TI CYCLES HISTORY
Dave Levy, a.k.a. TitaniumDave, has been working as a professional frame builder since 1986. He learned the basics of construction technique, geometry, design, and the science of bicycle fit from the resident frame builders at Seattle's R&E Cycles. During his tenure there Dave helped hundreds of riders become more comfortable and efficient on touring, sport, racing, mountain and tandem bicycles.
In 1990 Dave founded Ti Cycles to focus on constructing lighter, high performance frames in titanium, at the time a rarely used material. Over the years that followed Dave designed and built hundreds of frames, forks and components as Ti Cycles produced custom and production bikes in titanium, steel, and aluminum.
1990 Ti Cycles Road Bike No. 1
1990 Ti Cycles Mountain Bike No. 1
Throughout the 1990s as Dave's reputation as one of the foremost titanium frame builders grew, Ti Cycles also operated a bike shop in Seattle, first in downtown Pioneer Square and then along the Burke Gilman trail near University Village. The retail store provided one-stop shopping for fittings; custom and production Ti Cycles bikes and parts; service; and complex frame repairs and modifications. The Ti Cycles store's reputation grew and over time many of the talented cyclists, mechanics, and salespeople from the shop went on to become successful industry insiders who continue to influence the sport of cycling.
Innovation with Purpose
Ti Cycles came of age during an exciting expansion of the bicycle industry. The 1990s were rife with innovation, and Dave's workshop was no exception. Some notable achievements included a belt drive system for track bikes; TCBB road / track / TT bikes utilizing a carbon fiber beam for saddle position; and the use of compact geometry in road bike frames. "That Crazy Beam Bike" debuted at the 1994 Bicycle Industry Organization (BIO) show in Las Vegas, well ahead of the first Softride Rocket Wing.
1994 That Crazy Beam Bike
Passion meets Experience
An avid cyclist for decades, Dave has more than 35 years of experience in the bicycle industry. A licensed USCF and NORBA racer, team coach, experienced tourist, commuter and tandem rider, Dave appreciates the bike's application for sport and in every day life. His understanding of cycling in all its forms affords Ti Cycles customers an experienced resource to guide them through the process of building a bike where form meets function.
Dave’s first tandem build - circa 1977
(photo by Karen Keller)
Dave leading the race on his Ti Cycles Ultralight - mid-1990’s
Designed to Perform
Dave's foundation in traditional frame construction is augmented by his formal education in engineering and art. Dave has always worked creatively with metals, from BMX bicycle builds in high school to metal sculpture at university. A dedicated craftsman, Dave applies his knowledge of physics and engineering, along with thousands of hours in the saddle, to design bicycles that are as beautiful to look at as they are a joy to ride.
In keeping with Dave's wide-ranging experience, Ti Cycles has catered to all levels and all disciplines of cycling, from the enthusiast weekender to professional racers around the world. Through thirty years of continuous operation the company has built thousands of frames for a diverse roster of riders in search of their perfect ride.
Ti Cycles Edifice adapter
S. Peace, Paralympics - London 2012
copyright 2012 Extreme Shutter Sports
Ti Cycles CarGoAway at the Disaster Relief Trials
Image credit Al Hongo
Ti Cycles ‘Big Ass Track’
E. Glover, 2012 Nationals
Ti Cycles SuperCommuter S&S Travel
“Dave Levy at Ti Cycles is one of those builders who turns out bike after bike dialed to his customer’s needs. Whenever I talk with him I can’t help but remark at his clarity of vision. He’s also got such a disciplined manner that conversations with him are remarkably to the point. Focus. What he’s doing isn’t art and yet he produces bikes that are utterly artful.”
- Red Kite Prayer 03.2017 by Padraig / in Machine
Lasting Relationships
Ti Cycles has a reputation for developing strong relationships with customers. It’s not uncommon for a familiar name to pop up in our email with a request for a new bike, or to modify a Ti Cycles frame built a dozen or more years ago - to accommodate disc brakes, electronic shifting, fatter tires, or a less flexible rider. Dave enjoys the process of working one-on-one to identify each rider’s specific needs, riding style, and intended use before designing a solution.
2019 NAHBS Customer Consultation
Built in the Woods
In 2002 Dave relocated his frame building operations to Portland, Oregon. The Seattle Ti Cycles retail store continued operating until 2008 under a licensing agreement.
In 2010 Ti Cycles commemorated its 20th anniversary with the opening of a new, 2600-square-foot facility. The fabrication shop continues to produce custom and production frames, forks, and components; provide repair and retrofit services; and design tools for frame builders.
Present Day
Bike Stuff: When not running all aspects of Ti Cycles Fabrication from frame construction to facilities management, Dave Levy serves as the longtime president of the Oregon Bicycle Constructors Association and leads rides with the Portland Velo cycling club.
Car stuff: Dave also operates the automotive design and consulting service Cedar Ridge Fabrication, is a driving instructor and coach, and is currently building an Acura NSX endurance race car.