In the world of cycling competition and innovation, every breakthrough is like a shining star, illuminating the path forward. At the 2024 MADE Show, the titanium prototype No. 22 Reactor Aero made its debut, garnering widespread attention. Just one year later, No22 Bikes returned to the MADE 2025 show with the upgraded Reactor Aero 2, stunning the audience with a more production-ready design and ushering in a new chapter in the application of titanium in road bikes. This industry event also captured the attention of Titanium Home, whose team of professional journalists was on hand to provide comprehensive and in-depth coverage of this innovative achievement.
Innovative Fusion: 3D-Printed Titanium Meets Streamlined Aerodynamics
The Reactor Aero 2's greatest strength lies in its bold and seamless integration of 3D-printed titanium with streamlined aerodynamic design. This unprecedented combination revolutionizes road bikes.
From its overall design to its details, this bike exudes the allure of speed and innovation. The one-piece carbon fiber and titanium handlebars showcase a masterful blend of materials, enhancing handling while reducing weight. The precision-crafted frame is a masterpiece of 3D-printed titanium.
During the development process, No.22 co-founder Bryce Gracey set an ambitious goal: not only to set a new benchmark for titanium frame aerodynamics, but also to achieve breakthroughs in all performance dimensions. To achieve this, the team undertook a bold innovation in 3D printing. The V1 version was printed in one piece, while the V2 version utilizes a significant number of grade 5 titanium components. By collaborating with a welding shop in New Zealand, they overcame the limitations of traditional titanium tubing processing, resulting in a frame with aerodynamic tube shapes optimized using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. These tube shapes, primarily found in the downtube, bottom bracket, and chainstays, were meticulously designed for optimal aerodynamics and pedaling stiffness. Internal CFD simulation data indicates that the Reactor Aero 2 offers a 30%-40% drag reduction compared to the company's existing Aurora model. While final wind tunnel testing results are yet to be released, this figure is enough to fuel excitement about its performance.
Detailed Design: Functional Integration Demonstrates Future Technology
The Reactor Aero 2 also boasts ingenious design details. The removable carbon-titanium composite stem perfectly embodies speed and innovation. The handlebar connects to the stem via internal bolts, ensuring a secure connection and facilitating subsequent maintenance and upgrades.
The stem integrates multiple functions. Cable routing ports neatly organize cables, eliminating the clutter and increased drag associated with traditional routing. The head tube preload adjustment and stem mounting mechanism are also cleverly concealed within the stem, ultimately covered by a clamshell cover, leaving only a single bolt at the bottom. This design maintains the bike's aerodynamic flow while exuding a futuristic feel, evoking a glimpse into the future of road bikes.
Thanks to new manufacturing techniques, complex internal support structures are incorporated at the tube junctions. These supports ensure the frame's extreme lightweight without sacrificing rigidity. Fully internal cable routing further enhances the bike's aerodynamics, allowing riders to cut through the wind more smoothly.
Regulation Compliant: Comprehensively Optimized to Meet International Standards
The Reactor Aero 2 V2 has undergone comprehensive frame optimizations to comply with the latest UCI aerodynamic regulations. A redesigned seat tube and custom titanium alloy seatpost are key measures to reduce wind resistance. These designs incorporate aerodynamic principles, optimizing their shape and surface treatment to reduce air resistance. This optimization not only increases speed but also enhances the bike's overall appearance. In the fiercely competitive world of road cycling, every ounce of reduced wind resistance can be the difference between victory and defeat. These features of the Reactor Aero 2 undoubtedly provide strong support for riders in their pursuit of speed.
Tailor-Made: A Rider's Dream Bike
Handmade in New York, this bike is the product of meticulous craftsmanship and ingenuity. Designed for riders who want to stand out from the crowd, the frame accommodates tires up to 34mm wide and features UDH dropouts, meeting the needs of diverse riding scenarios and users. Whether it's urban commuting or racing, the Reactor Aero 2 can handle it with ease.
A Promising Future: Mass Production Imminent, Leading the Industry
The first production bikes are scheduled to begin by the end of 2025, and pre-orders are now open. This news has excited many cycling enthusiasts, who have placed deposits to secure a spot, eager to soon own this dream bike that embodies innovation and performance.
The No.22 Reactor Aero 2 marks a major breakthrough in the application of titanium alloys in road bikes. With innovative craftsmanship, ingenious details, and exceptional performance, it redefines the standard for road bikes. With the imminent launch of the first production bikes, we believe it will set a new trend in the road bike market, offering cyclists an even more extreme riding experience.
