Conference noted::bicycle

    Actually, 1757.0-1757.153 has had quite a discussion of Titanium
    though it's obviously more emotional than factual.
    
    :-)
    
    ed

    Thanks for the pointer, Ed.  Anybody got more feedback on titanium
    components?

    
    Re .2
    
    			uuummmmm.............there light. 
    
    
    							Norm
    
    

    
    
    $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
    
    	THEY COST LOADS....
    
    $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
    

     Whaddaya mean emotional! That's the most ^$#^%&$#&^#$^& ridiculous
    thing I've ever read... I don believe for  one minute that...
    
     Okay, maybe it is a little emotional :-)
    
        Chippium

    They are brittle !!!!!!!!! campy used to have a bottom bracket but
    they broke.
    
    Teledyne titan (rememember my fellow oldies?)used to have a frameset
    but the forks flexed inward 2" when I braked .
    
    I sure hope the new ones are much better. Mountain bikers like the
    flex for suspension characteristics.
    
    PS. these are my opinion not necesarily a scientific journal.
    
    thanks
    Ed.

    Current manufacturers attribute the brittleness of the titanium frames 
    and components of the '70s to the make-up of the titanium that was
    then used.  Newer alloys, like the Ti3/2.5 (94.5% titanium, 3%
    aluminum, and 2.5% vanadium) used in frame tubes, for example, are 
    supposed to eliminate these problems -- and there seem to be a number of 
    folks who take much faith in the Merlin (although a frame is only as 
    strong as its weakest part, and the fork ain't that last-forever 
    titanium!).
    
    You may remember that carbon fiber had a similar difficult adolescence,
    with the Graftek frames that scared the ** out of Exxon riders whose
    bikes started to shimmy at 40mph (not to mention some frames that just
    plain exploded).  Look at what Kestrel and Trek have done with carbon
    since.
    
    Emotional?  Well, not to ruffle any feathers or anything, but in the
    final Masters road race in Vermont last year, a long uphill sprint for 
    first was contested by a guy on a *light* Merlin and a guy on a heavy 
    steel frame made even *heavier* by STI.  Guess who won, with an 
    out-of-the-saddle shift in the last fifty feet?  8^
    
    Justin

    	BICYCLING (March 1992) has an article entitled "Mulling
    	the Materials." Begins on page 98.
    
    	"Four experts give you their arguments for choosing a
    	 steel, aluminum, titanium, or composite frame."
    
    	Too long for me to type in at the moment.
    
    	Scott

    
>    	"Four experts give you their arguments for choosing a
>    	 steel, aluminum, titanium, or composite frame."
    Let's see. Four experts, four materials... I wonder how they went? :-)
    
    John

    ...if they're like some of the noters in here.

     Manufacturer's shy away from Ti as a material for forks. The
    properties are just not there that would allow the advantages
    of Ti to be used given the amount of material required for
    the fork + it would be $$$$$$$$$$$$$$
    
     Well Justin, I guess the old adage is true. The most important
    component IS the motor....
    
    
       Chip

...I'm still amazed at the way my Merlin climbs...

Eric

     Yeah, me too! I have a hard time keeing up with it sometimes! :-)
    
     My guy hasn't gotten anything (ERGO's). He checked in last week -
    nothing! 
    
     Eric, do you know who Chelmsford uses for their CAMPY distributor?
    There are no more distributorships in the U.S. which makes it tough.
    
     I dusted mine off last weekend. I feel guilty. Like I'm neglecting
    my soul mate.
    
     My guy did drop off the A/C Ti bottle cages for me to look at. I don't
    think I like them. I also think they're heavier that the "MERLIN"
    offering... They are about 60% cheaper though.
    
      Chip

    Independent observation leads me to conclude that excessive exposure to
    Titanium during exercise causes brain damage.
    
    ed

     Only if direct sexual contact occurs...
    
    
        Chip 

    Chip,
    
      Do you get dropped by your bike before or after the sexual contact
    occurs??  
    

Chip,

Chelmsford Cyclery uses a few distributors, Ten Speed and another who I don't
know the name - Colorado Cyclist is not one of them though.  I don't know which 
dist. was used to acquire the Ergos.  Did I mention that he did buy 2 sets...?
 
The way things are going, you may have'em for the next Mt Washington climb.. ;-)

Eric_doing_thumb_exercises...

     Re; .16 I believe the work "boink" would be more appropriate than bonk
    in that instance... BTW, It happens after sexual contact :-)... Boy,
    did this NOTE deteriorate or what?!
    
     Eric, you're right. I am getting a little nervous, but I'm not going
    to pull the rip cord just yet...
    
     However, I did do something really stupid... I ordered a Ti spindle
    and two bottle cages from the Somerville man... Got to make up for
    the added weight on the 8spd set-up and the Ergo's... I'll probably
    jump on the stem (Artcos) and some skewers soon (at least before the 
    season starts)... 
    
     My SO is going to kill me. Can I use someone's address out there for
    delivery?
    
      Chip_the_Ti_junkie

    > My SO is going to kill me. Can I use someone's address out there for
    >delivery?
    
