British company Qoroz specialises in custom titanium frames. With a background in coordinate measuring machines, the chief engineer, Marcus Eales, brings to the table a high level of precision.

Qoroz has only been going for just over two years and is still finding its way, and elements of this prototype that we tested have already been superseded. Qoroz sponsors the South West Bike Academy, so is benefiting from in-depth feedback from its under-23 racing team.

There are five bikes in Qoroz's range and the Race Won is the dedicated race bike. For sportives or less aggressive riding there's the Road Won, which has more relaxed geometry. There are also two rugged mountain bikes and a lightweight racing folder.

Aggressive is the right word for the Race Won. Our test bike corresponds to the medium off-the-peg size but has a super-short head tube, measuring just 110mm. However, you needn't be stuck with that, as Qoroz offers and positively encourages full custom fitting and has an arrangement with Kinetic-One for this purpose (www.kinetic-one.co.uk).
Qoroz frames are engineered in the UK and made in the Far East, under Qoroz's strict supervision.

The Race Won features a bi-ovalised down tube that increases bottom bracket stiffness. You see the welds, but that's how it is with titanium frames - in the same way that traditionally titanium frames aren't painted - but the finish is excellent, with British-added details such as the brazed-on cable stops at the head tubes.

Easy rider
The test bike is built to a high spec, with SRAM Red components, Chris King headset, Qoroz Ti stem and Qoroz-stickered carbon deep-section clinchers. More cost-effective builds are available, or frame-only prices start at £1,499.

Surprisingly, the integrated seatpost didn't make for a harsh ride and despite the low position at the front, comfort was one of the overriding impressions.

Qoroz has clearly made the most of the forgiving ride qualities of the ‘wonder metal'.

However, weighing just under 17lb with a super-lightweight groupset, it will not compete with the latest carbon race bikes for either weight or stiffness. Frame weight is 1.2kg when these days a sub-kilo race frame is expected.

Verdict

Qoroz bikes are beautiful and exotic, but we question whether these days it's possible to build a titanium race bike that's on a par with the top carbon frames. Perhaps Qoroz will prove us wrong with the next version of the Race Won - there is apparently some lighter tubing in the pipeline. Watch this space.

Reviewer: Simon Smythe