Raleigh Ti frame with repair

[ferrus]

I think they did. But weren’t some of their Ti frames robot welded (plasma arc?) I remember Raleigh being proud of it.

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

I can't believe that raleigh had ti welding facilities in their factory at this point, fit such small scale production, so in assuming they had them made by someone else, like Orange did

They didn't they were outsourced. Rumour was one of the versions was Russian made. Someone who knows more will be along.
@KermitGKona88 @ferrus @Woz

 

[ferrus]

Here’s a thread with some info -

M

Thread 'Raleigh RSP titanium'

Dec 3, 2012

I'm trying to find out some more information on the Titanium frames produced by Raleigh in the 90's.
As far as I can tell there were three distinct types:
1) Raleigh Dynatech where titanium tubes where bonded into to lugs and mixed with other frame materials.
2) Welded titanium frames made with Timet branded tubing.
3) Welded titanium frames made with IMI branded tubing.

I have a road frame which falls into this third category and I'd really like to know more about where they were made and what sort of tubing was used.

As far as I can tell the Timet branded tubing was some sort...

• mjp200581
• Replies: 17
• Forum: Retro Classic Road

 

[ferrus]

This article, linked in the thread above, talks about the robot welding and their initial involvement with Russian Ti before working with IMI -
“Raleigh believes it is the first manufacturer to automate the welding process…”

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/titanium-gets-on-its-bike-as-peace-prevails-1468533.html

 

[27motorhead]

I have a 90s MTB that was given to me. Think it’s a Torus or similar. The welding in places is awful and the finishing is crap. Remember routing a dynamo cable in through into downtube to BB, then up seat tube to seatpost and the BB shell was an absolute mess on the inside.

Was light, road lovely but poorly made IMO and then found this crazy Ti-style crack at the top of the seat tube / top tube!

Will be giving it away for free one day. Dan Chambers said he can fix it easy…

 

[KermitGKona88]

IIRC they were made by IMI titanium, unfortunately TI is very prone to cracking, not an ideal material to make frames from.

 

[Woz]

Not so familiar with the Raleigh Ti road offerings. But certainly, yes, UK made along with their MTBs.

We've probably got to remember that it was the USA at this period who was ruling the roost for quality Ti, with just a handful of exceptions / hopefuls in Europe. It was said earlier about price points, and I would guess Raleigh would have competitively priced this. Looks a very tight flexy frame to me. I don't know if there is any evidence out there any pro road cyclist actually rode such a frame.

The repair I wouldn't trust, but would think it would be a slow death and doubtful it would be a catastrophic failure when riding.

My 0.02 GBP. Or 2p worth.