Hydroformed tube shapes and 3D-printed custom components will cost you AU$6,920
Bossi has released the Grit SS, possibly the only fully integrated titanium gravel frameset available.
The Australian brand claims the Grit SS is more aerodynamic and lighter than its more adventure-focused Grit SX titanium gravel bike, while retaining “unwavering strength”.
Costing AU$6,920, the Grit SS frameset will ship from March 2024.
The price includes the titanium frame, carbon fork, carbon seatpost (with zero or 20mm offset), headset, expansion plug, thru-axles and seatpost clamp. An integrated Bossi cockpit is sold separately for AU$800.
A unique gravel frameset?
Titanium may be a classic frame material, but there’s nothing anachronistic about the Grit SS.
Cable routing is fully integrated and the frameset is solely compatible with electronic groupsets.
As far as we know, this makes the Bossi Grit SS the only fully integrated, electronic-groupset only titanium gravel frameset on the market.
3D-printed parts
Tubes are hydroformed, as on the Strada SS road bike, lending the titanium a similar profile to carbon.
Bossi says it has combined die casting and 3D printing for the first time in the Grit SS.
It claims die casting gives the head tube a “superior finish and aesthetic consistency with extruded tubes”. Smaller components, such as yokes and dropouts, are 3D-printed to match the size of the frame, according to Bossi.
Widely compatible standards
Elsewhere, Bossi uses common component standards, such as a T47 bottom bracket and 27.2mm seatpost, making the frameset compatible with a wide array of components.
Bossi says the 1.5in head tube is compatible with most brands’ integrated cockpits as well as its own options.
The use of SRAM’s Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH) protects the rear derailleur from impacts and facilitates finding a replacement, according to the brand.
Lighter and more aero, but not wind-tunnel tested
Bossi says the Grit SS frame weighs 150g less than the Grit SX in size 54, tipping the scales at 1.7kg.
It also claims to have improved the aerodynamics, but hasn’t tested this in a wind tunnel.
The frame and fork are peppered with mounts for mudguards, racks and bikepacking bags. There is clearance for 700x50c gravel tyres.
Other frameset features include:
- Aero die-cast 6AL/4V head tube
- Hydroformed 3AL/2.5V aero down tube
- Hydroformed 3AL/2.5V top tube with bag mounts
- Ovalised and tapered 3AL/2.5V chainstays
- Tapered 3AL/2.5V seatstays with rack mounts
- 3D-printed 6AL/4V size-specific dropouts
- 3D-printed 6AL/4V chainstay yoke
- 12mm thru-axle (12x100mm front, 12x142mm rear)
- Flat mount disc brake
- Chain holder on seatstay
- CNC head tube logo
- Laser-engraved down tube logos
- Brush finish
Bossi Grit SS geometry
Bossi says the Grit SS features “refined geometry for a tighter, more responsive ride”.
Shorter chainstays, thanks to the new 3D-printed yoke, increase chainring clearance without cutting tyre clearance, according to the brand.
In addition, Bossi has slightly increased bottom-bracket height and decreased stack height. It says these changes enhance agility without making the Grit SS too aggressive to ride all day.
The Bossi Grit SS is available in 50cm, 52cm, 54cm, 56cm, 58cm and 60cm frame sizes.
Meanwhile, the Bossi cockpit comes in two wider and shallower ‘Adventure’ sizes (420x100mm and 440x100mm). There are two more aggressive ‘Race’ options: 415x110mm and 435x120mm.
| 50 | 52 | 54 | 56 | 58 | 60 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Effective top tube (mm) | 526 | 534 | 549 | 565 | 583 | 597 |
Reach (mm) | 370 | 373 | 381 | 388 | 395 | 401 |
Stack (mm) | 540 | 554 | 565 | 586 | 605 | 620 |
Head tube angle (degrees) | 70.2 | 71 | 71.2 | 71.2 | 71.75 | 72 |
Seat tube angle (degrees) | 74.25 | 73.75 | 73.5 | 73.25 | 72.75 | 72.5 |
Chain stay length (mm) | 432 | 432 | 432 | 432 | 432 | 432 |
Seat tube length (mm) | 459 | 479 | 494 | 514 | 534 | 554 |
Bottom bracket drop (mm) | 78 | 78 | 76 | 76 | 74 | 74 |
Fork offset (mm) | 52 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
Wheelbase (mm) | 1,023 | 1,019 | 1,031 | 1,045 | 1,053 | 1,061 |