Gravel bike. This one was a long but worth it wait for a titanium frame from one of the masters—or, if you will, teachers—of the modern Ti bike movement in the US. Desalvo builds bikes that gained nearly universal praise, but as a small shop that does small numbers, it isn’t as well known as the Ti builders with flashier paint jobs. The ride was great, the bike was perfect, and Mike worked with me.
When the idea for this bike was conceived in 2021, things like integrating the light cable, doing full internal routing, etc. were rare on metal bikes, but more common now.
In this build, I’ve used my own direct fit to FSA SMR stem headset cover, under the saddle mount w/ Airtag holder under the saddle, with extensions to clear the bag. Also, a Silca Gravelero / Dynaplug Racer pro mount keeps those essentials easy to grab. I also cerakoted the fork–so I am to blame when the plan for the decals changed, and they didn’t match. IRL, the effect is a lot less noticeable.
In addition to the Desalvo frame, other highlights include the 5 Dev Ti Road/Gravel Cranks, the not sure if it released 8-bolt 5×110 gen 2 PM from XCadey, Praxis Buzz rings, and SLF Motion OSPW to handle the extra range. The wheels are from early 2020 but are still state-of-the-art: Duke Lucky Jack rims laced to DT 240 (spline) hubs with Berd spokes.
There are still things to do on this build, like cleaning up / shortening the light wiring, but it feels amazing to get it out and ride.
FixFix75 on
Stunning bike!
Northumbrianbloke on
Lovely bike, classic look to the frame design, clean welds. Enjoy!
4 Comments
Gravel bike. This one was a long but worth it wait for a titanium frame from one of the masters—or, if you will, teachers—of the modern Ti bike movement in the US. Desalvo builds bikes that gained nearly universal praise, but as a small shop that does small numbers, it isn’t as well known as the Ti builders with flashier paint jobs. The ride was great, the bike was perfect, and Mike worked with me.
When the idea for this bike was conceived in 2021, things like integrating the light cable, doing full internal routing, etc. were rare on metal bikes, but more common now.
In this build, I’ve used my own direct fit to FSA SMR stem headset cover, under the saddle mount w/ Airtag holder under the saddle, with extensions to clear the bag. Also, a Silca Gravelero / Dynaplug Racer pro mount keeps those essentials easy to grab. I also cerakoted the fork–so I am to blame when the plan for the decals changed, and they didn’t match. IRL, the effect is a lot less noticeable.
In addition to the Desalvo frame, other highlights include the 5 Dev Ti Road/Gravel Cranks, the not sure if it released 8-bolt 5×110 gen 2 PM from XCadey, Praxis Buzz rings, and SLF Motion OSPW to handle the extra range. The wheels are from early 2020 but are still state-of-the-art: Duke Lucky Jack rims laced to DT 240 (spline) hubs with Berd spokes.
There are still things to do on this build, like cleaning up / shortening the light wiring, but it feels amazing to get it out and ride.
Stunning bike!
Lovely bike, classic look to the frame design, clean welds. Enjoy!
nice whip. whats the garmin mount? 3d printed?