We’ll have a few recaps from the MADE Bike Show in Portland, Oregon from this past weekend, starting with the bike I’m most excited about, No. 22‘s new Prototype Reactor Aero. Using a mix of 3D printing and in house fabrication, the new Reactor Aero is going to be the brand’s most race-focused option when it becomes available in 2025.
The Reactor Aero builds on the original Reactor’s race heritage. The Aero is an aero optimized titanium race frame, something that hasn’t really been brought to the market previously. No.22 has developed it in house using Computation Fluid Design (CFD) simulations, with wind tunnel testing and validation coming later this year. Early testing shows a 30-40% reduction in drag compared to their Aurora model.
In creating the Reactor Aero, No. 22 wanted to set a new standard for aerodynamics for titanium frames, but also raising the bar in other areas, including stiffness. the Reactor is already known for its stiffness and power transfer, but the Reactor Aero see a redesigned downtube, bottom bracket junction, and chain stays, which is possible through 3D Printing. The rest of the tube shapes and junctions continue to bring that stiffness over from the Reactor, with the smooth ride titanium is known for. Just like all components of No. 22 frames, every pieces is made by the brand, or specifically for the brand, allowing them complete control.
“3D printed titanium has phenomenal structural properties,” explains Bryce Gracey, Co-Founder of No. 22. “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 are able to add stiffness in high load areas like the bottom bracket, dropouts, and head tube for very little weight, while playing with structure in fine detail throughout the frame to ensure it delivers the ride quality we need.”
The prototype uses a fully 3D printed frame using Grade 5 titanium powder. The carbon fiber integrated seat post carries over from the Reactor, but using an aerodynamic profile that matches the rest of the frame that was co-developed and produced by July Bicycles. The topper is made from 3D sintered titanium. It also features fully internal cable routing, flat mount disc brakes, clearance for 34mm road tires, and uses 100x12mm and 142x12mm thru-axles. Once the Reactor Aero hits production, it will be printed in sections that can be machined and welded at No.22. This will help them bring even tighter control over quality, tolerance, and finishes. We’ll have more details closer to launch of the production model in 2025.
Heckling Editor, Image Taker, Crash Test Dummy, and Beard Master at Bikeworldnews.com
~Veggie Powered Athlete~
Location – Lancaster, PA
Current Testing Rigs – 2024 Van Dessel Arch65, 2019 Van Dessel Full Tilt Boogie, 2018 Van Dessel Motivus Maximus LTD, 2016 Van Dessel Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, 2015 Bianchi Sempre Pro, 1978 Trek TX900
Dream Bike – I’ll tell you when they make it
Discipline – Cyclocross, gravel, road and duathlons (ride/run)
Favorite Rides – Quiet country roads of Amish Country, some of the best roads around.
Food of Choice – Sweet potato roll
Beer of Choice – Unibroue Grand Reserve 17, aged four years
Bourbon of Choice – Widow Jane 10 Year