Titanium frame identification please
#1
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Titanium frame identification please
Hi, I bought this frame from a flee market. Doesn't have any marks on it, I am pretty certain it is titanium because of the small diameter tubing, non-magnetic, light and no paint.
If you could please help identify the maker and/or model, if you've seen something like it before or any comments would be welcomed.
The bottom bracket is a weird thing: although the frame is old, the BB is custom built to take in sealed bearings and an axle goes through them (it seems so ahead of it's time). I have a problem with the bearings because I can't find the size that fit.
I wish to build a fixed-gear out of it. Hopefully if I identify the maker, I may find the correct size bearings.
Thank you for your opinions.






If you could please help identify the maker and/or model, if you've seen something like it before or any comments would be welcomed.
The bottom bracket is a weird thing: although the frame is old, the BB is custom built to take in sealed bearings and an axle goes through them (it seems so ahead of it's time). I have a problem with the bearings because I can't find the size that fit.
I wish to build a fixed-gear out of it. Hopefully if I identify the maker, I may find the correct size bearings.
Thank you for your opinions.
#2
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 142
Likes: 0
From: Toronto, ON, Canada
Bikes: 97 Merlin XLight, 99 Merlin XLM
Are those 2 grub screws in the BB shell? If so, may be Merlin (grease guard BB). And looks like an MTB frame.
Last edited by Bimdapogs; 10-22-11 at 03:56 PM.
#3
Interesting frame. Those dropouts were unexpected, especially with the dual eyelets. What is the rear spacing?
Are you planning on trying your luck with a magic gear, white industries eno hub, or frame modification (EBB or dropout replacement) to make it a fixed gear?
Are you planning on trying your luck with a magic gear, white industries eno hub, or frame modification (EBB or dropout replacement) to make it a fixed gear?
#5
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,304
Likes: 40
From: Victoria
I remember seeing these in the mid 90's but I can't remember the name. Russian-made, "budget" Ti. Totally serviceable high-performance MTB frames, just not as pretty or sophisticated as the US made stuff of the time.
FTW may be able to give you some info on that back-end design...
FTW may be able to give you some info on that back-end design...
#6
Lord, I hope not.
#8
I remember seeing these in the mid 90's but I can't remember the name. Russian-made, "budget" Ti. Totally serviceable high-performance MTB frames, just not as pretty or sophisticated as the US made stuff of the time.
FTW may be able to give you some info on that back-end design...
FTW may be able to give you some info on that back-end design...
#9
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Thank you for your input.
Yes, it is a 26" wheels frame.
I plan to use a chain tensioner to use it as a singlespeed.
I did look over the internet about Sibex, did not find a manufacturer site. I did find though a bunch of pictures with broken Sibex TI forms, which gave me something to worry about now
Now I am looking for the right size press-fitted bearings, which turn out to be hard to find in that dimension.
Any comments are still welcomed. Thanks.
Yes, it is a 26" wheels frame.
I plan to use a chain tensioner to use it as a singlespeed.
I did look over the internet about Sibex, did not find a manufacturer site. I did find though a bunch of pictures with broken Sibex TI forms, which gave me something to worry about now

Now I am looking for the right size press-fitted bearings, which turn out to be hard to find in that dimension.
Any comments are still welcomed. Thanks.
#10
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,304
Likes: 40
From: Victoria
I knew I'd be able to remember the name: Titan.
This thread should help you build it up: https://forums.mtbr.com/vintage-retro...me-312712.html
https://forums.mtbr.com/vintage-retro...read-2814.html
https://bmxmuseum.com/bikes/titan/
https://www.titanproduct.com/
This thread should help you build it up: https://forums.mtbr.com/vintage-retro...me-312712.html
https://forums.mtbr.com/vintage-retro...read-2814.html
https://bmxmuseum.com/bikes/titan/
https://www.titanproduct.com/
#11
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Thank you tashi.
From the links you posted I am inclined to believe that the frame was made by the US based Titan company, the one that manufactured bmx-es. The frame has indeed a bmx-like design.
What would the connection be to the chinese company titanproduct.com?
Anyway your post solved my concerns about the headtube which I am now conviced it is 1.1/4". I am going to use reducers to 1.1/8" as the ChrisKing Devolution is to expensive...
From the links you posted I am inclined to believe that the frame was made by the US based Titan company, the one that manufactured bmx-es. The frame has indeed a bmx-like design.
What would the connection be to the chinese company titanproduct.com?
Anyway your post solved my concerns about the headtube which I am now conviced it is 1.1/4". I am going to use reducers to 1.1/8" as the ChrisKing Devolution is to expensive...
#12
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,350
Likes: 4
From: Collegeville, PA
Bikes: Ruckelshaus Randonneur, Specialized Allez (early 90's, steel), Ruckelshaus Path Bomber currently being built
I remember seeing these in the mid 90's but I can't remember the name. Russian-made, "budget" Ti. Totally serviceable high-performance MTB frames, just not as pretty or sophisticated as the US made stuff of the time.
FTW may be able to give you some info on that back-end design...
FTW may be able to give you some info on that back-end design...
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
JJBedford
Classic and Vintage Bicycles: Whats it Worth? Appraisals.
1
09-04-14 06:10 PM







