700 are immensely proud to introduce our new range of Titanium frames : BŌKEN
We have long wanted to create something special for our customers and to deliver it with sensible pricing and real utility. Coupled with our passion for and experience with Titanium, we have begun to build a range of progressive frames built from hydro-formed Titanium with accommodating and versatile geometries.
The recent surge in the Gravel and Adventure market - a hugely inclusive discipline - has presented us with the perfect opportunity to do just that and to deliver a product (like those we stock) that we ourselves would be keen to ride.
The MIRU is the first of our line-up and epitomises our approach. The MIRU is a fully-loaded Titanium Gravel and Adventure frame built for maximum versatility and with progressive geometry for a host of riding styles and purpose.
Manufactured from seamless aerospace grade (Grade 9) hydro-formed 3AL-2.5V Titanium, the MIRU is remarkably light, stiff and comfortable. Unlike many far-eastern Ti frames, the main frame tubes are double-butted - ie are thinner in the centre where there is less stress - which saves weight. All tubes are Cold Worked, removing a heat cycle from the titanium and the stresses that places on the material. In addition, by removing a step from the process it is also faster and therefore more cost effective. The tubes are then Stress Relieved to reduce the undesirable residual stresses that result from the deformation of Cold Working. The removal of such stresses helps maintain shape stability and eliminates unfavourable conditions, such as the loss of compressive yield strength. All together the process delivers a consistent, lightweight and strong tube set that will deliver excellent long term performance and durability.
It is for this reason that - to our minds - Titanium is the ultimate material for Gravel and Adventure riding. Naturally robust and vibration dampening, it is also stiff and low weight, striking the perfect balance for the rigours of the trail while remaining swift and agile. Titanium is also effectively inert (certainly in human timescales) and as such the weather and the corrosion that can cause, isn’t the issue it can be with Aluminium and Carbon tubes. It is also considerably more durable and resistant to impact than both Aluminium and Carbon - perfect for the inconsistencies and perils of the trail!
The MIRU geometries are carefully considered to deliver a stable yet engaging ride with agility and control at the forefront regardless of terrain, wheel size and tyre choice - or indeed the discipline you choose to ride : Road, Gravel, Cyclocross, Bike Packing, or simple exploration. Bolt-thru axles and flat mounts for disc brakes help to create an incredibly stiff but surprisingly comfortable ride, perfect for fast gravel riding but fluid enough for fun.
No matter how you intend to ride, the MIRU has your back with scope to ride either 700c or 650b wheelsets for fast gravel and road riding or technical, tough gravel yomps. By utilising the T47 Bottom Bracket standard and internal hose routing around the BB, the frame offers additional tyre clearance up to 50mm* (44mm with mudguards) 2.4" on 650b and 45mm* on 700c, as well as the reliability and utility of the BB standard. Additionally, the T700 carbon fork on the Miru features adjustable rake from 47mm to 52mm allowing riders to not only run huge tyres, but also adjust the ‘trail’ for better slow speed handling or greater stability at speed, depending on wheel/tyre choice or chosen riding style - ultimately, a dial-able ride.
The MIRU is as much at home negotiating technical singletrack, on loose corners and up steep climbs as it is zipping along fire-road or on the tarmac between your forays off-road. Moreover, the MIRU is an adroit descender, lending a confidence to your ride that will help you tackle tough, technical downhill sections with consummate ease.
The versatility doesn’t end in the ride either.
The MIRU Frame is groupset agnostic. That is, you can run mechanical set-ups just as easily as you can Di2, EPS or eTAP groups. So, starting mechanical and then wanting to go electronic - or vice versa - doesn’t necessitate a new frame.
For those seeking the longest adventures, we supply the Miru frame complete with 3 bottle mounting positions, including one under the downtube ideal for Tool Kegs; as well as rack and mudguard mounts so you can switch up your riding from winter bike duties to short, rapid Gravel incursions to multi day epics on a whim.
Furthermore, the Miru fork is replete with 10 eyelet mounts for - well - everything - triple bottle cage mounts, mudguard mounts and Pannier mounts and internal Dynamo cable routing both for lights and USB charging ports!
Aside from the performance prowess, we understand too, that the appearance of your whip is important. To this end we have sought to create not only a technically appealing frame but one that will - hopefully - turn heads.
Rather than the standard brushed finish usually associated with frames at this price point, we have managed to deliver a bead-blast matte finish that would normally come at a premium (think Moots). In addition, we are also delivering the frame with anodised logos and detailing that - again - usually command an additional cost. The result is a premium finish that we think looks stunning, delivered at the price of a standard finish from many other brands - all on a top tier Titanium tube-set. All-in the saving is around 25% over a similarly specified and finished frame.
Ultimately the MIRU is a highly capable and hugely versatile adventure bike with impeccable looks to match the ride. Chances are - we hope at least - that this will become your go-to bike when standing undecided on the threshold, eyeing your stable and deciding which steed to ride!
*Tyre manufacturer tolerances may vary.