GCN’s First Look: Titici Flexy Gravel Bike

Thanks to Titici for the products used in this video, all opinions expressed are the presenter’s own.

This “absolute stunner” of a bike is Italian brand Titici’s first foray into the, at times confusing, world of gravel bikes. More responsive than a traditional cyclocross bike, but unlike a road bike, the Titici has space for up to 44mm tyres. Unlike many other gravel bikes however, the Titici does away with any mudguard bosses or rack mounts.

The most distinctive feature on this bike is of course the top tube, the dramatic flattened shape towards the seat tube is what Titici call their Plate Absorbing Technology, or PAT. Designed to absorb more vibrations through increased vertical compliance, a study at the University of Parma claimed that a frame with PAT absorbs 18% more vibrations than a standard frame.

Titici custom make all of their bikes in their Italian factory. First Titici make the tubes, and cut them to the required lengths for a customer’s measurements. The tubes are then wrapped in ‘pre-preg’ carbon fibre strips using Titici’s Progressive Bandage Workmanship. Although this is admittedly not the lightest method of producing frames, this medium gravel frame still only tips the scales at around a kilo!

Titici’s range is all about customisation, designed to give the buyer the exact bike they want. You can either head to a Titici dealer to get measured up for your new bike, or, if you already know your measurements you can input them on Titici’s website. While there you can choose the colourway and specific components you want on your bike as well!

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The Global Cycling Network puts you in the centre of the action: from the iconic climbs of Alpe D’Huez and Mont Ventoux to the cobbles of Flanders, everywhere there is road or pavé, world-class racing and pro riders, we will be there bringing you action, analysis and unparalleled access every week, every month, and every year. We show you how to be a better cyclist with our bike maintenance videos, tips for improving your cycling, cycling top tens, and not forgetting the weekly GCN Show. Join us on YouTube’s biggest and best cycling channel to get closer to the action and improve your riding!

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Leave us a comment below!

[King_Harrold]

For those complaining... They've stated it's a paid promotion of the product.

The amount of high quality, free and insightful material they put out, what do you expect? They need funding.

[kevinfromsales]

That is probably one of the best looking bikes I've seen.

[benperiod]

that raw carbon name instead of a decal is so awesome :)

[WmCRobison]

In that color it needs a white US Army Star.

[nickrogers]

The best looking bike for quite some time

[charlesgould]

Why would you have an entirely custom Italian frame "adorned" with all Italian components and NOT put Campy on there? Seems a bit of an oversight.

[pnw_dev]

Si! Proper inspiring shots hammering on that singletrack. Chapeau!

[nicknelson]

Hey Si - in the US "gravel bikes" have the trends of: Slacker HT/ST than cx, lower BB than CX and road, taller stack than CX and that 3rd bottle mount ;)

[Naturalhighz]

looks sweet, especially in that colour!

[Ikuraga]

GCN, you guys should cover the 2018 Specialized Diverge S-Works!

[barfonhim]

best bike review I've seen from you Si

[toneandal]

no wonder 40+ italian makers (road bikes, some if count all 2wheelers) make a living producing 2 wheel glory

[joelklingenberg]

I haven’t heard of Titici until...now. I would like one please.

[miholjovka]

This is a beautiful thing.... And the bike is nice also.

[MBergyman]

Good looking bike, but I come to read all the silly comments on the design. Seems a lot of people here know how to lay up carbon and can tell how strong the frame is just from looking at it.

[jessenguyen]

"This one has been adorned mainly in Italian finery. We've got fizik on there, we've got 3T on there, we've got Vittoria, as well as that Campag- oops, I mean Shimano Ultegra mechanical drivetrain"

[jonathanzappala]

For a patented top tube design, that looks the same as my giant defy aluxx, just thinner.

[CharlieBennici]

5 seconds in, "I'll take it! How much?"

[ZeroSeriesMMX]

Didn't know you can ride light tanks without the turrets and bulky armor, and send them rolling -- almost flying -- over gravel! :D

[NielsHeldens]

1:45
that gap seems to be a reminiscent of how close Dan is with his hair. The bike should've been called 'the Toupee'.