Object of desire, holy grail, or forbidden fruit? Titanium bikes spark a level of longing that few other materials can match. While carbon has long become the performance mainstream, and aluminium the budget-friendly choice, titanium stands as a symbol of exotic allure, luxury, and prestige. But what’s the real story behind this lustrous lightweight metal, and how do two Falkenjagd Aristos gravel bikes made from different titanium alloys differ?
“What is the first thing that springs to mind when you think of titanium?” We did a quick survey in the editorial office: space travel, motorsport, jewellery – the associations poured in. Words like “lightweight,” “elegant,” and “robust” came up right away, but when we asked if titanium is the “dream bike material,” things went a bit quiet. Titanium for bike frames? It’s rarely the first choice. Yet titanium has a lot to offer, especially in the cycling segment: it’s incredibly strong, relatively light, and, even without a protective coat, almost immune to corrosion. Plus, unlike aluminium, titanium has true fatigue strength, thus making it built to last. This is likely the inspiration behind Falkenjagd’s promise, prominently displayed through their website domain “1bike4life.com.”
The two bikes we tested forgo unnecessary paintwork, yet each stands out in its own way: the Aristos GT with a polished shine, and the Aristos SL with a rough, finely bead-blasted finish. But beyond looks, there’s something even more significant – the titanium alloys themselves are different in chemical composition. So, what sets the two Falkenjagd Aristos models apart, and who are titanium gravel bikes really best suited for?
Why use titanium in bike construction in the first place?
After all, we already have aluminium, carbon, and steel, which are all well-established frame materials. Do we really need a fourth option? The answer is a resounding “yes and no.”
With a density of 4.5 kg/dm³, titanium is about 1.6 times heavier than aluminium (2.7 kg/dm³), but it makes up for this with exceptional stability and durability. Titanium’s strength is significantly higher than aluminium – it boasts the highest strength-to-weight ratio amongst all metals – which allows for frames with much thinner wall thicknesses, requiring less material overall. The result? Sleeker frames are also more robust, and when it comes to weight, they’re on par with aluminium. Only carbon enables truly lighter frames, thanks to its featherlight fibres and precise moulding qualities.
Compared to steel, titanium’s main advantage is its natural corrosion resistance. Even without a protective coating, it’s resistant to both freshwater and saltwater, making titanium bikes ideal for winter rides, beach outings, and harsh conditions.
Yet, despite titanium’s impressive properties, only a handful of bike brands fully tap into its potential. Falkenjagd’s tagline, “1bike4life,” says it all: with their brands Parapera, Falkenjagd, Rennstahl, and Stanton, the company covers three of the four most common materials in bike building – carbon, steel, and titanium. This approach allows them to leverage synergies and create titanium models that aim to set new durability standards. Their steel and titanium bikes are manufactured in Taiwan with their partner ORA Engineering.
Titanium ≠ Titanium – What are titanium alloys and how do they differ?
Titanium hasn’t always been the high-performance material we know today. In fact, it was only in the first half of the 20th century that pure titanium could even be produced. However, this pure form was hard and brittle, which made it impractical for use. Like other metals, it’s the alloying process that gives titanium its desirable qualities. Alloying metals means combining them with other elements to fine-tune their properties, especially to give greater strength or resistance to corrosion. A classic example? Bronze, an alloy of copper and tin, or stainless steel cookware, usually a mix of steel, chromium, and nickel for rust resistance and durability. It’s the same with titanium: various alloys make it suitable – or not – for bike construction, and some are far more suitable for cycling applications than others.
Whether it’s strength, corrosion resistance, or ductility, titanium’s properties can be precisely tuned through alloying – that is, by adding specific elements. Titanium alloys are classified into grades, and in bike frame construction, Grades 5 and 9 have become the standard. These two alloys differ not only in their composition but also in their performance characteristics and workability. Here’s how they break down:
- Grade 5: Ti-6Al-4V
- Grade 9: Ti-3Al-2.5V
Decoding these acronyms is fairly straightforward, especially if you studied some basic chemistry: the letters and numbers indicate the percentage of other metals added to the titanium. Grade 5 consists of 6% aluminium and 4% vanadium, while Grade 9 contains 3% aluminium and 2.5% vanadium.
But the real question is: how do these differences impact the ride feel and the construction of a finished titanium frame? The answer is rather complex, as each alloy brings a unique profile of characteristics to the table.
Titanium Grade 5 – Titanium of exceptional quality
“Grade-5 titanium” is something of a diva amongst titanium alloys. It’s incredibly strong and tough, which makes frames built from this material extremely durable and resilient. However, this high strength comes at a price – working with Grade 5 titanium is demanding and energy-intensive. Shaping it, whether by bending or stamping, requires additional heat or multiple stages to achieve the desired form. This complexity adds to the production process, but the advantage is clear: a frame made from Grade 5 titanium requires less material to achieve the same stability as one made from Grade 9 titanium, thereby saving weight.
