I have completely toppled over on my attempt (hah, hardly) to keep an updated news cycle here at MF. Having done no updates does not mean I have been doing nothing.

Last year’s highlight was completing the AZTR, after bruising my ego on the OTT route. I had an absolute blast on both trails and look forward to getting out on these routes, along with a few others, this 2025 year.

In preparation for the AZT I decided to build myself a titanium frame - approximately two weeks before the race. I had never ridden a titanium bike or built one, but I now have and I would like to offer others the opportunity to own/ride a titanium mostly forever.

Frame bag from my Baja divide bike, prototype harness, ready for AZTR?

In my view, titanium offers a few advantages over steel. One being the corrosion resistance - as a year-round rider myself I no longer have to worry about subjecting my bike to winter commutes and long intervals between maintenance. Two is weight - my titanium frame weighs nearly 2 pounds less than my steel frame (that is a liter of water!). Three is finishing options - I can do all the finishing in-house with titanium, this cuts out a minimum of 2 trips to the powder coater. Powder coat adds weight and introduces more chemicals into the environment. Another is ride quality - I have spent thousands of hours riding steel bikes and the difference I felt was nearly unnoticed…which is what I wanted. I wanted this bike to ride like my steel bike, but weigh less - which it did. There is a slight dampened quality to titanium, as well as flex, and I feel that is best noticed when switching to titanium handlebars. Frames hold components in space and those components are your contact points with the bicycle; the entire system then contacts the earth below through your tires. If you desire a drastic change in ride quality change your tires, tire pressures, or both.

Bobbio 29×2.8” tire clearance, 3d printed chain stay yoke, 34t max chaining clearance

I have also been developing my handlebar harness. This unit clamps to your handlebars and allows you to strap a dry bag to the bars, as well as attach any accessories. The main components are made from titanium, the rear hinge is made from aluminum. Currently the system weighs in at 190 grams/6.7 ounces. There are only two m5 bolts and no other hardware. The width between the clamps will be specified by the end user (50mm is a good starting point). Since I make and use 7/8” bars, I will be offering the clamps in both a 31.8 and 22.2mm.

22.2mm (7/8”) top tube 12.7mm (1/2”) lower tube

available in 22.2mm or 31.8mm clamp sizes

I am going to restructure the website and get rid of my web “store”. I would much prefer to email or talk to people on the phone if they are interested in acquiring anything I make. Reach out with questions or to say hi, max@mostlyforever.com

No News is good news

Single use on a single speed