Passoni will reveal its new bike, the AT-01 Animus Titanium, this week at the Rouleur Live Show in London. The project has taken two years to come to fruition, and the Animus aims to combine the ‘soul of titanium with contemporary aerodynamic performance’ says Passoni.

To achieve this, Passoni has fused a titanium lower triangle to a monocoque carbon fibre upper triangle, using the strengths of either material where they perform best. The titanium sections should ensure good power transfer, stability and comfort, while the carbon fibre sections allow aerodynamic shaping and weight reduction. The concept drawing below shows where the two materials have been placed in the frame.

Passoni Animus concept
Passoni Animus concept (Image Credit: Passoni)

In Latin, the word Animus can mean the ‘motivation to do something’, and in Italian it means ‘soul’. Both of these definitions can be applied to this project, according to Passoni. 

The Animus Titanium model name was first used in the 1990s for a pure titanium model from Passoni. It was used again in the early 2000s for a carbon fibre model which had internal reinforcement with titanium. This idea of preserving the soul of titanium, even with innovation, is at the heart of what Passoni are trying to achieve with the AT-01 Animus Titanium. A continuity with the past and a clear technical vision going forwards.

Passoni Animus rear dropout
Passoni Animus rear dropout (Image Credit: Passoni)

The design focuses on aerodynamic efficiency, with both the downtube and chainstays being aero shaped, as well as the upper carbon fibre monocoque. Passoni has developed its CP01 carbon integrated handlebar, with full cable/hose integration, as you’d expect.

The headtube and rear dropouts (shown above) are 3D printed in 6Al/4V titanium and then CNC machined, and the T47 bottom bracket has the same process applied but uses 3Al/2.5V titanium. The frameset is suitable for use with a measured 32mm width tyre. 

Passoni Animus Action
Passoni Animus Action (Image Credit: Passoni)

The frame is made with electronic groupsets in mind. Either Shimano’s Di2 or wireless options from Campagnolo (WRL) or SRAM (AXS) will work.

The AT-01 Animus Titanium is handmade at the Atelier Passoni, which is near Milan, Italy. The brand is often keen to shout about its bikes being 100% built in Italy, and that great attention to detail occurs at every step of production. Pre-orders start on the 13th November 2025, with completed bikes scheduled for delivery in the summer of 2026. A complete build with Campagnolo Super Record 13 would cost a whopping €15,525 +VAT, and other options will be available.

So is it a case of half rice/half chips then? Given how seriously the Italians take their cuisine, and the quality of the ingredients, we could perhaps say instead that it’s half caviar/half truffles, but still one hundred percent Italian!