Planning on getting your first bike? We know it is a daunting task but it really doesn’t need to be! Thanks to the Bicycle Boom of 2020, bikes have exploded in popularity, and there are more than thousands of manufacturers making amazing bicycles, just for you!
With that being said, we know that there are a lot of bikes in the market, and it is impossible to go through each and every one of them, that’s why we are here for you. Whether it is your first bike or your tenth, let us make that choice easy for you. Should you go with a titanium bike or a carbon fiber bike? Let’s get into the details!
You might be confused when you hear the terms “Titanium Bikes” or “Carbon Fiber Bikes”, these are the bike frames that are being referred to. After all, the frame of the bike is the most critical component, think of it like the skeleton of your bike. In order to perform better, you will need a strong core, which means the skeleton of the bike (Bike Frame) needs to be strong and durable.
Titanium and Carbon Fiber are both amazing materials, but the right one is going to depend on your riding style, we simply can’t give you concrete answers, but we can still explain every single bit about these bikes though. In this guide, we will be talking about both titanium and carbon bike frames, while also comparing their performance, weight, comfort, and much more.
What Are Titanium Bikes?
Titanium Bikes refer to bikes that have titanium frames, these bikes are very high-quality and have enhanced durability. So who uses these bikes? These bikes are used by almost every kind of rider, whether you use your bike all year round, gravel riders, bicycle tourists, people also love getting a customer-made titanium bike for themselves.
One of the best properties of titanium is that you can use them to make any kind of high-quality bike from scratch, may it be a fast-paced road bike or a beefy mountain bike, the possibilities are endless. Once you try them out, you will find that these bikes have excellent ride quality, lifespan, and comfort.
Titanium Bike Frames: A Detailed Insight
There is a very common myth regarding titanium bikes, people think that pure aluminum is used to construct bicycles, which is not true. Titanium alloy is in fact used to construct bicycles, this is titanium alloyed with aluminum and vanadium. Titanium is a very precious material that is used in construction by the aerospace industry. This metal also possesses interesting properties such as being lightweight, durable, and strong. Comparatively, titanium is 40% lighter than steel but it has the same strength and durability as steel, which makes it preferable.
Another interesting fact that we need to highlight is that titanium has the highest strength-to-weight ratio of any metal, now you get why it is more popular. Unlike steel, titanium is also resistant to corrosion which enhances its overall durability. Even after a lot of usages, it doesn’t fatigue, unlike aluminum. Judging from these properties, you know why titanium is a highly-prized material.
Since pure titanium is alloyed with different materials for the construction of bicycles, each element is used at different levels to shape the physical properties of the end product. Once the titanium is alloyed, it shows remarkable changes, it has improved strength and even reduces the weight of the bike it is applied on, how cool is that? Frame builders that use titanium tubing in the construction of their bikes often label their products as “Aerospace-Grade”, which can be understood.
When looking for titanium bikes, you will come across the 3Al-2.5V, which is the most common type of tubing. In these bikes, the titanium is alloyed with 3.5% aluminum and 2.5% vanadium. Apart from this, you will also come across the 6Al-4V tubing. You will only find this kind of tubing on premium and high-end bikes, since this is a harder-to-work kind of tubing, smaller parts such as a head tube or dropouts are also made from this.
The construction process of titanium bikes is also very interesting, the titanium frame tubes can easily be butted or given a straight gauge. If you go for butted tubes, then know that they are thinner in the middle and thicker on each end. Having a build like this reduces the weight of the tubes but the strength is retained. Since these frames are very hard to construct, most manufacturers don’t even offer this option to customers. So if you are getting your bike custom-built then either you will have to spend a lot or find a manufacturer which will offer this kind of option. The titanium tubes are also beloved because of their minimal weight, which will make riding more enjoyable.
There are a variety of ways to bring the titanium tubes into shape, they can either be cold drawn or hydroformed. Although this might be new to you, hydroforming is a fairly easy process.
