One of many early advocates of 3D-printed elements, No.22 bicycles used additive-manufactured dropouts in summer season 2022. The next yr they partnered with Silca to 3D print an entire stem to offer them a singular stealth cockpit.
Naturally, they wanted a top-shelf bike to showcase such issues, and that’s the place the Nice Divide is available in. It’s a boutique titanium street bike with their signature polished-and-brushed end, together with your selection of anodized finishes. I caught with the pure titanium end with a darkish grey stomach for my take a look at bike, and the geometry was their inventory dimension 58, however you’ll be able to go full customized if you would like.
No matter what geo you need, each is constructed to order, in order that’s the place we’ll begin…
Each No.22 bike that rolls out of their New York HQ is handmade, one by one, primarily based in your specs and requested add-ons. They provide seven inventory sizes, or you’ll be able to ship your bike match knowledge for a customized construct.
Each one that touches the body indicators off on their work, a course of that not solely maintains accountability however illustrates the variety of craftspersons concerned (it’s not simply craftsmales, their greatest anodizer and others on the group are ladies, too).
Probably the most putting component of the bike is the stem, however not simply by itself…it’s the the way it hides the entire wires and hoses and creates a wonderfully seamless cockpit. That it’s clean however so clearly steel (and particularly when it’s anodized in colours to match the body) makes it much more of a dialog starter.
Form-matched interlocking spacers make bike match simple and don’t require any brake hose disconnects. The stem has two bolts on again to safe it to the fork, urgent a rounded plate in opposition to the steerer tube. The highest bolt snugs it all the way down to compress the headset bearings.
The face plate nests into the highest of the stem and bolts down on the highest…
…with two historically positioned bolts clamping the bar into place.
Silca prints the stem for them, so naturally a Silca 3D-printed titanium laptop mount is the best possibility. This one’s customized made to suit their stem faceplates.
For a headtube that hides all the things inside, it’s not outsized. If I’m being sincere, I wouldn’t wish to need to construct this bike from scratch (and I didn’t), however rattling if it doesn’t look wonderful. I anticipate stealth routing to look good on carbon bikes, however there’s something about this bike that simply makes it appear extra particular.
Small touches abound that present No.22’s consideration to element. The polished inset head badge is one.
And the polished brand; Regardless of being shiny, it’s one way or the other additionally delicate.
The fork inset is one other, which supplies them a spot to place their brand…but additionally a spot the place different manufacturers can put their very own mark. No.22 gives this fork to others, too.
All important tubes are customized butted to tune journey high quality and make it lighter. The downtube is bi-ovalized, sitting a bit taller the place it meets the top tube…
…and wider on the downtube to enhance torsional stiffness on the pedals. A fats T47 BB shell offers it loads of area to land. A spherical seat tube makes entrance derailleur mounting and seat submit choice simple.
The T47 BB additionally makes room for large bearings, significantly when operating a Shimano crankset with 24mm spindle.
Notice the welds… good.
Tire clearance is rated at 35mm. I rode it with 28mm tires and there’s loads of room to go larger.
The 3D-printed dropouts are left “tough” however smoothed regularly to mix into the tubes. Notice the stealth fender mounts with small bolts to maintain them plugged.
My take a look at bike was constructed earlier than the introduction of T-Sort/Direct Mount rear derailleurs for street and gravel, however No.22 gives that as an possibility on this bike now, too. However try the stout hanger and smooth nesting into the dropout! I by no means heard any creaking, and shifts have been sharp and quick. Additionally be aware the minimal Di2 wire protrusion, conserving the aesthetics tremendous clear.
No.22 makes their very own seatposts however makes use of ENVE’s multi-piece saddle rail clamps. You possibly can decide to make use of your individual submit should you choose.
Extra particulars: Test the small flat form on the entrance of the seatpost collar, which matches their headbadge form and…
…the highest of the seatstay bridge. Good continuity, and this bit could be had with a hidden fender mount, too.
Right here’s one other picture to drive dwelling simply how clear the entrance of this bike seems to be.
Precise weight for the entire bike with ENVE wheels and handlebar, two Silca ti bottle cages, no pedals, was 18lb 4oz (8.2kg). It’s roughly a dimension 58-59 equal.
No.22 Nice Divide journey overview
When folks say there’s one thing magical a couple of titanium bike’s journey high quality, they’re not mendacity. So it’s one thing for a builder to have the ability to elevate that, and I believe No.22 does.
To be honest, I initially had some…uh…emotions in regards to the 3D-printed stem. Not skeptical, and never scared. However perhaps…cautiously optimistic. There’s one thing in regards to the notion of a bunch of steel powder being magically became a component that straight connects the 2 issues (fork and handlebar) that take the brunt of the forces on the entrance finish of the bike.
So, I began sluggish and labored as much as extra stresses and rougher surfaces. In the long run, it was good, and clearly contributed to the entrance finish’s wonderful lateral stiffness. Standing and cranking on the bars yielded nothing however dramatically agency swaying of the bike beneath me.
That lateral and torsional stiffness additionally helped the bike carve corners and follow its traces.
And it sends energy backward relatively effectively. In comparison with the stiffest carbon bikes there’s perhaps a slight drop in “snap” off the road, however I’d commerce that any day for the smoothness this bike delivered.
I like that they’re utilizing a T47 BB. It’s large, strong, and straightforward to service. I by no means heard any complaints from it, both.
At $5,999 for simply the frameset (body, fork, and titanium headset, spacers & seat collar, all with uncooked end), the Nice Divide must be particular, and it’s.
Most of my using is simply Zone 2 cruising, with lengthy rolling hills and 50-70 mile stretches from meetup to brewery. For that, it’s chic…simple to pedal and comfy, realizing that it’ll deal with the occasional robust pull or county line dash with ease.
Nevertheless it’s additionally a motorbike that likes to relax. If I’d stored it longer, I’d put 30-32mm tires on it and it will doubtless disappear below me.
It additionally handles the occasional gravel street fairly properly. If I have been doing this so much I’d swap in a carbon seatpost, however I actually don’t have any complaints.
No.22 Bicycles clearly fall into the boutique class of bikes you need since you need them and may afford them. Nothing incorrect with that, however it’s good to see that they’re extra than simply artwork, they’re serving to create the state-of-the-art with intelligent touches and delightful ending work. And so they journey fairly rattling good, too.
