What do people think of titanium bike parts?

[Korn]

Hi all, 

I’m curious what people here think about titanium as a material for bike parts. Is it really the best option, or is stainless steel good enough for most people? I’ve seen quite a few people say stainless does the job just fine, so I’m wondering when titanium actually makes sense. 

I’m also interested in how much weight saving matters to different riders, and what people usually change first when they want to lighten a bike. 

I work with bicycle components, but I’m not promoting anything here — just interested in hearing what riders think.

Cheers

[Andyb1]

You may get very different replies depending if people are thinking about fast day rides on an effectively empty bike or touring with all the variables of equipment that can cover.

[mickeg]

Components?  I see no great advantage for components that could otherwise be made of aluminum or stainless steel.

That said, I have always wanted a titanium bike.  Did I need it?  No.  But it was some bling that I always wanted.  I got lucky, got a great deal on a titanium touring frame made by Lynskey.  Built it up in 2017.  I really like the bike.  But knocking a kg or two off of the weight of a touring bike that otherwise could be made from steel is not really cost effective for the higher cost.  I would not have paid full price for the frame I got.

Other people that I have met that had titanium frames really liked them, but the only thing I can think of where titanium continues to be used is for frames. 

And only a few frame makers actually build up titanium forks to go with their frames.  I do not know why titanium forks or handlebars are extraordinarily rare.

I think Tubus makes a rack from titanium that costs a LOT, but in my opinion it does not have any great advantage over steel.

What do you have in mind?

[Andyb1]

Square taper BB always seem heavy - a Titanium square taper BB with replaceable bearings?
A similar weight to BB with external bearings but much more reliable?

[martinf]

My view - not really relevant for the large-wheel bikes I use for touring or utility rides.

But I do have a fair number of titanium parts on my "light" Brompton. The main idea here is to reduce the weight of the folded bike and make it easier to carry.

Titanium parts :
- Fork
- Rear triangle
- Handlebar
- Lower section of my telescopic seat post
- Mudguard stays
- Square taper bottom bracket axle
- Saddle rails (on a reasonably light synthetic saddle, not the minimalist type used by racers)

The fork is a bit more comfortable than the standard steel fork, as is the handlebar. The synthetic saddle is much less comfortable than the Brooks B17 or Flyer saddles that I use on most of my other bikes, but it is acceptable for the relatively short distances I ride when I use this Brompton.

These titanium parts save a bit more than 1 kg over the standard parts. I wouldn't bother about saving 1 kg on most of my bikes, it doesn't make a significant difference to me when riding.

But I really notice 1 kg less when carrying the folded Brompton.