As if last year's Optimus Ti wasn't enough of a success, we upped the ante for '09 with an even more refined tubeset boasting wider tire clearance the new multi-torsional downtube for the snappiest handling and quickest accelerating Optimus Ti yet.

Seamless U.S. drawn 3AI/2.5V titanium is as good as it gets. Mix that with the beautiful laser-cut 6/4 titanium plate gussets, sliding dropouts, add a heaping portion of WetCat geometry, and you have pretty much maxed out the velo-lust meter.

There are several ways to cut cost on titanium frame production, none of which were used here. Our opinion is, if you're at the point of choosing a titanium hardtail singlespeed, "compromise" should never be part of the equation.

Sliding dropouts allow the Optimus Ti to function as a no-fuss single speed or a fully geared endurance machine as the season or your preference dictates. You won't find any cheepo, creaky, knock-off sliders here. California based Paragon Machine Works sets the standard for custom-quality sliding dropouts which means the Optimus Ti boasts a laterally stiff, creeek-free rear end that keeps the wheel tracking true in any condition.

When merging the legendary ride quality of fine titanium, the balanced handling of WetCat geometry and artisan-quality weld beads who's perfection would make an ogre cry, the result is a ti 29er that is truly worthy of the name Optimus Ti.

 

  • Hand made in the USA
  • U.S. 3AI/2.5V titanium tubing
  • New Multi-torsion downtube
  • Paragon Machine Works sliding dropouts
  • ISO standard disc brake mounts
  • 100% Vassago Wet Cat Geometry
  • Includes handmade, Jen Green head badge
  • GearUp Kit now included
  • Includes 35mm seatpost clamp
  • Portion of proceeds donated to IMBA to fight trail closures
  • Each Optimus sold, plants a tree through American Forests

$1,699.00 (frame only)

Limited availability. Please call us at (410) 878-2578, or email us or your local Vassago dealer for more info.

Optimus Ti Technobabble
Frame Material 3AI/2.5V titanium tubing
Headset Standard 1 1/8"
Bottom Bracket 68mm shell
Frame Finish Satin titanium
Disc Brakes Standard ISO brake tab
Seatpost Diam. 27.2mm
Seatpost Clamp 35mm
Dropouts Paragon Machine Works Sliding. GearUp kit now inlcuded.
Rear Spacing 135mm
Ft. Derailleur Low Mount/Top Swing
Rigid Fork White Brothers Carbon Rock Solid - recommended
Squishy Fork '09 Reba, White Brothers Magic80 or Fox F-29. All 80mm.
Tire Clearance Clearance for 2.35s

 

Geometry
Size ST HT
Height
TT ETT H/T Angle S/T Angle BB
Drop

Stand
Over

CS
16" 406.4mm 87mm 583.5mm 600mm 71.0° 74.0° 68.4mm 28" 454.5mm
18" 457.2mm 100mm 591.5mm 615mm 71.0° 73.5° 68.4mm 29" 454.5mm
20" 508mm 119mm 598.4mm 623mm 71.0° 73.5° 68.4mm 31.5" 454.5mm

All measurements in millimeters.

What size is right for you?
Nothing compares to test riding a bike, and we strongly urge you to do that. The Vassago feel is our best feature! But if you can't throw a leg over first, here are some sizing recommendations.

16" Frame - 5'4" to 5'9"
18" Frame - 5'10" to 6'1"
20" Frame - 6'2" to 6'4"

Hater Disclaimer
Any one frame dimension doesn't denote a specific handling characteristic. Vassago frames use unorthodox (by 26" standards) designs to achieve a balanced 29er like no other. In short, Don't knock it till you ride it.

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