We are thrilled to announce the official release of S-PARTS' first mass-produced titanium gravel bike frame. Previously, we shared the design philosophy and performance features of this innovative frame. The launch has sparked significant interest and lively discussion among our community, particularly regarding the complete bike setup featured in our official showcase. Today, we’re excited to delve into the hardware components and the thought process behind this build.
Handlebar Setup
The bike is equipped with DEDA's SUPERZERO Gravel Carbon Handlebar paired with the SUPERBOX DCR Stem. This Italian brand is renowned for its high-quality bike components. The handlebar, crafted from carbon fiber, offers a 16° flare for enhanced control on gravel roads. Its aerodynamic, flat-top design balances the needs of gravel and road performance. The SUPERBOX DCR Stem allows for fully integrated cable routing, and its robust square structure provides better sprint stiffness than a one-piece setup.
While this setup may not be the lightest option due to the titanium frame's design focus on more than just weight reduction, we have also tested several popular one-piece carbon handlebars from brands like ROLLINGSTONE, THE ONE, EXS, BIGROCK, FSA, and VISION. All of these options fit perfectly with our frame, offering a range of choices for riders.
Fork
The bike features DEDA’s GERA EDG carbon gravel fork, known for its clean, rugged design, combining tire clearance with lightweight construction. This fork is engineered for off-road racing, with sharp, muscular lines that make a striking impression.
However, it's not the only option! Our frame is designed to accommodate forks with an axle-to-crown measurement of 389-400mm and an offset range of 48-55mm. Non-suspension forks within this range will work perfectly with our frame design. For those interested in suspension forks, we recommend the 51mm offset versions of FOX AX FACTORY, ROCKSHOX RUDY, and CANE CREEK INVERT.
Seatpost and Saddle
We’ve selected the top-tier Alpinst carbon seatpost and S-WORKS POWER carbon saddle from Specialized for this build, creating one of the best combinations of weight and performance available this year.
We also suggest the DEEP-V shock-absorbing seatpost from the Chinese brand VOICE, a standout product designed for unpaved roads. Its unique V-shaped cutout helps absorb shocks through the inherent flex of carbon fiber, echoing the cross-point design of S-PARTS’ rear triangle for improved comfort.
One noteworthy component is the dual-bolt seatpost clamp from SHIMANO’s PRO brand. This clamp is one of the most frame-friendly options for round tubes, with a wide grip that evenly distributes pressure, enhancing the durability of both the frame and seatpost. The clamp’s rear features a teardrop design with two short screws, providing uniform tension and reducing the risk of side shear deformation.
Groupset
For the drivetrain, we chose the SRAM FORCE AXS XPLR series, optimized for gravel riding. Compared to the standard road version, XPLR offers enhanced rear derailleur stiffness and spring tension, ensuring stable shifting on rough terrain.
Wheelset
The rise of road cycling has fueled unprecedented growth in the development of carbon fiber wheelsets in China. The quality of Chinese-made hubs, rims, and spokes now rivals that of international brands. For this build, we chose the ALLROUND carbon fiber gravel wheelset from Nanjing Wellgo.
This wheelset features a unique rim height and width ratio, low-tension carbon fiber spokes, and an 85Kgf spoke tension, providing greater tire clearance and improved handling on challenging terrain. The third-generation hub incorporates new technologies, including dual-sided spring engagement, triple waterproofing, and a 54T ratchet, ensuring reliable performance in diverse riding conditions.
Crankset
Crankset manufacturing is another area where Chinese bike brands are making significant strides. We selected the carbon fiber crankset from Nanjing Wellgo for its minimalist design, excellent craftsmanship, and exceptional stiffness-to-weight ratio. Its hexagonal design ensures balanced performance, and when paired with the SIGEYI power meter, it provides real-time body data, making it ideal for both training and racing.
Conclusion
The build philosophy behind this bike centers on performance gravel riding, with a focus on both training and competition. However, this titanium frame’s versatile and balanced performance offers countless possibilities for other setups and configurations. We encourage you to explore and discover your perfect combination.
