Titanium bicycle frames have long been revered in the cycling world for their exceptional ride quality, durability, and lightweight nature. Introduced in the late 1950s, this exotic material was initially the domain of a select few framebuilders. While titanium gained traction in the following decades, it wasn’t until the 1980s that it truly captured the attention of boutique bicycle framebuilders seeking to craft something special.
Today, while large-scale production of titanium bikes exists, many framebuilders continue to create functional masterpieces of speed and artistry from this remarkable metal. Compared to steel or aluminum, titanium bikes command a higher price due to the increased cost of raw materials, the complex welding process requiring an argon gas environment, and specialized cleaning and finishing techniques.
However, the dream of owning a titanium bike is no longer confined to extended waitlists or exorbitant five-figure price tags. Enter Blackheart Bike Co, based in Truckee, California, a company making titanium performance accessible. Blackheart offers a range of nine stock frame sizes, numerous build options, and a unique level of customization with cerakote color choices to inject personal style into your ride.
While custom high-end titanium builds can easily surpass $15,000, Blackheart Bikes, manufactured in Taiwan and China and assembled in California, offer a compelling entry point starting at $3,149 for a titanium frame and Enve fork. Our test bike, weighing in at 8.11kg and equipped with SRAM Force and Hunt components, arrived at a price of $7,424 – including an upgraded Red cassette and eye-catching rainbow-finish chain. While certainly not in the realm of budget bikes, this price point and weight are highly competitive with stock carbon bikes from leading brands like Trek, Specialized, and Giant when fitted with comparable components.
Blackheart Bike Co
Close-up of the bottom bracket welds on the Blackheart Road Ti bicycle, showcasing the consistent and clean craftsmanship.
The Blackheart bikes website provides real-time stock frame availability and estimated delivery times for standard finishes, with custom cerakote adding approximately three weeks to fulfillment. Impressively, a frame and fork can be delivered in as little as a week, while complete bike builds can be ready to ship within four weeks.
Blackheart Bike Co
A side view highlighting the dropped seatstays design on the Blackheart Road Ti, a modern feature enhancing comfort and aerodynamics.
Blackheart titanium bikes are designed with modern performance in mind. Featuring internal cable routing, aerodynamic Kamm-tail tube sections, and integrated cockpits, these bikes possess the sleek aesthetics and aerodynamic efficiency often associated with wind-tunnel optimized carbon frames.
Blackheart Bike Co
A detailed view of the subtle Blackheart logo placement on the top tube of the Road Ti bike, emphasizing understated branding.
Blackheart Bikes Spec Highlights
Blackheart Bike Co
Full internal cable routing and Kamm-tail tube shaping on the Blackheart Road Ti, contributing to a contemporary and aerodynamic bicycle design.
The test Blackheart bike came equipped with a SRAM Force groupset and Hunt wheels, both delivering flawless performance as expected. The tubeless wheel and tire setup, featuring Hunt 44 Aerodynamicist wheels and 28mm Conti 5000 TR tires, mirrored a familiar configuration, providing immediate comfort and predictable handling.
The frame confidently accommodates up to 34mm tires, offering ample clearance for riders seeking increased comfort or venturing onto varied terrain. Drivetrain options for Blackheart bikes are extensive, including Shimano 105, Ultegra, and Dura-Ace, as well as SRAM Rival, Force, or Red. SRAM builds also offer the all-road/gravel XPLR option for added versatility. Blackburn carbon cages complete the refined aesthetic while securely holding bottles, even on rougher road surfaces.
Blackheart Bike Co
The rainbow finish on the SRAM drivetrain of the Blackheart Road Ti bike, contrasted with the clean and minimal welds at the rear dropouts.
During assembly, a minor issue arose with the stem’s cinch bolts, which slightly pushed through the threads when tightened with the provided torque key. While initially a minor concern, it led to cockpit alignment issues. Utilizing the stem’s compression bolt resolved the problem, and the bike performed flawlessly during subsequent high-speed descents and hard cornering, instilling confidence in its overall robustness.
