Tech/FAQ

Q: Where can I find a Titec Dealer in my area?

A: Check out the Dealer locator page on our web site. It's the best way for you to find your closest Titec shop.

Q: I have a question about one of the Titec products that I bought, what should I do? 
A: If the bike shop or mail order company that you purchased the product from can't answer your question, you can e-mail your question to info@titec.com, or call (888) 800-5999, ext 161 and ask to speak with someone in customer service.

Q: How can I get some cool Titec stickers?
A: Send a self addressed, stamped envelope to: Titec: Stickers Please, 2677 El Presidio Street, Long Beach, Ca 90810.

Q: Can I have a catalog?  
A: You can grab a .pdf catalog on the "media" page of this website. All Titec products are shown on this site too.

Q: Do I need my receipt for a warranty claim?  
A: It makes it A LOT easier if you have your receipt. If you lost the receipt, try contacting the bike shop or mail order company that you purchased the product from–often times they keep records of all of their sales.

Q: Can I get sponsored by Titec? 
A: To apply for sponsorship, send a well-written, spell-checked proposal by email to ctravers@profile-design.com A successful individual proposal will include a rider's background, race experience, short- and long-term goals, schedule for the upcoming season, and ideally, good photos. Proposals should be polished: show us that you care and that you're ready to represent Titec to the public by editing and proofreading your letter. Sponsorships for the 2007 season are usually processed by Oct 30th, so apply early.Our address: Titec USA, 2677 El Presidio St, Long Beach, CA 90810

Q: How do I start a warranty claim? 
A: Please send an email to info@titec.com describing the exact model of your component, the damage or problem you experienced, and your contact information. We will send you a warranty form that you can fill out and mail in with the product. Or, call us at 888-800-5999. Insider Tip: In the bike industry, the most infamous type of warranty is the JRA, or "Just Riding Along". If your burly freeride saddle has severely bent rails and a torn cover, you probably weren't "just riding along" when it happened. So please, give us all the information about your warranty. It will allow us to serve you better. You can learn more about our warranty policies below.

Q: What is the Knock-Rated Warranty? 
A: Titec's Knock-Rated Warranty is the best in the business. It covers damage sustained while riding for two years from the original purchase date. Jumping, hucking, crashing - you name it. If you break it, we replace it for free. Simple as that. To exchange a damaged Knock-Rated product, contact us to receive a Warranty Form and Return Authorization Number. See above for details. The fine print: Void where prohibited. Any Titec warranty is made void by modification of the part in any way, or by improper installation or application. "Damage sustained while riding" does not include cosmetic damage such as non-structural scratching or fading, nor stripped bolts that result from excessive torque. See our torque guidelines below. Saddles and grips are not Knock-Rated.

Q: What are the Carbon, ProLite, Expert and Comp levels?  
A: Carbon, ProLite, Expert and Comp part levels represent products that are generally identical in shape and size but made from different materials. For example, a ProLite-level El Norte riser bar is 7075 aluminum, while the identically shaped Expert model is 2014 aluminum. All models are tested to the same high standards.This system allows us to offer a range of products to match any budget, without compromising fit or function.

Q: How much smaller are the HellCat bar and grip combo compared to standard components?  
A: Titec's proprietary HellCat bar tapers to smaller diameter at the ends, allowing the use of a thinner grip that's still very comfortable. Most mountain bars are 22.2mm in diameter at the grip; the HellCat is 19mm, or 14% thinner. The HellCat grip is 25 mm in diameter, compared to 32mm for a standard-size grips, a difference of 20%. Grip feel is extremely subjective, but if you have small hands or like the feel of thinner grips, give the HellCat combo a try. Note: the HellCat bar uses standard-diameter shifters and brake levers.

Q: Who comes up with the ideas for all of the new parts?  
A: Sometimes it's our riders that come up with an idea for a new part, sometimes it's our product development guys, and sometimes it's one of our sales guys. If it's a good idea, we run with it--regardless of where the idea came from.

Q: Is the 'Scoper available in a 27.2mm size?  
A: No. Unfortunately, a 'Scoper in 27.2 would require an inner seatpost that is too thin to be sufficiently strong for freeride use. 'Scopers are available in 30.0, 30.9, and 31.6mm.

Q: What is the 31.8 handlebar/stem standard?  
A: The 31.8mm standard is simply a larger diameter format for stems and handlebars. It is sometimes designated as "oversize", "OS", "NS" (New Standard), etc. For a long time, mountain bike handlebars used a 25.4mm (1") diameter at the clamp area. A slightly larger 31.8mm diameter provides greater stiffness with little additional weight. Since many road bikes use 31.8mm bars, stems can also be swapped between a wider range of bikes. By 2005 most manufacturers of bikes and components have switched to the 31.8mm standard for the majority of their high-performance products. Keep in mind that any bar and stem used together must be the same size, whether 25.4 or 31.8.

