MADE FOMO Solved: Sneak Peek of the No. 22 Reactor Aero
You would think that, as someone who didn’t go to MADE, I would be quite frustrated not to see the No. 22 Reactor Aero Road Prototype after secretly eyeing it while visiting their workshop in Johnstown... And you would be right! This bike is literally titanium bike manufacturing entering a new age. But maybe, if only I had someone at MADE with a film camera and a single mission:
"Get me some shots of that new No. 22."
This is where my good friend Sato comes into place! Not only, is he an amazing friend and cameraman. He is also always ready to ask for my foolish analog requests. Thank you @_3l05_ you’re the best!
So why is this bike so important in the cycling industry? Well, we all know what Titanium bikes have looked like for the past few decades, and this Reactor Aero Prototype has redefined that look to an extent never achieved before! All that, thanks to 3D printing. Of course, the people at Sturdy or Pilot Cycles showed us that a full Titanium 3D printed bike was possible. But No. 22 displayed that being on the cutting edge of cycling tech while keeping a strong visual identity is possible, and they did it with style.
Of course, 3D printing offers a range of advantages over traditional tube construction: precise control over the stiffness in ALL areas of the frame, the ability to craft brand-new shapes to minimize drag, and the option to fine-tune the ride quality to an unheard level. If all that sounds a bit complex, you’ll just have to cross your fingers that I eventually get my hands on one for a detailed video or write-up. (Chances are low but not zero...)
Like the previous Reactor, the seat tube is a carbon ISP (this time aero-shaped), co-developed and produced by @ridejuly.
And… That's practically all we know! No weight, price, or precise release date has been announced yet, but you can be sure people are already queuing up to get their hands on this thing. More info in 2025!
Update: At the time of writing this, No. 22 just announced that they were taking deposits for a late 2025 release! You can find out more, here ➡️ 22bicycles.com
I have eyes everywhere…
🎞: Kodak Portra 400
📷: Leica CL
📍: MADE Portland
👤: @_3l05_
