Since 1997 Airborne have been busy carving themselves a niche as manufactures of high quality and high value frames. They keep prices down by getting their frames built in China, and the new Lancer is their cheapest titanium frame yet.

For £500 you get a 3AL/2.5V seamless tubed frameset (non-butted). It’s nice to see an integrated headset for a change. Nice too are the seat and chain stays, which curve gracefully throughout their length, and are capped by reassuringly chunky dropouts. All welding is very tidy and neat, and the decals add just enough class to the frame, without being over the top.

Our Lancer has a Reynolds Ouzo Pro carbon fork up front; a fully integrated carbon steerer, crown and leg should ensure strength and rigidity. Shimano’s 105 range supplies a full groupset and wheelset with Continental Ultra 2000 23c tyres. Finishing kit is from Airborne’s own Flyte range.

We’ll bring you a full run-down once we’ve put a few miles on it.

3AL/2.5V Titanium tubing	Own-brand Flyte finishing kit
Nice headbadge	Neat welding throughout
Black 105 drivetrain looks great	Shimano wheels