    Sure Chip.  Just c/o VMSE, Edinburgh.  Of course is might `get lost'
    during the onward posting.:-)

    Noone has mentioned Ti F/W cogs.  Is Ti not suitable or has noone
    thought of it yet?  If the latter is the case, I want the patent!
    (Whether or not it's suitable.)
    
    ed

    
    
    
       I seen the ad on the back of the Velo News mag for the GL Ti bike.
    Sure looks and sounds like a Merlin, does anyone know this for a fact?
    I did'nt think GL was going to sell Ti because it's expensive for him
    to buy Ti frames and then after his mark up the frame is priced out of
    this world. Anyone know what a GL Ti sells for?
    
       By the way heres one for ya, the epitomy of Ti bike parts - Titanium
    bar end plugs, were can I get some? (just kidding, but some bikie might
    want to know some day) :-)
    
    
                                                Yours in possessionism
                                                    Wayne V
    
    

    Item		Weight Savings		Ti Price	Standard
    			Over Standard Item 			Item Price
    
    Stem		60gm			$200		$30
    Bottom Bracket	100gm			$150		$75
    Flite Saddle	150gm			$70		$40
    Skewers		50gm			$90		$10-30
    Pedals (D-A w/Ti	100gm			$200		$150
      spindles, on
      market in May)
    
    Of course these are just ballpark figures, but some Ti prices strike me 
    as truly outrageous for the limited advantages they offer (because of the 
    cost of machining Ti?).  The king of the crop here seems to be the stem, 
    where you pay 7 or 8 times as much to save 60gm.
    
    Other Ti prices make more sense, particularly the saddle and the
    bottom bracket spindle, where you gain a considerable weight savings
    at twice the price.  Also, look for more major company components to
    hit the market with Ti as a standard material.  One of the reasons
    you've seen all the mail order houses blowing out Dura Ace pedals at
    prices below Ultegra is that Shimano appears to be on the verge of
    releasing a Dura-Ace with titanium spindles, weight in the low 300s.
    
    That stem sure looks pretty though, doesn't it, Chip.
    
    Anybody ridden a Flite yet?  
    
    Justin

     Re; GL (Greg LeMond?) and Ti--Yes. It's a Merlin. He bought 15-17
    (can't remember the number) for Team Z equipped with Kestrel EMS
    forks. MERLIN wouldn't/couldn't sponsor Z because they are such a 
    small shop and they're already footing S/M.
    
     YES, I HAVE to have that stem (Artcos).
    
      Chip

     BTW, cogs, chains, axles, etc... have been around for a long Ti-me.
    
     As you can imagine... B-I-G $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$'s
    
      Chip

    
    
     RE: Lemond Ti frames
    
      cost $2100
    
      They are probably made by merlin with Lemond geometry.
    
      Yup!  They say that there's one born every minute!
    
      John C.
    

     There is no LeMond frame (per se). Not even a decal (if there is,
    it isn't supplied by MERLIN). Kellogg does the geometry for the
    standard frame. I can't remember the guy does the light weight
    model, but it ain't LeMond... Those were stockies he bought.
    
     Imagine, an off the rack machine for us lil' folk...
    
       Chip

Rob Vandermark did the geometry for the Light.  I don't know but I suspect that
GL's frames were not Kellogg's geometry.

Eric

    
    
      Saw a license plate in the parking lot at HLO yesterday that said:
    
      				"Buy Ti"
    
    
    	Don't know if it means Titanium or Texas Instruments but I thought
    it was worth mentioning.
    
      JC
    

     I can't say either (other than it is the atomic table designation
    for titanium).
    
     I can tell you I like it!
    
       Chip

    	Copied with permission from VeloNews Volume 21, Number 5,
    	Page 71.
    
    	Titanium Toppers
    
    	First came titanium frames, then titanium stems, then skewers,
    	seatposts, bolts and...helmets? That's what Australia's Headway
    	Helmets says - its fractionally sized helmets eschew heavy,
    	thin-shelled covering in favor of it patent-pending Titanium
    	Armor-foam coating, which the company says dissipates energy
    	more efficiently than shell systems. So where's the titanium?
    	It's part of the pigmentation in the plastic coating sprayed
    	on the EPS helmet, explained Dana Friedman of Creative Impact,
    	Headway's agency. "The coating hardens as a malleable substance;
    	it's flexible," he said. "It also binds the EPS together, in the
    	event of a fracture in a multiple-impact situation." Words
    	to live by. The helmets come in six sizes for adults and teens,
    	and three sizes for children, and have Snell B90 approval.
    
    	Scott

> So where's the titanium?
> It's part of the pigmentation in the plastic coating sprayed
> on the EPS helmet.

    Isn't titanium dioxide a fairly common pigment for white paint?

    -Jeff

    Sounds like this version of Velonews is worth keeping.

>    	First came titanium frames, then titanium stems, then skewers,
>    	seatposts, bolts and...helmets? That's what Australia's Headway

Eyeglasses with Ti frames... mine are due in Monday :-) Eat yer heart
out, Chip!
                             ken

    Heck, Chip's got Titanium lenses.
    
    :-)
    
    ed

     Yeah, but there a b*tch see through... :-) There's also the helmet
    paint that has Ti flecks in it - I guess soon to be offered...
    
