No. 22 Bicycle Company has consistently impressed in the realm of titanium frames, particularly within the increasingly popular drop-bar, dirt-focused category. Among a market filled with options, Number 22 Bikes distinguish themselves through exceptional design and meticulous craftsmanship. The Drifter Adventure, the latest addition to their esteemed Drifter family, is a prime example. This gravel bike became the reviewer’s go-to for spring and summer fitness rides, and after extensive mileage across diverse terrains near Santa Fe, it’s clear what makes Number 22 bikes, and the Drifter Adventure in particular, so remarkable.
Continue reading for an in-depth review, complete with detailed imagery and scenic backdrops, to fully appreciate the Number 22 Drifter Adventure.
Unveiling Number 22 Bikes: A Legacy of Craftsmanship
The journey of Number 22 Bicycle Company has been closely followed through events like NAHBS and the Philly Bike Expo. For over a decade, founders Bryce and Mike have shared their dedication and design ethos, consistently setting Number 22 bikes apart. Hailing from Upstate New York, a region renowned for titanium bicycle expertise (notably Serotta), Number 22 maintains a distinct aesthetic that has garnered long-standing admiration. Every Number 22 bike emerging from their Johnston workshop is far from ordinary. The finishes are flawlessly executed, and the intricate frame details reflect an unwavering pursuit of design perfection.
Perhaps influenced by Bryce’s architectural background, Number 22 bikes often evoke a sense of futurist Art Deco elegance. Each frame from their team is thoughtfully designed, precisely machined, and meticulously crafted with a singular objective: to create truly exceptional bicycles.
The opportunity to review the inaugural Drifter Adventure gravel bike from Number 22 bikes arose at an ideal time. A familiar summer route near Santa Fe, ridden twice weekly, offered the perfect testing ground. This route showcases Northern New Mexico’s diverse environments, transitioning from arid badlands to Ponderosa and Aspen forests, and finally to Douglas Fir woodlands. It’s a challenging early-season ride, evolving into a cherished routine—a space for disconnecting from work, reconnecting with the body, and focusing on breath and rhythm. This route holds significant personal value.
This route marks the “get in shape” phase after winter, commencing as soon as the snow melts, transitioning to a gravel bike for climbs through the forest.
Delivery of the first production Drifter Adventure in mid-May initiated months of riding on this very route. The bike surpassed expectations, though familiarity with Number 22 bikes from framebuilder showcases anticipated exceptional quality. For those new to Number 22 bikes, this review will offer an insightful introduction.
The Drifter Adventure debuted earlier in the year at Sea Otter, yet online discussion has been relatively limited. Let’s delve into the detailed features of this remarkable Number 22 bike.
Drifter Adventure: Quick Overview
Frameset Price: $5,799 / Complete Bike as Tested: $14,750
Number 22 bikes already include dirt-capable drop-bar models like the Drifter all-road and the Drifter X gravel race bike. However, the Drifter Adventure is specifically tailored to a more adventurous riding style. While smooth gravel roads may lack excitement for some, the Drifter Adventure excels on challenging terrain. It’s designed for narrow Forest Service roads that may devolve into rugged doubletrack, demanding rider engagement and offering steep climbs alongside water features, loose rock, sand, and ruts. The bumpier, the better—and the Drifter Adventure is perfectly suited for this.
The geometry, discussed further below, is optimized for this adventurous riding style. The frameset is equipped for extended multi-day excursions with ample cargo mounts, frame bag compatibility, generous tire clearance, and a three-pack fork mount for lightweight racks or cargo cages. For riders in wetter climates, fender mounts are also included.
Number 22 bikes has announced the completion of their solution for SRAM’s UDH/Transmission rear derailleur interface. The dropout design remains nearly identical to the current model, maintaining the aesthetic. Additionally, a full titanium headset with matching spacers and top cap for non-internal routing frames will be unveiled at the MADE show in August.
Drifter Adventure Frame Specifications
- Frame: Size-specific engineered titanium tubing
- Fork: No. 6 Adventure fork (not shown on review bike, final version)
- Brake Type: Flat mount disc brakes
- Tire Clearance: 50mm/700C
- Front Axle Spacing: 100x12mm thru-axle
- Rear Axle Spacing: 142x12mm thru-axle
- Fork Dimensions: 50mm offset, 398mm axle to crown length
- Derailleur Hanger: Replaceable aluminum
- Bottom Bracket Shell: T47 threaded, 85.5mm width
- Front Derailleur Clamp Size: None – 1X specific
- Seatpost Size: 27.2mm
- Headset: No. 22 Titanium Headset Type 41/52mm integrated (standard cable routing) or 52/52mm integrated (fully internal cable routing)
- Fender Mounts: Included
- Rack Mounts: Included
- Additional Mounts: 3X bottle (ST, top of DT, underside of DT)
Finishing Options:
- Single color anodization: $550
- Anodized fade: $900
- High polish: $950
- Cerakote / Anodization: $1,500
The reviewed size 58cm Drifter Adventure, as built (without bottles but including bag and pedals), weighs a mere 22 lbs.
