Melvang

I have been looking around for titanium frames and have found a few. I have found No 22, Seven Cycles, and Kish. Are there any still in business? The one requirement I have is US based fabrication.

Update: I am going to go with a titanium lugged carbon frame. So this pretty much leaves Seven Cycles Firefly, K Bedford Customs, and No. 22 (though their ti/carbon frames are just a carbon seat tube). Are there any other builders filling this niche in a niche market?

brian3069

Moots

https://moots.com

indyfabz

3? I suggest you search harder. E.g.,:




Proudly built 12 miles from my house in Philadelphia, although he might not build you one without at least one in-person consultation. Independent Fabrication is another that comes immediately to mind. IIRC, they are in NH now.

Litespud

Kish is here in NC - friend of mine had a Kish frame built last year. Looked pretty good

fietsbob

https://www.ticycles.com/ Portland Oregon..

Mulberry20

DeSalvo, he would be my pick.

CycleNutz

Moots is amazing. Very much have my eye on one of their gravel two wheeled steeds.

Moots is also made in the USA. For me, this is critical.

Happytrails1963

Moots is pretty awesome but a little pricey. There is Ti Salsa Fargo I believe.

Bearclaw seems to make some nice ones.
https://bearclawbicycleco.com/

Melvang

Bearclaw is out. Made in China.

Stiffknee

https://lynskeyperformance.com/

billridesbikes

Many good suggestions here. Since you’re going with Ti why not spend a little extra and go custom.

Colorado, Corvid Cycles
https://www.corvidcycles.com/

Portland, Ti Cycles
https://www.ticycles.com/

Pennsylvania, Engin Cycles
https://www.engincycles.com/

Boston, Firefly
https://fireflybicycles.com/

indyfabz

I Googled that for you:

https://www.roadbikerider.com/titanium-bike-brand-list/

Melvang

That list doesn't break down US based manufacturing. That is one thing I am not willing to budge on for this bike.

Melvang

I think the biggest reason I haven't considered a custom frame is because I have yet to have anywhere close to a proper fit. I have only bought 3 bikes for myself since high school in the mid 1990s. My first was a GT LTS4000 full suspension mountain bike in high school for $750. Ordered right out of the book, bone stock, set seat height somewhere close and off I went. My next bike was in 2004. I bought a 1 year old used Kona Roast from the shop floor. Again, set seat height and off I went. Move to last year, I bought a Cannondale CAAD4 R500 from Craigs list. For this one, I put a shorter stem, changed saddle, changed pedals, and thats it. I only rode it a couple times last year. Riding a lot more this year but still trying to get used to the road bike position. Will get a full fit before ordering the next one. Once my LBS starts doing bike fits again.

Korina

Unless you're a racer, why not raise your stem? It'll be a lot more comfortable.

Melvang

Already have. Right now, I think it is just a frame fit issue. I have never had anything close to a bike fit and bought this bike based on a 45 second ride and a look over. I only want to buy 2 more bikes ever. This next one (currently leaning toward titanium lugged carbon frame), and the next after that will be a recumbant trike when I start having back problems. This isn't really an if, but a when, due to my day to day job.

Korina

Ah, but is it Rivendell raised? Fair point about fitting. I need one myself, whenever it becomes possible. Have you considered a TI recumbent?

Melvang

I don't know the Rivendell reference. I am just getting into the road bike side. The only other two decent bikes I have owned are a GT LTS4000 from the late 90s (loved that bike) and a Kona Roast.

This is my current setup. Can't find the stem it came with but was a fair bit longer and I think was around 5° rise.

I don't remember what this one is but I think 13° rings a bell. I am getting more comfortable with the position almost every time I ride. But I think my next bike I want some flared compact drop bars.

As far as recumbents, I have considered them. But I am going to start clear because of visibility (both me seeing around parked cars and fences and cars seeing me) I am going to pass for now.

indyfabz

At some point you have to do some research for yourself. Like look at the manufacturers’ websites. I’ll bet the overwhelming majority of American based companies build their frames here.

Oh...And many of the summaries DO say (or at least hint at) where the frames are manufactured. So there’s that.

Buh-bye.

billridesbikes

Rivendell and it’s owner Grant Petersen is cycling’s iconoclast. You can read his blog, but it may make you feel bad about how you like to ride and the bikes you own.

Before you drop some cash on a titanium frame make sure to get a bike fit. Ideally, choose a bike fitter that has a sports physiology background so that you can spend some time to discuss what kind of riding you do now, what bike problems you have now, you future goals, how flexible you are, and what exercises you can do off the bike for your back. Make sure the bike fitting includes a follow up visit after you’ve put a 1000 miles or so on the new setup.

cyccommute 

Dean. Kind of Moots cheaper cousin. A Moots Vamoots frame is $5600 off the peg. A Dean El Diente frame is $2400. If you go for the El Diente SL, it’s $3400.

Melvang

Update: I am going to go with a titanium lugged carbon frame. So this pretty much leaves Seven Cycles Firefly, K Bedford Customs, and No. 22 (though their ti/carbon frames are just a carbon seat tube). Are there any other builders filling this niche in a niche market?

indyfabz

After all that.

Sign of the times?

CycleNutz

I agree.

I refuse to buy from China as much as possible. The country is run by despots, has rampant human rights abuses, rigs their currency, produces the world’s lowest quality products at a “bargain”, and screwed American workers.

veganbikes

My top recommendation would be Firefly. However you have
Seven
Moots
Independent Fabrication
Zinn Cycles
Ti Cycles
No.22
Holland Cycles
amongst many others.

Me personally I wouldn't' do lugged stuff unless it is metal on metal lugs. If you are really looking to add carbon to the ride find someone who does ExoGrid like Holland Cycles. A pure Ti-alloy frame is going to last longer than a lugged carbon frame.