Jahanzaib Lynskey’s Sportive Disc Titanium Road Frame is designed for total comfort and long distances. A relaxed, endurance-oriented geometry doesn’t mean a reduction in performance, the Sportive model is still made with the same passion and expertise as you expect from Lynskey, with thirty years of handmade titanium frame experience poured into this titanium road frame to provide the hallmarks of Lynskey quality: responsive handling, comfortable, and light.
Handmade Titanium Frame:
Engineered with an oversized downtube for stability, this Sportive model has a tapered headtube for increased front-end precision handling. Curved seatstays will smooth out rough roads and when paired with 32c tyres, this titanium frame will deliver a plush ride to take the edge off fatigue when tackling back-to-back long days in the saddle.
The combination of disc brakes, rack mounts, and fender mounts on the Sportive’s relaxed geometry means you are equipped to tackle adverse conditions and carry any additional equipment required. Complete this bike with your finishing kit of choice and revel upon the comfort, performance, and longevity of a titanium frame.
Features:
- Material: Titanium
- Classic finish
- External cable routing on down tube
- Endurance geometry for maximum comfort
- Lightweight
- Stiff
- Fender mounts
- Rack mounts
- 32c tyre clearance
- Bosses for two water bottle cages
- Bottom Bracket: 68mm Threaded
- Brake Type: Disc, mechanical or hydraulic
- Dropouts: Interchangeable rear dropout, 9mm QR or 12x142mm Thru-Axle
- Headtube Design: Tapered/Integrated, recommended Cane Creek IS 42/52
- Rear Spacing: 142mm with Thru-Axle
- Seatpost Diameter: 27.2mm
- Seat Tube Diameter (Front Derailleur Clamp Size): 34.9mm
- Wheels: 700c
- Maximum Tyre Width: 32c
Lynskey Sportive Disc Review:
When Lynskey announced on their Instagram page that they were working on a version of their new Sportive disc frame in titanium, I had to get my hands on one (so did another 10 people who liked the post I guess). The Sportive is a disc brake-specific bike with an endurance geometry. It is designed to let you ride long and go fast. With room for fenders and racks, it is a perfect bike to tackle long routes.
The frame I received was Lynskey’s smallest size, a 54cm. I am 5’11” and have a 44 inch chest and the 54cm frame was perfect. The Sportive is designed to be a bit longer and taller than a normal road frame to give you a bit of room for a water bottle and some fenders.
This frame is based on Lynskey’s new Double Triangle Structure that allows for a larger-than-normal downtube. The downtube flares out slightly towards the bottom bracket. In addition the seat stays are curved to allow for some flex. All this translates into a frame that is stiff in torsion and has good vertical compliance.
Not being a disc-equipped bike rider, I wasn’t sure what to expect from the disc brakes. But the brakes themselves work well. I ran them without the rubber shims though if you want extra bite. With the shims the brakes could be touchier, and you can grab the tire if you get careless.
When it comes to weight, the Sportive is not likely to win the lightweight prize. It is still a sub-10 pound frame and I was able to get down to 9.6 by using a hollow carbon fork. With a 0mm adjustment (27×1″ on the frame) I was able to get the a bit of toe overlap with my 700c x 28mm Kenda track tires. I did spend a bit of time staring at my feet, so toe overlap could be an issue. But I was able to get my knees well behind the top of the top tube. If you are not a good toe overlap camper, you may want to choose a different fork. I was only able to get to 90mm of drop in the stem, but I like a pretty short stem. You could easily get to 100mm.
Once on the bike, the combination of the larger than normal top tube and the gently curved seat stays make for a comfortable bit of riding. The seat stays are made to flex on the downward stroke. Just getting the bike onto the trainer to do a little curious pedaling is a pleasure.
I bought Lynskey’s new Sportive disc frame because I wanted a titanium bike to become my go-to ride for extended training rides. I wanted to maximize my fatigue tolerance and minimize my pain threshold. A common complaint of titanium is that it is a bit harsh on the shorter rides. It is true that you do need to put in some quality time. But the larger diameter the top tube and the fillet brazed joints that are a hallmark of Lynskey frames make the Sportive a comfortable ride.
Aesthetically, the Sportive design is a nice departure from Lynskey’s super classic look. The slight curve to the downtube gives it a look of purposefulness. The seat stays curve under the seat tube, allowing the rear wheel to be tucked up tight to the seat tube. The cable routing is all internal, although I only have the front mech routed internally. The external routing is still plenty clean looking. The frame comes with rack and fender bosses (of course), so you can run the rack with fenders or without.
The Lynskey Sportive disc in titanium is a beautifully-made, comfortable, fun bike that is a pleasure to ride.