     Okay, okay, I'll ask the obvious question so I won't disappoint 
    anyone. What are the glasses name brand and where are they carried?
    
     There, y'all happy...
    
         Chip

With all of that metal the cops are certain to get a good reading when they aim
their radar gun at you.

     I'm having some after-market stealth skins added this spring.
    
         Chip

    Scott,
    
    Speaking of Headway Helmets... are you aware of anyone who acutally
    sells them in Massachusetts/New Hampshire?  I have not seen one dealer
    yet, and I'd love to check them out.  Any idea of pricing??
    
    Irv

I don't know what Ken's are, but Nikon is known to make Ti eyeglass frames.
The ones I've seen are quite nice.

Barry

    
    RE: .-2   Bicycling has a product review of the Headway Helmets
    in their April or May issue (where they rate helmets) and this
    (Australian) manufacturer has started advertizing prominently 
    in such publications.  Don't know where you can buy them in stores.
    Mail order is a place to try...
    
    -john

Ti glasses frames - the ones I'll be getting (hopefully tonite) are called
Autoflex. Made by co. called Marchon Eyewear. Real flexible - you can literally
wrap the temples around your finger, or bend the bridge in half, and they
bounce back to shape. Not sure if they'll make me go as fast as a Ti aero
seatpost, but I can hope....
                              ken

    
    
      I noticed a stem called or made by Syncros that is as light as any Ti
    stem at one third the cost. Its made of aluminum, anybody know any
    thing more about it?
    
    
                                                    /regards
                                                    Wayne V
    
    
    

     Sounds like a "semi-precious" grade of component... :-)
    
        Chip

    Hey Everybody,
    Guess what Huffy has come out with this year?  The illustrious,
    extravagant, low, low priced Huffy "Titanium" MTB.  Look out all you
    guys and gals.  I am going to buy a COMPLETE TITANIUM MTB for <300$. 
    It only weighs 40 lbs. and is gauranteed(sp) to break after the first 5
    minutes on the trail.  But I will have a Ti bike. 
    
    
    
    
    
    
    Just Kiddin' about buyin' one, but Huffy does have a "Titanium" MTB.
    HMMMMMMM keep the spouse happy.  She could have "TI" and I don't?
                                                Keep Pedallin'
                                                     Bob

    
    
    	Elite have started HEAVY (poor pun but it is 05:30) advertising for
    their Ti Bottle Cage. The world's lightest it weighs in at 29gr. I
    thought if weight was such a big factor, then you should just go
    without a water bottle...   :*)
    
    	BTW, has anyone started drilling their Ti frames to make them
    lighter yet? Bring back memories of late 70s TTing in the UK, anyone? I
    don't remember them obviously, being just a young pup myself, but I
    heard the stories...   :*)
    
    Graham.

Hey, Titanium's good stuff. Enough of this so-called wit, you're just jealous
you don't have a Ti bike. Anyway aren't you the owner of a carbon-fibre 
monster? You're in no position to poke fun at fashionable technology (Hemmings
has a monopoly on that).


Roddy

     A 40lb. ATB, eh? Someone should tell Huffy to stay away from the
     pig-iron composite components and lead fasteners...
    
     Sounds like a nice boat anchor or a great bike to ride during tornado
    season :-)...
    
     Chip_who's_fallen_into_Ti_hell_and_can't_get_up

>> Hey, Titanium's good stuff. Enough of this so-called wit, you're just jealous
>> you don't have a Ti bike.
    
    	Sounds like a fair character assessment...  :*)
    
>> Anyway aren't you the owner of a carbon-fibre monster?
    
	I should be so lucky, Reynolds 531C for me...  :*(
    
    Graham.

     Okay, call me irresponsible, irrepressible, addicted, obsessed,
    possessed (but don't call me late for dinner)...
    
     I have just purchased what may be the finest (I know they're the most
    expensive) set of rear derailleur Ti wheels I've ever seen. I have the
    CAMPY's on now. When I had my Chorus gruppo I ran the aluminum
    Bullseye pulleys and loved them.
    
     These are all Ti machined and have cartridge bearings! Believe it or
    not! And, they spin Like nothing I've ever seen. When they're installed
    I'll provide an update.
    
     I just ordered my chainring bolts and handlebar binder bolt (Ti of
    course)...
    
      Chip

    Have you changed the spokes and bearings yet?
    
    ed

    
    
      So where did you get the Ti jocky wheels? I got a friend who would
    like to know. By the way did you ever find a source for Ti bar end
    plugs? :-)
    
    
    
                                                          /regards
                                                           Wayne V
    
    
    
    P.S. I bet you are one of those guys who who saves his lunch money and
    then spends it behind the wifes back and has'nt told her about any of
    his salary increases for the last 5 years :-)
    
    
    Disclaimer: The ribbing in this note may be construed as advice and the
                author will not be held responsible.
    
    

    
    
    Chip,
    
    	For the benefit of us with short memories, can you list all your Ti
    stuff. I've got folk in by bike club that don't believe me when I tell
    them about you...   :*)
    
    Graham.
    
