Custom Titanium frame from CS

[carbonazza]

Hard to measure on a built bike( Salsa or yours ) but did you ask for a minimal wall thickness ?

[tripleDot]

@Carbonazza, no, I did not ask for any particular tube thickness. I reckon that if the manufacturer don't go for butting (as per my research) they would be using a thick enough tubing. It is their name on the line. And so far, none of the guys whose commissions I've read didn't specify tube thickness and didn't report any problems, I just sort of trusted them. Btw, those reviews/project documentations I've read were about a few years old when I got around them with updates. So I feel safe to assume that the authors would have reported any problems if they encountered it.

If I recall correctly, one guy did cracked a tube (can't remember which though) but he did specifically say that it was his fault as he went with a smaller diameter tube, which a friend and the manufacturer did warn him of his choice.

[tripleDot]

Took this bike on a trail route that I ride on my 29+ bike just to see if a CX could handle said route. Sadly, had to get down and push the bike on some section. The narrow tires didn't have enough grip, making those descent dangerous... at least for my skill level. But for most part, it was a blast.

Anyway, got the bike all muddy & dirty and had hosed it down when I got home. While cleaning the bike, I noticed something that I had completely forgotten during the planning stage... a drain hole. Not exactly a big problem but definitely something usefull if you go for internal cabling features.

[tripleDot]

A little update...
Replaced the 1x to a Tiagra 2x chainring set. Loving the increased speed and easier climbs.

[carbonazza]

Ti is definitely a magical metal for bikes
I couldn't find it on your thread, who did manufacture it ?

[carbonazza]

Oops, ok... Walty... on the other post 

[tripleDot]

Evolution of my gravel bike.

Started as a 1x11 - XT crank & cassette, Stone 42T chainring.
Then a 2x11 - Taigra 50/34T w/ XT cassette.
Now, a single speed. XT crank, Stone 40T oval w/ 18T rear.

Weight: 9.25kg (20.35lbs)

[tripleDot]

Been enjoying the single speed setup while waiting for parts of the 29er to arrive.

[noodleshop]

Hey tripleDot, really nice build!

I was thinking of getting a Ti frame myself. I would basically want the Lauf True Grit frame S size in titanium, with the ability to add a rear rack for touring/bikepacking, a threaded BB and the top tube bottle boss.

How much do you think it would cost to get it done? And where should I start? Thank!

[tripleDot]

@noodleshop, I can only give the basic rate for Waltly Ti Mfg. As I've no experience or much info about other titanium bike manufacturer. Waltly's base rate is US$800. Some features have additional charges. But for the features you mentioned, I believe they all fit in the base rate.

Where to start. Contact Waltly. They will inform you what they'll need from you. If you have a geometry chart/sheet ready, that'll be a big help.

[carbonazza]

...I would basically want the Lauf True Grit frame...

What did you find interesting in that frame ?
I'm looking too for inspiration.

[bxcc]

If you're looking for a gravel bike, check out the Otso Warakin. When I finally get around to building one, that's the geometry I'll be using. To be honest though, it's the only gravel bike I have any time on. Last summer I used the demo from my LBS for a weekend riding around Swan's Island in Maine. Not much for smooth pavement there and a good amount of gravel as well. I had a blast on it.

[RDY]

If you're looking for a gravel bike, check out the Otso Warakin. When I finally get around to building one, that's the geometry I'll be using. To be honest though, it's the only gravel bike I have any time on. Last summer I used the demo from my LBS for a weekend riding around Swan's Island in Maine. Not much for smooth pavement there and a good amount of gravel as well. I had a blast on it.

If you basically want a less expensive version of that bike (albeit minus the adjuster chip), why not give ORA a call?  Pretty sure they make it for Warakin.  Would be more expensive than Waltly or XACD, but likely still significantly cheaper than Warakin.  They'd probably insist on a few changes on top of lack of adjuster chip, to make sure they don't upset Warakin, but you'd be getting exactly the same tubing and welds. 

[noodleshop]

@noodleshop, I can only give the basic rate for Waltly Ti Mfg. As I've no experience or much info about other titanium bike manufacturer. Waltly's base rate is US$800. Some features have additional charges. But for the features you mentioned, I believe they all fit in the base rate.

Where to start. Contact Waltly. They will inform you what they'll need from you. If you have a geometry chart/sheet ready, that'll be a big help.

Thanks @tripleDot, that's a good baseline to work with. I know the Waltly stuff is waay cheaper than the branded stuff, but it's a touch above my budget. Would you know if it be possible to get something off the shelf from them for around $700USD, with the modern standards (disc brakes, internal cable routing, tapered headset, 12mm thru-axle, etc.). I've been working my way through Waltly's Alibaba store but have yet to find a frame that meets this criteria.

[noodleshop]

...I would basically want the Lauf True Grit frame...

What did you find interesting in that frame ?
I'm looking too for inspiration.

@carbonazza I was thinking of pairing the Ti frame with the Lauf True Grit fork, so I figured that having the same geometry as the Lauf would work best with the fork!

I think there's definitely many interesting trends going on; everyone seems to have their own flavour of gravel these days, from bikepacking cargo-hauling machines to the sportier side of things, a la Dirty Kanza, etc. I kinda want something that's a good inbetween; riding most days are short 20-30km jaunts and commuting to school, but I do enjoy longer 50km++ rides, with the hope towards bikepacking rides around Southeast Asia (and perhaps even beyond) when Covid clears. Slap on some racks, panniers and bags, and have a good run with the mates