Benefits of Titanium Bikes
There are a lot of benefits to owning a titanium bike, and here are some of them.
Durability Like None Other
Of all the metals, titanium is the strongest and the most resilient. With its aerospace-grade durability, it is a fitting choice for the construction of bicycles. Apart from being strong and durable, titanium is also resistant to corrosion and doesn’t crack under immense pressure.
Lightweight
Although it is the strongest material, titanium bikes are actually the most lightweight of the bunch. This amazing property makes the bikes very easy to maneuver and handle. In the case of longer rides, there is little to no fatigue for the rider.
Top-Notch Comfort
Since titanium can absorb vibrations and shocks very easily, they provide top-notch comfort to the user. So if you are a cyclist that loves riding on tough terrain or just likes riding for long, a titanium bike will be the best match for you.
Tons of Customization Options
Titanium can be molded and adjusted in different ways, this opens the pathway to many customization options. This allows users a great level of personalization which isn’t available with other bikes, only a few bike types can offer this. If you are a rider who has different preferences and body dimensions, then you should really go with titanium bikes.
Attractive Aesthetics
There is no doubt that titanium bikes have a very distinct and sleek appearance, which makes them very attractive. Not only are they amazing in performance but also have defining aesthetics.
They Are Cheaper In The Long Run
Titanium frames last longer than any other type of bike, which makes them cheaper in the long run. With high durability and flexibility, this is why you should go with titanium bikes.
Drawbacks of Titanium Bikes
Although titanium bikes are great, we do have some concerns about them. Here are some of them.
They Are Expensive
Titanium is a rare and expensive metal, and since it is difficult to work around and manufacture, the cost of these bikes goes relatively up. This might make it very difficult for budget-limited riders to get their hands on a titanium bike.
Difficult To Manufacture
From a manufacturing point of view, titanium can be very hard to play with. In order to produce titanium bikes, complex knowledge, and skilled labor is required which drives the manufacturing costs to rise abnormally. If the manufacturing costs rise, limited bikes are produced which can further increase their prices.
Stiffness
Yes, titanium can absorb shocks and vibrations really well, but it is also very stiff compared to aluminum or carbon. Stiffness can lead to an unforgiving ride on rougher or bumpy terrain, this can lead to the rider being uncomfortable.
Harder Repairs
Titanium bikes have exploded in popularity but there is still not a lot of them. So if your titanium bike needs a repair then the parts required for that process are going to be difficult to find or they will be very expensive. You might even have problems getting them serviced or modified.
What Are Carbon Fiber Bikes?
Carbon Fiber is the most common material used for the construction of bikes. Bikes made from carbon fiber have high-end performance and durability, almost all professional bikes are used from this material. Even when it comes to professional cyclists, their only choice is to go with carbon fiber bikes, why is this material so special?
We all know that Carbon Fiber is a very favored and popular material used for the construction of bikes, but did you know that it was actually developed for usage in the aerospace industry? Carbon Fiber possesses some amazing qualities such as being lightweight, strong, and durable, which is why a lot of manufacturers actually love using it. Just like titanium, it also has a great strength-to-weight ratio.
How Is Carbon Fiber Formed?
Many of you may not know but carbon fiber is a composite material. The manufacturing process of carbon fiber isn’t that complex but it needs to be understood, this material is made from super-strong fibers which are woven into sheets, they are then bound together by either epoxy or resin. For the individual carbon fibers, the process is a bit different, they are made by processing a polymer into strands of carbon atoms that have a diameter of just 5-10 microns. There are thousands of these strands or filaments which are combined with each other to form a ribbon or a tow. These tows are then bound together using resin. The end result of this process is a composite material. Once the material is complete, it is layered and shaped into different bicycle frames using molds and heat which is the standard process.
Benefits of Carbon Fiber Bikes
There are a lot of benefits of owning a carbon fiber bike, and here are some of them that you should know.
