No. 22 Drifter Revamped: The Future of Gravel is Specialized

The world of gravel riding is no longer a monolith. What started as a niche has exploded into a spectrum of disciplines, from fast-paced racing on manicured dirt roads to multi-day bikepacking adventures deep in the backcountry. For a bike brand to stay relevant, it must evolve. That's exactly what New York’s boutique titanium specialists, No. 22 Bicycles, have done with a complete overhaul of their celebrated Drifter gravel bike family.

Leveraging their mastery of titanium and cutting-edge 3D printing, No. 22 has redefined their gravel offerings for 2025. The lineup is now smartly segmented into three distinct models—the Drifter X, Drifter, and Drifter Adventure—each meticulously crafted in their Upstate New York facility with updated geometry, expanded tire clearance, and a host of new features.

This isn't just a minor refresh; it's a fundamental realignment that offers a specialized tool for every type of gravel rider. Let's break down what makes each of these handmade machines tick.

The Foundation: Tech and Craftsmanship Across the Board

Before diving into the individual models, it’s important to note the shared DNA that elevates the entire Drifter family. Each frame is available in stock or custom geometry and is compatible with the Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH), ensuring future-proofing and ease of replacement.

A significant innovation is the introduction of an entirely new 3D-printed titanium yoke on the Drifter and Drifter Adventure models. This technology allows for surgical precision in design, maximizing tire clearance without compromising drivetrain performance or frame stiffness.

Furthermore, No. 22's sister brand, No. 6 Composites, is rolling out new carbon forks tailored to each bike's purpose. For those seeking the cleanest possible aesthetic, a fully internal cable routing option—which includes a bespoke 3D-printed titanium stem—is available for a $1,500 upgrade.

The Drifter X: The All-Road Specialist

Think of the Drifter X as the nimble multi-tool of the family. It’s designed for the rider who loves spirited trips on pavement that frequently veer onto gravel and hard-packed dirt. This is your ideal companion for fast-paced "all-road" adventures and non-competitive gravel events where responsiveness is key.

To achieve this, No. 22 gave the Drifter X a slightly steeper seat tube angle, which allows for shorter chainstays. This design choice keeps the bike feeling crisp and quick to accelerate while still creating enough room for wider tires. It strikes a perfect balance between road bike agility and gravel bike capability.

Key Specifications:

• Intended Use: Light Gravel / All-Road
• Tire Clearance: 42mm
• Fork: No. 6 Composites Gravel Fork (47mm clearance)
• Drivetrain: 1x or 2x compatible (SRAM Wide not required)
• Frameset Price: $6,499 (Includes frame, fork, titanium headset, and seatmast topper)

The Drifter: The Unbound-Ready Racer

The flagship Drifter is purpose-built for one thing: speed. This is the bike for the modern gravel racer who demands uncompromising stiffness, aggressive handling, and the clearance to handle the most demanding courses. With its suspension-corrected rigid fork, the Drifter is engineered to transfer every watt of power directly to the ground.

Thanks to the new 3D-printed yoke, the Drifter boasts massive tire clearance—up to a whopping 56mm (2.2") with a 1x drivetrain. This allows racers to choose the perfect tire for any condition without compromise. Shorter chainstays and a moderate reach put the rider in an aggressive, power-focused position, making it the clear choice for anyone with ambitions of conquering races like Unbound Gravel.

Key Specifications:

• Intended Use: Gravel Racing
• Tire Clearance: 56mm (1x) / 45mm (2x)
• Fork: No. 6 Composites Suspension-Corrected Fork (61mm clearance)
• Drivetrain: 1x or 2x compatible (SRAM Wide required)
• Frameset Price: $6,199 (Includes frame, fork, titanium headset, and titanium seatpost clamp)

The Drifter Adventure: The Backcountry Explorer

When the ride is more about the journey than the finish line, the Drifter Adventure answers the call. Engineered for maximum versatility, this bike is ready for anything from rugged singletrack to fully-loaded bikepacking expeditions.

Stability and comfort are the guiding principles here. The Drifter Adventure features a redesigned 3D-printed yoke combined with a longer reach and chainstays, creating a more planted and confident ride, especially when loaded with gear. Its tube set is selected for compliance to soak up vibrations on all-day epics. A full suite of mounting points for bottles, bags, and racks comes standard, making it a truly expedition-ready platform right out of the box.

Key Specifications:

• Intended Use: Bikepacking / Adventure / Singletrack
• Tire Clearance: 52mm (1x) / 45mm (2x)
• Fork: No. 6 Composites Adventure Fork
• Drivetrain: 1x or 2x compatible (SRAM Wide required)
• Frameset Price: $6,499 (Includes frame, fork, titanium headset, titanium seatpost clamp, and all mounting bosses)

The Final Word

With the reimagined Drifter family, No. 22 Bicycles has made a powerful statement. They understand that gravel is not a singular concept, and they have delivered a thoughtful, high-performance titanium solution for every rider. Whether your passion lies in all-road speed, competitive racing, or adventurous exploration, there is now a Drifter perfectly aligned with your goals.

To learn more about the craftsmanship and customization options, visit22Bicycles.com.