    P.S What about Ti wires for your computer?

Anyone make Ti handlebar tape???

    "Ti handlebar tape"
    
    It's a mixture that uses Titanium Oxide and is sold under the
    common name "paint."
    
    :-)
    
    ed

    Last weekend I went on a long ride and used some titanium sun screen.




    The label says "Ti Screen -- PABA Free",
    although closer reading revealed that it was Ti oxide.

    -Jeff Bell

     Well, let's see if I can cover all of the questions, pokes, and
    comments... :-)
    
     Re; The statement on purchasing covertly... You're absolutely correct!
         What they don't know, won't hurt 'em. What they do find out could
         kill you. So please...
    
     Re; Spokes & Bearings... Most of the stuff I'm running (except wheels)
         are cartridges. From what I've read Ti spokes are extremely 
         "whippy". Lots of people who've tried them didn't like them.
    
     Re; The Source... I walked into Gamache's last night to pick up the
         weekly TT results and he almost dove over the counter proclaiming
         my absolute need for the pulley wheels! He knows me as well as
         you guys. And if some of you know George Gamache, you'll know I'm
         not exaggerating.
    
     Re; Ti Computer Wires... I went even lighter than Ti - WIRELESS!
         I know, it ruins the aesthetics.
    
     Re; The Ti Inventory... Let's see:
    
         - Frame
         - Spindle
         - Saddle Rails
         - Seat Post
         - Bottle Cages & Bolts
         - Stem & Binder bolt - Handlebar bolt (soon)
         - Chainring Bolts (soon)
         - Seat Post Binder Bolt
    
     I think that's it...
    
    Currently working on CAMPY Ti axles... I need to understand the
    configuration for the 8spd before ordering. The same guy that'll
    do the axles thinks he has brake pad bolts as well somewhere...
    
     Chip
    
     

    How about the ActionTEC chainrings?  
    
    steve

    RE: .56
    
    Sounds like you got bike parts pretty well covered.  Sounds like you
    should start on body parts.
    
    
    					-d

    I was getting my touring bike in shape the other day and realized,
    "Damn!  I have a titanium rear derailleur!"
    
    Eat your heart out!
    
    ed

    
    
    	I wonder if I could ask for that on the NHS? You know, you're riding
    down the A1 in a time trial and a juggernaut tries to turn you into a
    road pizza and mashes you're leg. Rather than have any old pins put
    into your leg, get Ti pins put in...
    
    	(Adopt Orson Welles type voice)
    
    	Fist there was the 6-million-dollar man...
    
    	Then came Robocop...
    
    	Now, at a time trial course, near you....
    
    
    			ROBOCYCLIST....
    
    	Hmmm, I wonder what Steven Spielberg's doing just now....   :*)
    
    Graham.

    Mauro Gorrino brought me a copy of Bicisport (an Italian bike mag)
    when he came over from Italy this past weekend.  There, right in
    the middle, was a big ad for De Rosa's new Ti frame.  John
    Lee Ellis watch out!

     It was bound to happen...
    
        Chip

    
    Oh!  Oh!  Well, let's check that pocketbook!
    
    Does he have a model painted Ugo Blue, or do you get the standard
    naked Titanium?
    
    -john

 Dural .. isn't that short for duralumin - a compound of several metals
 ( can't remember them all ) including magnesium and aluminium. Used in 
 aircraft fabrication 'coz it's light and strong.


				Nik.

 Saw in the Colorado Cyclist A set of Titanium bolts to replace all of the 
bolts in the Dura-Ace group. It clams to reduce the weight of the set 
by a half of a pound for a mear $299.

 Chip if you don't already have a Dura-Ace group that will only cost an 
additional $1299. Total cost $1598.00. 

 

    The new De Rosa is naked Ti, with surprisingly rude TIG welds 
    at the tube junctures.  The only thing distinctive about it is
    that the seat stays join the seat tube an inch or two below the
    top tube.  That is, except for the name tag.
    

 > re .65  I think Dural is the name of the company supplying Specialized
           with the aluminum metal-matrix composite used on the Specialized
           S-works Team M2 frame.  Duraluminum is the alloy developed for
           aircraft.

 For real lightness and stiffness how about a titanium metal matrix
 composite frame?  Get rid of the excess "heavy" titanium.  No need to
 carry excess around the landscape.

     One step closer to absolute purity! I installed my Ti chainring bolt
    set last night (really nice looking - sort of an anondized gray - they
    grab your attention off the crank) and my seatpost binder bolt. It's
    funny how easily it is to tell the difference in weight (even in a
    small bolt like the binder bolt) between steel and Ti.
    
     NO STEM YET!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm okay... Gary Helfrich would be in big
    trouble if I worked for the Post Office!
    
       Chip

     It's in! It's in! It's absolutely beautiful. Definitely worth the
    "weight" :-)...
    
     It'll be on for the BOW race this weekend!
    
        Chip

Chip, thought you should know that I saw a Ti folding knife in the 
catalog (Gander Mtn.?) the other day. Get out the plastic and give 'em a 
call :-)

                         ken
P.S. - did you get the Ti revolver yet?

