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BlackHeart Launches Road Plus: A Fast, Versatile Metal Road Platform in Ti and Aluminum
The lines between road, endurance, and gravel bikes have been blurring for years. BlackHeart Bike Cos latest release leans fully into that shift with a new do it all design. The new Road Plus is a new versatile platform from Blackheart. It arrives in both titanium and aluminum, built for riders who want road-bike speed but dont limit themselves to perfect pavement.(All Photos/Blackheart)Rather than chasing a single category, BlackHeart designed the Road Plus as a flexible road machine that adapts to different terrain with a wheel swap. The frame clears 70042mm tires, which means it can be set up with fast road rubber for long pavement rides or wider tires for dirt roads and rough surfaces. Titanium Model Showcases 3D-Printed Frame DetailsThe Road Plus Ti takes a more technical approach to frame construction. The new Road Plus Ti is built from 3/2.5 double-butted titanium tubing. BlackHeart adds a handful of modern touches to make the frame more practical in everyday use.One of the most noticeable features is a 3D-printed titanium section of the seat tube. It ncorporates a sculpted cutout behind the rear tire for clearance but thats not all. Beyond its visual appeal, the design improves clearance for mud and debris. It also allows the frame to run full fenders even with large tires installed cool looking and practical.The bottom bracket shell includes expanded internal routing to simplify installation of the rear brake hose. The same goes for the chainstay; the brake port is internally flared to make routing easier during assembly. Out back, the rear dropouts are redesigned with integrated mounts for racks and fenders. This small addition makes the Road Plus more practical, otherwise a performance-oriented road frame.The titanium version also includes a removable direct-mount front derailleur hanger. Making it easy (and clean) to run either a 1 or 2 drivetrain, depending on the riders preference.Aluminum Version Alongside the titanium flagship, BlackHeart is also introducing the Road Plus AL, which uses premium 6066 double-butted aluminum tubing.Aluminum road frames have quietly made a comeback in recent years, and the Road Plus AL reflects that shift. BlackHeart says the frame offers ride quality and build weights that compete with many carbon bikes while maintaining aluminums well-known durability and long service life.Theres also an environmental angle here. Aluminum is fully recyclable, something the brand highlights as part of a more responsible approach to performance bike construction.Shared Frame PlatformWhile the two frames use different materials, they share the same overall design philosophy and hardware platform.Both the titanium and aluminum versions include an FSA-ACR headset system with internal cable routing and a T47-86 threaded bottom bracket. Other shared features include compatibility with the UDH derailleur hanger standard, a 31.6mm round seatpost, and support for electronic drivetrains in either 1 or 2 configurations.Tire Clearance and All-Road CapabilityThe defining feature of the Road Plus is its 70042mm tire clearance, placing it firmly in the growing all-road category.That flexibility is central to the concept. Instead of forcing riders to choose between categories, the Road Plus lets them adapt the bike to the ride.Sizing and FitBlackHeart offers the Road Plus in a wide range of sizes to accommodate riders of all heights.The Road Plus Ti is available in nine frame sizes, covering riders from roughly 50 to 70.The Road Plus AL is offered in eight sizes, fitting riders from about 50 to 67.Build Options and PricingThe titanium version is available both as a frameset and as a complete build.The Road Plus Ti frameset starts at $3,399, which includes the frame, an ENVE fork, seatpost, and headset. Riders who want a custom look can opt for Cerakote fork paint for an additional $300.BlackHeart also offers a Core Build for $6,799, which includes a BlackHeart carbon bar-stem cockpit, a SRAM Force AXS XPLR drivetrain with power meter, and Hunt 40 carbon wheels.For riders interested in aluminum, the Road Plus AL frameset starts at $1,699, again including the frame, ENVE fork, seatpost, and headset. Custom Cerakote paint for the frame and fork is available for $600.The Road Plus AL Core Build comes in at $4,049, equipped with a SRAM Rival AXS XPLR groupset, BlackHearts carbon bar-stem cockpit, and Hunt 40 carbon wheels.Warranty and AvailabilityAll Road Plus frames are backed by BlackHearts lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects for the original owner, consistent with the rest of the companys lineup.Both the titanium and aluminum models are available now for pre-order through BlackHearts website and dealer network, with deliveries expected in 2026.With the Road Plus, BlackHeart isnt trying to redefine the road bike. Instead, its refining what many riders are already asking fora fast road platform that doesnt fall apart the moment the pavement does.Blackheartbikeco.comThe post BlackHeart Launches Road Plus: A Fast, Versatile Metal Road Platform in Ti and Aluminum appeared first on Bikerumor.
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