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Our Story

Obsessed with
titanium.

TiO₂ Designs is a boutique titanium anodizing and finishing studio based in Ames, Iowa. We exist for cyclists who believe that 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. What started as a personal project to update the logos on a classic Ti frame with cracked decals quickly grew into something more.

We're a small studio. We don't chase volume. Every piece that leaves through our doors gets the same obsessive attention, from the first design conversation to the final quality check before packaging.

Our niche is narrow and we own it: titanium anodizing. We don't do steel, aluminum, or carbon. We don't do powder coat or paint. We do one thing and we do it exceptionally well. The physics of titanium's TiO2 oxide layer is genuinely remarkable, and it deserves a studio that takes it seriously.

Custom titanium anodized bicycle — TiO2 Designs studio work
14+
Anodized colors
3
Surface finishes
100+
Designs completed
48h
Quote turnaround
What we believe

Our craft principles.

Science, not guesswork

Anodizing is chemistry and physics. We 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. We ask questions, share references, push back on choices we think won't work, and ultimately deliver something better than what you imagined.

Permanence

We don't do finishes that fade, chip, or peel. Anodized titanium color is the material itself — it will outlast the bike. We believe in making things that last.

One specialty, mastered

We only anodize titanium. Not aluminum, not steel. This focus means every piece of knowledge we develop — every failure, every discovery — makes us better at the one thing we do.

Obsessive packaging

A frame that survived everything we put it through shouldn't get damaged on the way back to you. We 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, we'll tell you. If we can't match a color exactly, we'll say so up front. We'd rather manage expectations honestly than under-deliver on a promise.

Where we are

Ames, Iowa.
Ships everywhere.

Our studio is located in Ames, Iowa — home of Iowa State University and a surprisingly strong cycling culture. We're available for local drop-off by appointment.

For everyone else — we ship nationwide. Frames and components arrive via FedEx with full insurance. We've shipped to cyclists in 38 states and don't plan on stopping there.

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
In the community

Ti community
mentions.

We've been featured and discussed in the following cycling communities and publications.

BikeForums.net — Framebuilders
Reddit r/cycling
The Radavist
Ti Bikes Forum
Bike Rumor
Iowa Bicycle Coalition
Work with us

Let's create
something remarkable.

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

Get in Touch →See the Work