The 6 Best Titanium Gravel Bikes in 2023 (That Will Last You Forever)

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This roundup includes the best titanium gravel bikes based on reviews and criteria like customizability, price, warranty, etc.

You will find affordable, mid-range, and high-end titanium bikes in this article.

You also learn what to be aware of when buying a titanium gravel bike, what the market offers, and much more.

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What Are the Best Titanium Gravel Bikes?

The best titanium gravel bikes are those that combine a great price-value ratio. Their value includes the quality of the frameset and the components, including warranty, customer support, and more.

Skip to the comparison table…

Planet X Tempest (Best Budget Titanium Gravel Bike)

If you are looking for a budget titanium gravel bike, Planet X Tempest is the way to go. It is a perfect example of an affordable and functional titanium bike.

Considering its price, the quality is superb. But, of course, the welds are not as smooth as on a frameset for 4.000 plus USD, and the details are not as precise.

Components are also from the lower end. The Tempest comes with the SRAM Rival groupset and alloy wheels. But you can upgrade the wheels when you save some money, right?

Planet X allows you to customize basic components like the stem, handlebar, saddle, etc., which is a big plus.

Owners of Tempest praise its riding quality. The carbon fork absorbs road vibrations and further contributes to riding comfort.

Remember that its geometry is more aggressive and allows you to ride in a faster aerodynamic position.

The biggest downsides of Tempest are the higher weight, external cable routing, and welds.

Overall, this bike is perfect for beginners and advanced riders with a limited budget.

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Sage Barlow (Best Titanium Gravel Bike Overall)

Sage is another well-known titanium bike manufacturer from the US. They make road, gravel, CX, and MTB titanium bikes.

Their gravel bike offer includes two models. Barlow and Storm King. The Barlow is more established, although it is less advanced. However, you can spec it up based on your budget and preference.

The Barlow shiny titanium frame looks gorgeous. It has nice and smooth welds, details like the brand’s badge on the headtube, precise decals, or internal cable routing.

Sage allows you to opt for components like the groupset (Shimano, SRAM, or Campagnolo), wheels, saddle, handlebar, etc. You can even choose the crank length or seatpost setback for the best fit possible.

Of course, you can choose the color of the decals and other details to match your color preference.

Because Sage bikes are made to order, there is no money-back guarantee, and the lead times may vary depending on the availability of components.

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You might also be interested in these titanium road bikes.

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Lynskey PRO GR (Best Premium Titanium Bike)

Lynskey PRO GR is another example of US titanium craftsmanship. The history of this brand goes back to 1986. Since then, Lynskey has mastered their craft and produces high-end titanium bikes.

Lynskey is not just a brand. It is also a status symbol. Their PRO GR has a more relaxed geometry ideal for better riding comfort.

Depending on your preferred riding style and terrain, you can decide whether you equip it with 650b or 700c wheels.

You can choose from the hand-brushed finish, etched graphics, or anodized graphics (multiple colors).

The same applies to components. Customize its components, like the groupset, seatpost, stem, fork, wheels, etc., to make it closer to your dream bike.

The frame features additional mounts for bags, panniers, fenders, or bottle cages. They make this bike suitable for bike touring.

If you have specific demands on geometry, you can take advantage of the Lynskey Custom program. They will adjust the frame geometry based on your requirements.

Lynskey covers its framesets with a lifetime warranty, and they also have a money-back guarantee so that you can return the bike within 30 days.

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Litespeed Cherohala

Litespeed produces mid-range titanium bikes in the US. Their history goes back to 1986. Thanks to their rich experience, they even contributed with their knowledge and parts for the NASA Curiosity rover.

Anyway, let’s go back to bikes. Their Cherohala is a perfect dual-purpose bike. You can either use it as a road bike or a gravel bike.

You can equip it with up to 1.9in (650b) wide tires suitable for rougher terrain or 38mm (700c) tires for paved roads and light gravel.

Thanks to its shorter reach and lower drop that results in a more upright and less aggressive riding position, Cherohala is comfortable even for less flexible riders.

One of the biggest benefits of Litespeed is the customizable fit for maximum riding comfort. So naturally, it will cost you something extra.

The main downsides of this bike are the limited customizability. You can choose just basic parts like Shimano’s groupsets or wheels.

Overall, Litespeed Cherohala is a clean and minimalistic gravel bike offering good value for the money.

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Ribble Gravel Ti – Enthusiast

Ribble belongs to the oldest bike manufacturers in the world. This brand was established already in 1897! Naturally, they produce carbon, aluminum, steel, and titanium bikes.

Their line of titanium bikes includes multiple bikes that differ in components. So depending on your preference or budget, you can choose an entry-level titanium gravel bike with a low-end groupset, mid-range, or high-end one.

The ‘Enthusiast’ line comes with a Shimano GRX groupset. As groupset and geometry suggest, this bike was designed for the terrain.

Its geometry is more relaxed, and thanks to your center of gravity more at the back, you get extra stability in technical descents.

This bike can accommodate up to 47c tires, ideal for rough terrain. It will handle almost anything you throw at it.

Ribble also allows you to customize most components, making a bike exactly as you want.

The biggest downside is the relatively short warranty of 3 years on the frameset.

