Folks, titanium has always been a prominent element in the world of cycling. Some manufacturers have chosen to exclusively use this metal to create their impressive bicycles. Revel, a relatively new player in the industry, has managed to establish itself among the giants like Cannondale and Trek. They have achieved this by targeting a specific niche market and producing high-quality titanium bikes that are both performance-oriented and affordable. This brings us to their latest creation, the Tirade, a formidable off-road machine.
Before we delve deeper into this article, I encourage you to take a moment to admire the Tirade in the image gallery. Pay close attention to the bike’s remarkable features, such as its sleek frame with a tapered head tube and manipulated down and seat tubes. Also, note the adjustable dropouts and the frame’s compatibility with dropper posts. Additionally, the Tirade can accommodate forks with up to 140 mm of travel, showcasing Revel’s exceptional craftsmanship.
There are several aspects to consider when discussing the Tirade. The adjustable dropouts allow riders to fine-tune their riding experience according to their preferences. The bike’s geometry is also worth mentioning, as it strikes the perfect balance for trail riding. The head tube angle remains slack at 64.7 degrees across all frame sizes, while the seat tube angle ranges between 74 and 75.5 degrees, depending on the size. However, it is the adjustable dropouts that truly captivate riders, offering up to 13 mm of adjustability. Others may find themselves drawn to the 140 mm of travel. Personally, I find the frame itself to be the standout feature.
The wheels play a significant role in determining the overall performance of the Tirade. The bike is specifically designed to run on 29-inch wheels, ensuring optimal dynamics. If you opt for a complete build, you can expect Continental Kryptotal tires as the standard choice.
Revel is not the kind of brand that compromises on the components they use for their bikes. For a price starting at $5,200 (€4,850), you can get your hands on a fully equipped Tirade with SRAM’s GX Eagle drivetrain, RockShox Ultimate fork, Code R brakes, and a crank brothers dropper post. The most expensive option is the SRAM XX setup, which will set you back a staggering $9,600. This version comes with a Lyrik Ultimate fork, carbon fiber wheelset, a Bike Yoke Revive 2.0 dropper post, and a fully wireless transmission. If you have your sights set on winning gold, this is the model for you.
Now, I realize that these prices are a bit beyond the financial means of most individuals, but there is a workaround to avoid depleting your life savings: acquire a bare frame. According to the manufacturer’s official website, you can acquire a frame-only kit for no more than $2,500 (€2,325).
Image: Revel Bikes
Why is this a rather favorable alternative to consider? There are several reasons, one of which is the fact that only a minority of us truly require the precision of wireless shifting and shocks that never reach their limits; in the end, most of us simply desire a bike that is stable and sturdy on the trails without necessarily catching airtime.
Secondly, it is likely that if you are contemplating obtaining a titanium frame, you already have a clear idea of what you desire, and that knowledge only comes from experience. Oh, and if you are similar to me, that experience has resulted in several drivetrains lying around in your garage; perhaps you simply wish to utilize what you already have on your current two-wheeler.
Suppose you are new to this sport or recreational activity. In that case, there are a few aspects of titanium that you should be aware of. The first is the metal’s ability to provide approximately double the tensile strength of steel while weighing only half as much, which is music to the ears of any frame manufacturer. Secondly, titanium is one of those metals that rejects liquids and remains unaffected by any of the elements. In short, you will be purchasing a bicycle that can outlast you, and many titanium machines have outlived their riders.
Ultimately, if you are going to invest in a bike, ensure that it is one you can ride for many years to come, and the Tirade possesses all the qualities to serve as your everlasting bike. With regular maintenance checks on your bike, even the gear will undoubtedly reach its optimum lifespan. Ride safely out there, and always wear a helmet while cycling.
According to the Source autoevolution.com