    
    Chip, have you thought about taking up tennis??  I have not used them
    myself, but Babolat makes (tennis racket) strings with Ti wire in the
    middle.  I assume it is because of the metal's astounding resilience.
    
    Sadly, they are _NOT_ outrageously priced, so I guess they lack
    the je ne sais quoi of Ti bicycle components.
    
    Terry

 Why worry about titanium?  Beryllium is the next step

     Re; Beryllium... Yup, I saw that. And for only $25,000.00! Well, I'm
         putting my pennies away...  By the year 2050 I ought to be there.
    
         Under 2lbs.! Wow!
    
         I wanna see that sub-16lb Trek in next month's BICYCLING.
    
         BTW, thanks for picking on me! Is there a full moon!!!  :-)
    
         Chip

    Beryllium in a bike frame?  Has someone solved the problem of
    Berylliosis?  Like Asbetosis but from Beryllium, dust gets in
    your lungs and kills you in 20-30 years if the other solvents
    don't do it first.
    
    In a former "job" I had to worry about this.  Never had any
    residual effect though, as far as I can tell.
    
    cough, cough.
    
    ed

    doesnt it melt at room temperature ???

    "melt down at room temp" That depends on the alloy.  It would
    have been catastrophic in the wea..., ahhh devices, I was working
    on.
    
    ed

    
    > catastrophic in the wea...
    
    What kind of weather in particular?  :-)
    
    -john

     Re; "melting at room temperature"... I believe your confusing it
         with M&M-iums  :-)
    
         BTW, send all donations to WMO/G13  c/o Chip

    
    >melts at room temperature.
    
    To resurrect an earlier strand, it'd be OK for riding in Scotland then.
    
    Trevor

    
>>    To resurrect an earlier strand, it'd be OK for riding in Scotland then.
    
    	I'm not biting. If you get me worked up, you'll never shut me up... 
    
    
    Graham :*)

    
    
    Well one our noon time riders lost that little spacer that holds the
    front derailleur plates together at the rear.  So I figured, oh hell
    I'll give ole Dad a call and get hime to whip one up out of (drum roll)
    titanium!!  Well we both have one itty-bitty peice of the precious
    metal on our bikes now...
    
    Chip, he DID make three of them...8^)
    
    Actually with the way the computer biz is going I'm thinking of buying
    Dad some additional titanium stock...maybe we'll do a Campy titanium
    replacement group!!
    
    Steve

     Gee Steve... My kingdom for a Ti derailleur spacer! :-)
    
        Chip
    

    While preparing for my trip to Wisconsin -- you know, on the bike with
    the Titnium rear deraileur -- I noticed that the fron deraileur was
    missing its spacer.  I was going to hunt high and low for one but
    realized that the bike was lighter without it SO I'd hate to weigh it
    down by adding even a Titanium deraileur spacer.
    
    ed

     I like the thinking Ed...
    
        Chip

	On TV last night Home Depot was advertising Titanium
	based paint.  On sale this week....

	I wonder if it comes in natural?

     I just received a catalog for cutlery that had a Ti handle on
    a skinning knife...
    
     Skinning what? Maybe Columbus or Reynolds tubing? Gutting composites
    maybe?   
    
           :-)
    
                 Chip

    Wait a minute, I think there's a ti-in here.  If someone
    overcharges you for something, there's a slang expression
    that he has "skinned you."  Obviously this must be the knife
    used for that purpose.
    
    ed

     Very "pun-ny"... :-)
    
          Chip

    
    
    So Chip, what Campy Front Derailleur do you have?  We replicated one
    from a Chorus Front...no doubt you have Record!  8^)
    
    Measure how wide it is...if it's about .300 inch you'll have yet
    another piece of that precious metal!
    
    Steve

     Why thanks so much! I have the Record (big surprise - right?). The
    spacers are identical between Chorus and Record so that's no problem.
    
     You have dibs on my first child!
    
       Chip

>  <<< Note 2184.76 by MOVIES::WIDDOWSON "Its (IO$_ACCESS|IO$M_ACCESS) VMS" >>>
>
>    doesnt it melt at room temperature ???

	Depends on the room...  My almanac say Beryllium melts at
	1278 degrees Centigrade (plus or minus 5), that's about
	2332F. 

	Mercury seems to be the only element that is liquid at
	room temperature (70F).  Cesium, Francium and Gallium melt
	in the low to middle 80's.  Rubidium melts at about 100F.

Bromine is the other liquid at ~room temp element.
It evaporates slowly at atmospheric pressure.

Titanium - it's catching. I just bought a saddle with titanium rails. This
could be a bad habit...


Rod

    Rod, I broke two of them last year.
    
    Of course, they had lassted five years...
    
    ed

    (Graham is on holiday so I'll step in for him in the time honoured
    tradition...)
    
 >  Of course, they had lassted five years...
    
    Jings, only five years I bought my trusty Brooks in the year that
    the old Queen died and its been going well every since, of course it
    was a bit tough for the first thirty years but now its settling down
    nicely.  Pah so its a bit heavier, kids these days they don't know
    nothing about weight, When I was working down the pits I used to work
    all the night shift, then cycle up to Aberdeen that morning do a race
    next day, cycle back home ready to do another night down the pit.
    
