Bastion Crossroad gravel bike from Australia: Carbon meets 3D titanium printing

With the Crossroad, the Australian premium manufacturer Bastion Cycles has a gravel bike in its programme that deliberately positions itself beyond standard series production. Instead of standardised geometries and construction kits, the focus here is on an uncompromisingly individual approach: each bike is manufactured as a one-off - precisely tailored to the rider, intended use and aesthetic preferences.

Bastion Crossroad in detail

• Application: Allroad / Gravel
• Frame material: Carbon (tubes) / titanium (sleeves)
• Tyre clearance: 43 mm
• Price: n.a.
• Weight: approx. 7.8 kg
• Special features: Hybrid frame made to measure, geometry and look freely selectable, production of a frame requires >130 machine hours and >70 hours of manual labour

Custom instead of compromise

Since its foundation in 2014, Bastion Cycles has pursued the goal of understanding bicycles as a synthesis of engineering and design. Accordingly, the Crossroad is not created "off the shelf", but in an intensive dialogue between customer and manufacturer. Body measurements, riding style and personal preferences flow directly into the design. The result: geometry without compromise and a bike that is precisely tailored to its owner in terms of fit and handling.

This process includes not only the adaptation of the geometry, but also the simulation of the subsequent driving behaviour and the visualisation of the frame as a virtual 3D model. The founders behind Bastion originally came from the automotive industry. They bring with them the appropriate high-end equipment, including their own 3D titanium printer. However, customisation at Bastion does not end with the technical parameters - the design is also completely customisable, including individual paintwork and engravings.

Material mix at the highest level

The centrepiece of the Bastion Crossroad is the elaborate frame construction, which combines two materials: Carbon and titanium. More than 130 machine hours are required for a single Crossroad chassis. The tubes are made of high-strength carbon fibres, while the connecting elements (so-called sleeves) are made of 3D-printed titanium. According to Bastion, this hybrid construction combines the advantages of both materials: high rigidity and efficient power transmission on the one hand, paired with comfort and durability on the other. The concept is complemented by other titanium components such as dropouts or seat post head, which emphasise the high-tech claim.

Gravel without borders

Designed as an "unsealed road weapon", the Bastion Crossroad is a versatile performance gravel bike. With tyre clearances of up to 43 mm, it opens up a wide range of uses - from long all-road tours to fast gravel sections. A sporty DNA should always be retained: The construction is designed for direct power transmission and agile handling. At the same time, the combination of materials promises smooth riding characteristics, which should play to its strengths over long distances in particular. The Crossroad is also flexible when it comes to the drivetrain. It supports both 1x and 2x setups of modern gravel groupsets and can therefore be customised for racing or bikepacking use.

Technology meets exclusivity

A Bastion Crossroad is not just any zero-eight-fifteen sports equipment. It is manufactured entirely in Melbourne, with every detail realised with the utmost precision. Over 70 hours of manual labour go into every single frame. The approach is correspondingly exclusive: instead of a fixed price list, there is always a personal consultation at the beginning, which results in a customised offer. The waiting time of several months emphasises the manufactory character - as do the almost unlimited configuration options. From the cockpit to the wheels to the smallest design nuance, the result is a bike that clearly stands out from classic standard gravel bikes.

All this makes the Bastion Crossroad a highly customised high-end product that combines state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies with classic craftsmanship. Only around 20 bikes from the Crossroad family are currently roaming the planet. Those who are prepared to invest time and budget in a customised concept will receive a gravel bike that is not only technically fascinating, but also emotionally: a one-off, built for adventure off the beaten track.

Conclusion

In my eyes, the Bastion Crossroad is one of the most beautiful all-road and gravel bikes in the world. I have a weakness for 3D printed and polished titanium lugs! The high degree of customisation options makes every single Crossroad a very personal bike jewel. Ferrari, South Sea island or super yacht? You can keep it all - I want a Bastion Crosscroad! - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor

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