Grade 9 Titanium – The allrounder
In comparison, Grade 9 titanium is slightly more forgiving and thus easier to work with. It can be bent and shaped with less force, which reduces both production effort and time. Grade 9 titanium is well-suited to cold forming, which makes it easier and more affordable to work with. As a result, it’s more common in frame construction and also a solid choice for various industrial applications. While Grade 9 isn’t quite as strong as Grade 5, it’s easier to work with and therefore an excellent compromise.
These different titanium alloys allow manufacturers like Falkenjagd to craft two distinct bikes from what appears to be the same material, each with unique riding characteristics, weights, and, needless to say: prices. For example, the high-effort, time-intensive processing of the Aristos SL frame in Grade 5 titanium brings the frameset to around €5,000, whereas the Aristos GT, which is made from Grade 9 titanium, retails at approximately € 2,500.
A direct comparison of the materials in the Falkenjagd Aristos GT and Aristos SL gravel bikes
We tested two of Falkenjagd’s gravel bikes: the Aristos GT and the Aristos SL. Both are made from titanium, yet they’re fundamentally different in character – and not just because of their components.
The Aristos GT is a thoroughbred “Gran Turismo” – think of it as the long-distance sports car of gravel bikes, designed as a “gravel tourer” but with the same underlying ethos. In purely visual terms, it looks as if it was made from a single, seamless piece: smooth, polished surfaces with rounded transitions, showcasing titanium’s distinct white-silver shine. The nearly seamless aesthetics boast a 3D-printed look, with the raw titanium taking centre stage. Beneath this elegant exterior lies a Grade 9 titanium alloy (Ti-3Al-2.5V). The bike itself features semi-integrated cable routing and numerous mounting points – including on the carbon fork, the top tube, and under the down tube, along with two mounts inside the main frame triangle. It’s ideal for a versatile bike built for adventures.
The Aristos SL takes a completely different approach. Its name, “Superlight,” is evident in its minimalist, rugged appearance. The frame relies on a timeless, straightforward design language, with visible welds and a classic round head tube – no frills, just uncompromising clarity. This is underlined by the fully integrated cable routing, which threads the cables through the titanium stem, ensuring an exceptionally clean, streamlined look. The finish also sets the Aristos SL apart: rather than a polished shine, it sports a consistent matte grey finish that is achieved through sand and glass bead blasting. Beneath this matte, textured surface lies Grade 5 titanium (Ti-6Al-4V). This high-grade titanium is typically not drawn into tubes but instead rolled flat, shaped into rounds, and then welded. However, Falkenjagd found a tube manufacturer capable of drawing Grade 5 titanium into tubes, which allows for butted tubing, where wall thickness is varied along the tube length to save weight. When it comes to mounts, the Aristos SL is notably more humble than the GT, missing at least four threaded bosses and six fork mounts. Aside from space for two bottle cages, there’s nowhere else to attach accessories – further stressing its “superlight” intent.
The specs of our two test bikes in direct comparison
As outlined above, the main differences between the two Falkenjagd bikes lie in the distinct frame alloys. However, the specs reveal some interesting details and few shared features too. Both bikes come equipped with a Campagnolo Ekar groupset, which consists of a cable-operated 1×13 drivetrain with Campagnolo’s signature crisp thumb-shifter action. Both also roll on the same 45 mm Schwalbe G-One Speed tires, which offer low rolling resistance while at the same time generating excellent traction on both gravel and tarmac.
The Falkenjagd Aristos SL rolls onto the stage exclusively on a Campagnolo Levante Carbon Disc wheelset. Matching the titanium frame, components like the fork, seatpost, and stem are also crafted from titanium, with the “Aristos SL” branding in anodised green-gold gradient rounding off the overall discreet look. The colours pay homage to the founders’ second home, the island of Cyprus. The handlebars, made by Schmolke, are made of carbon but rated only for riders up to 90 kg. Falkenjagd also rely on carbon for the 38 teeth Campagnolo EKAR crankset, which is paired with a 10-44 T cassette. Thanks to its high-quality, lightweight build, the Aristos SL weighs just 8.5 kg – though it comes with a hefty price tag of € 9,711.
The Aristos GT, on the other hand, takes a more grounded approach with its Fulcrum Rapid Red 500 aluminium wheels. Though slightly heavier, they offer a robust option for touring riders. Up front, the GT uses a carbon fork with three additional mounting points on each side – the perfect setup for bikepacking and touring gear. If you prioritise aesthetics over mounting options, you can pick a titanium fork c for an additional € 590. The seatpost is made of carbon, while the handlebars and crankset are made from durable aluminium, reinforcing the GT’s long-distance orientation. The 10-48 cassette and 38 T chainring provide a slightly wider gear range. With this setup, the Aristos GT tips the scales at 9.75 kg, retailing at € 3,999. Both bikes can be customised using Falkenjagd’s online configurator and are also available as framesets, allowing riders to build their own titanium gravel machine.
