A 3D printed titanium bicycle
New York-based No 22 Bicycle Company developed a bicycle with a frame that is made using 3D printing.
Said to be “the world’s first truly aero-optimized titanium race machine”, the Reactor Aero has a fully 3D printed frame made of titanium.
The bike is a more aerodynamic version of the most race-oriented bike at No 22, called the Reactor. The company aimed to set the bar for titanium frame aerodynamics, but also to enhance the performance in all other areas as well. The down tube, bottom bracket intersection, and chain stays were fully redesigned and optimised by utilising the formal freedoms offered by 3D printing. Initial testing shows the Aero has 30-40% less drag than the original.
A prototype was unveiled during the MADE bicycle show in Portland in the US, and was printed monolithically from Grade 5 titanium powder, except for the seat tube. The latter is made of carbon ISP with an aerodynamic profile, co-developed and produced by July Bicycles.
The final version of the bicycle frame will not be printed in one piece, but rather in sections that can be machined and welded in-house, to have a tighter control over quality, tolerance, and finished, according to the company. The first customer deliveries are expected in lade 2025.
Photos: No 22 Bicycle Company