Hi all
So I want to replace my checkpoint ALR5. Don’t judge, n+1 reigns supreme.
I love the classic lines of steel/titanium frames, so that’s what I’m focused on.
My use case is local rides with 50/50 road:gravel, as well as bike packing/touring with up to 90% road.
While steel road bike frame can get pretty light, gravel frames are still pretty heavy. Regardless, lead times are crazy long here in Europe, so I have expanded the search to titanium too (more in stock due to novelty perhaps).
Specifically, the [Curve Gxr](https://www.curvecycling.com/products/curve-gxr-kevin) (Ti) and the [Kevin of steel](https://granfondo-cycling.com/curve-kevin-of-steel-iii-2022-review/) have caught my eye (both available locally). The steel one is 50% of the cost (1400 vs 2800 USD for the frame), but after getting beat up by some rough gravel today, the titanium has peaked my interest.
Does anyone have any experience with either bike?
Or general thoughts on whether the titanium is worth the extra price? I get really bad buyers remorse after treating myself to something fancy. But I also like shiny/techy things.
by brian-the-porpoise
4 Comments
The Curve ti frames have a little softer ride across gravel vs their steel, in my book. If you contact Curve direct, they should give you a weight of the ti frame in the size you’re chasing.
Buy em both and hook me up with whichever one you like less 😂
Geometry / tube diameters / butting will matter more for comfort than steel vs ti.
Ti isn’t magical and neither is steel. My Lynskey GR300 is about as stiff as the alloy frame it replaced. My steel old school thin tubing track frame is a noodle in comparison.Â
I have a Curve GXR (Kevin) Ti, I can’t account for the specifics as I’m not experienced enough in gravel yet having moved over from MTB, but to me it’s the best bike I’ve ever owned. My set up is with the Curve G4T’s and it’s a dream to ride