I’m not generally the one sticking up for big carbon but even the most manipulated ovalized tubes and flat plate aren’t going to give you the control over how and where the material flexes that you get from carbon and unless you are going to hydroform whole sections the high stress welded areas are still the biggest issue other than cost.
I think a hybrid frame of a big brands carbon rear end and a lightweight Ti front end could be cool. Actually, the only good Ti FS bikes I’ve ridden combined aluminum back ends with Ti fronts. I’m challenged to think of a single good example of a full-Ti FS bike.
Sept. 2, 2021, 7:38 a.m. - Andrew Major
I’m not generally the one sticking up for big carbon but even the most manipulated ovalized tubes and flat plate aren’t going to give you the control over how and where the material flexes that you get from carbon and unless you are going to hydroform whole sections the high stress welded areas are still the biggest issue other than cost. I think a hybrid frame of a big brands carbon rear end and a lightweight Ti front end could be cool. Actually, the only good Ti FS bikes I’ve ridden combined aluminum back ends with Ti fronts. I’m challenged to think of a single good example of a full-Ti FS bike.