• I've always dreamed of owning a titanium bike and i'm not getting any younger so have decided to get one together. It'll need to last me a good few years if not forever and I'll be selling most of my mid level bikes to make it happen so it's not on a whim. Since the frameset will be such an expense i'll initially fit second hand and random parts from the parts bin until I can upgrade. A decent dynamo set-up and discs are a must though.

    I'll be using it for long day/weekend rides, lightish touring, hopefully audaxes and the ability to hit up some light off road stuff would be a bonus. I'm pretty much after a do it all bike but at this stage I'm really struggling to make my mind up in what direction to go. After a hell of a lot of online browsing I think i'm looking for something smack in between a Kinesis Tripster and the Kinesis Granfondo Disc.

    I've always had a soft spot for Burls but i'm not sure I want to go down the custom route again, it seems there's always some niggles and it could be a long stressful journey. I read about Cielo Rosso as a cheaper custom ti builder but haven't managed to contact them. Mason bikes are lush but I have a tendency to scratch paint so steel isn't really going to cut it (It would be gutting if they had something ti in the pipeline though.) The Enigma Etape Disc (poor tyre clearance options?), J Lavarack (unproven, dodgy looking welding?), CdF Ti and Sabbath September Disc are on the shortlist, as is the Spa Cycles ti tourer. There's just something that keeps bringing me back to Kinesis.

    My worry about the Tripster is that it's slightly old technology and the wheelbase is crazy long. I do like the low bb though which is the same as my Salsa Casseroll. The Granfondo looks stunning but I wonder how it will work for touring or on bridleways. Or perhaps there's something that I've overlooked? How much do I need to worry about flat mount compatability, tapered headtubes, thru axles, internal cable routing etc?

    As for the other bits i reckon roughly:

    SP PD8 Dynamo hub
    Edelux II light
    Sinewave reactor usb charger (maybe)
    Campagnolo chainset
    Maybe a big top rando bag
    Salsa cowbell bars
    SKS guards
    Yokozuna cables
    Conti speed ride tyres
    Spa cycles Aire saddle
    No idea on brakes/levers, maybe TRP
    Not thought much about wheels

    I may use front panniers, I tend to pack light though so i'll probably just bike pack but it would be good to have the option though. I've not even looked at gears/ratios yet. I'm using a triple at the moment but i'd like to move to double. I ride quite spinney and i'll occasionally be pulling a couple of kids with a trailer.

    I need to get cracking on this as January sales will have an impact on my choices. I'd hugely appreciate any advice as it's pretty daunting dropping more money than our car is worth on just a frame and forks. Thanks in advance.

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