Why you should buy a Titanium bike

With the launch of the new Allroad Ti, we’re excited to share the story of titanium and what makes it such an exceptional material for cycling.

During its peak in the 90s, titanium was considered a premium material in cycling, admired for its timeless aesthetic and distinctive brushed finish. While titanium bikes remain a high-end option, they’ve become more accessible to a broader range of cyclists today. So, what is it about titanium that makes it one of the most sought-after frame materials in cycling? And why is investing in a titanium bike truly worthwhile?

The titanium story begins with a chance discovery by William Gregor in Cornwall in 1791. However, it was German chemist Martin Heinrich Klaproth who named the material, drawing inspiration from the titans of Greek mythology.

Titanium's chemical symbol is Ti, a shorthand often used when referencing the material in cycling circles.

Titanium first saw mass use during the Cold War, when the USSR and the US used it for maritime and aerospace construction, leading to a global shortage. Once tensions eased, the material became available for commercial use.

Given its unique properties, titanium quickly attracted the attention of bike manufacturers. Although early prototypes in the 60s and 70s proved too soft for practical use, the military discovered that combining titanium with certain alloys created the necessary strength and durability for products like bicycle frames. This led to the development of a new generation of titanium bikes that combined strength, resilience, and performance.

Above Image: Allroad Ti. Crafted for more. Cutting-edge titanium construction. Seamless sculpted lines, optimised for performance. Blending additive manufacturing with hand-crafted finishing,

So, what makes titanium such a great fit for bike frames? And what are its most sought-after properties?

Weight – While steel can offer similar ride characteristics, it requires thicker tubing, adding weight. Whereas titanium can all the comfort and compliance on a lighter frame.

Durability – Titanium’s exceptional high fatigue-to-strength ratio means a well-engineered frame can literally last a lifetime.

Corrosion resistance – Unlike steel, titanium doesn’t rust or oxidize, giving your bike a timeless shine that lasts all year round.

Strength– Titanium has the highest strength-to-weight ratio of any metallic element. Yes, you read that right—any element!

Compliance– Like steel, titanium offers excellent vibration damping, delivering a smoother ride over rough terrain.

Stiffness– A well-built titanium frame is extremely stiff, improving power transfer and pedaling efficiency.

Due to the difficulty of working with titanium, which requires specialist equipment and skilled craftsmanship, titanium frames do come with a higher price tag than most other materials. This is mainly because it can only be welded in a vacuum. Despite this, advancements in frame-building techniques such as 3D printing key parts, have made titanium bikes a more affordable and aerodynamic option for those looking for their dream ride.

In short, it’s the combination of durability, strength, looks and an exceptionally smooth ride quality that draws people to titanium frames. Not only are they incredibly robust, but they can also withstand impacts that might render frames made from other materials unusable.

Titanium frames are stunning—a guaranteed head-turner. There’s something timeless about the sleek lines and brushed finish that make a titanium bike stand out.

Above Image: A close up of the 3D printed Allroad Ti head tube, complete with seamless finish and aerodynamically-optimised tube shaping.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, is titanium's legendary ride quality. Fans of steel frames often rave about their comfort, and titanium matches—if not surpasses—that compliance.

But because titanium is lighter, the bike feels more agile and responsive to every input. Its natural vibration-damping properties also reduce the fatigue caused by 'road buzz' from uneven surfaces. A titanium bike isn’t just a luxury; it’s a long-term investment. When you buy titanium, you’re getting a lifetime riding companion.

Above Image: Gravel Ti. Handcrafted with triple-butted titanium to inspire confidence no matter how extreme the terrain.