First time Ti bike owner...played ebay roullette

mcallen · #1 02-24-2021, 11:49 AM

Been fancying a ti bike for a while, but couldn't really justify. Saw a Dean frame set pop up on ebay. Seller didn't seem to know much about bikes, and gave few measurements and details... the one measurement for size listed turned out to be wrong (listed as a 58cm but turned out to be closer to 57cm, which I prefer). I put in a bid and seller accepted.

Almost no decals or markings on frame that I can see, so not sure of year or model. It does take a 1 1/8 fork and BSA bottom bracket, so relatively modern. Seems like it will at least fit 26 tires...maybe up to 28, which would be great.

I plan to clean it then build it up as a versatile training bike.

wallymann · #2 02-24-2021, 11:52 AM

nice el-diente! looks the same vintage as mine.

mcallen · #3 02-24-2021, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wallymann

nice el-diente! looks the same vintage as mine.

Yep, that looks like a match. Thanks for info.

charliedid · #4 02-24-2021, 03:54 PM

Nice

I rode a Clark Kent from that era. That finish can be a bit of a bitch though.

Have fun.

mcallen · #5 03-15-2021, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by charliedid

Nice

I rode a Clark Kent from that era. That finish can be a bit of a bitch though.

Have fun.

I see what you mean about the finish...guess I'll just have to wipe down after each ride. Otherwise, I really like how it rides. Built it up with 11 speed 105 group from PL (thanks John--temeyone). Running low-end training tubulars on it for now. Want to put some nice tubulars in 25mm once weather turns nice.

Got me thinking about a ti gravel / CX bike in future...

citycyclist247 · #6 03-17-2021, 07:54 PM

Hope you enjoy the bike. I love the ride quality of ti.

slambers3 · #7 03-17-2021, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wallymann

nice el-diente! looks the same vintage as mine.

Wallymann have you built yours up yet? Mine saw ~5k miles including some early season racing but moved on. Actually tried to buy the bike back...

skiezo · #8 03-18-2021, 02:20 AM

I had a Dean el-diente that I had built in the or around 2006ish. They are great bikes and my ride really great. I would still have it if some a hole in a big lifted coal roller would not have made a right turn in front of me at 25mph.

oldfatslow · #9 03-18-2021, 07:56 AM

These are beautiful and useful tools. Get them built and on the road.

jmoore · #10 03-18-2021, 08:00 AM

That is very interesting downtube shape. I've never seen one with that flattened out an ovalization at the BB. Frame looks good! I hope it rides great.

RoosterCogset · #11 03-18-2021, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmoore

That is very interesting downtube shape. I've never seen one with that flattened out an ovalization at the BB. Frame looks good! I hope it rides great.

Looks like the T-Lab R3, X3 etc.

C40_guy · #12 03-18-2021, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoosterCogset

Looks like the T-Lab R3, X3 etc.

The steel Colnago Crystal did some shape-shifting on the downtube, if I remember correctly. Decent riding bike...bought one to race, but my son adopted it as his own when he outgrew another bike...

robt57 · #13 03-18-2021, 10:11 AM

Are the Deans LightSpeed tigged??