In the carbon age, there are few reasons to opt for a titanium road bike frame, as they are technically inferior to modern carbon frames. They are significantly heavier and in some cases also considerably more expensive. However, road bike technology would not be what it is if we were to look at it soberly. It thrives on the fascination with mechanics and materials, and on the fact that for many owners, their own sports equipment also has a soul and can be a feast for the eyes. Those who decide in favour of titanium are looking for individuality without being immediately conspicuous according to current visual habits; they are looking for a sustainable product that has a reputation for indestructibility and is not subject to the tastes of the times. Titanium fans sometimes invest a lot of money for this. The fact that this cost-intensive decision is then usually displayed discreetly but openly is probably best described as understatement. Our wide-ranging test field epitomises these requirements in a wide variety of shades.
Individuality has its price
For the test, we ordered nine models between € 1,550 and € 5,300 - the price applies to the frame with fork in each case. The price range reflects what is currently available on the market. Titanium doesn't always have to be luxury, as the models from GT and Van Nicholas show. Of course, 1,500 or 2,000 euros for a racing bike frame set is no bargain. But you simply can't get titanium for less than that. The frames are welded in the Far East and the buyer will probably never know the name of the builder. But the quality is impressive, the workmanship is flawless; the technical values are not spectacular, but they are okay. The limits of the material are tight anyway, so the scores in the test field are quite close together.
You can find the test results of these models in the PDF download below:
- Alchemy Eros
- De Rosa Titanio 3/2.5
- GT Edge Ti
- Kocmo RR Disc
- Legend Il Re
- Nevi Spinas
- Punch Palooka
- Van Nicholas Chinook
- Wiesmann P Titan
Downloads:
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