Review: Titan Racing Valerian Carbon Empire

[News bot]

The recently introduced Titan Racing Valerian aims to deliver a light, stiff, aerodynamic road bike all in one package. We got our hands on the great looking Valerian Carbon Empire, which sits two tiers below top of the range model. The Valerian has a modern and elegant design that follows the latest trends in road […]

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[DieselnDust]

Nice review. I think we need to give up the paradigm of lower weight = higher performance, well within limits of course. The reality is that even at this price point a new bike is a stretch for many people’s budget so in order to get the best performance one has to consider bike fit and future proofing the groupset and frame more than weight (unless your pockets are deep). I’d be happy to ride and race this bike anytime

[Matt]

28 minutes ago, DieselnDust said:

Nice review. I think we need to give up the paradigm of lower weight = higher performance, well within limits of course. The reality is that even at this price point a new bike is a stretch for many people’s budget so in order to get the best performance one has to consider bike fit and future proofing the groupset and frame more than weight (unless your pockets are deep). I’d be happy to ride and race this bike anytime

I'd agree here. There was much inner to-and-fro about whether to even mention it... if anything its getting ahead of the inevitable comments. 

At this price point and spec level I felt it was a respectable weight. Most importantly, before knowing the actual weight it wasn't a consideration in the real world. 

[DieselnDust]

58 minutes ago, Matt said:

I'd agree here. There was much inner to-and-fro about whether to even mention it... if anything its getting ahead of the inevitable comments. 

At this price point and spec level I felt it was a respectable weight. Most importantly, before knowing the actual weight it wasn't a consideration in the real world. 

Wel to save an extra Kg one would have to spend double that amount and most people would do better to save 2 of off themselves 

[Lexx]

Nothing against Titan Race bikes, but,

Cabal's Aero 2 bike are R88k with Quarq dual power meter and Force ETap AXS at 7.83kg. Then I will rather choose Cabal for the win..

[Jbr]

19 hours ago, Lexx said:

Nothing against Titan Race bikes, but,

Cabal's Aero 2 bike are R88k with Quarq dual power meter and Force ETap AXS at 7.83kg. Then I will rather choose Cabal for the win..

Who's announced that weight for the cabal ? A sub 8kg with force AXS sounds to good to be true, even excluding pedals, but sure, quarq power meter makes a massive difference, especially if it's the spider based one that's on the force, compared to the crank arm that you can get for the rival.

Honestly 8.3kg with rival seems very good (considering AXS is heavy except for RED) if it is as is shown in the article (with pedals and cages), a weight weenie can probably save a couple 100 grams with a selle italia and carbon bars.

Edited April 1, 2023 by Jbr

[Lexx]

Yea don't know if its without pedals and bottles etc. Thats what are shown on the website. 

But if you lose a couple a kg's, that will be better. No worries about the bike weight then lol

[DieselnDust]

18 minutes ago, Lexx said:

Nothing against Titan Race bikes, but,

Cabal's Aero 2 bike are R88k with Quarq dual power meter and Force ETap AXS at 7.83kg. Then I will rather choose Cabal for the win..

Problem with cabal is I can do the same by buying a ICan or Yeoleo frame , get it painted to my liking and fit a groupset to my liking with wheels for less. Titan is strong brand on the up so if that’s important then  there’s few better choices at the price point. 
but Cabal bikes are a great option too if shopping direct from china isn’t palatable 

[DieselnDust]

2 minutes ago, Lexx said:

Yea don't know if its without pedals and bottles etc. Thats what are shown on the website. 

But if you lose a couple a kg's, that will be better. No worries about the bike weight then lol

That’s without pedals and accessories 

[Lexx]

True, Titan is def on the up. 

[Lexx]

1 minute ago, DieselnDust said:

That’s without pedals and accessories 

For sure.

[The Ouzo]

That IS sexy in that colourway. Oh my hat.

checks between couch cushions for R80k in change

[DieselnDust]

26 minutes ago, Jbr said:

Who's announced that weight for the cabal ? A sub 8kg with force AXS sounds to good to be true, even excluding pedals, but sure, quarq power meter makes a massive difference, especially if it's the spider based one that's on the force, compared to the crank arm that you can get for the quarq.

Honestly 8.3kg with rival seems very good (considering AXS is heavy except for RED) if it is as is shown in the article (with pedals and cages), a weight weenie can probably save a couple 100 grams with a selle italia and carbon bars.

Tbh there not a lot of weight difference between force and rival if a quarq is specced with both groups. The bill of the weight in the rival group is the cassette and crank. The Rival Alloy crank is a heavy beast 

[babse]

I laaaikit...

 

Now to pray that someday a frame only option becomes available 🙃

[Lexx]

Like the Matte finish. That Black and Gold is sexy

[Norberto]

It's a pity they don't sell it in a 60cm size,otherwise I would take an interest in their bikes🙁