Looking to buy a titanium gravel bike

[jason5906]

Howdy, I heard this forum was a good place to get some info on bikes.

I am looking to buy a titanium gravel bike. I have done a good amount of research and wanted to see if anyone had any advice or experience. I'd like to have a builder make one to my specs instead of a standard sizing, I'd like to get a lifetime warranty on the frame, and I'd like to find a lead time of 6-12 months or less.

Example chumba bikes offer a 3 year warranty, which I'm not really interested in.

My top 3 choices as of now are:
1. Bingham built
2. DeSalvo
3. Seven

I was interested in Firefly but their lead time is 2.5 years. DeSalvo is currently 1-1.5 years. I haven't heard back from Bingham bikes yet but I'm hoping it's 6-12 months. I have also talked to Seven and their lead time is the best so far, being a bigger company. I was also interested in Moots but they don't really do a custom sizing and you're paying extra for the name too, though I know they are great bikes still.

Long story short does anyone ride any of these makers or have any other suggestions.Thanks!

[buddybikes]

22 cycles
Alchemy

Only thing I would question is "lifetime" a bike 20 years from now won't look like one today. Also smaller (or any) builder, they do get old and retire.

[NHAero]

I have a Bingham and can't say enough good things about the bike and the process of working with Brad. He was accurate in terms of when the frame was finished as well.
You may find that delivery time is different depending on whether you want a frameset or a complete bike, because of supply chain issues on components. I had my frame from Bingham in less than 4-1/2 months because I built the bike up myself.

Lots of good builders these days. Alliance is another that hasn't yet been mentioned.

[Hilltopwalters]

+1 for Bingham Built. Those bikes are gorgeouuusssss.

[callmeishmael]

Have no idea on lead, but someone at our club has just received a no.22 (Great Divide maybe? not 100%) and it's stunning. I had proper bike envy for the first time in a while.

[buddybikes]

Originally Posted by callmeishmael

Have no idea on lead, but someone at our club has just received a no.22 (Great Divide maybe? not 100%) and it's stunning. I had proper bike envy for the first time in a while.

From their website:
Last update: September 7, 2022

Our current lead time for new frameset orders is approximately 22 weeks.

Our lead times for complete builds will depend on parts availability for your particular bike. We have great relationships with our suppliers and have standing orders at regular intervals for components needed to complete most builds, but the supply chain for bicycle components is currently volatile. Please reach out to us with any questions about specific component availability, and we'd be happy to have a conversation about timing for the particular build you have in mind and how to best navigate parts availability to get your bike to you as soon as possible.

[eddief]

https://carverbikes.com/frames/custom-titanium/

[David in Maine]

I had wonderful experience getting a custom Seven built in 2019. I worked with the The Ride Studio Cafe in Lexington MA which is now sadly closed, but Patria Lanfranchi is now operating a mobile bike shop and is still fitting customers to new Sevens. My bike has been just what I hoped for and the fit is spot on. I highly recommend Seven.

https://www.rideheadquarters.com/

David

[mlc]

Caletti’s lead right now is 15 months for Ti. Saw one in person for the first time yesterday, was gorgeous!

[RobbieTunes]

$3000 or $13,000

[Sarhog]

There are one (or two) builders in Chattanooga that meet those requirements.

[ti_or_die]

Originally Posted by RobbieTunes

$3000 or $13,000

To be fair, it is $3,000 for a bare frame…the actual cost of a low-spec bike with all the components is over $5,000.

[ti_or_die]

Without knowing the price range, Litespeed, Moots, No. 22 would all be recommended. Sage and T-Lab are also putting out nice gravel frames, and may be able to deliver by the end of the year.

[avalonracing]

Originally Posted by Sarhog

There are one (or two) builders in Chattanooga that meet those requirements.

And they can usually deliver in 2-8 weeks.

[veloduffer]

I have owned several titanium bikes - Spectrum, Ericksen/Bingham, Mosaic, Seven, Moots, Lynskey. All are/were fine bikes and will provide a really good product. If you're looking for a fast turnaround, probably Seven or Lynskey are you best options.

Just make sure you know what your custom needs are. If you have any uncertainty, it's probably best to get a bike fit from a well-respected bike fitter. Otherwise, you'll get an expensive mistake. I'm fortunate that I can fit most stock sizes. Take a look at Seven's geometry, they have the widest range of options in their signature/stock sizes.