Falkenjagd Aristos SL and GT gravel bikes on review – How does titanium alloy affect trail performance?
The two Falkenjagd bikes take very different approaches, and this is clearly reflected in their handling. The Aristos GT is designed not only to carry more gear but also to accommodate mudguards and a rear rack, on two dedicated mounting points. The many additional mounting points make it well-suited for bikepacking and epic tours.
The Aristos SL, by contrast, deliberately forgoes its counterpart’s flexibility in favour of a sporty, streamlined design without frills. There are few mounting points, only the mudguards for everyday commuting can be fitted – however, if you want to use a pannier rack, you have to mount it at the same points as the mudguards. This minimalist approach is also evident in its ride character: it’s responsive, agile, and laser-focused on speed. The SL is less about laid-back touring and geared towards fast, dynamic outings and KOM-hunts. Every pedal stroke is efficiently transferred into propulsion through the lightweight carbon wheels, while the finely-tuned Ekar gearing helps maintain an optimal cadence. True to its purpose, the lightest gear still demands solid pedal pressure on very steep climbs. On rough gravel paths, the SL’s “efficiency-first” approach becomes evident: the combination of carbon wheels, the stiff grade 5 titanium frame, and titanium stem and seatpost offers minimal damping – here, comfort takes a back seat to pure performance.
The Aristos GT, by contrast, delivers a noticeably more relaxed ride. It’s about a kilo heavier, and that difference is evident not only on the scales but also when accelerating. The aluminium wheels make the GT less punchy off the line, but they add a layer of comfort. The aluminium wheels, aluminium handlebars, and carbon seatpost all contribute to improved compliance and cushioning. The Grade 9 titanium frame, with slightly more flex than Grade 5, also adds to riding comfort – though isolating frame compliance from the rest of the components isn’t easy. Overall, the Aristos GT is more comfortable, though it’s a bit less responsive than the SL – perfect for long tours, and with ample mounts, it’s well-suited for bikepacking adventures or multi-day, self-supported endurance races.
Compared to a modern carbon bike, both titanium models deliver a different, more direct ride feel: they are stiffer and tauter. Titanium’s material properties allow for less precise fine-tuning in terms of compliance and stiffness than carbon. Overall, it’s clear that frames made from different metals share more similarities than those made from carbon fibres and resin. In terms of ride feel, the Aristos GT and Aristos SL are more comparable to aluminium gravel bikes than to carbon.
Who is a titanium gravel bike like the Falkenjagd Aristos SL and GT a good match for?
The Falkenjagd Aristos SL, Aristos GT – or titanium bikes in general – are certainly not for everyone. They aren’t inherently better or worse than comparably equipped models in carbon, steel, or aluminium. But they are one thing above all: unique! For those considering an exceptional bike that stands apart from the mainstream, who appreciate titanium’s distinct look and durability, or who are seeking a lifelong companion, a titanium bike is the perfect choice. Speaking specifically of Falkenjagd’s bikes, the GT is the ideal adventure companion for bikepackers, while the SL, with its lightweight alloy and high-end carbon components, is a gravel bike with serious performance appeal.
These bikes – at least the frame and titanium components – are built to last. The chance of a titanium frame rusting, cracking, or breaking is minimal, and if the bike takes a tumble, you don’t have to rush it to an X-ray like a carbon frame. The added robustness and longevity also contribute to sustainability: while titanium production isn’t inherently more eco-friendly than aluminium or carbon, a bike that lasts decades and carries a rider through thousands of miles truly earns the “sustainability” label. After all, real sustainability means owning and riding a bike for years, rather than replacing it every few seasons.
A titanium gravel bike with modern geometry, like the Falkenjagd Aristos SL or GT, guarantees exactly that. In this context, sustainability is less about the material itself and more about the fact that these bikes are designed for a lifespan far beyond what most other materials can offer. Riders who choose such a bike often keep it for life – and few materials can make that promise as credibly as titanium.
Conclusion about Falkenjagd’s Aristos SL and GT titanium gravel bikes
Titanium bikes remain objects of desire – fascinating and exclusive, but still not part of the mainstream. With the Aristos GT, Falkenjagd offer a bikepacking-ready, long-distance machine that shines with comfort and plenty of mounting options, while the Aristos SL represents the pinnacle of titanium in terms of weight and stiffness. Choosing a titanium bike like this means opting for a ride that stands out – ultra-robust despite its low system weight, and anything but off-the-shelf.
For more information, visit 1bike4life.com
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Words: Julian Schwede Photos: Jan Richter, Julian Schwede, Manne Schmitt