    Hep ma Boab, these youngsters...

    (We now return you to your usual diet of lunacy)

    
>>    the old Queen died and its been going well every since, of course it
    
    Yeah, Queen Bodicea...  :*)  You've been up here too long Rod, we're
    having a bad effect on you...  :*)
    
    Graham.
    

    While I was cycling in the Adirondacks I visited the Adirondack museam. 
    It seems that for many years Titanium was considered a nuisance ore
    that was often mixed in with the iron ore that they were mining for.
    
    Rich

    
    
    	Lovely cartoon in last weeks Cycling Weekly. Picture of Chris
    Boardman on top of the podium looking at his Olympic gold medal,
    saying...
    
    
    		"SIGH! I WISH IT WAS TITANIUM!"
    
    graham.

     Well, I got a call from Norm Flye this morning - remember him :-) ?
    
     He told me he just received a catalog from a company that specializes
    in Ti parts for Campy components. Oh Noooooooooooooooooooooooooo!
    
     Axles - pulley wheel axles - kits for Delta brakes - rear derailleur
    hanger bolt - seatpost bolt - An entire Ti Campy replacement kit with
    40+ pieces.
    
     Well, I didn't order anything. But, we're going up to Mt. Wash
    together so, naturally, I told him to bring the catalog along
    with the prices...
    
     Oh whattafool Iam - Oh whattafool Iam - Oh whattafool Iam

    
    		Chip,
    
    	When you're done I really want to see the final tally on the
    cost of your bike. Are you keeping track?
    
    	Roger

     I don't have to, I claim it as a dependent so the IRS sends a
    yearly statement to me... :-)
    
     Chip

    Titanium Anonymous.
    
    They call themselves the TA Cranks.
    
    :-)
    
    ed

     Ha, Ha... Kick an addict when he's down. Where's the compassion?
    Where's the support? :-)
    
     Seriously, I forgot to mention the Ti axles for my Carbon Pros!
    
       
          T
        Chip

    	In the latest BICYCLING (yes, I checked first):
    
    	Mighty Light: A Buyer's Guide to Durable Titanium Replacement
    		      Parts That Can Shave Pounds From Your Bike
    		      (and Your Wallet)
    
    	Page 75ff
    
    	Scott

     Did you catch the TREK 5500 project bike? sub 16lbs... Yeowww!
     I think it comes with an anchor!
    
        Chip

My SO has been kind enough to offer to buy me a titanium stem for my birthday.
I've talked with Gary at Arctos & seen a little bit about the IBIS product.

Does anyone have any input about either of these stems or any other titanium stem
on the market?

Thanks!
Ray

     I have Gary's stem and it is absolutely beautifully done. It is ground
    and polished to a degree that it is impossible to tell is is a two
    piece stem.
    
     The IBIS stems may be as strong, but they cannot hold a candle to the
    Artcos product. Admittedly, there is a large difference in the prices
    too. IBIS actually bought the patent rights for some of Gary's tools
    and process, but the stems are very different looking. I believe both
    are mode from solid billet Ti and are machined to exacting tolerences
    need to maximize strength while minimizing weight.
    
     If you can afford the Artcos stem, do that! If you don't, you'll be
    disappointed when you see one (up close - in real life).
    
     Also, be ready for at least a two month wait if you go with Gary's
    stem.
    
     A proud owner,
    
                     Chip 

    Seen in passing: Saturday, raining, on Rt 2 in Lincoln (narrow 4 lane,
    high speed, lots of hydroplaning, no shoulder or median), a Darwinian
    test case riding eastbound... on a titanium Merlin.

   Well, there was enough visibility to recoginze the make of frame
   so how bad could it have been :-)

   Anyhow, I once saw a guy riding on Storrow Drive with his kid in
   one of those back seats (though it wasn't raining) - yikes!

    - Jim

     So what was this guy doing? Was he grossly exceeding the speed
    limit endangering the vehicular traffic?
    
     Let's face it, normal auto sheet metal won't stand up well against
    Ti!!!!   :-)
    
        T 
      Chip

     Well, another company get's it! Serotta introduces a Ti machine!
    It's advertised in BICYCLING (pg. 18). It's right up there with
    Merlin - $2200.00!!!!!
    
     Chip
    

	Awright, WARNING:
    
    	Grossly offensive observation follows, all who are easily offended
    	please refrain from viewing...
    
    	This small bit of prose was sent a friend who owns a Merlin...
    
    	The word "titanium" is derived from the words "tight", meaning
	retentive, and "anium", meaning abnormal anal fixation.

	Thusly, people who ride titanium bicycles have abnormally
	retentive anal fixations for their possessions.
    
    
    	Ummm, yeah, I wrote it, but I ain't be proud of it...

							Apologies,
							   Face.

    
    
    You're a sick man, and if I were you I'd go into hiding before Chip
    tries out that Ti handgun of his...  :*)
    
    Graham.

    	I know, I know. I did apologize though...
    
    	Actually, I'm not that worried about his Ti revolver, I figured
    	it would be comparable to his titanium bicycle.
    
