The Angel Element is as simple as it is ingenious – an absolute enthusiast’s dream, crafted from titanium. Angel Cycleworks is based in Spain and was founded in 2019 by architect and bicycle builder José Ángel Calabuig and journalist and product developer Antonio del Pino. The brand specialises in the manufacture of high-quality, bespoke bicycles – primarily made from titanium using 3D printing technologies – and combines modern product design with traditional craftsmanship. The Element is a remarkable flagship gravel bike from Angel Cycleworks.
Conclusion
As a tech geek, I have to say: this is exactly what a gravel bike should look like, and this is exactly how it should feel. The Angel Element exudes the inimitable charm of a hand-built titanium bike, with a touch of exotic extravagance. Boring is for other people. Anyone looking for a truly special gravel bike should definitely check out what the Spanish have to offer. - Jan Timmermann, TOUR editor
Information on Angel Element
- Intended use: Gravel
- Ground clearance: 55 mm
- Frame material: titanium
- Fork material: carbon
- Frame weight: from 1,700 grams
- Fork weight: from 380 grams
- Price of frame set: from 2,976 euros
- Price of the complete bike: from 5,998 euros
- Special features: made in Spain
No experiments
For the team behind Angel Cycleworks, a titanium gravel bike like the Element must be simple, authentic and of the highest quality. In line with the company’s philosophy, the Element has been designed to convey the riding experience of a titanium bike in its purest form. That said, the Spanish brand does not define the bike as either a specific race bike or a bikepacking gravel bike. Nevertheless, the Element is designed to fulfil all these roles as required. Angel opted for a carefully crafted geometry intended to meet the needs of 90 per cent of gravel cyclists. This includes a balanced stack height and a moderate reach. This is intended to help riders achieve the perfect fit in many different situations and benefit from the bike’s comfort and control.
Titanium meets Carbon
The Angel Element’s frame is constructed from tapered titanium tubes, such as those used in the aerospace industry. The large head tube allows for fully integrated cable routing. Depending on the size, titanium frames are said to weigh between 1,700 and 1,850 grams. The chassis has a matt finish thanks to shot-blasting and features anodised logos in a colour matching the paintwork of the carbon fork. Angel states that the fork weighs 380 grams. The handlebar-stem assembly of the complete bike is also said to weigh 380 grams, whilst the seatpost weighs 135 grams. Apart from three bottle cage mounts and a mounting point on the top tube, the frame does not feature any mounts for carrying luggage.
As befits a modern gravel bike, the Angel Element accommodates tyres up to 55 millimetres wide. Other technical details include a bolted /47 bottom bracket, a UDH derailleur hanger and flat-mount brake mounts. The frame is designed for both mechanical and electronic drivetrains with either one or two chainrings. Angel offers a lifetime guarantee on its titanium frames. The frameset costs just under 3,000 euros, whilst complete bikes fitted with the SRAM Force AXS groupset start at just under 6,000 euros. The delivery time for the Element frames is ten to 12 weeks.
What do you think: do you like the look of the titanium gravel bike from Angel Cycleworks, or would you rather go for an off-the-shelf carbon bike? Let us know in the comments!
Jan Timmermann
Editor