They Are Lightweight
Carbon Fiber is the lightest material and it can produce amazing bikes which are lightweight, faster, and more durable than others. Apart from being lightweight, bikes made from carbon fiber are also very strong and ensure a comfortable ride, which makes the rider enjoy the journey for a longer duration.
Stellar Handling
One of the best things about these bikes is their stiffness and handling, we are talking about how well they can maneuver. Even if you are getting your first bicycle, it shouldn’t be hard to use, you will actually fall in love with your first carbon fiber bike just because of its flawless handling.
More Customization Than Others
Manufacturers love making bikes with carbon fiber, unlike titanium. A material that is easy enough to play around with is produced more and a lot of customization options are made available for the users. You will always come across astonishing carbon fiber bikes that have unique shock absorption and aerodynamic properties.
Easier Repairs
This is a direct contrast with titanium bikes, since the materials for carbon fiber bikes are widely available, the repairs come easily and cheap. You can even learn to repair your carbon fiber bike yourself with the right training and knowledge. Just make sure that you have the right frame materials with you (Carbon frame).
Reduced Noise/Vibration
Another comparison with titanium bikes, carbon bikes don’t produce any kind of creaking noise while being used. Users of most titanium bikes often complain that there is an annoying creaking sound whenever they use their titanium bikes.
Apart from this, carbon fiber bikes are also adept at reducing the vibration that riders get to feel while traveling. This is really good news for users that suffer from joint pain or just love riding their bikes for long hours, get yourself a carbon bike frame and all will be great!
Drawbacks of Carbon Fiber Bikes
Carbon Fiber Bikes are great but they too have some weaknesses and concerns that we need to discuss.
Compromised Durability
Even though carbon fiber is actually lighter than other materials, it is also weaker, especially if you compare it directly with titanium. If subjected to crashes or intense impacts, there will be serious repercussions. Even when the durability of these bikes is compromised, repairing them is possible but expensive.
Difficult Repairs
Once broken or severely damaged, you will have to repair the carbon fiber bike frame, the repair is possible but these frames cannot be welded. In order to repair them, epoxy or other adhesives are used. This isn’t easy, and a lot of time and resources are burned in this process.
Damage To The Environment
Did you know that manufacturing carbon fiber is a very energy-intensive process and can actually harm the environment? This type of manufacturing process creates toxic waste at unprecedented levels which can be devastating if not controlled.
A Big No To Carrying Luggage
Most carbon fiber bike frames don’t allow mounts to be installed. When you can’t mount bike racks or panniers, carrying luggage would just become a nuisance.
Not Comfortable Enough
There have been recent reports that carbon fiber bikes are not what they used to be, and users are expressing increased discomfort. This is completely possible due to the stiffness of carbon fiber, it cannot perform that well on rough terrain and won’t be able to withstand vibrations/shocks.
Titanium Vs Carbon Fiber Bikes: In-Depth Frame Analysis
There cannot be better frame materials than carbon fiber and titanium, both of these are high-end are enhance the overall properties of the respective bikes. With that being said, there are a lot of differences between their frames. You can use either a titanium bike frame or carbon fiber frames to build responsive, durable, and high-performance bikes. Since both of these materials have their own benefits and drawbacks, let’s take an in-depth look at each of these frames.
What Is The Frame Weight?
Let’s kickstart the comparison with the frame weight difference between the two materials. Titanium and carbon fiber are both lightweight materials but carbon fiber is the lightest, you won’t find a lighter material than carbon fiber which is used in the production of bicycles. What’s the benefit of a lightweight bike though? A carbon fiber bike actually allows you to ride faster, maneuver like a pro and climb without a sweat.
For example, an average carbon fiber frame weighs 680 grams lesser than a titanium bike frame. This is an average bike frame that we are talking about, if we compare a higher-end model then that will be 450 grams lesser than a titanium frame.
