Teledyne was definitely an important bike historically. It was a trend-setter, though some of us don't like the way that trend developed later. Supposedly, the titanium forks were prone to breakage, but I bought a used Teledyne a couple of years ago with the original fork which was fine. I'd say go for it if the price is right, but check the frame and especially the fork for cracks before buying if possible.
As to ride, the Teledyne feels "flexier" to me and the handling seems a bit "loose", especially on gravel and other loose surfaces. Possibly this is mostly due to the titanium forks. Soon after buying my Teledyne, I took several stitches in my elbow falling on a gravel-covered corner. Of course that may have been mostly rider error, but I had taken that turn many times at what I think was the same speed on steel road bikes. If the Teledyne really was less solid in that situation, and if the "looseness" was due mostly to the Ti forks, then maybe some of the blame for Luis Ocana's famous crash in the TdeF while madly pursuing Merckx down a steep descent in the rain can be laid to the Ti forks on his Titanium Speedwell frame. Maybe there is a good reason why modern Ti frames usually have carbon fibre forks.
Regards,
Jerry Moos
Houston, TX
Hello all from a newbie, I have a chance to pick up a Teledyne Titan. When I did compete, in my short career, it was all the rage. I heard they don't ride quite like steel, and are prone to breakage?? I remember drooling over the brochure and the one guy who had it, was everybody's envy. It is in the time frame and is outfitted in Campagnolo. I know everybody has been busy prepping for the "big show", but if you have a minute, Any feelings on this bike? Thanks, John Morrison "riding the rollers' cause it's way wet out there" Dana Point, SoCal