Spa Cycles Elan Ti

[HeltorChasca]

Does anyone on here own one? In 105 Triple flavour? I have been looking for reviews but haven't found much.

Any comments from the wise? Thank you.

[Cudzoziemiec]

I don't think I've even seen one... but I've seen a couple of Spa Audaxes in steel and they look very nice. Someone otp who owns a Ti bike (Sabbath IIRC) has had a look at the Audax in Ti and pronounced it "gas pipe titanium" and when it was reviewed in Cycle magazine, Chris Juden (I think it was him) said it was ok but not worth paying the extra for over the steel version. So I'd be wondering if that transfers over to Spa's other models and if so, do they make a steel version of the Elan?

[HeltorChasca]

I don't think I've even seen one... but I've seen a couple of Spa Audaxes in steel and they look very nice. Someone otp who owns a Ti bike (Sabbath IIRC) has had a look at the Audax in Ti and pronounced it "gas pipe titanium" and when it was reviewed in Cycle magazine, Chris Juden (I think it was him) said it was ok but not worth paying the extra for over the steel version. So I'd be wondering if that transfers over to Spa's other models and if so, do they make a steel version of the Elan?

A fine train of thought. Thank you. Still blue sky mining. There are lots of variables involved before my plan comes together, but the research is oddly very satisfying.

[sojournermike]

I've seen one and it looks nice enough, but the front end geometry is not quite my preference (though fitting a 50mm offset fork would sort it). I've not ridden one, but there's a review out on the web somewhere - says it's very smooth. The chaps in shop seem to have enjoyed designing it.

Spa own Sabbath now, and hopefully will do something with the brand. The Mondays Child looks fun.

The steel Audax is excellent. Mine has surly pacer steel forks, which avoids the alloy steerer and gives more tyre clearance than the carbon forks usually supplied. I've got the 50mm offset forks, rather than the 45mm 'standard' and I prefer the handling on these with 28 to 32mm tyres.

Mike

[Cupotea]

I was looking at one when I was in the store getting all my bits and bobs moved over to a Ti Audax frame.  The Elan is quite different in its build to other Spa frames. More engineered, for want of a better word. It had the same style head tube as the Sabbath it was next to and upon mentioning it I was told they were built in the same factory "but for Spa customers" i.e. steady handling and smooth riding. If I'd been going from scratch rather than just a frame swap it would have been very high on my list. I guess a factor might be if you want to hop on the bolt-through bandwagon as it has 9mm at both ends. Perhaps it's partially how they manage such a good price?

As for the gas pipe Ti Audax, it's not a totally unfair description. The steel possibly has a more exciting ride with more twang to it but carries a little more weight. I fully intended to get the steel but curse my lanky limbs, they only did a 60cm in the Ti. I'm still over the moon with it. In the polished finish I think it's as pretty as a picture, very comfy and the best handling road bike I've owned (my previous bike was a Sabbath Silk Road).

If you can make a trip to the store I would head over for a test ride. The service I received was top notch with every size available, plus Harrogate is a nice place for lunch.

[Horizon]

There is an extensive review in the Jan issue of C+ of six British designed 'all-roaders', inc the Spa Cycles Elan Ultegra. Interestingly, it came second, with them saying 'it combines a good price with a smooth, swift ride and weeks of riding confirmed that it really was that good'. Winner was the Mason Bokeh, honourable mentions to the Shand Stooshie and Enigma Ecroix, duffers were the Genesis Croix de Fer Ti (heavy, poor value spec) and Kinesis Racelight GF Ti Disc (way too expensive - £3800 v £2400 for the Spa, both Ultegra). The Spa was the only frame set with perfect fork, dropout and stem to stern alignment.

For such a good bike, it's a shame not to see it better presented and with more information on the Spa site.

[HeltorChasca]

Thanks for these posts. eBay has been very good to me. Not quite so good on my home-brew equipment, canoe and gubbins AND one of my lawn mowers! Good bye my pretties.

Things are looking good

[Cudzoziemiec]

Oh I dunno, it could go either way with the home brew; either you'll drink less, get fit and fast and really enjoy using all the potential of the Elan (or whatever you end up getting) or... you'll blow all the money you've made from eBay down the pub!

