Blackheart Bike Co is introducing a gravel-dedicated aluminum frameset they say is ready to go head-to-head with the latest breed of carbon gravel race bikes. The keen-eyed observer will appreciate how this one takes inspiration from their Road Ti bike, but with a gravel-specific geometry and all-important clearance for 47mm tires.

Blackheart Bike Co Gravel AL

Fabricated from a double-butted 7005 aluminum tubeset, the Blackheart Gravel AL weighs in at a claimed 1,660 grams in a size 54, with that upmarket Cerakote paintwork. It gets the familiar aero touches implemented on the Road Ti bike, like the gently sloping and flared top tube, and aero kammtail downtube, with dropped seat stays, and integrated internal routing. 

Though Blackheart position the Gravel AL first and foremost as a race-ready gravel bike, those with appetite to go further, over multiple days, will appreciate the ability to carry some cargo by virtue of the three auxiliary mounts on the Enve fork. The frame also has mounts for front and rear fenders.

There is no routing for a front derailleur, so the frame is limited to a 1x mechanical group. There is, however a Di2 port on the seat tube for those willing to go electronic for the benefits of 2x.

The Need to Know

• 8 sizes fit riders from ~5’0″ to ~6’7″
• T47 Bottom Bracket
• 1x and 2x Compatible for Electronic Groups
• Dedicated 1x for Mechanical Groups
• SRAM UDH – Transmission Compatible
• Round 31.6mm seat post
• Clearance for 47mm tires

With no fewer than eight sizes, there is plenty of overlap between neighboring options. That means each rider should have a few workable options to choose from, and can make their decision based on riding style preferences. 

There are some obscene variations, brand to brand, on exactly what a gravel-specific geometry looks like. Blackheart Bike Co’s flavor sees a head tube angle of 71-71.5°, with the seat tube angle at 74.5-73.5°, size-dependent. The rear center length is 427mm, with a BB drop of 72-74mm.

Pricing & Availability

The Blackheart Gravel AL frameset will set you back $1,999 USD, a price that includes a custom Cerakote finish. Customers can choose from the 137 H-Series colors for the frame and logo, and the fork can be color matched for an additional $200 USD.

Custom builds start at $3,199 USD. For a limited time, Blackheart Bike Co is offering $300 off Hunt Gravel Race Alloy, 35 X Wide, and 40 Gravel Race wheelsets with the purchase of the Gravel AL. Pre-order is now open, with delivery expected Spring 2024.

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