The LIOS Titanium Road Race Bike captured at Studio 2 by photographer Jake Boykew.
INTRODUCTION
Looking at our bikes through a fresh lens
After completing a recent studio shoot with the superb photographer Jake Boykew at Studio 2, we stepped back and viewed our bikes with a renewed perspective. Under the controlled light, set against clean backgrounds and with every weld and curve isolated, we began to appreciate the details that often go unnoticed in day-to-day riding. The shoot highlighted the craftsmanship, engineering and individuality that define each LIOS build. It also sparked a wider conversation about what makes our bikes unique and why riders choose bespoke.
That session became the catalyst for a three-part deep dive into our design philosophy. This first article focuses on the LIOS Titanium Road Race Bike, our flagship titanium performance platform. The second will explore titanium versus carbon, and the third will explain the difference between a carbon aero road bike and a carbon endurance road bike.
Beautifully stamped with the ‘L’ for LIOS logo, the 52mm head tube increases stiffness and houses the internally routed hydraulic cables.
THE FOUNDATION
A bespoke titanium road race platform
The LIOS Titanium Road Race Bike is not mass-produced and not available in preset sizes. Every frame is built to order using 3AL-2.5V aerospace grade titanium and tailored to the rider’s exact biomechanics, flexibility, riding goals and preferred handling characteristics. Bespoke geometry is included as standard. Other brands charge a premium for custom work while offering fixed sizing as their norm. At LIOS, the bespoke approach is the baseline.
To ensure accuracy and consistency, every customer receives a flexibility and biomechanical assessment. We take body measurements and a Retül 3D motion analysis bike fit is conducted, all of which is included in the price of the bike.
This ensures that the eventual bike is built and fine-tuned around the rider, rather than forcing the rider to adapt to the bike.
Rear triangle detail of the LIOS Titanium Road Race frame showing seat stay junction and chainstay shaping.
ENGINEERING THE RACE PLATFORM
Stiffer, sharper, more purposeful
The Titanium Road Race variant is engineered as a faster, more aggressive platform compared with our standard titanium road frame. The goal is not comfort alone, but controlled stiffness, efficient power transfer and precise front-end handling.
Key structural features include:
Lower seat stay junction. The seat stays meet the seat tube lower on the frame to increase rear-triangle stiffness. This reduces unwanted flex during out-of-saddle efforts and helps deliver a sharper, more responsive ride.
52 mm head tube. A broader head tube increases torsional stiffness, improving steering precision during fast descents or tight racing lines.
T47 bottom bracket shell. Chosen for its wide stance, improved tolerances and robust interface, T47 offers better alignment, reduced bearing stress and a long service life.
Fully internal routing through the headset. The Race variant supports electronic shifting only. All cables run through the upper headset and inside the frame, creating a clean aesthetic and reducing drag.
3D printed rear dropouts. Additive manufacturing allows greater accuracy at the axle interface. This increases stiffness where it matters most and improves repeatability in alignment.
The LIOS Titanium Road Race variant with T47 bottom bracket, 52mm head tube and 3D printed dropouts.
MATERIAL SCIENCE AND RIDE FEEL
Why titanium behaves differently
Titanium is often spoken about in general terms, yet its engineering properties are what give the material its characteristic ride quality.
Fatigue Resistance
Titanium has exceptional fatigue life. Whereas aluminium has a defined fatigue limit, titanium can endure repeated stress cycles for decades when engineered correctly.
Corrosion Resistance
Titanium does not corrode, so it requires no paint or protective coatings. Frames can run bare for life. This contributes to low maintenance and long-term durability, as well as providing the signature titanium aesthetic.
TIG Welding and Heat Control
LIOS titanium frames are TIG welded with tight heat-affected zone management. This ensures the grain structure around joints remains stable and prevents embrittlement.
Tube Shaping and Butting
3AL-2.5V titanium allows for butting, ovalising and shaping of tubes to fine-tune stiffness and compliance. For example:
A narrower seat tube increases seated comfort.
An ovalised down tube improves torsional stiffness.
Shaped chainstays balance tyre clearance and drivetrain compatibility.
The goal of every LIOS titanium frame is to create a lively, responsive ride without sacrificing the smoothness for which titanium is known.
3D printed rear dropout allows greater accuracy at the axle interface, as well as enhancing aesthetics.
THE RACE RIDE
Performance with purpose
A titanium race bike delivers a distinct feel. It is not harsh like an aluminium sprint frame, nor as damped as a carbon monocoque. Instead, it offers controlled stiffness, resilient power transfer and a road feel that rewards riders who push through long miles.
