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I got three things at once - custom fit, ti frame (mtb) and custom orthotics (insoles) in decent shoes. Going from my old shoes/insoles and my too-small-for-me Inbred it was a massive improvement, though impossible to single out which had the most effect. Though the shoes/insoles also feel awesome on my other bikes (knee trouble in the past). Possibly would have got most of the benefit on a custom steel frame, but that wasn't what I really wanted.
Eye-wateringly expensive, but probably the best value things I've ever bought since I now want to, and am able to cycle loads more than I used to.
Serotta frame and orthotics from Physio4Life.
A work colleague of mine had an off the peg Van Nicholas until recently, He did like it but being 6’2”-ish and having a longer legged/shorter torso build than "normal" I think he wanted something a bit more specific geometry wise, shorter top tube and taller HT/ST than his Large off the peg frame, he wound up selling it and that just about covered the cost of a heavier steel Dave Yates custom frameset… which I think he's much happier with...
Fit is king with road bikes, light, spangly Ti is all well and good, but if you’re grinding out the miles on a bike that doesn’t fit properly then it’s wasted money, you need to try before you buy, as it’s a lot of cash even for an off the peg one, on what should be a long term “keeper” frame…
All the Seven fanboys may be interested to read [url= http://www.bikemagic.com/forum/forummessages/mps/dt/1/UTN/98021/V/6/SP/ ]this[/url].
On top of that, when he ordered, they screwed up the order, geometry wasn't even close to being right for him.
Put me right off having one.
I'm intrigued about crikey putting a Scott in the 'money no object' pile then suggesting Pinarello as a cheaper option.
What's a Prince frameset these days? £3300? Not exactly cheap. I really want to like the Addict, but it's just boring and uninspiring!
Incidentally that's where my money would go, I'm 5'10 and when I was about 67kg I tried several high end ti bikes (Litespeed Ghisallo, Merlin Extralite etc) and found them really flexy and unpleasant, I'd never buy one.
Glad someone else mentioned Robin Mather as I wouldn't want to appear biased (although if you want his PDF on Ti frames mail me 😉 ).
I would also have a look at a 953 frameset, as they look lovely, although never ridden one. The IF SSR springs to mind...
That Titus Solera is a peach.....
I've now emailed different chaps at Sabbath twice with queries regarding getting one of their bikes on C2w scheme. Maybe they think I'm taking the pss but had nothing back at all. Have to call I guess.
Ask them for one of these:
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I would love a Ti race or sportive frame next year.
Have you chosen one yet Mcboo? (sorry if I missed it on one the replies above)
I love that new Sabbath, in a strange 'it's ugly but I like it' way
Those Sabbath stays remind me of Hetchins for some reason...
[url= http://www.baumcycles.com/ ]baum...[/url]
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LBS owner has one... absolutely gorgeous. The paint on this one is a bit ...meh... IMHO, but one of the steel ones on there has a luscious Racing Green paintjob which looks amazing to me.
Why not go to Rourkes and get a custome built 953 frame, just as nice as a Ti but made to suit you.
In no particular order (money no object of course)
Moots (I ride a 2008 Compact and love it!)
Kent Eriksen
Independent Fabrication
Steve Potts
BlackSheep Cycles
Jim Kish
Seven
Serotta
Custom ? - depends how out of proportion you are, no doubting you can get the BEST if you go custom including angles and even specific tubing depending on riding type etc but for overall stock is generally fine IMHO (mine's a 53.5cm stock Compact BTW)
I'll be perfectly honest and say that the best bike I've ever owned was carbon - a Serotta Meivici - but my current ride is ti; a Lynskey R330 (with all EC90 components de-labelled). Picture taken in current winter mode with 'orrible looking mudguards:
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Its the first titanium frame I've ever owned and I completely don't regret it. Might sound daft but as amazing as the Serotta was to ride (and it was amazing) I didn't want to use it in anything less than perfect conditions so it was a bit impractical. However, it taught me just how comfortable a top end road bike can be (without sacrificing stiffness / handling) and I really got into riding century rides / sportives this year (something that was bloody torture on my old Six13 and even my old 595 was too aggressive for really long rides). I decided that - like the Serotta - I wanted something discreet and comfortable. I don't race so don't want to look like a race rep and would rather do long ride than a short blast these days so ti seemed just the ticket. And it is - with a few caveats; ti carries a weight penalty compared to carbon - even the best to frames won't be below 1250g where you can take at least 400g off that for a lot of top carbon frames - and (careful you get what you wish for!) it just doesn't have that racer-ish snap of out and out carbon race bikes. That said, I can do 100 mile on my Lynskey comfortably, I love the springy feel of the ride, I love the fact that being titanium it feels like it will last forever and I don't have to freak out about it being hammered in the rain for ages and I love the fact its quite subtle. Dare I say its a 'mature' choice...
If you want to go crazy for your 40th how about a Passoni:
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