    	He's good at buying it, but not so good at using it! *{8^)
    
    	SLAMFEST! Hey, calm down now, that was just a friendly slam, hey
    	whadd-r-ya dewin' wid dat gun?! HEY, watch-wear-yer-pointin' THA...
    
    	HEY! BLAM-BLAM-BLAM-BLAM-BLAM-BLAM!
    
    	Dude! You shot me bike! Right through the bottom bracket!
    	It was (sniff) only 26 years old, (sniff), oh my, oh my...

     Okay, okay... You can't rattle me! This is my first day back
    to work as a married man.
    
     Re; being anal retentive with possessions... Okay, I am! :-)
    
     And, even though "I don't know how to use it", I'll have the rest
    of my life to learn without ever having to buy another frame! :-)
    
     Actually, I would like all negative noters to please post home
    addresses here - just for "thank you card" forwardings... No really,
    that's all... :-)
    
       Chip

    	No rattling intended Chip, that little comment I wrote was sent
    	to a friend who is a new owner of a Merlin. I thought maybe
    	some hardcore noters would find it humerous (or grotesque).
    	I did extend apologies for anyone who would be offended...
    
    	My friend Mike pointed out that I was just jealous, because I'm
    	riding a machine that is 20 years antiquated compared to his!
    
    	But I can still whoop his butt on the road, and there ain't even
    	so much as ONE titanium washer, OR centerbolt on my Claud Butler.
    	But what the heck, neither one of us are in shape, so it ain't
    	much to judge by.
    
    	Oh yeah, thank you card forwarding?  Ummmm, no thanks.
    	Letter bomb technology is increasing much too rapidly for me!

     Thanks... And I never get offended... I may be offensive from time
    to time :-)... But always unintentionally (people who know me may
    argue the fact that I do get pleasure from argumentative - just
    don't believe them - they're always wrong anyway...) :-) :-)
    
     Chip

 If you can overlook the toxicity problems with Beryllium you might start
 looking for parts lighter than titanium.  There is some experimentation
 being done with an aluminum/beryllium alloy that reduces the $300/ounce
 price of beryllium.  Of course your bicycle becomes a hazardous waste
 site if you crash.
 
 Get ahead of the times.

     I was glad to see that medical science has finally caught up with 
    the cycling industry. Ti body parts! 
    
     All I can say is it was about time....Sheesh :-)
    
       Chip

    ACTUALLY, I am told that the Russions attempted making Ti
    body parts several years ago and discovered that to be
    unsatisfactory for use in some situations.  The metal isn't
    hard enough.  Current applications include Ti (light)
    and Cobalt (hard) parts among others.
    
    That right Steve?
    
    ed

    
    I have TI mesh lining in my ski clothes, which works excellent in
    keeping the body heat in. Just though Chip might be interesed. :-)
    And TI bindings, and TI poles. Now I wonder if TI is is strong enough
    to replace a skis steel edges with. That would take off considarable
    weight. 
    
    Shaw

    
    
    Yes, Ed.  In fact most hip replacements are made of titanium...my
    family made most of the prototypes back in the early 70's!!  So it's
    hardly new to surgeons.  The prototypes we did were the 'Sivash' design
    from Russia...they actually gave up because they didn't have the
    production knowledge to produce the finishes required...we had some of
    their proto's and they looked like they were done with hammars and
    chisles!  The other issue was that Ti is a lousey bearing surface...so
    we tried special 'High-molecular weight' plastic...which didn't hold
    up...and then went to Cobolt which did!  I have a proto here at my desk
    for those of you who visit us here in NUO.  Come to think of it I still
    have a little Ti part for Chip's front derailleur here...Chip, want me
    to interoffice it to you?  I had hoped to go on your Century...but alas
    this year has been a tough one on the family...and my training!!
    
    -Steve

     Hi Steve...Sure, if you don't mind. The M/S is: WMO/G13. We'll be at
    it again next summer. I'll be sure to post here.
    
     Thanks,
    
             Chip

While sitting home with the flu yesterday, I started to read the 
ingredients in my cold/flu tablets and I see that Titanium dioxide is
listed.

This may be the cheapest Ti stuff available at $3.59/package of 24
caplets.

-tom

    
    
    
       I think I'll switch to these Ti pills instead of my iron
    supplements. The iron sure is heavy. Also for those interested
    I found a source for Ti race number pins, saves about .2 of a gram.
    
    
    
                                                       Happy Holidays
                                                         Wayne V

     Well, here I go again. I'm thinking spring already. Unlike most
    folks, I get stricken with Ti fever - not spring fever.
    
     It looks like I'll be adding Ti cogs to my Campy 8spd. set-up. That
    is, if I get all the right answeres from the Boone Technologies, Inc.
    
     They sell a set of 7 cogs (you provide the locking cog) at $185.00.
    
     These are machined - not stamped. They appear to have a limited number
    of "sets", e.g. 13 -> 19 and 13 -> 21 or 14 -> 23. I don't know what
    the middle cogs are (one of my questions).
    
     I don't know the exact weight other than it should be a ton less (I
    think they advertise 96g total. Plus, and the most important element,
    do they work as well as OEM Campy? I'll get a gaurantee on this one...
    
