Titanium was first discovered over three centuries ago in Cornwall - and has since rocketed in popularity, commonly used in aircraft, spacecraft, and even missiles. At Reilly Cycleworks, titanium is in our DNA - we are titanium specialists and were the first in the industry to embrace titanium and its 'magical' properties.
If you’re considering purchasing a titanium bike frame, it’s important that you understand the pros and cons. After all, titanium bikes are an investment - so you want to be sure you’re making the right choice. In this post, we’re going to explore the pros and cons of titanium bike framesets, so read on to learn more.
Titanium Bike Frames - The Benefits
When it comes to bicycles, nothing quite rides like a titanium bike. If you’re looking for a bike that will last you a lifetime, then you should consider purchasing a titanium bike frame. Lightweight, durable, and versatile, titanium bike frames offer an unrivalled cycling experience.
Titanium Frames Are Lightweight
One of the key benefits of titanium bike frames is that they’re lightweight. Titanium is highly valued in the cycling world as it has a brilliant strength-to-weight ratio.
Titanium bike frames have immense strength and durability without being too heavy - titanium is as strong as steel, but 45% lighter. If you want a sharp ride, a titanium frame won’t let you down.
Titanium Frames Make For A Comfortable Ride
Whether you’re riding on uneven terrains - for example, on gravel or uphill, titanium bikes offer a super comfortable ride. Alternatively, if you keep to the path on your cycling adventures, titanium road bikes make for a smooth and steady ride.
Titanium has brilliant shock-absorbing properties, making it the ideal material for road bike frames, mountain bike frames, adventure bike frames, and hybrid bikes.
It can be tough to find the right balance between comfort and performance, but titanium frames balance the two in perfect harmony. With a natural ability to dampen vibrations, they’re great for both endurance rides and short rides on any terrain.
Titanium Frames Are For Life
Titanium bike frames are pretty much indestructible - they’re weather resistant, strong, and can hold up extremely well to wear and tear.
One of the reasons titanium bike frames last so long is because they can withstand hard impacts. This can negate the need of having to purchase another one or fork out hundreds of pounds to get your titanium frame repaired if you fall off it or bump it.
Most damage that occurs with titanium bikes is superficial and easily repaired - the inherent structure of the tubing usually remains in perfect condition due to its immense strength.
Likewise, titanium doesn’t corrode easily and can withstand extreme temperatures too - making titanium bike frames a great choice wherever you are on the planet. The anti-corrosive properties of titanium mean that titanium frames can brush off road salt, water, and any other elements that other metals may not stand up to.
If stored correctly and treated with care, titanium bikes can last a lifetime - meaning you won’t have to replace your bike every few years. Titanium bikes aren’t just an expensive purchase - they’re a long-term investment for any serious cyclist.
Titanium Bike Frames - The Drawbacks
Now you have an understanding of the benefits of titanium bike frames, it’s time to discuss the drawbacks. Titanium is arguably the best material you can construct a bike frame with, so there is only one drawback that we’re going to explore in this post - the price tag.
Titanium Bike Frames Have A High Price Tag
The only drawback of titanium bike frames is the price tag - not everybody can afford this luxury item as raw titanium is expensive. Another reason that titanium bike frames cost more than others is that significant expertise and equipment are required when it comes to constructing titanium bike frames.
As titanium is such a durable metal, it can be difficult to weld. Likewise, titanium is reactive to oxygen when it melts, which can cause discolouration. To overcome this problem, expert titanium welders will use gas to push away the oxygen. They need specialist tools and techniques to weld and cut titanium - not just anybody can create a titanium bike frame.
If you are looking for a more budget-friendly option, whether it be a mountain bike, road bike, or adventure bike, you could always choose a steel bike frame or aluminium bike frame.
However, as titanium bike frames last a lifetime, chances are, you’ll never have to purchase another bike again - especially if you purchase from Reilly Cycleworks and take advantage of the lifetime warranty.
Where To Find The Right Titanium Bike Frame
At Reilly Cycleworks, our bike frames are made by cyclists, for cyclists. We were the first to embrace titanium - titanium is in our DNA. Check out our range of titanium bike frames for sale today. If you’re looking for a versatile bike, check out the Gradient and Gradient T47 adventure bikes - the Gradient combines a Hydro-formed REILLY titanium tube set with hugely flexible geometry.
Another favourite is the all-season, all-road Spectre frameset - designed for country lanes with immense braking power and tyre clearance of up to 38c. The brand new Fusion features an aerodynamic cast titanium frame and a super sleek aesthetic, and can easily rival carbon racing bikes on the road.
If you’re looking for a custom ride, our team of experts at Reilly Cycleworks will work with you to create your dream ride - whether it be a titanium frameset or a full build. With Reilly’s, you can create your bike, your way!
A titanium frame is easily the best choice if you want a lifetime bike. At Reilly Cycleworks, we offer a lifetime warranty for first-time owners - making Reilly Cycleworks Bikes truly bikes for life.