The total weight of a carbon fiber bike on an average scale is 6.8 kg (15 lbs). This is the minimum weight of a bike that is actually permitted by UCI Rules (Union Cycliste Internationale). You cannot go lesser than this, although the frames weigh around 700-1100 grams.
The titanium bike frames weigh around 1475-1700 grams (3.25-3.75 lbs). If you go for the lightest of the bunch, that will weigh around 1150 grams, which is similar to a modern steel frame (Almost!).
Suppose you are going for a mountain bike and a road bike, the weight difference will be more in a mountain bike, just because it has more materials. Now that you have a rough idea about the frame weight of these two materials, you must be wondering about the lightness of carbon fiber. Why is that so?
Carbon fiber is actually lighter than titanium because it is less dense. Modern frames have a density of 1.9 grams per cm^3. Titanium frames on the other hand have a density of 4.5 grams per cm^3. The difference in density between these two materials is almost half, which is amazing if you think about it.
Apart from being light, carbon fiber also has a great strength-to-weight ratio but is nowhere as strong as titanium. We understand that frame material isn’t the only thing that determines the weight of the frame. Quality is a really big factor that you need to consider, there is a lot of difference between a low-quality carbon frame and a high-quality one. A low-quality carbon frame will actually contain more resin and filers, this increases the overall weight of the frame. A higher-quality frame on the other hand will be the lightest you have ever seen. Yes, a lower-quality carbon fiber frame could have the same weight as a titanium frame.
Difference In Comfort
Comfort is a really big factor when deciding a bike’s frame, titanium proves to be much more comfortable than carbon fiber. You must be wondering why, because carbon fiber is lighter than titanium. Well, the main thing over here is about how well it performs on the road, titanium does a really good job of absorbing shocks from the road. Titanium is a type of material that can actually flex while you ride, it is less rigid if we compare it to carbon fiber.
Riding on rough terrain can be full of adventure but you can also face severe issues. Whenever you hit a bump on the road while traveling on a titanium bike, the bike’s frame will slightly deform to absorb a significant part of that energy. You don’t actually feel that bump on the road and your ride continues to be comfortable. When you hit the same bump on the road with a rigid carbon fiber bike frame, the energy is transmitted through the frame and into your body which can be injurious. This will make the ride feel very harsh as compared to a titanium bike. No matter what you do, you will feel every bump on the road with a carbon fiber bike.
If you prefer long-distance riding like bikepacking, touring, or gravel riding, then our suggestion would be to go for titanium bikes. The smoothness of the ride will allow you to travel for long hours without any kind of fatigue or discomfort.
Durability
We bet you already know this but we are going to tell you anyway, titanium is way more durable than carbon fiber. Since titanium is a much less brittle material, its durability is enhanced automatically. In the case of an intense impact, there are few chances that titanium will crack open or get a dent, a carbon fiber bike can be harmed though.
That’s not all though, titanium frames are resistant to corrosion and they don’t fatigue. If your bike is equipped with a high-end titanium frame, it will withstand a lot of punishment. Carbon fiber is a brittle material, it isn’t that much durable in the long run.
So, if you get into an intense crash with your titanium bike, you will only get cosmetic damages like a dent. The bike will still be rideable, and you can always get the frame repaired (Will Be Costly!). If you are a professional cyclist and your chosen discipline involves a lot of crashing then our best bet would be to go with a titanium bike. With these bikes, you will be able to conquer challenging trails without any kind of worry.
If you like traveling and taking your bike with you, then you are going to be so happy with a titanium frame. Even if the airline carelessly throws around your bike or worse, no kind of harm will come to it, the same case applies if you travel by bus. We told you, titanium is the best material for high-quality touring and bikepacking bikes.
Titanium is the kind of material that can handle a life’s worth of punishment and abuse, the same cannot be said about carbon fiber. With titanium frames, there will be no obstacle on your path, you can take on any kind of challenging terrain, ride on remote terrain, and just go crazy!
