The Reactor has always been the most race-oriented road frame in the No. 22 lineup, and the Reactor Aero is the world’s first truly aero-optimized titanium race machine. Developed in-house and subject to multiple CFD simulations, the Reactor Aero is scheduled for wind tunnel testing and validation before launch. Testing to date confirms 30-40% drag reduction when compared to the current Reactor. As with all of our models, every piece of the frameset is either made by or specifically for the brand, providing an unrivaled level of control and precision in the manufacturing process.

In developing the Reactor Aero, we are aiming not only to set the bar for titanium frame aerodynamics but to enhance performance in all other areas as well. Drivetrain stiffness, which the Reactor is known for, has been further improved upon resulting in likely the most efficient power transfers available on a Ti frame. To achieve this, the down tube, bottom bracket intersection, and chain stays were fully redesigned and optimized by utilizing the formal freedoms offered by 3D printing. All other tubing profiles and intersections were also built from the ground up to help temper drivetrain stiffness with the legendary ride quality titanium is known for.

The current prototype as shown is a fully 3D printed frame, printed monolithically from Grade 5 titanium powder, save for the seat tube. In keeping with the previous generation of the Reactor, the seat tube is a carbon ISP, this time with an aerodynamic profile, co-developed and produced by July Bicycles. The final version will be printed as sections that can be machined and welded in-house, allowing us to leverage our titanium fabrication expertise resulting in tighter controls over quality, tolerances, and finishes.

When we first pulled the curtain back on the Reactor Aero prototype, we did so with more than a little trepidation. With development of this model beginning more than four years ago (with a significant Covid-related interruption), we still had an unanswered question: does the world want a full-gas aerodynamic titanium race bike?

Following the reception of the prototype's debut at the MADE show in Portland, we now know that the answer is a resounding yes.

Beyond the reception in the media, direct customer feedback has been overwhelming and we are excited to continue the development of this prototype through to the model's final production form. To that end, we are opening deposits for riders who would like to secure their order for the production version when it comes available.

Structure of Deposits
Deposits have the following structure:

First come, first served. Deliveries of production Reactor Aero models will follow the order in which deposits were received.

Deposits are non-refundable, but can be transferred as a credit to the purchase of any other No. 22 model if you change your mind about the Reactor Aero.
Path to Production

The Reactor Aero still has several substantial steps to complete before being ready for production, including:

Wind tunnel testing to validate our CFD modeling and further refine the bike's aerodynamic properties.
Refinement of the manufacturing process for production. The prototype was displayed as a monolithic single 3D printed titanium piece, but for production the bike will be assembled from a series of smaller, more accurate 3D printed sub-assemblies to give us greater control over quality and alignment.
Structural and ride quality testing to ensure the bike delivers titanium's hallmark feel and durability.

As with all of our bikes, we will be building all Reactor Aero models to order for each customer. As we near the production launch of this bike, we will coordinate one-on-one with each deposit holder to finalize options and build configurations.