In a span of seven years Alchemy has turn into one of the most esteemed handmade builders in the nation thanks to an intensive line that includes a broad vary of U.S.-made titanium and carbon frames. After getting their start as a titanium frame builder while based mostly in Texas, Alchemy expanded into the carbon market. And in conserving with their roots, they make all the carbon tubes right of their present Denver, Colorado, facility.
ALCHEMY EROS titanium wire
THE BIKEAfter testing Alchemy’s Aithon carbon gravel bike lower than a yr in the past, we went in a totally totally different path this time round with the Eros titanium highway bike. The body is built with U.S.-sourced straight-wall titanium forging tubes which might be oriented towards those who don’t wish to sacrifice stiffness as a way to experience titanium. Free of any wild shapes, the normal round-tube frame is in such stark distinction to what we’re used to seeing that it utterly stood out as uniquely completely different.
Alchemy affords the Eros in stock or custom geometries with nearly any add-ons one could consider. Yes, disc brakes are a kind of. Custom paint? No downside. Matt Maczuzak of Alchemy instructed us, “It’s about 50/50 between clients going with a custom geometry frame versus those wanting a stock size. We have now seen an upward shift within the quantity of consumers going with a stock dimension.” Our take a look at bike was a 54cm with inventory geometry, that includes relatively normal race-oriented geometry with parallel 73-diploma head and seat tubes, together with a 97cm wheelbase that allowed 28mm tires to suit entrance and rear.
One question we had was how many shoppers who’re ordering a frame in custom geometry actually know what they want-or want-for a proper-fitting and -dealing with bike. “Some individuals have a bike that they actually like and they need us to match that geometry,” Maczuzak said. “If they’re uncertain, they will go to one of our few dozen retailers, or go to a shop that does Retul fitting, and that can give us dependable numbers.”
THE RideThe traditional look of the Eros, together with its fabulous satin-crimson finish with polished logos, obtained a lot gawking when it confirmed us at the office. And from the very first experience on the Eros there was undoubtedly something different about it. This is not just like the titanium frames from the ’90s that gained a status for being flexy below energy. Back then, titanium tube stiffness was often missed because of the load financial savings titanium supplied over steel and the smoother-riding traits over aluminum on the time.
For the Eros, stiffness wasn’t in any respect in short supply. Here’s more information on titanium rod why visit our own web-site. The large-diameter, thick-walled tubes created ample get-up-and-go that left us fairly surprised. With that mentioned, it didn’t deliver a silky-smooth experience over rough roads, either. By Alchemy’s own evaluation with what they call their Baseline DNA Chart, where they charge drivetrain stiffness, steering precision, and compliance between all eight of their frame fashions, the Eros ends up on the stiffer side of the equation than their different titanium offering, the Aiolos.
THE VERDICTAlchemy’s intent to create handmade bikes that aren’t just pretty to look at but may also hold their very own relating to efficiency was realized in our take a look at of the carbon Aithon, and now we found the same once once more in the Eros. It delivers traditional body styling coupled with an impressive fabrication, and stiffness that can satisfy somebody wanting the performance of carbon, just in a special bundle. While overall rigidity is at a better stage than different titanium frames we’ve ridden, that also comes with extra highway vibrations finding their strategy to the rider.