Q: Which is better, 31.8 or 25.4 bar/stem systems?  
A: 31.8mm systems are stiffer and stronger, and often weigh just slightly more than 25.4mm components. 31.8 stems are also compatible with many high-end road bars, while a 25.4 stem works only with mountain bike handlebars. While both systems are perfectly functional, the 31.8 standard is an incremental but undeniable improvement. A good analogy would be square-taper vs. splined bottom bracket spindles. Square-taper designs worked fine for a long time, but a splined interface clearly makes more sense, and has few drawbacks. Like the splined BB, 31.8 bars and stems will eventually replace all the earlier standards.

Q: Should I use flat or riser bars?  
A: Riser bars generally offer more comfort and control; flat bars are lighter and offer a more aerodynamic riding position. Riser bars are typically wider, with more sweep. If you have never tried riser bars, give them a try. They are usually a better choice for suspension bikes with more than 3" of travel.

Q: Can I cut down carbon bars and posts?  
A: Yes, you can cut down carbon bars and posts. For best results, take your component to a local bike shop for advice and service. To cut the component yourself, wrap it in a soft, removable tape such as masking tape to avoid splintering the carbon. Clamp the part carefully, being sure not to overstress the carbon tubes, and cut at your carefully measured mark with a fine-tooth hacksaw. Use a guide if possible. File the edges with sandpaper or a fine file until smooth. Special note on posts: Please note that certain Titec posts have a reinforced clamping zone between the minimum and maximum insertion point. If you cut down such a post, it must still be clamped within the reinforced zone, leaving at least 88mm of the tube inserted into your frame. Special note on bars: Titec carbon bars are reinforced at the tips for use with bar-ends. If you cut them down, you will remove the reinforced zone, and the bars will no longer be approved for use with bar-ends.

Q: Can I cut down the Pyro ‘Scoper seatpost?  
A: Yes, you can cut down both posts that make up the ‘Scoper. In fact, this is the best way to get maximum travel out of the ‘Scoper, by customizing it to your bike. Just remember that you must keep at least 88mm of each post inserted into the frame or lower post at all times.

Q: What is the proper torque spec for various Titec products?  
A: Always use proper torque values for bolts on any Titec product. This is especially important to avoid damaging carbon components such as bars, bar-ends, and posts. Torque values are as follows:

Stems and Bar-Ends:

Products: Rip faceplate, all bar-ends
Bolt: M5 x P 0.8, 110 kgf-cm = 8 ft-lb. = 10.8 Nm

Products: Rip 3D steerer clamp; 2004 and earlier Big Al, Lil' Al, and Fat-Head Ti faceplate and steerer bolt
Bolt: M6 x P 1.0, 173 kgf-cm = 12.5 ft-lb. = 17 Nm

Seatposts:

Products: 2005 El Norte Bent post; 2004 and earlier Knock-head two-bolt posts, including the Knock Post, Titec Post, etc.
Bolt: M6 x P 1.0, 173 kgf-cm = 12.5 ft-lb. = 17 Nm

Products: 2005 Hell-Bent and Pluto aluminum and Pluto XC Carbon post; 2004 and earlier single-bolt posts including the XC Pro, XC, etc.
Bolt: M8 x P 1.25, 420 kgf-cm = 30.5 ft-lb. = 41.3 Nm

Q: Where can I buy Titec components in the USA? Internationally?  
A: In the US, Titec components can be found at your local bike shop; any parts not already in stock can always be ordered through a number of national distributors. Many Titec parts are also available online. For international customers, refer to our list of international distributors: Ask your local bike shop to contact the relevant distributor for more information.

Q: Can I buy parts directly from Titec?  
A: Titec no longer offers direct sales through our website or over the phone. As noted above, local bike shops are the best place to buy Titec components.

Q: Can I use bar-ends with the 118 Ti and/or carbon bars?  
A: All Titec carbon bars are reinforced for bar-ends. Be sure to follow the bolt torque spec of the bar-end manufacturer. Important note: If you cut down your carbon bars, they are no longer approved for bar-ends.
The 118 Ti requires the use of Bar End Reinforcement Things (BERTs) which are included with the bar. If you are missing BERTs, email info@titec.com for a replacement set. The pre-2004 PG Ti flat bar does not require BERTs.

Q: What size seatpost do I need?  
A: It is critical to use a seatpost that exactly matches the inside diameter of your seat tube. A difference of even .1mm can cause the post to slip or bind. Therefore, you should contact the manufacturer of your frame to determine the required seatpost size. You can also measure your existing post with high-quality calipers, but even this technique is prone to error. Consider taking your bike to a local bike shop to be measured and fitted with an appropriate post.

If you still don't see the answer to your question, please email us at info@titec.com