Sturdy Cycles has launched two new titanium bicycles, the Fosse and the Drove, as the company begins manufacturing at its Somerset workshop.
The move abandons the brand’s previous reliance on external 3D-printed titanium components in favor of complex CNC-machined parts produced on-site, BikeRadar reported.
The Fosse is designed as an endurance-focused road bike, named after the First Century Roman road passing near the brand’s Frome base. Featuring endurance-oriented geometry and 38mm tyre clearance, the frame currently utilizes an ENVE IN-Route fork with 35mm clearance. Sturdy plans to release a proprietary all-titanium fork for the model in 2027.
The Drove serves as the brand’s new gravel offering, named for historic tracks that once connected Somerset and Wiltshire. It features modern gravel geometry, increased 55mm tyre clearance, and extensive mounting options, including triple bottle bosses and top tube mounts. As with the Fosse, the Drove will eventually transition to an in-house titanium fork matching its 55mm frame clearance.
"We can create a range of finishes that exploit the inherent material properties of titanium whilst also celebrating the manufacturing process," said Jack Watney, Sturdy’s graphic designer, who told BikeRadar that the shift allows for better quality control.
Chief engineer Tom Sturdy, who began building titanium frames in 2014, initiated the design pivot to overcome development delays associated with external 3D printing suppliers. By installing state-of-the-art CNC machines, the company now manufactures its own tooling, bottom bracket shells, and frame components. This allows for modular designs, such as the chainstays’ clamshell construction, which features modular inserts for brake mounts to avoid the need for adaptors.
The brand has also moved away from anodizing, adopting Cerakote—a polymer-ceramic composite—for its durability and thin profile. Frames are finished with proprietary titanium seatposts and stems, both machined in-house.
Sturdy has introduced a new sizing matrix that combines six frame sizes with three stack-height options, resulting in 18 potential fits. An online Size Selector tool is now available to assist customers in matching their current geometry and fit data before ordering.
Both the Fosse and Drove are launching with SRAM Force-equipped builds. The Fosse starts at £4,511.60 (including UK VAT), while the Drove is priced from £4,137.60. Framesets and additional custom build options remain available for both models.
- Bottom Bracket: T47-68 threaded shell
- Rear Axle: 142x12mm titanium thru-axle
- Derailleur Hanger: Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH) with phosphor-bronze threads
- Cable Routing: Internal, electronic groupsets only
- Headset: Enduro stainless steel with lifetime warranty
Why did Sturdy move away from 3D printing to in-house CNC machining? While Tom Sturdy said that 3D printing remains a viable option for mass-produced frames, the company found that relying on external suppliers created significant bottlenecks. Bringing manufacturing in-house via CNC machining allows for faster design iteration and better control over the structural integrity of frame components.
Tom Sturdy explained that while bronze inserts add a marginal amount of weight compared to steel or alloy alternatives, they are significantly stronger and prevent the binding issues common in threaded connections. This ensures a more durable, long-term experience for the bike owner.