Firefly All Road Revives Rim Brakes with Titanium Craftsmanship and 40mm Clearance

Key points

• The Firefly All Road is a new rim-brake bicycle designed to handle good roads, dirt, and light gravel, featuring 40mm tire clearance.
• It utilizes Cane Creek eeBrakes, a lightweight caliper system modified for larger tires, which Wolfson notes offers consistent performance and easy adjustment.
• The frame is constructed from proprietary adaptive butted titanium tubing, with a full-titanium fork and 3D-printed dropouts for enhanced stiffness and aesthetics.
• Custom thru-axles replace traditional quick-release skewers to ensure compatibility with classic hubs while maintaining modern security.
• The bike supports modern drivetrains via Growtac Control levers, which work with Shimano Di2, SRAM AXS, and Campagnolo mechanical systems without hydraulics.
• Pricing starts at $7,200 for the frame and fork, with complete custom builds beginning around $10,000.

Background

This launch follows earlier coverage in late September 2026, which noted Firefly’s collaboration with Josh Ogle Design on a similar titanium rim-brake concept featuring 3D-printed technology. The move contrasts with the broader industry trend toward disc brakes, which are generally preferred for all-weather performance, as highlighted in prior discussions about brake technology. While other recent news has focused on e-bike regulation and safety issues in cities like Como, the Firefly All Road represents a niche return to mechanical simplicity in high-end custom cycling.

Why it matters

The Firefly All Road challenges the prevailing assumption that rim brakes are obsolete by demonstrating that they can coexist with modern tire sizes and electronic shifting. It appeals to riders who prioritize mechanical simplicity, classic aesthetics, and lightweight construction over the all-weather capability of disc brakes. The bike’s success, despite lacking initial market demand, suggests a latent consumer interest in versatile, high-craftsmanship bicycles that reject standard industry trends.

What to watch

Firefly will continue to produce the All Road on a custom-to-order basis, allowing buyers to select specific geometry and tube profiles. The company may expand its rim-brake offerings if the positive response continues, potentially exploring other brake configurations like the Paul Components Racer V-style brakes mentioned in the source. The market will watch whether this niche product influences broader industry trends or remains a specialized option for enthusiasts.