Which Ti Bike Did You Buy and Why? Happy or Not?
#126
graybeard
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: NJ, USA
Posts: 3
Bikes: 1999 Litespeed Classic/Dura Ace 7700
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My 1999 Litespeed Classic frame was refurbished at the factory in 2005 with new decals, Kestrel carbon fork, and King headset. It was subsequently run over by an SUV, so I had to replace the fork, the wheels, and some of the components, but the frame was undamaged. That would never have happened with any other frame material. Unfortunately, my body did not fare as well, but I eventually recovered.
It's still my main road bike. fitted with 9-speed Dura Ace, Cinelli bar, 3TTT stem, Easton seat post, Selle Italia saddle, and custom wheelset built with Velocity rims by Vecchio's of Boulder, CO.
Not sure how many 10's of thousands of miles I have on this bike, but have done four centuries on it, and many metrics. It's super-comfortable with a very responsive ride, and I get lots of compliments on it.
It's still my main road bike. fitted with 9-speed Dura Ace, Cinelli bar, 3TTT stem, Easton seat post, Selle Italia saddle, and custom wheelset built with Velocity rims by Vecchio's of Boulder, CO.
Not sure how many 10's of thousands of miles I have on this bike, but have done four centuries on it, and many metrics. It's super-comfortable with a very responsive ride, and I get lots of compliments on it.
Last edited by litespeed1999; 06-06-22 at 08:34 AM.
#127
Full Member
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Franklin, TN
Posts: 422
Bikes: 2016 Cervelo R3 & 1999 Litespeed Tuscany
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Update to update: I lived more or less happily with the 7410 groupset on the Ultimate for 5 months. It was my favorite bike, I think I took it for at least 6 long Sunday rides in a row. But ultimately (haha) the 39x25 low gear just wasn't low enough for any real climbing.
SO, I stripped that off and replaced it with R8000 Ultegra. Now I have 39x32 low. That's MUCH better!!! And yes, I AM happy with it!
SO, I stripped that off and replaced it with R8000 Ultegra. Now I have 39x32 low. That's MUCH better!!! And yes, I AM happy with it!
Sounds familiar. A couple years ago I came to the realization that I can't turn the original 53x39 chainring on my old Tuscany like my 22 year younger self so I swapped the group over to a compact 105. Much better now!
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#128
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: A Yankee in Houston, TX
Posts: 1,074
Bikes: State Bicycle Co. Undefeated Track SS/FG, Lynskey Helix-Bronze
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With just about over 4K miles on the Helix, no regrets as this being my first Ti build. To this day, my biggest pro about my Helix is not feeling tired or fatigued after hours and hours on the road, especially out here in NYC. There are times when I'll do a double take on the Karoo2 thinking I'm not riding at my usual pace/speed but I am. It just rolls so smooth and my sentiment hasn't changed about how tamed this bike is even when I'm pushing out the saddle.