Building a Bike? Here’s Why You Should Consider Titanium
Are you an avid bike rider? Have you ever thought about building your own? If you have access to the right tools, building your own bike can be a fun experience on your way to the perfect ride. While you might be tempted to stick with materials like aluminum, stainless, and carbon steel, there’s one option you may want to consider for top tier performance. Titanium.
Is titanium commonly used for bicycles?
Absolutely! While most bikes may rely on aluminum, titanium is nearly unmatched when it comes to frame materials. Publications like Cyclist and Bike Radar frequently review titanium bicycles, breaking down all the ins and outs. While such bikes are on the higher end in terms of price, for many riders the tradeoff is well worth it.
What makes titanium good for bikes?
The key feature that makes titanium a premium choice for bikes is its excellent strength to weight ratio. Titanium is approximately 45% lighter than stainless steel at 4.5 g/cm³. While aluminum does beat out titanium in mass at 2.7 g/cm³, the latter’s superior strength makes it more resilient in key stress points. The only material that beats out titanium in strength to weight ratio is carbon fiber, but titanium still bests carbon fiber in durability.
Are there any challenges when using titanium for bikes?
If you plan to work with titanium for your next bike, the biggest challenge is welding. If you’re a novice when it comes to welding, you may want to work your way up to titanium before jumping head in. There are many different grades of titanium, and whichever one you choose can greatly affect welding. If you want more information on how to weld titanium, read our knowledge hub guide here!
What tools do I need to build my own bike frame?
If you’re planning on building a titanium bike from scratch, you’ll need a whole suite of tools. On the design side, you can use software like ByCAD or more traditional methods like drawing paper and measuring tools. The rest of your tools will be dedicated to tube prep and joining. Tube preparation requires cutting (a hacksaw or tube cutter), files for mitering, a frame jig for keeping tubes aligned, and Emery cloth and brushes for cleaning.
Are there any challenges when using titanium for bikes?
The most demanding part of creating a frame will be joining. This requires some experience in welding, and a TIG welder of course. You’ll want appropriate safety gear like a respirator, welding gloves and shade 3-5 glasses. And don’t forget a soak tank for cleaning up flux residue. If you need help on welding titanium, check out our guide here.
What titanium grade should I use for bikes?
For bicycles, titanium grade 5 (6Al-4V) is generally considered a good choice. While it is harder to form, it offers exceptional strength and durability. Grade 2 materials are occasionally used in smaller components where ductility is a requirement.
Ready to get started? Browse our selection of titanium and start building your dream bike today!
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