Sumitomo

Titanium

Framesets

at

Yellow Jersey

Sumitomo, the international metals corporation, developed a meticulously innovative CP titanuim frameset a few years ago. No expense was spared, with the world's only example of forged titanium frame ends ( including threaded 3mm adjusters!) and a horribly expensive forged titanium fork crown. These frames were carefully welded in purpose-built oxygen-free welding chambers from seamless drawn CP titanium tube. Even the seat binder is machined from solid titanium billet. Their thorough determined designer even specified small fittings (cable guides, bottle mounts, chain peg, seatstay bridge) machined from titanium and carefully welded, not rivetted or clamped as other frames. These frames were sold under many other names as large bicycle manufacturers bought framesets from Sumitomo rather than develop in-house titanium programs. Here's the Japanese domestic sales brochure:

Japanese advertising is just different

Note the wide variety of Sumitomo titanium products in the lower right photo, including forged motorcycle engine piston rods. Here are some of the incredible details of these impressive frames:

Everyone else explains why this costs too much.<FONT COLOR=#0000FF> Sumitomo<FONT COLOR=#000000> did it.

<Lots of bike makers tell you this can't be done. Here it is

No paint to fade or scratch

How would you like that frame anyway?

    Price List
  • Sumitomo Frame Only
    $SOLD
  • Sumitomo Frame & Ti Fork $
    $SOLD
  • Sumitomo Frame w/ Kestrel CrMo/Carbon Fork
    $SOLD
  • Sumitomo Frame w/ standard CrMo aero fork
    $SOLD
  • Sumitomo Frame w/AL fork
    $SOLD
  • Sumitomo Frame w/Ouzo fork
    $SOLD

Simply move your standard parts kit to this frame

    Technical stuff
  • Seatpost:26.4mm
  • BB thread: 1.370X24tpi ISO British
  • Top Tube:25.4mm OD
  • Seat Tube:28.6mm OD
  • Down Tube:28.6mm OD
  • Brakes: modern short series calipers
  • Headset:Standard JIS
  • Fork:1x24tpi ISO British
  • Steerer:22.2mm quill
  • Rear Spacing:130mm

As with any titanium piece, antiseize compound should be used wherever another metal contacts the titanium, especially on threads and bores.Nice clean lines

Disclaimer

These frames are a discontinued item. When Sumitomo cancelled this program, the remainder of the work in progress was sold "as is". We took all the large sizes and our friend's shop in Kyoto, Japan took all the small ones. We have only these sizes remaining:

these sizes only and no others

There is no warranty, you accept the frameset "as is". Some frames are not completely polished and may show roughness near the welds, which may be brought to a shine with emery cloth in a few minutes.

Lastly, CP [Commercially Pure] titanium is a different metal than the newer 3AL/2.5V alloy used in, for example, Habanero framesets. The ride of 3AL/2.5V is stiffer and more rigid in terms of side flex as are modern oversized frame tubes. The ride of the Sumitomo Max Titarion is frequently compared to the venerable Peugeot PX-10 - just a bit more forgiving, just a touch more compliant than a modern harsh road frame. If that's the kind of ride you like, and you're disappointed with scuffy paint and rust poking through your steel frame's finish, this is an excellent value that will look great with just the occasional wipe of a damp cloth. Sumitomo's classy neutral finish goes well with any components and you can change the aesthetic by simply accenting with the tape and bottle colors!

Sumitomo Titanium Forks - sold out -
OK! Sounds good! I want to order a Sumitomo right now!

No, I just can't decide! Please email the answers to my further questions

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