[HeltorChasca]

Oh I dunno, it could go either way with the home brew; either you'll drink less, get fit and fast and really enjoy using all the potential of the Elan (or whatever you end up getting) or... you'll blow all the money you've made from eBay down the pub!

I haven't used the home-brew stuff since my youngest daughter was born 7.5 years ago. Time thirsty these kids.

AND...You know that dry challenge in January? Well I didn't miss anything so I'm still going. I'm probably saving £10-£15 a week. Some of that goes straight on rooibos and AUK entry fees.

[Cudzoziemiec]

Excellent! So are you Ball Bustering on Sunday?

[HeltorChasca]

Sadly not. But I'm going down to Dorset next Sunday to get some lumps in. Sounds like a great route.

[Dollysdad]

FWIW I have just bought an Elan Ti. 105 Triple HY/Rd brakes and Hydro wheels.
Not had it long but first impressions are excellent. I am what could be described as a "Clydesdale" and I bought the Ti after reading the review from the comfort perspective. I test rode one at the shop and they sent it by post, very, very pleased all round. It really is as comfortable as the review suggests, especially round here (Shropshire) where the roads are not quite as smooth a somewhere like - Tibet. My last Audax bike never felt good and I think it was ultimately too big, I nearly gave up for good after the last century ride as I was in agony - but this has been a revelation. Funny thing is I was a bit dubious about the 32mm tyres and rolling resistance, first time out on my training loop of 10 miles I equalled my best time on my "sportive" bike, and that was after a layoff. Price is excellent for what you get, though I did OD on lighting and charging gear. 10/10.

[Samuel D]

My last Audax bike never felt good and I think it was ultimately too big…

Was it a Spa Audax?

Funny thing is I was a bit dubious about the 32mm tyres and rolling resistance, first time out on my training loop of 10 miles I equalled my best time on my "sportive" bike, and that was after a layoff.

Aye, the wide tyres do well for rolling resistance. This is especially true when comparing heavy, durable tyres of different sizes. And it’s especially true if you yourself are heavy. However, wide tyres have more aerodynamic drag. So when you really hammer it – which might be just the situation in which you want best performance – the narrower tyres are still better.

For covering ground on B roads, solo, at a significant all-up weight, wide tyres are probably far better than the traditional 23–25 mm jobs.

Anyone got any photos of their Elan?

[Dollysdad]

No it was a 27" Kinesis T2, I'm 5'9" - it was too long. Should have had a size smaller, even though I was measured for it.

[STMS]

What size Elan did you get?

[Dollysdad]

I got a 54", but - being kind.... let's put all this into perspective:

I am 60 - 5" 9", grumpy and weigh 105 kg. I have a 105 triple Elan. (105 is good enough for 99% of the riders out there). I previously had a bike sized built for me - too big in the end, awful back and neck problems. I went to SPA - admittedly during a business trip, but it was a lengthy diversion. They had examples of all sizes to try - how many places do that?  And i chose a bike smaller than i expected. So, it is worth a trip if you are spending 2 grand. full stop.

It's the same as buying a pair of trousers - may be the same "size", but completely different fit. SPA lads were very helpful and the bike was built in a couple of weeks. they made a mistake on the lighting, but they put it right. They are humans like us. I cannot say if my bike will fit you - or anyone else - even if they are my exact double (and handsome they would be!).

The point i am making is that no amount of talking and asking will answer your questions, you need to put your fingers in the holes  (ask Thomas) which is a rarity SPA can offer. The Elan is simply a bloody good bike, the cable/hydraulic brakes are brilliant and it has taken me to lots of places it shouldn't have (at my weight you need the right wheels)  but-you-need-to-sit-on-one-first.  I have no connection with SPA, i bought one of their bikes and I am happy with it, so i am passing on my experience.

Another nugget from my years of driving - no matter how many rear lights/reflective clothing you think you need  - it aint enough!

Cheers

Mike

[offcumden]

Anyone else on here bought or tried an Elan - either Ti or steel?

I love my Spa Audax, but sometimes wish for the possibility of running wider tyres, both to cope with deteriorating road surfaces (I'm sure you'll have noticed!) and the slow onset of age-related frailty. I'd envisage swopping wheels/tyres according to surface and terrain.  Any thoughts?

