Behind the Cilla project is the British manufacturer Sturdy Cycles from Frome in Somerset, known for its high-precision titanium frames with 3D-printed components and enormous attention to detail. The Cilla was named after Tom Sturdy's late mother. She was a keen cyclist with a strong spirit of discovery. Instead of classic out-and-back routes, she favoured spontaneous detours along country lanes, meadows and remote paths.
It is precisely this spirit that characterises the bike: curious, versatile and ready for any adventure. The emotional story should resonate with every metre of the unique titanium gravel bike. The Sturdy Cilla is a highly customised premium project for gravel bikers looking for maximum craftsmanship, uniqueness and technical sophistication.
Sturdy Cilla titanium gravel bike in detail
- Application: Gravelbike / Bikepacking
- Maximum tyre clearance: 50 mm
- Frame material: Titanium
- Weight: 7.8-8.8 kg (manufacturer's specification)
- Price: from 9363 euros
- Special features: Custom geometry, surface treatment and details, 3D printed titanium parts, made in UK
Titanium, 3D printing and customisation
Sturdy Cycles has made a name for itself internationally with its combination of classic titanium frame construction and modern manufacturing technologies. Many frame parts and components are manufactured from titanium using the 3D printing process and then precisely machined.
With the Cilla, the frameset includes more than just a customised titanium frame and a 3D-printed titanium fork. The chassis comes with integrated cable routing and is complemented by customised titanium cockpit solutions. The exclusive material is considered to be particularly durable and comfortable thanks to the charismatic vibration damping in the material.
Because Sturdy is fully committed to titanium, the frameset also includes a titanium seatpost with a 3D-printed post head, specially developed titanium cranks, milled titanium chainrings, titanium thru-axles and titanium bolts.
Many of these components are handmade directly at Sturdy. Even details such as rotor lockrings or bar end plugs made from the precious light metal are produced in-house. The complete bike weighs around 7.8 to 8.8 kilograms, depending on the equipment.
A key feature of the Sturdy Cilla is its extreme customisation. In addition to the geometry and equipment, customers can also configure many other details. These include, for example, the number of mounting points for bottle cages and luggage, rack and mudguard compatibility and the dropout design.
Numerous visual options are also possible, such as the placement of custom logos or the anodisation of details. When it comes to the surface treatment of the titanium frame, there is a choice between polished or shot-peened surfaces. This means that practically no two Sturdy Cilla models are the same.
Concept: A bike for everything between road and off-road
Sturdy describes the Cilla as a modern "Multi Surface Drop Bar Bicycle". In other words: a bike that cannot be categorised in a single category. The Cilla has many facets and shows just how diverse the gravel sector has become.
The titanium bike is completely customised and can be individually configured in terms of geometry, equipment and finish. According to Sturdy, it is suitable as a gravel bike, adventure bike, cyclocross bike, fast touring bike, all-road bike or bikepacking platform, depending on the set-up. The model was developed and tested on the gravel and singletrack trails of the English regions of Somerset and Wiltshire.
The Sturdy Cilla is supplied with custom geometry, which is precisely tailored to the rider, intended use and riding style. This means that the bike can be set up to be sporty and aggressive or comfort-orientated. The maximum tyre clearance is 50 millimetres. For optimum mud clearance, however, Sturdy recommends tyre widths of between 40 and 45 millimetres. The technical standards include a T47 bottom bracket, flat-mount brake mounts and a replaceable derailleur hanger.
The Sturdy Cilla clearly belongs to the absolute upper class of titanium frame construction. The entry-level price is a good 9400 euros for the customised frameset. Complete bikes are significantly more expensive depending on the equipment. Orders are placed directly via Sturdy Cycles. After reserving a production slot, the manufacturer works together with the customer on the geometry, design and equipment. Due to the complex production process, delivery times can be long.
Conclusion
With its mix of titanium craftsmanship, 3D printing technology and uncompromising customisation, the Sturdy Cilla is, in my opinion, one of the most fascinating boutique gravel bikes on the market. If you are prepared to invest time and money in a truly unique piece, you will get a bike that emotionally goes far beyond standard products. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor
Jan Timmermann
Editor
