Material definition and history
Titanium has a low density, is very strong for its weight and can easily be alloyed with iron or aluminium to produce strong/lightweight alloys. In addition it is quite resistant to corrosion, however is quite hard to work with and expensive, leading to prices 3-5 times that of Aluminium bikes.
Remember, the fit of your bike is more important than material! Read our frame size guide to get the best fitting bike possible.
Titanium bikes
Steel and titanium frames are about equal in strength, however titanium is about half the weight and half the stiffness. Titanium frames give a springy ride due to the reduced stiffness, which is good for loaded touring.
To avoid too much spring, titanium frames often get larger diameter tubes to stiffen them up, like aluminium frames. This increases the weight slightly, but by making the walls thinner, a frame still lighter than the normal steel equivalent can be made.
Good points
- Long life.
- Corrosion resistant.
- Very light.
- Comfortable, springy ride.
Failure
It bends before it breaks and can be fixed relatively easily.
Best suited to
- Exclusive, no expense spared bikes.
