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Titanium frame builders in Japan

xDOMx

Maximum Pace
Nov 21, 2014
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Thinking of taking the jump from my Cannondale SystemSix to titanium.

Does anyone know of/have any experience of any ti frame builders here in Japan?
 
GSAstuto will design and adjust to your specs, but I think they have them built by someone they have vetted in china.

I think @Half-Fast Mike has one of his frames.
 
Thanks so much. Thinking the standard 'raw ti frame and Enve fork' set up and transfer everything from my current setup.
 
I have to ask...

Why on earth would you want to do this?
 
When I was in Australia last I rode with a guy who had an amazing titanium frame, DI2, all the parts. I can definitely understand why someone might want to own that frame and build that bike.
 
GSAstuto will design and adjust to your specs, but I think they have them built by someone they have vetted in china.

I think @Half-Fast Mike has one of his frames.
I do and it's wonderful. No doubt Tim will work closely with you to get exactly what you need, as he did with me. http://www.gsastuto.com/#!contact/c19rm It will take some time, though. Probably at least six months.

As an alternative, Panasonic do a built-to-order titanium frameset. I'm sure the quality is excellent. http://cycle.panasonic.jp/products/pos/custom_order/2015/frt18/ You have to buy through an approved POS (Panasonic Order System) shop - I'd unhesitatingly recommend http://hiroad.biz if convenient. You could be riding by the first week in March.
 
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Just out of interest, how much did yours from Tim set you back??
 
Any pictures built up? Always into looking at geo and stuff for an idea!
 
What's the deal with the top tube? Haven't seen that before!
 
One local shop has had a panasonic Ti frame hanging in their front window forever. Very clean looking & nicely done, but apparently sized for someone about 5' tall.
 
Also, according to what I've heard from Tim, you should get a carbon fork. That's not a place for using titanium.
 
Yeah I'd be after 55cm around. I'd want to go for the standard brushed frame and Enve fork I'd say!
 
Definitely look up Tim at GS Astuto. You'll get better service than you could imagine.

Also there are sometimes deals to be had from the "loft" on Lynskey's website.

In Japan, takizawa-web distribute Litespeed.

Also check out yahoo auction. Titanium doesn't rust or deteriorate with age. Lynskey and Litespeed have a lifetime warranty (no proof of purchase necessary). An old Litespeed Vortex for example would be a great find.

Andy

www.jyonnobitime.com/time
 
Thanks as always. There's some Lynskey Helix in Loft right now...
 
Think they also have that but maybe wrong size for me. The Helix is the top model currently and for 2,100$ or so it seems reasonable...
 
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