Gravel riding is hugely popular and titanium and gravel bikes is a match made in heaven. Read on to discover why titanium is such a popular choice for a gravel bike.
Comfort on rough ground
Gravel means hours of vibration from loose stone, ruts and washboard tracks. Titanium tubing is roughly half the weight of steel, just as strong and similarly springy, which is why it has a reputation for comfort and the nickname "old man's carbon fibre". That compliance takes the edge off rough surfaces and helps you stay fresh on long days. Reilly says the Gradient's titanium frameset smooths out the rough stuff while keeping you stable and confident on any terrain.
Durability
Gravel involves stone chips, mud, grit and knocks that would mark paint and scratch carbon. Titanium doesn't rust, and small scratches are cosmetic rather than structural and can easily be buffed away. Reilly frames also come with a lifetime warranty for the original owner, which reviewers see as a vote of confidence in the frame's durability.
Bikepacking and touring
Long trips, often on off-road trails reward a frame that's durable, repairable and comfortable. Titanium suits bikepacking for those reasons, and Reilly points to bikepacking as a natural use for the Gradient.
The downsides
Weight
Titanium is heavier than a high-end carbon equivalent, and reviewers say so. Cycling UK's Gradient test noted a weight penalty compared with a carbon equivalent. On gravel, tyre choice and rider fitness usually matter more, and many riders find the comfort outweighs the extra grams.
Cost
A titanium gravel bike costs more than most aluminium, steel or entry-level carbon options. Bear in mind, not all titanium is created equal. Cheaper Ti models may look the same but will not necessarily be as strong. Reilly use premium, aerospace grade titanium with seamless, imperfection-free tubing engineered for up to 30% more tensile strenght. A titanium bike is a forever bike so although is can be an chucnky upfront cost over time it pays for itself.
It is also worth considering Cycle To Work Schemes
Reilly's gravel range
Reilly splits its gravel lineup into three distinct bikes, with each doing a different job. The Gradient as the do-everything gravel bike with 45mm tyre clearance, the Spectre is an all-road perfect for light gravel and the Reflex is a gravel race bike with the massive clearance .
Reilly Gradient: the all-rounder
The Gradient is Reilly's classic gravel bike. Reilly recommends it for hardcore gravel, and it's a strong choice for long-distance comfort on demanding terrain. It has a full set of mounts for mudguards and luggage, a big tyre clearance and geometry that reviewers say is closer to an endurance road bike than an extreme off-road machine. That makes it one of the better choices if you want one bike for road, gravel, commuting and touring.
Reilly Reflex: the gravel racer
The Reflex is the fastest and most focused of the range. Reilly's co-owner says it is more race-focused and responsive than the Gradient, with a stiffer bottom bracket, but shares the same geometry, giving the two bikes very different ride qualities because of how they are structured. It has the biggest tyre clearance in the range at 55mm, with the co-owner noting that some riders want to fit 2.2in tyres and that you have to stop somewhere. Reilly recommends the Reflex, along with the Gradient, for extreme gravel with loose rock, deep ruts, mud and sand. Choose it if you race, ride fast on rough terrain or want maximum tyre volume.
Reilly Spectre: the all-road option
The Spectre is the more road-biased bike and suits lighter gravel. Reilly points light gravel riders towards the Spectre, and riders who've tried both describe it as a bit snappier on tarmac than the Gradient. It has up to 38mm tyre clearance and mudguard mounts, so it's a good option if most of your riding is on road or smooth tracks.
Titanium vs other frame materials for gravel
Titanium boasts comfort, durability and no corrosion but can be pricer.
Carbon is light and stiff but is damage prone and hard to repair.
Steel is comfortable and repairable but heavier and rusts.
Aluminium is cheap and light but can be harsh to ride.
Is titanium better than carbon for gravel? It depends on your priorities. Carbon is lighter, but titanium is tougher, more comfortable and easier to live with over many years.
Is a titanium gravel bike worth the money? If you'll ride it for years and value comfort and durability, many riders say yes. If you want the lowest weight or the lowest price, it may not be. Read more in this blog
Can I race gravel on a titanium bike? Yes. The Reflex is designed for it.
Can I fit mudguards and racks? The Gradient has mounts for mudguards and luggage, but always check the current specification for your model.
Check out our other Gravel Blogs
How to Find Gravel Rides & Races