Disciples of the quest for the ultimate in titanium custom bicycles will most likely have come across the name of Darren Crisp. Darren is a Texan living in Tuscany and has dedicated his life to building the very best frames from that most mystical of metals.
As an ex-racer, Darren knows what makes for a fast bike, whether it’s designed for the tarmac or off it. His road bikes look like they could dance up mountains, while each Crisp mountain bike looks like it could descend one like a demon.
Darren’s original training was in architecture, having completed a B.S. at Texas A&M University. From there, he began working with a blacksmith/sculptor in Mississippi, started racing bikes on the weekends and eventually built his first frame.
After brazing steel frames since the mid-90s, Darren attended the United Bicycle Institute’s Titanium Frame Design Course and now exclusively builds in ti. A look through his Flickr portfolio will reveal the depth of his passion for the element.
Darren also has a great love for fine engineering and fabrication, and his Sabelt commuter is dressed with CNC-machined aluminium components by his good friend, Michele Leonardi of Leonardi Racing — head mechanic for the Cannondale MTB team and a legend in the industry.
The Gates Carbon drivetrain will ensure this exceptionally clean commuter will remain just that, with no need for oils or lubricant. It may not have rack or fender mounts, but this must be one of the slickest bikes to get you from A to B.
Crisp Titanium Website | Facebook | Flickr
