Meet the Droptimator: Sage's Genre-Bending Titanium Singletrack Shredder
Explore the Sage Droptimator, a custom USA-made titanium drop-bar MTB. Fusing XC speed & trail fun, it offers unique geometry & 29x2.4" clearance.
What happens when the aggressive efficiency of an XC race bike meets the versatile geometry of a suspension-corrected gravel bike? Sage Titanium answers that question with the introduction of the Droptimator – a unique, purpose-built drop-bar mountain bike engineered for both exhilarating speed on roads and serious fun on singletrack.
Inspired by Evolution, Designed with Purpose
The concept of drop bars on mountain-oriented bikes isn't entirely new, but according to Sage Titanium founder Dave Rosen, the Droptimator represents a ground-up design specifically optimized for this configuration. The spark, he notes, came from observing elite athletes pushing boundaries: "When Keegan [Swenson] and Dylan [Johnson] grabbed headlines at Leadville last year with their modified mountain bikes," says Rosen, "I wondered what a drop-bar mountain bike would look like if it were actually designed with that cockpit and short travel fork in mind.”
Rosen's exploration initially ventured into a "monster gravel" concept, pushing the envelope on suspension integration. However, concluding that suspension fork technology wasn't quite ready for that specific vision, he pivoted. "Being a small brand with domestic manufacturing," Rosen explains, "I knew I could tweak our current Optimator XC hardtail’s geometry to combine that bike’s big tire clearance with a flared gravel handlebar and dropped stem to create something very fun!"
The Best of Both Worlds: Optimator Meets Storm King
The Droptimator leverages the proven DNA of two key Sage models: the Optimator XC hardtail and the Storm King gravel bike. Crafted in the USA from Sage's signature 3/2.5 titanium tubing, the frame incorporates advanced 3D-printed titanium dropouts and a chainstay yoke, ensuring ample clearance for robust 29x2.4-inch XC tires – just like its Optimator sibling.
Geometry is where the Droptimator truly carves its niche. It features a 69º head tube angle, meticulously calculated to sit precisely between the Optimator's slacker 67.5º and the Storm King's steeper 70.5º. To accommodate the drop handlebar setup and maintain proper rider fit, Rosen shortened the frame's top tube and head tube. This is paired with a 100mm travel XC suspension fork (slightly less than the Optimator's typical 120mm) and often complemented by a negative-rise stem.
"The result is a bike that fits like a gravel bike and feels extremely fast on wide-open gravel roads, with the added advantage of a more aero body position," Rosen describes. "But once you hit the singletrack, it’s super shreddy!"
The design intent translates directly into a ride experience defined by versatility. It promises the aerodynamic posture and efficiency desired for gravel grinding and road segments, seamlessly transitioning to confident, playful handling when the terrain gets technical. "I have my own Droptimator built up and it’s so much fun," Rosen adds. "I knew I had to offer this as a special edition."
Custom Built for a Unique Ride: Availability and Options
Reflecting its specialized nature, the Sage Droptimator is offered as a special, made-to-order item, not currently listed as a standard model on their website. Crucially, custom geometry is included in the purchase price. Rosen emphasizes the importance of this, "especially for smaller riders where there are more fitment and clearance challenges around MTB fork crowns." This ensures each Droptimator is precisely tailored to its rider.
The standard offering is a frameset package including the frame, headset, and a choice of various RockShox or Fox 100mm suspension forks. For those seeking a ready-to-ride machine, Sage can provide select drivetrain, cockpit, and wheel options to build a complete bike. Further personalization is available through custom anodizing and Cerakote finishes.
Pricing is available upon request and depends on the selected options. As a made-to-order frame, prospective buyers should anticipate typical lead times ranging from 6 to 10 weeks.
How to Get One
Interested riders won't find a "buy now" button on the Sage website for the Droptimator. Instead, inquiries should be made directly through the contact form on the Sage Titanium Cycles website.
For riders seeking a bike that defies easy categorization, blending XC efficiency, gravel speed, and singletrack prowess with the unique feel of drop bars, the Sage Droptimator presents a compelling, custom-tailored titanium option.
