Citing its light weight, compliance, and ability to retain its ride properties for a lifetime, France’s Curve believe in the ‘magic’ of titanium for building bicycle frames of all styles. To share their love of titanium with all kinds of riders, Curve not only offers standard models of each bike but will also custom build their frames to suit individual clients, usually at little or no extra cost.
Earlier this year Bikerumor checked out Curve’s MKII softtail mountain bike, and the company has just announced they’ve updated their existing 714 road bike frame. The 714 will now include internal cable routing on the top and down tubes as a standard feature. While this is hardly a ground breaking change, it’s key to remember that Curve’s stock designs can always be considered a suggestion – custom geometry and other options like disc brake mounts, Di2 compatibility or different BB’s can also be accommodated, among other finishing touches. Find out more after the break…
Curve’s 714 road frame is constructed from 3Al/2.5v grade 9 titanium, and accommodates 700c wheels. The frame features a stout rear end for agile handling, and was carefully designed to exemplify the compliant ride that titanium is known for.
In its standard configuration the 714 features a tapered head tube, BSA 68mm bottom bracket, 31.6mm seat post, and QR 130mm rear end spacing. A front derailleur mount is usually included, but with 1x systems knocking at the door some customers may decide to forego this feature.
Further custom options can be requested including threaded eyelets for racks or fenders, 73mm or press fit BB shells, different seat tube diameters, Di2 compatibility, or almost anything else you can dream up. Once the design is finalized, customers can choose between a sandblasted or brushed finish. The 714 is available in six stock sizes from XS to XL, or with custom geometry by request.
Because Curve’s frames are mostly built to order there is typically no extra cost for such customizations, but more drastic requests may see additional fees (like opting for double-butted tubing). Curve discusses all costs with customers before proceeding with construction.
The updated 714 will be sold as a frame only for approximately $1577 USD, as a frame/fork combo (with an Enve 2.0 fork and Chris King headset) for $2214, or in a complete build (with Shimano 105 2×11 drivetrain, DT Swiss wheels, etc.) for around $3400. While exact weights will vary based on options, Curve says their medium sized complete bike comes in just under 17lbs. If you’re curious about purchasing or customizing a 714 frame, contact Curve for further details.