Let’s talk about carbon fiber now, they are also extremely lightweight and durable. If you were to ride under normal conditions, you will find these bikes to be extremely light and strong, until you get into a collision, of course. In the case of an intense collision, the carbon fiber frame won’t be able to withstand the impact and will be devastated. Apart from this, you will be surprised to know that it also has a great strength-to-weight ratio, just like titanium. It also doesn’t fatigue and corrode, sharing similar properties with aluminum.
Every time you use a carbon fiber bike, you need to keep in mind that this material is a bit brittle. It can cause a lot of problems for you in the case of a hard impact, the frame can be cracked open easily. If you are a rider that is always careful and doesn’t crash often then you have nothing to worry about.
The Frame Fitting
No matter what kind of bike you decide to go with, it must always fit you properly. Getting a bike that fits you properly will be very beneficial in the long run, you will have confidence like never before, and your cycling performance will also increase.
We would always suggest you get a professional bike fitting before buying any high-end bicycle, may it be titanium or carbon fiber. In the end, all of us want to feel comfortable while riding our bikes, right? So, should you go with a titanium or carbon fiber bike for the best fitting? Let’s discuss it!
Titanium frames are much better than carbon fiber, they offer a better fitting because the tubes can always be fine-tuned. Another great thing about this material is that manufacturers actually offer custom-made titanium bikes, according to the rider’s height, weight, and other dimensions. Carbon fiber bikes are available in pre-made sizes, but the range of options for the customer is very limited there.
In the case of titanium bikes, the frame builder can actually tweak the geometry according to the preferences of the rider. When the rider makes the choice to go with a titanium frame, the frame builder can cut the tubes according to the rider’s measurements to make sure the bike is a perfect fit.
If you plan on going with carbon fiber bikes, you must know that they are sold off the shelf, and there is little to no option for them to get custom-made. These bikes will be available in different sizes and you will have to go with the size that fits you the best, simple as that. Sometimes, you may love a specific bike model but it wouldn’t come in your size, in this case, you will have to choose a different model which fits you better.
Related: Bike Size Chart
Titanium Vs Carbon Fiber: Differentiating Ride Characteristics
Striking a compromise is very crucial when building a bike frame. Manufacturers know this and so should you, there is no bike material that is ever going to be perfect, some aspects are going to be a hit, while some will be a miss. Any kind of frame needs to be stiff laterally so that it can be handled easily and also deliver an effective ride. Apart from this, some vertical compliance is also necessary, we don’t want the ride to feel very harsh. Let’s discuss the different ride characteristics of both these frame materials!
Ride Quality
Users that have tried out titanium bikes have said that it is the best material and offers exceptional ride characteristics. You must be wondering why? Titanium is one of the rarest materials that offers an exceptional balance between compliance and stiffness. When we talk about stiffness, titanium actually borrows the stiffness of aluminum and carbon fiber and puts it to even greater use. When all of this is done as it should be, the bike handles like a charm.
Titanium also borrows the flex of steel without ever feeling too spongy, and it works in different ways too. While riding a titanium bike, riders will always enjoy a smooth and comfortable ride without having to flex and waste energy where they shouldn’t. Another reason why titanium is preferred is because of the customization options it offers.
Let’s talk about carbon fiber now. It also offers amazing ride quality and is the lightest of all the bike materials. Bike manufacturers can find a perfect balance between stiffness and comfort. The handling that these bikes offer is very predictable and also responsive, you certainly won’t have any problems. Since it has a low density, it offers exceptional vibration absorption qualities. Manufacturers love playing around with carbon fiber frames, they can engineer and fine-tune the frames so that the bikes have excellent ride characteristics.
Just as an example, manufacturers can actually vary the thickness of carbon fiber layers, they can change the direction of the carbon fibers, they can use different amounts of resin, and there are just so many options to play around with.
