1Lieutenant

I currently ride a 2018 Look 765 equipped with Sram Force 1x that I am extremely happy with. I do not do "off road" but am happy with the gear range of this 1x system. It is disc brake equipped with Mavic Cosmic Pro carbon wheels.

I would not be looking for a second bike had this opportunity arisen. A Independent Fabrication Crown Jewel titanium frame with a Campagnolo Chorus 11 speed groupset was offered to me at what I would consider a very fair deal. The bike is like new. I haven't had the chance to ride this bike being in the midst of a New England winter. The frame dimensions are very similar to my Look even though this was custom made. The gear range is similar although 2x.

My sensible self is saying to "pass". My cycling madness person says I should get this titanium bike.
I am hoping to get some input as to whether or not a titanium bike would be an upgrade, no difference, or compromise from my Look. I enjoy the shock absorption and ride of my current bike.
Your thoughts appreciated. Hoping to hear from others that have owned both carbon and titanium endurance bikes.

rivers

n+1
if you can afford it, why not?

zatopek

If you want it and can afford it, buy it. If not, then don't. I have way too many bikes. The best days of my life are the ones in which the toughest decision I have have to make, on any given day, is which bike I will ride.

eduskator

I wish my life was as easy! Toughest decision = which bike to ride

My response for OP: Other than you, no one on this forum can answer this.

The questions I usually ask myself are the following: Do you need it? Can you afford it? Do you really need it? Will you use it as much as the other one? Do you really really need it? Is your wife OK with this buy?

When I don't ''really'' need something, I usually rely on ''the deal'' I am getting (will I be able to resale it for the same price I paid or a little less, will I lose a lot, etc.).

ridelikeaturtle

Go for it. What's the harm? If you're not sacrificing your rent money, or kids' shoes.

^ This, coming from a guy that 'sacrificed' a semester's tuition, for a 1996 Bianchi Ti Megatube, back in 1997... is a bit hypocritical. But I've still got that bike, and I don't regret it for a second. So I graduated one semester later... who cares?

MoAlpha

On an O-2's base pay plus allowances?

1Lieutenant

LOL. I have kept this screen name for years since I was a 1LT. Long since retired at O4. Was a ceremonial unit.

Basically, I am pragmatic and don't really need two bikes if there is no advantage.

Russ Roth

There is a lot of good things to be said about a ti crown jewel, those things cost some serious money to begin with and if an amazing deal came along on one I don't currently have a bike I wouldn't get rid of to make room for it. If you've only got a road bike and this one will see use and get you other places you otherwise wouldn't go then why not?

1Lieutenant

I will be taking a "test" ride as soon as the roads get clean. Then decide.

To answer some of your questions:
A: I can afford it. I don't mind spending money, but I hate wasting money.
B. Kids are out of college with their tuition paid for so now they are buying their own shoes...
C. I can afford to buy stuff for the grandkids
D. My wife has long ago stopped trying to figure me out (and vice versa)

Was trying to hear from people who own, or have owned, both carbon and ti bikes for their assessment.

MoAlpha

Whew! Life is short; buy it if it will bring you joy.

I have a totally unnecessary Ti bike which I commute on every day and have come to love.

ridelikeaturtle

Don't discount "experience" as part of that "advantage" calculation you're making. Sure, it's subjective, but also extremely valuable. So many guys I know now, who've never experienced a titanium bike, and probably never will... well, that's unfortunate... for them.

datlas 

Doo eeeet!!

Got any pics??

bruce19

I am a cyclist. Not familiar with that phrase.

big john

If you're asking if there will be an advantage over your Look, I doubt it. There is nothing magic about titanium. It can be made to ride stiff or soft, depending on the alloy, tube diameter, thickness, and geometry. I have a Seven Axiom and it is quite stiff and feels similar to a CAAD 5 I used to have.
It's a great bike but it's not a smooth as my steel Gunnar which cost thousands less.

Wildwood 

i own a Calfee Carbon and a Macalu Ti bike. It inspires me to ride more with choices. I run different tire sizes on them, drivetrains, etc.

Yes, buy the IF - if it fits.

eduskator

jadocs

I have both, I prefer my Ti,

RLTW