Want This: No. 22 Bicycle Company Launches Groundbreaking 3D-Printed Titanium Reactor Aero

No. 22 Bicycle Company has announced a game-changer in the cycling world with the launch of the Reactor Aero, the first-ever fully aero titanium road bike, utilizing cutting-edge 3D printing technology. This revolutionary bike is set to make its debut at the MADE Bike Show in Portland, Oregon, held from August 23-25th, with an official market launch planned for 2025.

A Breakthrough in Titanium Bike Design

The Reactor Aero stands out as the most race-focused bike in the No. 22 lineup. It's the world's first truly aero-optimized titanium race machine, a significant step forward from the company's previous models. Designed and manufactured in-house, the bike has undergone extensive Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations, and wind tunnel testing will soon follow to validate its performance. Preliminary testing indicates a remarkable 30-40% reduction in drag compared to the current No. 22 Aurora model.

Superior Aerodynamics and Drivetrain Stiffness

No. 22 didn't stop at aerodynamics; they aimed to push the boundaries of performance in other key areas as well. The Reactor Aero has seen enhancements in drivetrain stiffness, further refining the power transfer efficiency that the Reactor series is renowned for. The redesign incorporates 3D printing to optimize key components such as the down tube, bottom bracket intersection, and chainstays. These innovations maintain the legendary ride quality titanium frames are known for while boosting performance.

Advanced 3D Printing and Titanium Construction

The current prototype of the Reactor Aero is fully 3D printed from Grade 5 titanium powder, except for the seat tube. This design choice brings unparalleled precision and control over the bike's structural integrity. The carbon ISP seat tube, co-developed with July Bicycles, maintains its aerodynamic profile and integrates seamlessly with the titanium frame. The final production model will be assembled from machined and welded sections, allowing No. 22 to leverage their in-house fabrication expertise to ensure high quality, tight tolerances, and immaculate finishes.

Engineering Excellence

Bryce Gracey, Co-Founder of No. 22, elaborates on the benefits of 3D-printed titanium: “3D printed titanium has phenomenal structural properties. The ability to print internal support structures anywhere in the frame gives us a level of control over the ride quality that has not been possible before. We can add stiffness in high load areas like the bottom bracket, dropouts, and head tube with minimal weight while fine-tuning the structure throughout the frame for optimal ride quality.”

Key Features of the No. 22 Reactor Aero:

• Material: 3D-printed Grade 5 Titanium
• Brakes: Flat mount disc brakes for optimal stopping power
• Tire Clearance: Designed to accommodate measured 34mm road tires
• Axles: 100×12 front thru-axle, 142×12 rear thru-axle for increased stiffness and handling
• Seat Mast: Aero integrated carbon seat mast with 3D sintered titanium seat mast topper
• Cable Routing: Fully internal cable routing with titanium headset and stem

Get Ready for 2025

The No. 22 Reactor Aero is poised to redefine titanium road bikes, offering a perfect blend of aerodynamics, stiffness, and the unmatched ride quality of titanium. As we look forward to its official release in 2025, more updates will be provided. For more information, visit 22bicycles.com.