If you are an engineer that designs and builds carbon fiber frames then all of these options will be made available to you from the get-go. Using these extensive tools, you can alter parts of the carbon fiber frame, you can make them more flexible or stiffer. Engineers can also optimize the carbon fiber frame for only one specific quality.
Ride quality is always going to be subjective, some might love carbon fiber while some might want to go with a titanium frame. The thing is, both of these materials are used to make premium and high-quality bikes.
Frame Longevity
Frame longevity is a very delicate topic to talk about, this is because there are a lot of complexities that revolve around it. Let’s talk about titanium bike frames first, they actually last forever, if you take proper care of them. Titanium is an exceptionally durable material, it can handle a lot of hurt without ever cracking or needing a repair. Since this material is less brittle, it can survive a harder impact as compared to carbon fiber.
It also doesn’t fatigue because it has a fatigue limit, although this will vary from bike to bike. Any kind of stress below the fatigue limit and your bike will survive for a lifetime. Apart from this, titanium is also resistant to corrosion and degradation, which enhances its durability.
Carbon fiber should also last for a lifetime, at least according to theory. One of the best things about carbon fiber is that it doesn’t corrode, this is because it isn’t a metal. It doesn’t have a fatigue limit just like titanium, but it does fatigue slowly over time. Carbon fiber is a strong and powerful material, as long as you take care of it, your bike should last a lifetime.
If taken care of properly, carbon fiber lasts around 6-10 years, while titanium can last around much more than that.
Cost
Cost is another factor that you need to pay attention to, you must keep in mind that both carbon fiber and titanium are high-quality and premium frames. If you are budget conscious then you should probably stay away from them and look for other options. The cost of these frames is going to vary from one manufacturer to the other, and the quality of the frame will also matter here, including if you want to get the frame custom-made or not.
For a high-end carbon fiber or titanium frame, you should be willing to part away with $2500-$7000. This is just a specific range we are talking about, it can be more than that. In the case of a lower-end titanium or carbon frame, you should have a budget of $2000 but that too can increase.
Aesthetics
Carbon fiber and titanium frames have different aesthetics, you cannot go comparing one with the other as this depends on the rider’s preferences. With that being said, there is no denying that titanium frames do look more attractive. Most of these frames actually feature round tubes, which is pretty neat! They are not covered up with flashy colors or decals, you will actually get to experience smooth and shiny metal which is hard to come by. A high-end titanium frame is nothing less than a timeless piece of art.
Carbon fiber frames are attractive too but they are manufactured with aerodynamic properties in mind. You will notice that the tubes are often curved. Yes, they help a lot with performance but they look plain horrid. So if you want to go with a more attractive option, titanium should be your priority!
Which One Is More Environmentally Friendly?
Rising globalization has forced the world to be more generous and also cautious towards mother nature, cyclists prefer to ride a bike that doesn’t harm the environment. Since cars will be replaced by bikes in the future, it is very important to look for a bike that is green and efficient. You will find that titanium is the kind of material that can easily be recycled. So if you are looking for an environmentally-friendly material, titanium should be your top choice.
Since it doesn’t corrode or degrade, these frames/bikes last for a lifetime, if you are careful enough. Even if your titanium bike frame wears out at some point, you can easily recycle it and make other products.
Carbon fiber is the kind of material that is not made for the environment, and it cannot be recycled. Since they are not a metal, they also cannot be melted down and turned into other products once they wear out.
Related: Environmental Benefits Of Cycling: How Biking Creates A Sustainable Future
Rider Safety
Rider safety is something very critical when choosing a bike frame. With that being said, carbon fiber frames are actually very dangerous if we compare them directly with titanium. Even with a sudden impact, they can crack open very easily, and these cracks are sometimes very hard to notice when repairing. Cracks which are under the paint are impossible to spot most of the time, if you don’t know what to repair then how can the process start? Apart from this, sometimes poor or average-quality materials or silly mistakes during production can render a carbon fiber bike unfit for usage.
