Understated elegance meets lifelong durability and magic ride
Good enough for NASA, good enough for me
This page will be dedicated to Titanium mountain bikes from some of the best builders of the 80s and 90s. I plan to delve into the history of Titanium use in mountain bikes, both frames and to a lesser degree components as well as feature some of the best bikes from the likes of Merlin, WTB, Fat Chance, Ibis, Moots, Willits and the occasional odd ball.
1989 Mongoose John Tomac Signature
One of the coolest and yet least known Titanium partnerships from the 1980s.
1989 Merlin Mountain
The 89-91 Merlin is one of the more common versions of the famous Titanium hardtail and for good reason. Merlin finally got it spot on with this design which included an OS 1 3/8″ downtube finally curing the earlier bike’s noodly nature and giving us a bike worthy of taking up a precious quiver slot.
1990 Merlin Mountain
A study in how to deck out a monochromatic trail slayer. Full writeup coming soon!
1992 Grove Innovation Ti
One of my favorite builders builds out of my favorite material. Full writeup coming soon.
1993 Fat Chance Titanium
What happens when the big boys finally enter the fray. The Fat Chance Titanium remains one the most sought after mountain bikes ever made. Full writeup coming soon.
1995 Ibis Mojo Titanium
What happens when one of the most storied builders takes one of their best designs and builds it out of unicorn metal. Full wrietup coming soon.
1995 Merlin Newsboy
A love story in Titanium, need I say more. Full writeup coming soon.
1997 Merlin XLM
Final evolution of the Merlin hardtail design. Full writeup coming soon.
1997 WTB Titanium Phoenix
Simply the best, better than all the rest. Full writeup coming soon.
1999 Willits Ti Mountie
Early 29er exquisitely executed in the best material known to man. Full writeup coming soon.
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