A freshly-built No.22 Aurora never fails to elicit a deep longing from all who gaze upon it; an exhalation of need such is the call to the road its unapologetically bold lines inspire. The Aurora is a metal Medusa, a diamond silhouette that dares to question classical assumptions of perspective and material. It’s titanium, it’s carbon, it’s 100% American-made. And it’s got a stem that just won’t quit.
This vibrant Electric Blue/Crushed Orchid No.22 Aurora sauntered off with a fine gent from Oakland, who came to us seeking an upgrade to his ride. Our client rides for exercise, enjoyment and the occasional commute. We discussed various possibilities, and the clean look of the No. 22 Aurora caught his eye, particularly the confluence of the carbon fibre integrated seat mast and the frame’s smooth welds. And, of course, the 3D-printed stem and computer mount with fully internal routing.
The build followed an AC bike fit, which informed a custom geometry. Our client selected the well-proven Shimano Ultegra 8150/8170 Di2 groupset to bring it together, augmented with a Ceramicspeed bottom bracket. Custom-built AC wheels, blending Enve SES 3.4 rims with Chris King R45D hubs and Sapim CX-Ray spokes, turned a titanium dream into a smooth-rolling reality, shod with Vittoria’s Next TLR (28) tires. Fine rubber.
Outside of No. 22’s radically 3d-printed integrated stem and ISM (Integrated Seat Post Mast), further touchpoints included a Fizik Tempo Aliante R1 carbon rail saddle, Wahoo Zero Stainless pedals, and an Enve AR handlebar. Finishing touches ran to a raft of titanium bolts and color-matched Silca bottle cages.
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