     They should last for years...
    
                               I can feel the endorphins flowing!
    
     Chip

  Hwy Chip,


  I thought that you were going to ease up on this stuff after you got
married.


  John C.
  (who can't afford to replace his 4.5 year old looks)

    Chip,
    
    How much does your bike weigh naked anyway? (like minus any extras like
    water bottle, pump, or bags)
    
    Just wondering
    
    Alan

     Re; "married"... Shhh, please not too loud. She doesn't know...
    
     Re; "weight"... I should be somewhere in the 18lb. (maybe 17lbs.) this
                     spring.
    
     Is there a Ti abuse support group out there somewhere?
    
       Chip

    Chip, I'll pass along what someone told me:
    
    You make too much money!
    
    They were wrong of course, enjoy yourself.
    
    ed

>     They {titanium cogs} should last for years...

is titanium harder than the material from which "normal" cogs are made?

     Re; "harder than the material from which "normal" cogs are made?"
     Answer: Yes...
    
     Titanium is much harder (along with other ups and downs). I doubt
    I'll wear these cogs out in 20 years with the proper maintenance.
    
     Boone Tecnologies is now experimenting with Ti chainrings that are
    lighter than the current alloy versions (and those are featherweights).
    
     Chip
     

     Well, I spoke with Merlin last week. I'll be mailing my Ti BB spindle
    back to them this week for a refund. They normally will trade someone
    a new Phil Wood ss spindle and a pair of Merlin racing shorts (hey,
    why do they call them a "pair"?)...  I'm getting the refund because
    I still have the original spindle. 
    
     They also stated that they've found that there are really no other
    suitable Ti alloys (that they've been able to locate) that performs
    well enough for them to put on their frames (BB spindle).
    
     Other problems... One of my Ti derailleur bolts (the one for the unit,
    not the hanger) doesn't fit and the retro-kit for my Delta brakeset
    doesn't fit. I'm bummin'! 
    
    
     I guess it's salad this week to make up for th grams...
    
        Chip
     I got this stuff from Norm Flye. I'll give an update on how he's doing
    after I speak with him. 
    
      

chip, what happened? your BB is caput?

     What happened was Merlin came out with a Ti spindle after I had bought
    my frame. So, naturally, I bought one. The a safety alert was issued by
    them stating that the spindle would eventually fatigue and crack/break
    potentially causing injury. So I'm putting the original stainless (Phil
    Wood) back in and returning the Ti spindle for cash. They were really
    nice about the whole thing.
    
     Other updates:
    
     1) Norm Flye is in Chapel Hill, NC. Yup, Mayberry-land. I talked with
        Marthe Hess (ex-girlfriend) yesterday. She didn't know exactly what
        he was doing down there. I tried calling him but all I got was his
        answering machine. I will try agian tonight.
      
        So, my guess is Norm is out of the cycling business and I'm caught
        by the short hairs, but...
    
        BTW, Marthe is still making those great cycling clothes.
    
     2) I spoke with Specialty Racing Products (SRP) directly yesterday and
        explained my situation to them. They were very good. My problem is
        my Delta's and my derailleur are pre-1992 (see, you guys think that
        I have all the latest stuff). The after-market Ti products for the
        Campy stuff is all designed for 1992+. So, I'm going to have to buy
        1992 stuff... Just kidding - Just kidding.
    
        The gentlman at SRP told me we could work something out. I'll pro-
        bably ask him if there's anything else for Campy stuff I don't have
        or trade the Campy stuff I can't use in for soem Dura Ace stuff for
        my TT bike. I won't push him for the money.
    
        Chip
    
     

     Well, it seems the "first production" 8spd stuff from Campy is still
    haunting me. I bought some Ti cogs from Boone Tech (7 cogs). It seems
    that the cassette body on the 1991 stuff is a little shorter than the
    1992+ stuff. Yup, you guessed it. I would have only been able to use
    six of the seven cogs.
    
     I called Boone and explained it. He had no idea but was glad I called
    and offered to take a cog back and send a $20.00 refund. That works
    out to about an $18.00 refund after shipping. So I decided to take my
    refunded Merlin spindle money and sink it into an all cassette body
    vs. the steel one. Of course I went for the light alloy stuff.
    
     Chip

%BIKE-F-NOPARSE, "all cassette body vs. the steel one."
    
    ehh?

    Oy!

     Ooooooooops... I meant alloy vs. steel.
    
     Can't get a thing by you guys.
    
     Chip
        

    We hang off your every word, Chip.
    
    ed

  I just ran across the latest for Chip's Ti wonder ...  The Marketech's
"Le Creme" crank arms.  Made of 6AI/4V titanium, weighing 288 grams for 175mm
arms.

  Bicycling says "We found the svelte Le Creme arms to be surprisingly
still, and although it may be our imagination, they seem to produce a lively
feel - similar to how light wheels improve a ride".

  And at a mere cost of $400, how can you go wrong?

PR

Marketech, (310)574-7847 (CA)

     Maybe next year! Nope, just kidding. I can't see myself abandoning
     my Record cranks anytime soon.
    
     Thanks for the tease though...
    
     Chip :-)