Hey guys,
So I bought the Titan Elite 3 weeks ago and I am extremely happy with the bike . I will attempt to give you short review but remember this is coming from an advanced beginner level perspective.
Bike: Titan Elite (M)
Test track: Big Red Barn
Route: Blue/Green
Difficulty: Intermediate (no chicken runs taken) (31kms)
Number of rides on bike before review: 3
Bike standard as per manufacture specs with Tubeless conversion on stock tyres.
Being my first 27.5+ trail bike the first most pleasurable noticeable difference was the bigger fatter tyres, 27+, 2.8. It is such a beauty, you roller over everything and it just feels so grippy and comfortable in the rough dirt, loose sand, puddles, rock… basically everything beside tar feels good. I also found it very nimble and did not miss my 26” tyres in the tight spots at all. The next thing I notice is the geometry of the bike… took me like 5 mins to get used to it… it feels very intuitive and sort of balances your weigh on the bike for you in the crazy corners, drops, decents and even the climbs feel very good (I guess this is what is referred to as a “forgiving bike”). The frame works well with the suspension to keep the wheels on the ground when you need it and for when you don’t . Also the feedback is enough so that you still feel connected but not too much where you feel as if you are being thrown around and out of control.
Some cons that are not real cons, coming from a hard tail… I have been hitting my pedal every now and then on the new bike. I spoke to some other people that transitioned from hard tail to soft tail and they have had the similar issue. But on my third ride I have seemed to have gotten much better with not hitting the pedals. It just takes little bit of skill that you need to learn and then you will be fine. Now this is not actually a con, because it has to do more with rider skill… BUT because the shock is not the very high end one… it has two settings, open and close. I have seen online vids where some shocks have 3 settings and the middle setting helps with not decompressing the shock too much for the rock areas that need heaving pedaling so in theory you should not hit the pedals easily. But just learn some skill… I think it is easier than having to switch modes on shock while on a ride. Oh, while on the shock… I have it set to 25% sag.
Another con… this bike is not exactly light… but this was not so much of a factor for me. (I still need to weight it but it feels like 13kgs to 14kgs)
A con for some… the bike looks heavy/butch/strong. This is not a nimble frame with narrow and thin bars… anywhere. (I like it … I call her my Big Green Tail Machine)
The overall look and feel of the bike is brilliant. So funky and modern! – Time will tell it if is a timeless look though. Also overall, I feel this is great value for money. Don’t underestimate having the dropper post in at that price of the bike… and it makes a world of a difference. So much that I would never be able to do without it now. I’m am extremely happy with my purchase and I have not even had an inch of a second thought on it. I am absolutely smitten by this bike and I just can’t wait to take it out again and again!
I would also like to mention Wayne from Bike Addict from whom I got exceptional service! Very patient with all my questions and super helpful. He threw in free tubeless conversion, water bottle and socks! Freaking A!!!
