Titanium gravel bikes on test: The 8bar centre TI - very stiff or uncomfortable?

The Berlin-based brand, which takes its name from the stick-hard tyre pressure for narrow racing tyres, was launched in 2011 and initially focused on steel rigid and single-speed racing bikes for urban traffic. The introduction of the Mitte in 2016 broadened the focus, as it was intended to combine several types of bike in one: With minimal modifications, it can be turned into a road racer, a cross-country bike or an adventure-ready gravel bike. In addition to versions with steel and aluminium frames, 8bar now also offers the Mitte with a titanium frame. A special feature of this version is that the brake lines are fully integrated at the front, whereas they run externally on the steel and aluminium versions. However, the titanium centre can only be combined with electronic gears.

8bar centre TI: different wheels, different wheel on the titanium gravel bike

Instead of different forks, which were required for a conversion in the first version, today so-called flip-chip dropouts on the fork and rear allow the wheelbase and riding characteristics to be adjusted. Depending on the tyre width, these dropouts can position the front slightly higher or lower and the rear wheel closer to the seat tube or further away. In the high or long position, the 8bar offers a smoother ride, while it is more manoeuvrable in the low or short position. The riding position also changes slightly: in off-road trim, you sit a little more relaxed on the bike.

However, if the conversion is only to be carried out by changing the wheel, this is only possible with brake discs of different sizes (road bike 140 mm, gravel 160 mm). Otherwise, the brake calliper adapters must also be changed. If you prefer to focus on a specific area of use, you can still order a special gravel fork with luggage eyelets or a slim road bike fork for the centre. The bike allows a maximum of 45 mm wide tyres off-road, which are also fitted to the test bike.

8bar centre TI: Use more tyre clearance

We recommend taking advantage of the maximum tyre clearance, as the wide tyres improve the moderate comfort of the frame and handlebars and go well with the steering geometry. By using smaller 650B wheels, tyres with a width of up to 50 mm can be retrofitted, but this could make the steering a little more nervous. Thanks to the modular system, almost all components can be customised. The selection of wheel options is extensive, but only SRAM drivetrains and various Schwalbe G-One tyres are available. Special features of our exemplary test bike are the customised 3D printed saddle, the in-house modular crank and the high-quality DT Swiss wheels, which reduce the weight but also increase the price.

>> Titanium gravel bikes : The Falkenjagd Aristos R on test

8bar centre TI - Info & test grade

• Test grade: 2,3
• Price: 7273 Euro
• Weight of complete wheel: 8.9 kilos
• Frame sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL (test size greased)

Geometry

• Seat/top/head tube: 540/550/161 millimetres
• Stack/Reach/STR: 598/369 millimetres/1.62
• Stack+/Reach+/STR+: 653/543 millimetres/1.20
• Wheelbase/caster: 1020/74 millimetres

Equipment

• Drive/gear shift: Sram Force XPLR AXS (1x12; 44, 10-33 t.) | Grade: 2.0
• Brakes: SRAM Force (160/160 mm) | Grade: 1.5
• Tyres: Schwalbe G-One R TLE 45 mm (eff.: 44 mm) | Grade: 1.0
• Impellers: DT Swiss GRC 1400 Spline
• Impeller weights: 1552/1962 grams (front/rear)

Advantages and disadvantages

• Plus: Relatively light construction, can be converted to a road racing bike, configurable in the modular system
• Minus: Frame and handlebars with little comfort, comparatively expensive

More titanium gravel bikes from our test:

>> The Poison Meskalin Titan Gravel - a sports bike for everyday use

>> The Triban GRVL 900 - you have to be able to afford it at a favourable price

>> The Kocmo Daytona - a sporty companion with visual finesse

>> The Chirp Chirp Lark - gravel bike with MTB orientation