I have got 11speed on a couple of my rim brake bikes. They are simple to service and a joy to ride and when parked at the cafe always draw a crowd. I did go disc brake when my mates all did but I didn’t like it and sold them during the covid boom. My maintenance costs for a rim brake bike and time are far less. For me there would be no contest I’d put sealant in the tubes and sell the tcr and travel the world with the airborne. Things I will never have on a road bike Integrated cables Electronic gears Tubeless wheels Hydraulic discs I have been abroad with to many friends that have lost days because of their modern “bikes” And before you all call out I’ve had a giant defy disc, cannondale synapse disc and the use of a pinarello F and I have sold 2 and not bought the 3rd. Just off to order a new rear wheel for my giant tcx the wheel is 10 years old and over 20,000 miles of use the front one is 20 years old and has done 35,000 miles and still not worn out.
I have a rim brake bike from 2016 that fits me like a glove, is a joy to ride, and is comfortably riding AL bike with a fantastic carbon fork. I upgraded with electronic shifting, carbon bars, carbon post, and got some new carbon wheels. Fantastic bike that I have over 10K miles on even though I have a carbon frame bike that is a dream to ride. I have often thought of selling it, but then I take another ride on it, and think, yea, this is my forever bike. Some people might think I am stupid and it is a waste of money, but, hey, its my money and I enjoy the bike. Sometime, something old, can be something new
If you can source the parts to do the upgrade at a reasonable price then it’ll make a good winter bike. At a bare minimum new bars (maybe new stem) and mudguards would have you sorted. The wheels can wait and you said the saddle was fine.
Thinking of selling but if I put some light carbon bars on my Titanium it will be lighter & better looking. I should get it off the smart trainer & use it. Forget carbon wheels in winter. A pair of Zonda's would do that Ti bike, won't cost much and alloy track will brake well in the wet.
I've ordered the same bars that I put on the TCR (Deda Elementi) - they're VERY cheap and actually almost as light as carbon. The wheels won't be Zonda's despite everyone recommending them - the ones I'll be getting are a similar price and stiffer (and the same weight)
I love my titanium airbourne lancaster ive had them all full carbon etc and nothing rides as good and they are beautiful too, sell the carbon get the tit upgraded improve the weight and ride it will last a life time and stand up to the rigours of the lakes unlike the carbon .
I hear you....but sell the carbon is something I'll never do! It's an absolute weapon. Light, nimble, stiff and quick. I'll be keeping the Ti though it seems
I'd not think twice about doing an upgrade....wheels, tyres,stem and a new set of bars are easily sourced. Add some mudguards and you're set for a winter bike and the additional weight would benefit your summer riding.
I’d move it on, there are people out there that go mad for Titanium, you could put the money into another giant by the time you’ve put money into that old bike. Good luck either way!!! 🚲👍
Hey Scott - i think it is time to let the 'Other Bike' go. it is obviously more for sentimental reasons to keep than spec and practica;ity. Would you go out and buy a new bike today? I have my old 2012 carbon frame rim brake - saved myself £2500 in 2024 by keeping it other than getting Ultegra rim brake components for less than £100. 🙂
It's staying! I really need a spare bike for times like now where my TCR is in the shop for repairs (and the parts aren't available). I wouldn't buy another bike at the moment purely due to cost - I can get the Airborne roadworthy and fitting me again relatively cheaply.
Sell it, move on. I have a 2004 Longstaff. In October 2023 i spent £1100 having Campag Chorus 12 speed fitted. Not ridden it as i have a disc brake grx geared bike that takes bigger tyres handles better. Seriously, sell it, declutter your head.
I have got 11speed on a couple of my rim brake bikes. They are simple to service and a joy to ride and when parked at the cafe always draw a crowd.
I did go disc brake when my mates all did but I didn’t like it and sold them during the covid boom. My maintenance costs for a rim brake bike and time are far less. For me there would be no contest I’d put sealant in the tubes and sell the tcr and travel the world with the airborne.
