2003 HCR Ti hardtail - practically old school Titus! Last ride for a while today...

[Gee2]

So yesterday it had its final (probably) race, today it had one if its last rides. After 7 years the Titus HCR is destined for, at least temporary, retirement. Over the years it's done countless races, rides, challenges and it's still a brilliant bike, albeit in slightly different guise to what it was 7 years ago. It's seen me do my first 6hr race, my first 24hr solo, the South Downs Double, my first Xc race win, moving up to Expert and then to Elite and yesterday it got 2nd at the Midlands Champs - my first (and probably only) Elite podium.

It had a rough time in 2007 when I found a crack behind the head tube, but it made it back to Titus to be fixed and completely refinished, so now it looks like new again and has a nice new gusset and a better disc mount.

A fond farewell for a little while at least - it gets to hang in the garage again now and look nice.



Why you may ask? The Salsa A La Carte Ti is on its way and should be here on Wednesday or so, so that becomes the race bike and the Titus becomes the sunny ride in the summer when I need reminding it's not all about racing. Happy in some ways, sort of sad in others.

GB

[lucifer]

Just out of curiosity why would you spend the money to go from one modern ti hardtail to another? Don't get me wrong both are sweet rides, but what is it you are trying to accomplish with the switch?

[terrible]

I'd say some on else is paying for the salsa with a race record like that

[TiEndo]

I miss my HCR (2001).......wish I never let it go.

[Gee2]

I've ridden for Salsa for the past 3 seasons. The original Salsa race bike (which replaced the HCR) was a Moto Rapido, but when that broke at the end of last season the HCR got resurrected until the A La Carte Ti turns up. I am lucky enough to be sponsored for bikes and kit by Salsa, Ison Distribution, Schwalbe, Exposure Lights and Hope - it's definitely lucky enough rather than good enough. I will keep the HCR forever - it still looks new and rides great. It's been fun to race it again this season.

[lucifer]

I've ridden for Salsa for the past 3 seasons. The original Salsa race bike (which replaced the HCR) was a Moto Rapido, but when that broke at the end of last season the HCR got resurrected until the A La Carte Ti turns up. I am lucky enough to be sponsored for bikes and kit by Salsa, Ison Distribution, Schwalbe, Exposure Lights and Hope - it's definitely lucky enough rather than good enough. I will keep the HCR forever - it still looks new and rides great. It's been fun to race it again this season.

Well that's a darn good reason. Way to go!
My other bike is a salsa and I love it too.

[Velosprocket]

Why didn't you go with the El Mariachi? Just curious about your thought on 26 vs 29...