2003 Titanium Road Bike of the Year for Cycling Plus Magazine - Airborne Torch

Rambo Mambo

Kona Fan
Here is one of two titanium road bikes in the quiver.

Same knackered wall, but a newly built stunner imho.

The Torch is made from 6al/4v tubing with geometry that just looks right. I don’t often say that.

The love of titanium came from my pre-existing love of titanium mountain bikes and I can definitely feel the ride of a titanium frame bike much more than any other material.

This frame was bought on eBay and shipped from London.

I’ve gone retro with only 20 speed as I have realised that more isn’t always more when it comes to road riding.

It’s specs are as follows:
Airborne Torch 6/4 frame
Reynolds carbon fork
SRAM Force 10 speed mechs and carbon bladed shifters
FSA 50/34 carbon cranks
Tune Mig Mag hubs on carbon rims. These are mega light carbon hubs and are fantastic in use
A Driven 10 speed cassette weighing c 120g
A Tune seatpost post and 96g Elita One saddle
KCNC stem and weird wavy carbon bars. The bars aren’t the nicest shape but all I had to hand and likely to be changed.
King headset - I couldn’t resist
The brakes are a masterpiece - Ciamillo L8 Ultra Carbon - so light yet so powerful £300 a set. So worth it.

Weight is around 6.8kg as seen. Not bad for a 22 year old.

I was so excited to receive this frame I think I stayed until up midnight on the day of arrival to finish it. 🤣 I noticed the cable crimp on the front brake cable has fallen off. Sorted that straight away after photos. A minor detail.

I hope the photos don’t disappoint. I’m made up.
 

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