Things I will never have on a road bike
Integrated cables
Electronic gears
Tubeless wheels
Hydraulic discs
I have been abroad with to many friends that have lost days because of their modern “bikes”
And before you all call out I’ve had a giant defy disc, cannondale synapse disc and the use of a pinarello F and I have sold 2 and not bought the 3rd.
Just off to order a new rear wheel for my giant tcx the wheel is 10 years old and over 20,000 miles of use the front one is 20 years old and has done 35,000 miles and still not worn out.
I have a rim brake bike from 2016 that fits me like a glove, is a joy to ride, and is comfortably riding AL bike with a fantastic carbon fork. I upgraded with electronic shifting, carbon bars, carbon post, and got some new carbon wheels. Fantastic bike that I have over 10K miles on even though I have a carbon frame bike that is a dream to ride. I have often thought of selling it, but then I take another ride on it, and think, yea, this is my forever bike. Some people might think I am stupid and it is a waste of money, but, hey, its my money and I enjoy the bike. Sometime, something old, can be something new
Glad you love it!
If you can source the parts to do the upgrade at a reasonable price then it’ll make a good winter bike. At a bare minimum new bars (maybe new stem) and mudguards would have you sorted. The wheels can wait and you said the saddle was fine.
Move it on. Someone will love it.
Afraid it's staying, and I'll continue to love it. 😊
Thinking of selling but if I put some light carbon bars on my Titanium it will be lighter & better looking. I should get it off the smart trainer & use it. Forget carbon wheels in winter. A pair of Zonda's would do that Ti bike, won't cost much and alloy track will brake well in the wet.
I've ordered the same bars that I put on the TCR (Deda Elementi) - they're VERY cheap and actually almost as light as carbon. The wheels won't be Zonda's despite everyone recommending them - the ones I'll be getting are a similar price and stiffer (and the same weight)
@@CycletheNation Yeah Like the Hunt Aero £399 & are better!
In a similar position, sentiment is getting in the way. Move the Titanium on. You won't use it & if you do, it'll only be to justify keeping it.
I love my titanium airbourne lancaster ive had them all full carbon etc and nothing rides as good and they are beautiful too, sell the carbon get the tit upgraded improve the weight and ride it will last a life time and stand up to the rigours of the lakes unlike the carbon .
I hear you....but sell the carbon is something I'll never do! It's an absolute weapon. Light, nimble, stiff and quick. I'll be keeping the Ti though it seems
I'd not think twice about doing an upgrade....wheels, tyres,stem and a new set of bars are easily sourced. Add some mudguards and you're set for a winter bike and the additional weight would benefit your summer riding.
Excellent point. Getting back on the TCR after being on the Wattbike for a few sessions always feels amazing.
I’d move it on, there are people out there that go mad for Titanium, you could put the money into another giant by the time you’ve put money into that old bike. Good luck either way!!! 🚲👍
Cheers! Looks like it's staying - I need a spare bike for times like this.
Hey Scott - i think it is time to let the 'Other Bike' go. it is obviously more for sentimental reasons to keep than spec and practica;ity. Would you go out and buy a new bike today? I have my old 2012 carbon frame rim brake - saved myself £2500 in 2024 by keeping it other than getting Ultegra rim brake components for less than £100. 🙂
It's staying! I really need a spare bike for times like now where my TCR is in the shop for repairs (and the parts aren't available). I wouldn't buy another bike at the moment purely due to cost - I can get the Airborne roadworthy and fitting me again relatively cheaply.
Keep it.
Happening I think!
Keep it an take your time upgrading. One day the TCR might not suit you and and titanium road bike might be all you need.
Looks like that's happening!
23 mm? Sell it while you still can some money for it.
It's on 25's, but keeping it now, and it'll fit 28's. Thanks for your comment though.
Sell it, move on. I have a 2004 Longstaff. In October 2023 i spent £1100 having Campag Chorus 12 speed fitted. Not ridden it as i have a disc brake grx geared bike that takes bigger tyres handles better. Seriously, sell it, declutter your head.
Going by what 99% of people have said (on here and on social media) - it's staying. Really not worth enough to sell.
You shouldn't have bought the new bike.
What new bike? The TCR? It's a huge upgrade.