Currently building up a new gravel bike and am torn on where to spend. All other things being equal, I can pick a carbon frame with the Force AXS mullet or a titanium frame with a mix of rival/force components, but I can't currently afford my true dream of titanium with electronic shifting. I don't have first-hand experience with AXS or titanium, but have heard amazing things about each. The bike will be used for endurance gravel races (100-250 miles) across the Midwest.
I think its kind of a strange question. The type of frame you buy is going to dictate the feel of the bike. Electronic shifting is just some completely unnecessary bling, it doesn't make your bike faster, lighter or have any real tangible benefit other than less maintenance. Electronic shifting makes sense if you have deep pockets, but you shouldn't compromise on other areas of the bike to get it.
Thanks for the links! Definitely some good options there for a mechanical mullet. And yes, there will for sure be opportunity for upgrade 2-3 years out, or whenever I run through the mechanical drivetrain, as long as I'm still enjoying the bike--just not in the budget for right now.
ljsmith wrote:I think its kind of a strange question. The type of frame you buy is going to dictate the feel of the bike. Electronic shifting is just some completely unnecessary bling, it doesn't make your bike faster, lighter or have any real tangible benefit other than less maintenance. Electronic shifting makes sense if you have deep pockets, but you shouldn't compromise on other areas of the bike to get it.
For sure, I totally get that. I think some people might consider titanium unnecessary too though, especially when compared to a good carbon frame. I've ridden some pretty great carbon frames over the years, but have yet to experience the "magical" quality of good titanium, or any titanium yet--so that's a huge unknown for me. I also have been on some long rides or races in pretty miserable conditions when my mechanical shifting is failing, I can only use 2 or 3 gears at most, but my buddy with AXS is having no problems at all and has his full range of gears. I think that's a pretty huge benefit when you find yourself in that position--hopefully not often though--and definitely not sure if it's often enough to warrant picking it over a ti frame, hence my question about choices to make on where to spend with a limited, but still deep, budget (and all other components being equal).
As the owner of two titanium bikes, as well as several carbon, alloy and steel bikes, I'd vote for the Ti frame every time… You can always replace parts, but the frame is the heart of the bike.
Yup - what Matt just said... I've got Ti, CF and steel gravel bikes and if picking where to compromise to fit a limited budget I'd prioritize: 1. Frame & Fork - this will define the feel and handling 2. Wheels & tires - these make the largest difference in performance 3. Other stuff...
Yes the electronic shifters work great, but so do the 11 speed mechanical drivetrains. The mechanical stuff is lighter and always is ready to go. I haven't tried it yet but the new GRX stuff looks great but if the budget is limited I wouldn't hesitate to pickup a 105 group with a sub-compact crankset. The 105 parts are (IMO anyway) an excellent value/performance price point. A higher end cassette will shave some grams as will the higher end crankset.
I also love the feel of carbon handlebars and seat post. I was amazed at how much of a difference there was when I upgraded a ti road bike. And for the record, the better aluminum bars and seat posts are nearly the same weight as their CF counterparts - for me it was all about the feel.
I guess I need to ride a ti frame someday.... on second thought, I’d better not. Bike budget is already stretched thin in the spousal budget calculations.
From my experience it best to get the best frame possible and upgrade parts later since they wear out. If you can get a really good titanium frame go that route.
