Ever since David Turner turned his back on carbon fiber, Turner Bikes has been turning out some awesome titanium frames. Every year at Sea Otter, DT seems to show off a new prototype, and this year was no different. Fans of the Turner brand will be familiar with the Burner, and it looks like it may soon make a triumphant return.
Calling it a ‘rideable concept,’ this particular frame is very much still a prototype. But it gives us an idea of where the Turner Burner could be headed. Until now, all of the newer metal bikes from Turner have been hardtails (or gravel bikes, but that’s still a hardtail, right?).
What’s interesting about this Burner concept is that everything is Ti. That includes the rear triangle, rocker link, hardware, etc. While it lacks the high chainstays of the last Turner Burner, it looks to still use a version of the DW-link suspension system.
It also features a number of 3D printed titanium components, that are welded together so precisely, it’s very hard to pick them out. Those tube junctions may look like normal tubes that have been precisely mitered and welded together, but the whole assembly has been 3D printed and then welded to the tubing. That includes areas like the lower shock mount tabs–again, the whole tube with the tabs has been 3D printed, and then welded to the downtube. As a result, the seat tube, BB, downtube assembly is a thing of beauty.
The Burner Gen 4 tentatively has 125mm rear travel, with a 140mm fork, 66º head tube angle with a 76º seat tube angle, and 29″ wheels. For now, that’s all the details Turner would confirm, but we can’t wait to hear more on this one.
New Titanium Handlebars & Seatposts, Too
We got a sneak peek at the new titanium seatposts last year, but now they’ll be available soon. The titanium posts have a 3D printed head with forged seat clamp components, and are offered in 0, 25, and 30mm offset. The 0 and 25mm offset posts will be sold as a 27.2mm diameter, while the 30mm offset is a 30.9mm diameter, all with a 460mm length and a $275 retail.
On the handlebar side, Tuner will offer two flat and two 30mm riser titanium bars with 9º and 17º backsweep options. All are a 31.8mm clamp, and will sell for $250.