[pancycle]

 I bought a Spa Elan ti frame and forks a month ago,built it up with 105 10speed parts and shimano tubeless wheels with Hutchinson  35mm tires, my first few spins were strange as I thought that I was punctured repeatedly, such was the softness of the ride. It floats along on gravel and tow path, but remains rapid enough for audaxes. I have owned the following, Chas Roberts Audax, George Longstaff audax, Cyfac randonneur, Merlin ti, Cube NuRoad, Dave Yates Wayfarer, all excellent bikes, and brilliant to ride, but the Spa is as good if not better to ride. It is only my second bike to have discs, and I am very impressed with the stopping power and "feel" of TRP spyres, and I get lots of people asking me about the bike, admiring its looks and gasping at the low price. Can't recommend it enough, and the service from Spa was excellent

[HeltorChasca]

I have one too with just over 11 000km on the clock. Utterly love it. Ask away. This is it yesterday on a 200km spin in the Maldives.

Sorry, Minehead...


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[HeltorChasca]

The front fork is the biggest let down. No front bolt hole for a sensible light placement. I have finally settled in it being up on the stem.


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[offcumden]

Thanks to pancycle and HC for their replies.  All very encouraging!  I'd be interested in anyone else's experience, too - thanks.

It would be my first disc-braked bike, having so far regarded discs as an unnecessary complication, especially given that I don't do much wet weather riding these days. It does sound as though the Spyre discs are a good piece of kit, though.

I find the 28mm tyres on my Spa Audax give a comfortable ride most of the time, but the 35mm Marathon Supremes on my Condor are superb on poor roads and cycleways. The Elan would give me the choice, as I'll probably sell my Condor, which is ideal for heavily loaded touring, but no longer needed for that purpose. The Elan would be much nippier, I think, and lighter, too;  maybe just as quick as the Audax? If so, it might make sense to also get rid of the Audax as part of the deal.   I do have a carbon plaything for perfect summer weather when I'm feeling frisky!

I'm very happy with my steel Audax. Anyone like to say anything about the relative merits of the Ti and Steel Elans?

Rarely ride far in the dark these days, so light fixings not a high priority.

A lot to mull over.  I'm only 30 or so miles from Starbeck, so test-riding the Elan is easily done.

But first I ought to think about preparing the Condor, and maybe the Audax, to be sold on . . .

[Aardvaak]

Found this as I'm also starting to explore (by which I mean saving slowly) ti gravel/adv options and am curious about the Spa Elan. Forgive me if this is a true noobie question, but I notice that everyone else is now using thru-axle for discs, whereas Spa have stuck with QR. I don't know the techie side (I just ride) but is QR ok with the forces created with discs? Why has everyone else gone to thu-axles then? Do point me elsewhere if this is a well covered topic. Thanks 

[sojournermike]

Found this as I'm also starting to explore (by which I mean saving slowly) ti gravel/adv options and am curious about the Spa Elan. Forgive me if this is a true noobie question, but I notice that everyone else is now using thru-axle for discs, whereas Spa have stuck with QR. I don't know the techie side (I just ride) but is QR ok with the forces created with discs? Why has everyone else gone to thu-axles then? Do point me elsewhere if this is a well covered topic. Thanks 

Brucey has commented on through axles vs QR for discs elsewhere in Knowledge - I wouldn’t go back to QR on a disc bike, for repeatable wheel positioning as well as as safety.

I understand that a flat mount Elan is coming - if you ask them I’m sure they’ll say when.

If you want a hub recommendation for through axles, I built up a pair of wheels with Shimano RS770 and think they’re excellent. There are plenty of options now mind.

[Hot Flatus]

I don't own a Ti disc bike, but I do own a Ti track bike, and trying to keep the axle in place with Ti dropouts is really difficult. 

WRT disc, not so much of an issue on the rear, but I wouldn't use a QR on the front.   I've had QR disc hubs, on an alloy frame with powder coating. The qr axles would turn with the braking force. I dremelled all the paint off and had to change the qr skewer to a really high quality one to stop it from happening.

[Paul H]

I notice that everyone else is now using thru-axle for discs, whereas Spa have stuck with QR.

Spa will also supply with a Kenesis Thro axle fork, it's a £50 upgrade on the frameset price.  I doubt any of their carbon forks are unique to them, which is no bad thing if you need a replacement some time.