Here's a story relayed from a local bike mechanic who recently got a phone call at his shop from a man who wanted to sell a "titanium bike" that he'd purchased used, thinking he was getting the deal of the century.
Knowing that a bike with a titanium frame can easily run more than $2,000, the caller bragged that he bargained the seller down to an incredibly low price, and he'd be willing to part with his treasure for a grand.
The mechanic recommended the man bring the bike by so he could take a peek at it. A few minutes later, in came fellow with a bike - a brand typically sold at department stores - and painted on the frame was that top-dollar word "titanium."
The mechanic gave it a skeptical look and then came the all important lift test, and as expected, it was a biceps bulging 40 pounds plus. The man's treasure was a two-wheeled boat anchor, not exactly the news he wanted to hear.
How could the bike legally carry the titanium label?
"The only thing titanium on this is the pigment in the paint," the mechanic answered.