Reilly Titanium Reflex Gravel Bike Review: Is a Heavier Gravel Bike Actually Better?
Modern cycling often prioritises lightweight carbon frames and race-focused performance. However, in his video “My New Gravel Bike | Is Heavier Actually Better?”, Grant Ritchie challenges that notion by showcasing his new Reilly Titanium Reflex gravel bike and asking whether comfort and confidence can matter more than weight savings.
This article is based on Grant Ritchie’s video “My New Gravel Bike | Is Heavier Actually Better?”, where he reviews his Reilly Titanium Reflex gravel bike during a real-world gravel ride.
Watch the full video on YouTube
After riding the bike for over a month, Grant shares detailed impressions of the build, ride feel, and why a slightly heavier gravel bike may actually perform better in real-world conditions. Read on to hear the full verdict!
Overview: Gravel Riding Around Nottingham
The video is filmed during a 60 km gravel ride around Nottingham, an area Grant highlights for its surprisingly extensive network of gravel paths, forest trails, and hidden routes. The varied terrain provides an ideal testing ground for a bike designed to handle rough surfaces and long, mixed-condition rides.
The Bike: Reilly Titanium Reflex Gravel Bike
The focus of the video is the Reilly Titanium Reflex, a performance-oriented gravel bike built around a titanium frame.
Why Titanium for a Gravel Bike?
Grant is a strong advocate for titanium, particularly for gravel and all-year riding. He highlights several benefits that make titanium an excellent frame material, such as:
- Exceptional durability and corrosion resistance
- Ideal for wet weather and winter riding
- Handles crashes, bags, and scratches well
- Scratches can be polished out
- Long-term value compared to carbon frames
For riders looking for a true do-it-all gravel bike, Grant believes titanium offers an outstanding balance of performance and longevity.
Frame, Geometry, and Fit
The Reilly Titanium Reflex sits in the performance gravel category without being an ultra-aggressive race bike.
- Comfortable enough for long rides
- Sporty and responsive handling
- Adjustable fork dropout for wheelbase changes
Grant runs the fork in its forward position to prioritise gravel stability and comfort as well as a "slammed" stem for a more aerodynamic riding position.
Build Quality and Finishing Details
Reilly’s build quality is on full display, with Grant praising the craftsmanship across the whole frame. He highlights the clean welds, particularly around the head tube, which give the bike a refined and premium appearance.
Components and Specifications
Groupset: Shimano GRX 800 Mechanical
The bike is equipped with a Shimano GRX 800 mechanical groupset. Despite being more accustomed to wireless shifting, Grant is impressed by the smoothness, reliability, and robustness of GRX 800 for gravel riding.
The drivetrain features a 40-tooth chainring paired with a wide-range cassette, providing plenty of gearing for steep climbs and mixed terrain.
Wheels and Tyres
- Wheels: Strada aluminium wheels
- Tyres: Vittoria Terreno Dry, 50 mm
The 50 mm tyres are the widest Grant has used on a gravel bike, delivering significant comfort, traction, and confidence, with ample clearance in the frame.
Suspension and Ride Feel
A suspension stem adds further compliance to the front end. Combined with the large-volume tyres, the bike feels forgiving and composed on rough gravel and fast descents.
Grant notes that this setup makes the bike more enjoyable and easier to ride at speed over challenging terrain.
Weight: Does a Heavier Gravel Bike Matter?
At just over 10 kg, the Reilly Reflex is heavier than many modern gravel bikes. Grant explains that the weight comes from comfort-focused choices such as:
- Titanium frame
- Large 50 mm tyres and sealant
- Aluminium wheels
- Suspension stem
Performance vs Comfort
While extra weight does impact climbing efficiency, Grant argues that increased comfort and confidence allow him to ride faster over rough gravel sections. The result may be better overall real-world performance despite the added weight.
Final Thoughts: Is Heavier Actually Better?
Grant’s conclusion is that for gravel riding, comfort and control often matter more than marginal weight savings. A heavier but more forgiving bike can be faster over certain terrains, have a smoother ride and be more enjoyable to cycle in real world conditions.
For riders prioritising long rides, rough terrain, and year-round reliability, the Reilly Titanium Reflex gravel bike presents a strong case for choosing comfort over grams.
You can keep up to date with all of Grant's posts on YouTube by subscribing to him here: https://www.youtube.com/@grantritchie
