Well, let's get this started.

I'm getting ready to shop for a new high-end road bike, to replace my 17 yr-old, 21-lb. steel bike. For comfort and responsiveness, which is better, titanium or carbon? I haven't done test rides yet, but I know I can't evaluate "comfort" on a ten minute ride. I've heard zealous advocates of each material, but want some objective thoughts here . . ..

I'm a 152 lb. road rider, mostly country roads, some bumpy city streets, no racing but lots of hill climbing.

>>For comfort and responsiveness, which is better, titanium or carbon?

There's also the gray zone of carbon tubed bikes with titanium lugs, which manufacturers like Independent Fabrications and Seven pull off exquisitely. Remaining in the world of black and white, most people prefer carbon for comfort and responsiveness, especially for comfort. Probably the most significant distinguishing characteristic between the two materials is the tune-ability of carbon relative to any metal. Modern manufacturing techniques allow for a high degree of ride customization in composite frames that is unavailable in titanium, aluminum or steel.

While durability and reliability are different measures by which to compare carbon and titanium, for comfort and responsiveness, carbon wins hands down in my book.

It all depends on your riding style (hard club rider vs recreational rider vs racer vs ultra distance rider vs commuter, etc). I have both a Ti and a carbon bike, and for longer rides, nothing beats the Litespeed ti bike. It also travels really well (no paint to worry about) and is better for chaining up to bike racks if you commute. The Carbon bike is faster on acceleration and tracks like none other, but it does beat me up on longer (100-200 mile) rides. For shorter rides though, it is the best and definitely quicker on short hard accelerations (like when riding in a group that is hell bent on hammering every little roller).

Then there's that other little-known material perpetually on the comeback - STEEL!

With modern drawing techniques now virtually limitless in their ability to vary the thickness of steel tubes, steel is more "real" today than ever. Advanced butting technologies allow for optimized removal of material in areas subject to less mechanical stress, reducing a steel frame's weight while allowing for a high degree of ride tuning. Add modern hardening and tempering techniques to the equation and you're left with a tough product that's capable of withstanding among the highest breaking loads of any metal.

Oh, and steel usually costs way, way less than a titanium or carbon equivalent, not to mention its organic ride characteristics.

Mmm, steel.

I have been grappling with the same question. One thing I have been told, and it makes perfect sense to me, is to go out and ride various bikes of BOTH materials before choosing. I totally agree with the idea of doing this, but I can say that it can be hard to find a "single" titanium bike to test ride, let alone multiple different bikes! And to be totally honest I am pretty new to road biking and I am not really sure a few rides on different bikes will tell me that much about the actual frames (and the materials) without a lot of assistance from someone who knows their sh*t.

I am usually a pretty "good" shopper, able to do my research and make a decision. I think that in this case, it is going to make sense to go and befriend a Local Bike Shop (one with Ti bikes too), get a fitting and all that jazz. It is either that or pick a material based on other factors beside my "opinion" of the ride and performance, like Price, Availability, Appearance, Brand, Durability, Reputation etc.

In my opinion a case can be made for the either option ... mainly based upon how much money do I want to spend. Going the LBS route is without a doubt the best way to get the best bike/fit, but given the type of riding I do, and my prediction of my future with this sport, will I be happy choosing based on the OTHER factors?

Here I go, thinking myself in circles again!!!