My Bike Monday: No. 22 Aurora

The number of materials frames are being made out of nowadays is endless with the market of performance bikes dominated by frames built from carbon fiber and aluminum with steel having been the choice before these other materials came into their own. Titanium is increasingly becoming popular and is the material of choice for those looking for ride quality, durability and unquestionable style. No. 22 is run my two Canadians living in Toronto who make handmade titanium frames in New York State. Recently, they added a new frame to their lineup.

No. 22’s newest frame is the Aurora which borrows from the companies performance road frame the Reactor and the versatile disc equipped Great Divide. The frame uses a carbon seat mast to provide a smooth ride while offering the stiffness of a race bike with a tapered head tube. Instead of a head badge, the bike has a CNC machined logo to save a bit of weight.

No. 22 build a titanium seat post topper for the carbon seat mast that allows for seat height adjustability. For those interested in running a more conventional seat post the carbon seat mast can be cut down to receive a 30.9 mm seat post and clamp.

Flat mount disc brakes give the bike predictable breaking in all conditions. The disc brake cables are run through the frame for a clean setup. Generous 30 mm clearance allows wider tires to be mounted that are better suited for more adventurous rides. 12-mm thru axles give the bike a nice stable wheel platform. The intricately machined dropouts are not only nicely worked titanium but provide stiffness and durability.

The bike has a Syntace’s X-12 dropout interface which combines the stiffness and precision of a fixed hanger and the desirable features of a replaceable rear hanger.

The frame retails for US$4,300 or $4,800 for the frameset. For more information visit 22bicycles.com