The LIOS Titanium Road Race Bike sits on the firmer end of the titanium spectrum due to its larger diameter tubes, lower seat stay junction, enlarged head tube and T47 bottom bracket. This translates to acceleration that feels direct and predictable.
When pushed hard, it responds with a reassuring rigidity that remains comfortable enough for long days in the saddle.
Real world performance testing on the LIOS Titanium Road Race Bike.
DESIGNED AROUND THE RIDER
How bespoke geometry changes performance
The defining feature of every LIOS titanium frame is the geometry. Unlike fixed-size frames which rely on compromise, bespoke geometry means:
The rider’s posture is optimised for power, stability and endurance.
Handling characteristics match the rider’s style and terrain.
Weight distribution is balanced based on torso length and flexibility.
Stack and reach match the rider’s functional range.
No forced stem lengths or uncomfortable saddle positions.
The frame is engineered to support the rider’s biomechanics and the Retül 3D bike fit fine tunes the position. This is especially important for riders with asymmetries, previous injuries or specific performance goals.
Bespoke geometry in practice during out of the saddle climbing.
A DEVELOPMENT PLATFORM
A personal note
The bike featured in these studio images is my own Titanium Road Race build.
It functions not only as a personal bike, but also as a development platform for testing new components, tyre combinations, cockpit setups and emerging build trends.
As a former Royal Marine, I value precision, dependability and purpose. Those standards shape the way LIOS bikes are designed. I want every rider to feel that the bike beneath them has been engineered with intention and tested in real performance environments, not simply drafted on a screen.
Steve’s personal LIOS Titanium Road Race Bike used as a demo and development platform.
TYRE CLEARANCE AND BUILD FLEXIBILITY
Although the Race variant is a road platform, tyre clearance is determined by the customer. Many choose 34mm for added comfort and versatility. Others request up to 40mm to accommodate occasional gravel riding.
We customise the chainstay shaping to ensure tyre and chainring compatibility, including large 1x chainring setups or mixed-terrain builds.
A COMPLETE CUSTOM EXPERIENCE
Groupsets, components and finishing kit
Every titanium build is designed collaboratively. Customers can choose from:
SRAM, Shimano or Campagnolo electronic groupsets (Race variant).
Any wheelset specification based on terrain and performance goals.
Integrated or semi-integrated cockpits.
Any component brand.
Saddle, bar width, crank length and gearing tailored to the customer.
The result is a build that not only fits perfectly, but feels purpose-built for the rider’s cycling life.
BEYOND ROAD
The limitless potential of bespoke titanium
Although this article focuses on the titanium road race platform, our capability with titanium extends far wider.
We also build:
Gravel bikes.
Hardtail MTBs.
Full suspension MTBs.
Single speed and fixies.
Internal geared hub systems.
Split frames.
Pinion gearbox frames.
Electric motor platforms.
Titanium is incredibly versatile, allowing us to fabricate almost anything a rider can imagine.
Example of a previous LIOS titanium road build with SRAM Red eTap.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
LIOS Titanium Road Race Frame
Material: 3AL-2.5V aerospace grade titanium.
Construction: Hand-built, TIG welded.
Geometry: Fully bespoke (Retül 3D bike fit included).
Cable routing: Fully internal through the headset (electronic only).
Bottom bracket: T47.
Head tube: 52mm.
Dropouts: 3D printed titanium.
Tyre clearance: Commonly 34mm, up to 40mm by request.
Brake mount: Flat mount disc.
Axles: 12mm thru axles.
Weight: Typical build range 7–9kg (dependent on component specs).
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
LIOS Titanium Road Frame (Standard)
Material: 3AL-2.5V titanium.
Cable routing: Internal through frame.
Bottom bracket: BSA as standard, T47 or Italian threaded optional.
Tyre clearance: As requested.
Brake mount: Flat mount disc.
Geometry and options fully bespoke.
The standard LIOS Titanium Road frame.
FRAME PRICING
LIOS Titanium Road Race Frame - £2,995
LIOS Titanium Road Frame - £2,295
Both include bespoke geometry and Retül 3D motion analysis fitting.
Complete build pricing depends on groupset, wheel choice and component specification.
CONCLUSION
A race platform built on precision, craft and individuality
The LIOS Titanium Road Race Bike represents the culmination of engineering intention, material expertise and rider-specific design. Built from aerospace grade titanium and shaped entirely around the individual, it delivers a ride experience that is fast, purposeful and enduring.
This is not a standard frame. It is a performance tool crafted to match exactly who the rider is and how they ride. The studio shoot reminded us of this. Every photograph captured the individuality and character that defines a bespoke LIOS build.
In the next part of this series, we will explore the differences between titanium and carbon, including performance characteristics, engineering approaches and long-term durability.
