Horse Cycles recently built up a stunning custom titanium Rambler, complete with a 100mm suspension fork and a carbon Beast Components hybrid bar. Find a selection of photos, the build kit, and some more details from its builder and owner here…

Words and photos by Thomas Callahan

The customer (Ian) expressed that he wanted a bike that was more than just a tool for exploring, but something that embodied a sense of freedom, companionship, and connection. He knew that he’d spend countless hours on it and was looking for a connection not only to the road and all it offers, but to the maker and its unique origin. It was a pleasure building this bike, and I am grateful to work with such passionate cyclists.

The result is a custom Horse Cycles Titanium Rambler built for endurance riding and bikepacking. Frame specs include a 69° head tube angle, 440mm chain stays with room for 29 x 2.3″ tires, a pretty aggressive seat tube angle for climbing, and the utilization of Columbus titanium tubing for all-day comfort, durability, and weight savings.

Horse Ti Rambler
  • Horse Ti Rambler
  • Horse Ti Rambler

The frame geometry strikes a balance between stability and versatility, featuring a lower bottom bracket drop and slightly longer chainstays, which all contribute to a remarkably stable ride. The bike tracks beautifully whether on gravel, singletrack, or longer tours. One of the more unique choices for the bike was to run a combination of the Fox short-travel fork with the Beast Components Hybrid Drop bars, which allow the use of mountain bike controls and full four-piston brakes front and rear.

Some of the riding in store for this bike and its owner include: 2025 and 2026 Endless Mountains 250, 2026 Vermont Super 8, 2026 Sections of the Golden Gravel Trail, and the 2026 Newfoundland T’railway (segment 1 of the Eastern Divide Trail).

  • Horse Ti Rambler
  • Horse Ti Rambler
  • Horse Ti Rambler
Horse Ti Rambler

Thoughts from the Owner

Words by Ian

The bike also connects me to people. It’s been a bridge to meeting riders from different communities, not in a competitive way, but in the shared joy of being outside and away from cars, seeing how much beauty there is out there. And then there’s the simple joy of how people respond when they see my dog on the bike. Her wagging tail makes strangers smile, kids run over to say hello, and even older folks stop to ask questions or pet her. In a world where cyclists aren’t always viewed warmly, she changes perceptions, humanizes the experience, and brings out the best in people.

Over time, I’ve come to think of the bicycle as one of the greatest inventions of all time. It’s a tool for health and longevity, for travel and meeting people, and for creating freedom and independence. With so many options available today, from regular bicycles to e-bikes, people who have faced balance issues or injuries can use riding as a way to gradually build back their capability and confidence. The bicycle is simple, elegant, and powerful, and it has given me not only independence, but also joy, companionship, and a sense of community.

Build Kit

  • Frame: Horse Cycles Custom Ti Rambler
  • Fork: Fox Factory 32 Step Cast Podium Gold 100mm travel
  • Crankset: SRAM Transmission XX
  • Derailleur: SRAM transmission XO
  • Shifter: SRAM Pod electronic shifter mounted to drop bar
  • Cassette: SRAM X0 Eagle T-Type XG-1295 12-speed
  • Wheels: Berd spokes and NOX Teocalli rims
  • Tires: Continental Race King 2.2”
  • Headset: Chris King matte black inset 7
  • Handlebar: Beast Components Carbon hybrid bars
  • Stem: Thomason x4
  • Saddle: SQ labs 60 x 2.2
  • Seatpost: Thomason Elite
  • Brakes: Shimano XT 4 piston
  • Bags: Rogue Panda long top tube bag
  • Horse Ti Rambler
  • Horse Ti Rambler
  • Horse Ti Rambler

Further Reading

Make sure to dig into these related articles for more info...

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