Blackheart founder Zach Lambert emphasized the company’s rigorous selection process for carbon suppliers, involving “years and tens of thousands of dollars of sampling and independent testing.” He assured that the stem issue was not typical and expressed willingness to investigate further if necessary.
Blackheart Bike Co
The integrated cockpit of the Blackheart Road Ti, featuring a carbon fiber mount designed for Garmin or Wahoo bike computers, enhancing integration and aesthetics.
Blackheart Bikes Geometry and Sizing
The Blackheart Road Ti has a 135mm tall head tube set at 73° with some subtle branding.
A close view of the Blackheart Road Ti head tube, showcasing the 135mm height, 73° angle, and subtle branding detail on the titanium frame.
Blackheart bikes embrace established race bike geometry principles. While subtle variations exist compared to other titanium or carbon racers, Blackheart doesn’t deviate significantly from proven designs. Comparing the Road Ti to a stock carbon bike revealed similar chainstay lengths, a slightly longer wheelbase, a marginally shorter head tube, and a comparable 73° head tube angle. However, unlike its carbon counterpart, the Blackheart titanium frame delivers a ride quality that is both lively and composed, exhibiting no discernible flex during accelerations or out-of-the-saddle climbs.
Blackheart Bike Co
Ample tire clearance visible between the slightly curved seatstays of the Blackheart Road Ti, accommodating tires up to 32mm wide.
The Enve fork on the Blackheart features a 43mm offset and 57mm trail, compared to the 45mm offset and 56mm trail of the reviewer’s personal bike. Examining a similarly sized titanium frame from a premium Colorado-based manufacturer reveals comparable geometry figures, further highlighting the Blackheart’s adherence to established performance standards.
The Ride Feel of Blackheart Bikes
Blackheart Bike Co
Rider climbing out-of-the-saddle on the Blackheart Road Ti, demonstrating the bike’s firm, stable, and responsive feel during climbs.
Riding a titanium bike, particularly a Blackheart bike, offers a unique sensory experience. It’s akin to listening to music with noise-canceling headphones disabled – you experience the core performance while remaining connected to the nuances of your surroundings. The Blackheart Road Ti subtly smooths out the ride compared to a carbon race bike, while feeling more responsive than other titanium bikes tested. It allows a degree of road feedback, providing a refined connection that surpasses the harshness of aluminum or the excessive compliance of steel. The inherent firmness and resilience of titanium are expertly tuned in Blackheart frames, resulting in an engaging and rewarding ride.
Even during aggressive cornering or powerful climbs, the Blackheart maintains composure, seamlessly transitioning between riding styles. While some older titanium bikes might have been described as flexy, the Blackheart dispels this notion, offering a direct and efficient feel. While capable as a criterium racer, the Blackheart’s character leans more towards a classics-style racer, prioritizing all-day performance and confident handling over razor-sharp cornering agility.
Blackheart Bike Co
Riding the Blackheart Road Ti on a smooth road and multi-use path, emphasizing the bike’s smooth ride quality without isolating the rider from road feedback.
While Blackheart also offers the All Road titanium bike designed for wider tires, the Road Ti performs admirably on light gravel and hardpack dirt roads with 28mm tires. The robustness of titanium eliminates the typical anxieties associated with riding carbon frames on unpaved surfaces, where flying debris can cause damage. The Road Ti delivers comparable fun, confidence, and control both on and off-road, with enhanced peace of mind regarding frame integrity.
Blackheart Bikes Value and Verdict
Blackheart Bike Co
Front view of the Blackheart Road Ti, showcasing its aerodynamic shapes, hidden hoses, and integrated front end, highlighting its race-ready aesthetics.
The Blackheart Road Ti delivers a firm, responsive, and lively ride, coupled with a composed and refined feel, all at a price point significantly lower than many other titanium racing bikes. For cyclists seeking a “forever bike,” a versatile do-it-all machine, or simply a distinguished addition to their cycling stable, the Blackheart Road Ti earns a strong recommendation.
Priced competitively with many stock carbon racers, and more affordably than most titanium bikes, the Blackheart offers exceptional value. For riders seeking a bike that stands out in a group ride, the understated elegance of the Blackheart undoubtedly commands attention and respect.
