When last we spoke, I was contemplating the perfect bicycle frame. After many years of saving and some good fortune I am afforded the privilege of choice in this matter. I have always had an alloy bike, mostly because they were the most cost effective (cheapest) option. Going back to my Giant AL1.75 with XT shifting, Onza brakes and Kevlar beaded tires, and most recently the Stache, the aluminum bike has been the safe choice for me.
As far back as I can remember, mountain bike had two main choices when I was a kid: steel or aluminum. As a teenager riding a steel bike, I remember being tempted by the John Tomac edition full suspension Giant ATX 990, which my brother campaigned in local races in the ’90s. Replete with carbon fiber Spin wheels and lots of titanium bits, it was the hottest thing on the hill.
Of course the internet came along and the scope of knowledge increased, which expanded on my idea of the Platonic ideal bike building material. Mountain Bike Action magazine could only take me so far. Somewhere along the way, I discovered carbon fiber bikes and lusted after one of those for a while. I still have a carbon road bike, which I have dubbed my Cadillac because of the mellow ride.
Also, the passage of time has reminded me that I have spent a few minutes taking a dirt/mud bath on the side (or middle) of a few trails when my ambition outstripped my capabilties. My bike has smashed into things and been smashed into after ejecting its hapless rider. The thought of putting a carbon wonder bike through that makes me cringe. It’s not if I crash, but when and the whole time I’ll be thinking about cracking the frame.
So, confidence comes from equipment and being familiar. I want to flow, not worry. Carbon is out.
I haven’t ruled out aluminum per se. The Stache is coming to Leadville with me as a backup. It is being overhauled this week. In fact, I left a pile of crusty brake/wheel/etc. parts to come and finish typing this post. But this post is not about that. It’s about my titanium obsession. Oops. Gave it away.
I have “commissioned” a Moots MX RSL Hardtail as my next high performance bicycle.
The spec is still TBD, but my goal is to have a sub 20 lb. (9.1 kg). It is totally realistic too. I get to have the strong frame, magic carpet ride, state-of-the-art components and the confidence that I probably can’t break it. Is this the mythical unicorn, The Forever Bike that I have heard so much about?
Never Go Alone USA 