike. I am not going to race but only want it for recovery rides, group rides and solo stuff in the hills where I live.
I am thinking maybe Litespeed Tuscany, Siena or Classic, Kestrel Evoke or maybe the Orbea Orca. I like the R2.5 but can’t seem to find any to look at. What else should I consider? I am looking at buying a frameset only. Used is ok too if in good shape.
Find the cheapest, heaviest piece of crap with the oldest components you can find because many on this board agree that the bike doesn’t matter at all - the engine is all that matters…
Lots of choices, but there aren’t too many ti Euro bikes around anymore. I really like Merckx frames. Very solid, perfect handling. And Eddy’s name on the downtube makes me feel sleek and sophisticated. I have a Team Sc, and love it. I can’t imagine how a frame could be better.
But, it’s hard to compete with the Soloist. That’s probably what I would get. It’s as good as any frame raced in Europe, and far cheaper.
I know you just said you’re not interested in carbon stays, but this ride is much different - in philosophy and ride. First, Lemond has some kick ass welders, but beyond that, the idea of a ti bottom and carbon top makes sense. You get the ride of ti plus the extra weight savings of carbon on the upper half. And having ridding many a ti bikes, I have to say that the carbon spline stiffens things up considerably. Otherwise, lemond does make full ti frames that also kick ass. The Tete is the second fastest bike that i’ve ever ridden - and I hate lemond’s geometry
have to say that I’m very much enjoying my Morati cross bike. I’ve never ridden their road version, but I want to try it.
I’ve had a Litespeed Ultimate for nearly 8 years, and it’s simply the most fun bike I’ve ever ridden. It’s stiff and light so accelerating and climbing are a joy, and it’s great for very long days in the saddle. I think you would love the Tuscany as well, but maybe that Ghisallo would be nice as well??!! I also ride/race some carbon fiber bikes (Talon, Zipp 2001, and Kaliber) but at the end of the day I prefer the feel of my titanium Litespeed for everyday riding (obviously geometry plays a big role in that, but the feel of titanium is really hard to beat). I’ve also been really happy with the workmanship on the frame - beautiful welds, nice details.
I’ll second that, but also check out some of the Lemond steel/OCLV bikes if you’re on more of a budget. They’re an identical frame to the titanium/carbon Tete de Course but made of steel/carbon. The steel/carbon version is quite a bit cheaper and only about a half lb heavier frame. I picked up an OCLV/steel frame and transferred the components off my aluminium Giant TCR. The difference in ride quality is very noticeable.
I’d love to get a Tete de Course but figured that a half lb in frame weight is insignificant and wouldn’t expect the titanium/carbon ride to be much different from the steel/carbon.
"The Tete is the second fastest bike that i’ve ever ridden - and I hate lemond’s geometry "
Just curious, what was the fastest.
The geometry on the OCLV/steel and OCLV/titanium bikes is quite a bit different from the traditional Lemonds. They’re a compact frame. The seat post isn’t quite as steep and the top tube is a little shorter than normal.
As long as you can fit one, you can’t overlook the Giant TCR composite. I have one with record, and its a wonderful all around bike. For me, it is especially for climbing.