Why Titanium?

Of all the metals we could have chosen for a bicycle frame, including carbon fiber, Roark chose titanium. We happen to love titanium. The late Woody Collins, the founding Roark bicycle program engineer, was fascinated by the metal’s physical peculiarities. It’s a natural element and very abundant.

Titanium is resilient as it protects the cyclist from most vibration. So as a philosophy, the organic and functional relation between the parts and the whole emphasized the harmony between cycle and cyclist. Hence the customer-made business model with constant focus on titanium alloy properties.

Titanium’s magic potential for use in bicycle frame manufacture comes from its low density (low weight), high strength, extended fatigue life (frames that last a lifetime) and corrosion resistance (rust free) properties. With a greater elongation tolerance (ability to bend back”) than steel, titanium frames are much more resistant to crash and shipping damage, a fact worth comparing to aluminum or carbon fiber alternatives.