As per reports, the carbon fiber frame can fail without warning. If this happens at the wrong time, then it could prove to be catastrophic. So if you are speeding down a hill at 30 or 40 mph and the bike tube splits in half then you could end up having a fatal accident. Even if you do want to use a carbon fiber frame, make sure that you get the highest quality one, otherwise, you will have a lot of problems.
Titanium frames on the other hand are very durable and strong, even before failing they give a lot of warning signs. You will start seeing cracks before the frame gets damaged or worse. Since these frames aren’t painted, you can easily notice the cracks. Overall, titanium bikes ensure proper rider safety!
Should You Choose A Carbon Fiber Or Titanium Bike Frame?
We have discussed a lot about carbon fiber or titanium bike frames, so which one should you go for? The answer to this question is also subjective, as it depends on the preferences of the rider. If you are looking for a high-end bike that will last for a lifetime, then you should go with a titanium bike. These bikes are actually customized and made from the ground up to fit your body perfectly.
Titanium is a very durable material that doesn’t crack under pressure, it can really take a beating. So, if you plan on riding on rugged terrain or even performing some risky maneuvers, a titanium bike is your best bet. It also doesn’t corrode or degrade.
Planning on using your bike for multiple purposes, a titanium bike will be your best choice.
What about carbon fiber bikes? If you are a competitive rider, then you may want to use a carbon fiber bike. All professional riders are using carbon fiber bikes these days, and so should you. If you are the type of person that obsesses over weight and efficiency, then carbon fiber will rid you of all your worries.
With the advancement in technology, carbon fiber has only become more stronger and durable. The material has also become highly customizable, so riders will have a lot of tinkering options.
What About Other Bike Frame Materials?
Carbon fiber and titanium are high-end bike frame materials that you can go for, but you can also choose aluminum and steel if you are low on budget. Watch this fun yet helpful video to help you choose other bike frame materials!
Our Expert Advice On Choosing A Bike Frame
We have some helpful tips for you that can make this complex decision much easier. Whenever you go looking for a bike frame, do consider these helpful tips.
- Choose The Right Frame Size: The right frame size is very critical, you absolutely need to go with a bike frame that fits your properly. With the right-sized bike, your cycling performance will increase and so will your confidence.
- Frame Geometry: Being a rider, you should know that a bike’s geometry can affect the ride characteristics of that said bike, this includes handling, comfort, and steering. Titanium, carbon fiber, and other frame materials are available in different geometries.
- Wheel Size: There are some frames that are only compatible with only one wheel size because the wheel size actually affects the bottom bracket height. Tire clearance and brake compatibility are also something that you should consider.
- Different Brake Types: Not all bike frames will allow you to install rim brakes or disc brakes, you will have to be very careful with that.
- Cost: Carbon fiber and titanium are high-end and very expensive frames and unless you have the budget to afford them, you should steer clear.
- Till When Do You Plan To Keep Your Bike: If you are planning on using your bike for a very long time, you should invest in high-end frame materials, otherwise just go with aluminum.
FAQs
What is better titanium or carbon fiber?
The answer to this question is subjective, but titanium is way more comfortable and durable than carbon fiber.
Do titanium bikes rust?
Pure Titanium is rust-resistant, other titanium frames also don’t corrode or degrade.
How long can titanium last?
Titanium can last for a lifetime if taken care of properly.
Recap
We know that you are scavenging the market for high-end frame materials, carbon fiber, and titanium are both great options to go with. The interesting thing is that you cannot go wrong with either one of the, as each of them has its own strengths and weaknesses. The ultimate choice will fall down to the type of riding you do, how long you plan on using your bike, and other preferences.
If you want the lightest material and want to ride competitively then carbon fiber should be your choice. On the other hand, if you want a bike that will last for a lifetime and which should be customer-made according to your body dimensions then go with titanium. No matter what choice you make here, you will not be disappointed!