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Mason Bokeh

Mason is a high-end titanium bike manufacturer from the UK that ships worldwide. If you want a nice-looking gravel bike that will last you forever and will be your status symbol, Bokeh should catch your attention.

You can customize it as you want – choose the wheel size, 1X or 2X drivetrain, components, and get extra wheels… It is up to you and your budget.

Keep in mind that the geometry of Bokeh is performance-oriented, so if you don’t feel comfortable in an aggressive riding position, I recommend looking elsewhere.

Additionally, Bokeh is also suitable for bike packing. It has additional mounts for fenders, panniers, bags, and bottle cages. This allows you to make your bike adventures more self-sufficient.

The main downside of Mason Bokeh Titanium is its price. It can exceed the mighty 10,000 USD mark if you spec it up.

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My Verdict

There are many high-quality titanium gravel bikes out there. Unfortunately, not every bike could make it to this list.

If you don’t know where to begin with choosing a gravel bike, I recommend reading the following buyer’s guide.

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How to Choose a Titanium Gravel Bike?

Below, I explain the main features and areas to consider when choosing a titanium gravel bike. I split them into two parts.

In the first part, I focus on the bike’s features. In the second, I talk more about the titanium bike brand selection.

Gravel Bike Type

NOTE: Gravel bikes are often compatible with 650b and 700c wheel sizes. If you want to ride in rough terrain, make sure the bike can accommodate wide tires. Learn more.

Sources: shimano.com, bikerumor.com, cyclingweekly.com

TIP: You can use the Bikeinsights tool to compare the geometries of different gravel bike frames. If the geometry of the titanium gravel frame won’t be in their database, feel free to add it.

Groupset

Bikes use 1X, 2X, or 3X shifting. However, modern gravel bikes mostly come with 1X shifting, eventually 2X shifting.

The reason for 1X and 2X shifting is simple. 3X shifting is too complicated, prone to failure, cross chaining, and heavy. 2X and 1X shifting are much more user-friendly, lighter, and easier to maintain.

The main differences between 1X and 2X shifting are that the 1X shifting is lighter and easier to operate (you don’t have to think about the front derailleur), but the jumps between gears are larger, and you get fewer gears.

Groupsets are mostly made by Shimano (GRX), SRAM, or Campagnolo. Every rider prefers a different brand. Shimano is the most popular groupset manufacturer, but you may prefer SRAM or Campy.

Titanium gravel bike manufacturers often allow you to choose the groupset (and other components) based on your budget or preference.

Wheel Size

When choosing a titanium bike, you will often have the possibility to customize the wheels. The question is, should you get a gravel bike with 650b or 700c wheels? Well, you have to think about your riding style.

700c wheels have a larger diameter and use narrower tires than 650b wheels. They are perfect for lighter terrain or paved roads because they are faster, thanks to lower rolling resistance.

650b wheels have a smaller diameter and use wider tires. This makes them suitable for rough terrain because they can absorb larger bumps and are more comfortable.

In other words, the rougher and more extreme terrains you want to conquer, the wider tires you need, and you have to make sure the frame has wide enough tire clearance for them.

On the other hand, if you prefer longer trips on mostly paved surfaces or light gravel, dirt, or forest roads, 700c wheels with narrower tires are the way to go.

In the How to choose a gravel bike guide, I explain the tire choice more in-depth.

Brakes

Gravel bikes use disc brakes (let me know if you find a gravel bike with rim brakes). There are two basic types. However, based on my market research, titanium bikes use almost exclusively hydraulic disc brakes:

1. Hydraulic disc brakes use fluid filled in the system. As CyclingAbout explains, when you pull the brake lever, the fluid rushes down to the caliper, closing the brake pads. This type of disc brake provides braking consistency in any riding conditions. On the other hand, they are more difficult to maintain at home due to their complexity.
2. Mechanical disc brakes work similarly to rim brakes – a steel cable moves the pistons, creating friction that slows the bike. The advantage is that they are compatible with standard rim shifters and are easier to maintain at home. Their disadvantage is that the steel cable can wear out more easily and break when you don’t expect it.

Naturally, hydraulic disc brakes are more popular not only among gravel riders but also among road cyclists.

Accessories Compatibility

If you plan to do some bike packing, look for a frame compatible with additional accessories. The frame should have additional mounts for bags & panniers, eventually, bottle cages and fenders.

These details allow you to take self-supported trips because you can pack everything you need for your adventure on your bike.

Watch the following video to get an idea of what to pack with you.

Bike Size

To estimate the size of your gravel bike, I recommend checking my gravel bike size calculator. Keep in mind it recommends a bike size based on your inseam height.

You also have other options. For example, you can ask the manufacturer what size they recommend based on your body dimensions.

Some titanium bike manufacturers can make custom-sized frames. You request a custom size, and they will guide you further.

If you can’t take the sizing in person, you have to fill out your measurements and then communicate the size of the bike with the manufacturer.

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Titanium Bike Brand

There are many other areas to keep in mind. I explain them more in-depth in my article about titanium bike brands.

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Titanium Gravel Bikes FAQ

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This post is regularly updated to provide the most up-to-date product tips. If you find a product that is not up to date, please, contact me.

Preview picture source: Sage Titanium