Okay, I think a lighter but not Ti chain is on the shopping list. From what I’ve read, 10+ speed chains can “probably” be used on 9 speed, and it’s not a big $ experiment.
The bike has a 12-25 now. I’m probably okay with that gearing, and if not then I can grab a different bike. There seem to be a fair selection of Ti cassettes in that gearing, so time to start looking.
I'm not sure if you mentioned it but what crankset are you using?