The Gloria All Gravel Titanium SRAM Force stands out as a formidable and adaptable machine, garnering an impressive 9/10 rating. This bike excels across various terrains, offering an exceptional combination of ride quality, capability, and remarkable value for its price. Built with a titanium frame that boasts meticulous weld quality and a lifetime warranty, it provides generous tire clearance and a plethora of mounting points, catering to both adventurous explorations and rigorous power demands. Its geometry expertly balances all-day comfort with the agility needed for exhilarating rides, making it a compelling choice for any gravel enthusiast.
Crafted from 3Al/2.5V Grade 9 titanium tubing, the Gloria All Gravel’s frame employs varying wall thicknesses to strategically enhance durability where needed while reducing weight and improving ride comfort in other sections. This design contributes to the bike's signature smooth titanium feel, effectively dampening high-frequency vibrations from varied surfaces. While its refinement might be marginally less than some premium titanium models, the difference becomes negligible given its compatibility with wider tires. What truly distinguishes the Gloria is its exceptional value, with the frameset priced significantly lower than comparable high-end alternatives, yet without compromising on quality. The manufacturing, though outsourced, maintains an extraordinarily high standard, evident in the impeccable welds and precise finishing of details like internal cable ports.
Further enhancing its practicality, the Gloria All Gravel incorporates a BSA threaded bottom bracket, simplifying maintenance for home mechanics—a thoughtful feature for a bike likely to encounter challenging environmental conditions. The bike is also extensively equipped with mounting points, including multiple bottle cage locations, bento box mounts, and provisions for mudguards and a rear rack. The carbon fork adds to this versatility with mudguard eyes, three-bolt cage mounts per leg, and internal dynamo routing. These features underscore its design as a true all-rounder, prepared for everything from short excursions to extensive bikepacking trips. The frame is designed to support both mechanical and electronic groupsets, offering flexible internal cable routing options through the head tube or via ports in the down tube for easier servicing.
In terms of performance, the Gloria All Gravel provides a remarkably intuitive and stable ride. Its neutral steering inspires confidence on loose surfaces and when carrying gear, allowing for forgiving handling even in demanding situations. Whether navigating tight corners or adjusting lines due to traction loss, the bike responds predictably and without hesitation, maintaining its composure thanks to a well-proportioned wheelbase. This stability translates into a relaxing experience on long rides, where the front end’s calming influence ensures precise tracking even when the rider is fatigued. Despite its 9.6kg weight, the bike feels surprisingly agile, allowing for spirited singletrack descents and quick direction changes without feeling cumbersome. The titanium tubing delivers ample feedback, keeping the rider connected to the terrain and aware of tire behavior. While not designed as a pure racer, its efficiency and engaging ride quality make it a joy to pilot.
Climbing performance is another highlight, with well-engineered stiffness around the front end and bottom bracket. Despite a frame weight of approximately 2kg (2.5kg including the fork), its uphill capabilities exceed expectations, especially when seated. For out-of-saddle efforts, the Gloria manages its weight gracefully, avoiding the top-heavy or awkward feel common in heavier bikes. The bike’s componentry, including the SRAM Force XPLR 1x groupset with a 10-46T 13-speed cassette and 42T carbon chainset, provides precise shifting and powerful braking, enhancing control on varied terrain. Zipp 303S XPLR wheels, with their 54mm-deep rims and 32mm internal width, contribute to speed and tire performance, while Vittoria Mezcal 2.1 tires offer an excellent balance of speed and grip, proving durable on challenging routes. The Zipp Service Course SL handlebar, stem, and seat post complete a robust and reliable build. Overall, the Gloria All Gravel offers a compelling blend of design, performance, and outstanding value, making it an excellent investment for titanium bike ownership.