It sounds to me like you have no compelling reason to go Ti instead of 853.

I've got a Ti bike (Van Nicholas Zion) and an 853 one (Cotic Soul) at the moment. I can tell the difference between them, however how much of that is down to geometry and build kit I don't know. Both are good though.

personally I wouldn't worry about changing standards, it's going to be a long time down the line before after-market BB's are made exclusively to a new standard, and many of them now you can keep the cups and just replace bearing cartridges as they wear out. both my mountain bikes are 1 1/8th steerer, standard bb (easily replaceable standard sized bearings) and my BMX has old style US bb, makes no odds as the hardware will last for ages and the consumables are readily available from a bearing supplier.

as for the money thing, that's up to you, my motto is buy what I want today and worry about what I need tomorrow!

I swapped from steel to Ti recently, saved nearly 2lbs.

It rides the same except easier.

If I was worried about breaking things, I wouldn't MTB…

I've got an 853 Altitude on loan right now, it is an exceptionally good frame…

Sounds to me like you really know how to go but need someone to say it for you. When I'm in this situation I go for the heads and tails ploy. Heads 853/Tails Ti. When you've flipped you'll know the answer. If you query the result – "oh I'll go for best of three" then you know what the answer is.

As for difference-if you were having a Ti replica of your Inbred and put the same kit on you may well spot a difference (and you might not like it). Going to a different frame maker would probably result in a notable difference even with the 853, cos of different tube layouts/angles stay arrangement etc.

My reading is you know the 853 is the "right" answer, you're being swayed elsewhere cos of impatience. I'm exactly the same so don't feel bad about it. If you could really afford the Ti you'd have bought it in the first place. Just gird your loins and put up with your on-one till April.

As for the damage issue – have you ever damaged your steel frame and needed to replace it? Ti isn't ally and think it would take anything a steel one could.

Cheers

I'm in a similar situation PJay. Pre-order on the new Sirius, but kinda disappointed with the April 2010 news.

I spent a couple of days feverishly looking around for an equivalent bike at a similar price, but there isn't.

I've also had the offer of the Sirius Ti, but, whilst I could stretch to it, I'd have to spend more than just the money I've made from selling my other kit, so I won't buy it.

As a result I'll have to wait. Ho hum. Its not like I don't have a bike to ride in the meantime.

853 has my vote – it'll be a great fun new bike and you get to feel good at how sensible you've been! The Ti runs the risk of you wishing you'd just waited and saved the cash. I've had both ti and 853, but on different frames so different rides.. If you haven't ridden the ti then I VERY much doubt you'll be disappointed with your lovely shiny new 853!

Why would you be so precious over Ti?
That's bizarre!
Mine gets tons of abuse, I even driven with it ontop of my car under a height restriction and it went bouncing down my roof and boot and then the ground. Cut a brake cable. Car looks a right mess, indented the roof, egg beaters took loads of pain work off. Big deal.

Saving money means you will, for ever, look at Ti bikes and know that's what you really wanted, which is unfortunate, but since I own one…. 😆

I worked out years ago whilst racing motorbikes, that if you are not prepared to simply walk away from the wreck that was once your bike, then you have the wrong bike or the wrong attitude as potentially slinging it down the hill side (in the case of the mountain bike) should be part of the business of pusing yourself and your bike.

PS – mine is a Lynsky made On-One. Top-flight, make no mistake, it's a beaut!

Ride both and then make your mind up

Have ridden both, like both.

If funds genuinely are tight, stick with the 853, you'll be really happy – I even questioned if I should move back to it from Ti during a prolonged no bike experience due the Hummer failing…..

however, if you actually 'want' the Ti – do it, you'll always wonder. I originally wanted a Hummer back in about 2002, finally scratched that itch in 2008 having almost got there once before and always wondering at the back of my mind.

Apart from the feel when riding, one thing I love about Ti is how easy it is to clean up, no paint chips/rub to worry about – daft, but it's something I like.