Hi! This is a question that I imagine will simply be a matter of preference. Anyways, I have several vintage steel bikes (I really need to downsize) and one aluminum bike from approximately 2000. I'd be interested in acquiring a bike of a different build material, to compare and have more variety. But I'm not really a serious enough cyclist to justify something new; rather, I'm looking for something that's towards the bottom of its depreciation curve that could be sold in a year without taking a big hit. And while I'm not horrendously out of shape, my own fitness (lack of) is a larger variable than buying a bike that's brand new and 2% more aero. My use case isn't racing, but sorta-quick rides that usually range from 20-60 miles.
And so: I've found a nearby "Spectrum" Titanium road bike that was fairly high-end back around the year 2000. It has 9-speed Ultegra, Ksyrium ES wheels, CK headset, carbon fork and cranks, and the frame is a custom-specced Merlin that was painted and assembled by Tom Kellogg. Probably a $7000+ bike for whoever first bought it, adjusting for inflation. At $800, it's on the more inexpensive side of Titanium bike I can find near me. There's a couple that are slightly cheaper, but they are lower spec, even older, or need work.
Alternatively, I could get a 2012-ish Specialized Roubaix sl3 for $600. Carbon fiber frame/fork, wheels that are not anything special, and Ultegra 6700 or 6800, not sure.
So… is it worth the premium to buy old Titanium?
by gregn8r1
17 Comments
I’ll probably get roasted for this but id take the carbon bike. The titanium will last longer but 9spd parts are more difficult to find and given the age of the bike it’s more likely to go wrong.
Great price for the bike and I’m sure it rides as good as the carbon one.
I would trust an older Ti bike over an older Carbon bike. Plus titanium is inherently cooler.
I would get the Ti bike and then slowly upgrade it to newer 11 or 12 speed groupset as you get some miles in the saddle.
As another said, I would trust the older titanium bike more than I would an older carbon bike.
Of course, the more important question is, which one fits best? If they’re comparable, I’d take the titanium in a heartbeat. Plus, I think this bike looks really good too.
Good luck!
I bought an old Ti bike and rebuilt it with 11sp ultegra. Was easy to do and the bike felt like new when I was done.
I have a 2002 Merlin XL. It is my main ride and will outlast me. The only downside to Ti is the springiness. That’s only a real factor if you want to race it. It is real fun popping out of turns.
Or you could get a new Lynskey ti frame for $800 with thru axles and disc brakes. Costs more but way more future proof
is bike A really titanium? I thought they were impossible to paint.
Long term carbon doesn’t experience cyclic fatigue like titanium, aluminum, and steel frames do. Carbon can also be repaired. So normally I’d say carbon, however, those Specialized frames are known to break and be unrepairable around the seat stays where that weird looking flex point is built in. So on that I’d go with the Ti frame.
The issue with the Ti frame though is it’s custom and might not fit your body proportions well. So make sure it fits first.
I have both, 2000 litespeed, 9 sp Campy, 11sp 2015 emonda, got both used.
Emonda’s a little under 16lbs, stiff, helps keep up with younger riders on hills.
Litespeed smoother ride, more stable, less twitchy, more comfy.
I’d recommend ti, unless sl3 is a lot lighter and you need that.
It’s sounds like you want a bike to occupy a spot in your garage and personality. None of your options are wise for someone who wants a great bike to ride all year. Just get the titanium option so you can be unique among your friends with carbon bikes. It won’t matter for you.
Roubaix. Nothing wrong with carbon, even “old” carbon. Go with the newer technology and design.
First time seeing a titanium bike. Mainly depends on your preference, budget, size, how aero you want it to be (speed), and how long it will last for you.
The obvious answer is the Spectrum, Tom Kellogg is a genius and it was a sad day when he closed up for good.
One thing to consider here is what is clearly custom geometry on the Ti bike. This bike was custom made for someone and that custom might not work for you. The Geo is probably solid, that is what Tom can be trusted to have done, but if it’s right for you is a big IF.
That Roubaix is probably fine, but could be problematic from an age standpoint at first glance. It’s at least pre-stemfork but still pretty old.
After looking a bit closer, the one thing that is very clear is that bike was never ridden. Those are original tires, and valve caps and the bartape/saddle look completely unused.
You might have a hidden gem there if it was stored well and climate controlled and out of UV. That thing could need some new tires, tubes, and lubrication and be ready to roll brand new.
The Spectrum is a project, which if you’re up for could be worthwhile if the fit works, but that Roubaix might be an easy $700-900 all in to get straight out to riding rather than messing around with replacing every part other than the frame on the Spectrum.
Get a mech to assess the Roubaix, meet at a shop. Pretty sure that thing is gonna be 100x easier to deal with.
Titanium
Spectrum is a very well regarded builder
The Mavic Ksyrium wheels are excellent, they are the EL version and are light and bombproof
The choice is clear
The only material breakage I’ve ever had was a set of titanium MTB bars. Snapped off of a 2 foot drop, not on a weld or anything. Nearly killed me and sliced my hand to shreds. Don’t believe the longevity hype of titanium (as in it’s the only way), any material can let you down.
Ti