First Titanium build. Lynskey.

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Chalky
Posts: 4
Joined: Mon Jan 21, 2019 6:07 am

by Chalky

I've always wanted a titanium road bike. I currently ride an Sworks Tarmac. I love the geometry of it so I'm looking at the new Lynskey R480 frameset. I would like to know what people think of my choice and of Lynskey frames. I'm 43 and 6 foot 3 inches tall. Their XL frameset seems perfect for me.

Cheers.

none
Posts: 291
Joined: Mon Dec 17, 2018 11:29 pm
Location: NE PA

by none

What are you planning to use this titanium bike for?
Mostly training and racing?
Lightweight climbing bike?
Any luggage carrying capacity needs?
Any use of fenders?

by Weenie


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Chalky
Posts: 4
Joined: Mon Jan 21, 2019 6:07 am

by Chalky

Winter bike with mudgaurds and the odd ride out with my 9 year old son.
I've just realised the tyre clearance is a max of 28mm. I was hoping for a little more to May be turn it into a gravel bike one day.

AJS914
Posts: 5397
Joined: Tue Jan 28, 2014 6:52 pm

by AJS914

Get a gravel bike then. They make great winter road bikes with the right set of wheels/tires. The R480 looks uncompromisingly stiff to me.

morrisond
Posts: 1325
Joined: Thu Mar 25, 2004 8:34 pm

by morrisond

How heavy are you? If you are over 200lbs I would suggest you won't like the feel of Titanium under power - especially compared to your Sworks which is one of the stiffest frames available. I have been there and done that a few times.

The downtube on the Lynskey definiely looks big enough - but I'm not sure about the Chainstays and dropouts. The Dropouts look a little iffy and you may end up with a wishy washy rear end.

The hooded dropouts look better on the disc version - that should have a stiffer rear end.

Keep in mind that almost all the Lynskey's have that Aluminum ring as part of the headtube - IMO it looks a little wonky. They do that to keep costs down.

I would suggest that high end steel will give you better stiffness (Columbus HSS) at very comparable weight (maybe 100 grams difference in XL sizes - and the steel could be lighter - it just depends).

If you want a really stiff Ti frameset - I would consider an Wittson Illuminati - custom made for your size for not a lot more money.

They are very responsive if you want to deal direct - https://wittson.com/handmade-titanium-f ... illuminati

Otherwise Blacksmith in Toronto can help you.

morrisond
Posts: 1325
Joined: Thu Mar 25, 2004 8:34 pm

by morrisond

I missed the part about Fenders - Wittson can add that for you and build the frame with more clearance and use a fork with Fender Mounts - the Columbus Futura Gravel will take up to 40mm tires and is a faction of the price of an ENVE fork.

You could look at Curve Cycling out of Australia as well. The Curve Belgie Spirit is a great bike but may not be stiff enough for you.

In steel - something like the Fairlight Secan could be a great option - https://fairlightcycles.com/product/sec ... 8d115eb4b3 - take VAT off that price.

Reynolds 853 is fantastic steel and that bike should be quite stiff and still ride nice.

You would love Gravel bikes - especially riding with your Son as he gets older where I'm sure you'll be riding a lot more trails/paths - Nice 35-38mm tires give you the ability to goof around while waiting for your Son and do some mild off roading.

Have fun with your Decision.

markdjr
Posts: 250
Joined: Sun Sep 17, 2017 10:21 pm

by markdjr

I ride a 58cm Tarmac and have a Lynskey Pro Cross for my gravel/rain bike. I got a large and it is just a tad smaller than my 58cm. I have been super happy with my Lynskey, I have fit 42c tires and 47c 650b both with room to spare. Currently running 32c tires for all purpose and feel fine on fast group road rides.

Chalky
Posts: 4
Joined: Mon Jan 21, 2019 6:07 am

by Chalky

Morrisond, thank you for your knowledge and help. Yesterday I first about curve cycling and wittson.
What are your thoughts on Enigma from Brighton?
Yes expensive but they are UK made and you can have a Saturday appointment to sit and view them.

morrisond
Posts: 1325
Joined: Thu Mar 25, 2004 8:34 pm

by morrisond

Enigma makes beautiful bikes. I believe they are made outside the UK but finished in the UK but that wouldn't concern me. The Escape looks like a great bike with 42mm Tire Clearance.

Put some 38mm Compass tires on that and you'll wonder why you ever bothered with Skinny tired bikes.

by Weenie


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Chalky
Posts: 4
Joined: Mon Jan 21, 2019 6:07 am

by Chalky

I'm stuck between the Etape or Evoke?

Mudgaurds or not??

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