Home/About
Who's behind it

Obsessed with
titanium.

TiO₂ Designs is a one-person titanium anodizing and finishing studio in Ames, Iowa. I built it for cyclists who believe the details of their ride matter — every last one.

The story

Built by a cyclist,
for cyclists.

TiO₂ Designs was founded in Ames, Iowa in 2022. It started as a personal project — updating the logos on a classic Ti frame with cracked decals — and grew into something more.

It's still just me. Every frame is prepped, masked, anodized, inspected and packed by the same pair of hands — from the first design conversation to the last piece of foam in the box. I don't chase volume, because volume is the one thing that would make that impossible.

The niche is narrow and I own it: titanium anodizing. No steel, no aluminum, no carbon. No powder coat, no paint. One thing, done exceptionally well. The physics of titanium's TiO2 oxide layer is genuinely remarkable, and it deserves someone who takes it seriously.

Gabe M. — Founder, Fly Guy, Anodizer of Ti

Custom titanium anodized bicycle — TiO2 Designs studio work
Full spectrum
Anodized colors
3
Surface finishes
48h
Quote turnaround
How I work

Craft principles.

Science, not guesswork

Anodizing is chemistry and physics. I understand the electrochemistry — voltage, electrolyte composition, temperature, surface prep — and control every variable to produce consistent, repeatable results.

Collaboration first

Every design starts with a conversation — with me, not a ticket queue. I ask questions, share references, push back on choices I think won't work, and ultimately deliver something better than what you imagined.

Permanence

I don't do finishes that fade, chip, or peel. Anodized titanium color is the material itself — it will outlast the bike. I'm here to make things that last.

One specialty, mastered

I only anodize titanium. Not aluminum, not steel. That focus means every piece of knowledge — every failure, every discovery — makes me better at the one thing I do.

Obsessive packaging

A frame that survived everything I put it through shouldn't get damaged on the way back to you. I wrap and protect every piece like it's worth what it actually is to you — irreplaceable.

Radical honesty

If your idea won't look good, I'll tell you. If I can't match a color exactly, I'll say so up front. I'd rather manage expectations honestly than under-deliver on a promise.

Where I am

Ames, Iowa.
Ships everywhere.

The studio is in Ames, Iowa — home of Iowa State University and a surprisingly strong cycling culture. Local drop-off is available by appointment.

For everyone else — I ship nationwide. Frames and components travel via FedEx with full insurance in both directions, signature required on the way back.

Get in touch → Read the FAQ
Studio info
Location
Ames, Iowa, USA
Email
Instagram
Local drop-off
By appointment only
Quote response time
Within 48 hours
Work with me

Let's create
something remarkable.

Every design starts with a conversation. I'd love to hear about your Ti and what you have in mind.

Get in Touch →See the Work