Geometry for Versatile Gravel Riding
The reviewer, at 6’2″ and 190 lbs with long legs, rode the size 58cm Drifter Adventure, configured with 175mm cranks, a 120mm stem, and an 80cm saddle height.
The Drifter Adventure’s geometry is engineered for “all roads”—paved surfaces, chipseal, hardpack, double track, and any route imaginable. This versatility is reflected in its 73.5º seat angle, 71º head angle, and 70mm bottom bracket drop. The 435mm chainstays and 80mm drop contribute to a responsive yet predictable rear wheel feel on descents, while the 643mm front center and 399mm reach promote all-day riding comfort. The riding position of the Drifter Adventure occupies a middle ground between a race bike and a drop-bar mountain bike or touring bike. It offers ample speed, but the saddle-to-bar drop is designed for endurance rather than short, intense races—at least for the reviewer’s preferences.
Unpacking the Details, Finish, and Premium Build
To manage costs for review bikes, particularly handmade, high-end models, opting for cable-actuated drivetrains and mid-range builds is often preferable. However, the reviewed Number 22 bike far exceeded this, boasting a build cost of $14,750. The focus here remains on the frame, its intricate details, ride quality, and the artisanal craftsmanship inherent in US-made bikes. While components and finishes are secondary to the frame’s core essence, Number 22 bikes provided a stunning custom build to highlight these aspects in the review.
The price is undeniably high, placing this particular build beyond the reach of many. Yet, showcasing the artistry of US framebuilders is a core mission, and experiencing such bikes is always a privilege. Countless hours contribute to crafting a bicycle of this caliber, but it’s fundamentally designed for rigorous riding.
Reviews on this platform span a wide price range, from sub-$2000 gravel bikes to bikes like this. The aim is to cover diverse price points in product reviews, so the high-end nature of this Number 22 bike should be viewed within that broader context.
The Drifter Adventure frameset, comprising a titanium frame and carbon fork, is available in various finishes and frame options. This review model features a top-tier Cerakote and anodized finish from Number 22 bikes. The Charcoal Green Cerakote meets a sharply defined bronze anodized line, subtly shifting in appearance from near invisibility in bright sunlight to a richer hue in lower light conditions.
The finish is truly impeccable, flawless in execution. High-wear areas like the chainstays are left in raw titanium to maintain a pristine appearance. This Drifter Adventure includes bolt-on frame bag mounts under the top tube, top tube bag mounts, and numerous cargo bosses. A custom half framebag from Field and Forest complements the bike’s aesthetic and utility.
All hardware on this Number 22 bike is a collaborative effort with Prototipo Works of Australia.
The frame incorporates fully integrated cable routing, extending to the dynamo lamp in the fork, resulting in clean brake line integration and no derailleur cable ports, reflecting its intended use with SRAM AXS – Force. A mullet drivetrain with an Eagle rear derailleur is also compatible, expanding the cassette range from 10-44 to 10-52. This Drifter iteration is 1x specific to accommodate the measured 700x50mm tire clearance, and it is not designed for 650b wheels.
Fender mounts are seamlessly integrated and nearly invisible on the 3D-printed dropouts. Light rack or bag support bosses are also subtly included on the seat stays, all within a compact and refined design featuring flawless welds. No imperfections were found in the weld beads.
Number 22 bikes seems attuned to component preferences, as this Drifter Adventure arrived with a Wolf Tooth 36t chainring and eeWings cranks, featuring chevron anodizing details matching the frame. The 36x44t gearing is suitable for challenging alpine climbs while still providing sufficient top-end speed for descents, thanks to the 10t cog on the Force cassette. For high-country touring, a swap to a 10-50t cassette and longer cage derailleur might be necessary.
Even the flat-mount brakes are well-suited to this application, aligning with the Drifter Adventure’s road bike DNA rather than that of a fully-equipped drop-bar mountain or touring bike. The rotor size and brake proportions are well-integrated with the Drifter Adventure’s overall design, creating a cohesive system.
The No. 6 Adventure Fork
Initially, a steel fork was requested for this Drifter Adventure review, but Number 22 bikes recommended their carbon fork. This proved to be a worthwhile recommendation, as the fork is exceptional. Unable to find a fork that matched the lines of Number 22’s custom head tube, they developed their own, as they have done across their model range.
The fork on this review bike is a precursor to the final version, which will be standard on this model and available aftermarket through No. 6 Composites starting in September.
The No. 6 Adventure fork features a 50mm offset and a 398mm axle-to-crown measurement. It is designed for fender compatibility and includes integrated dynamo routing, a front-facing light mount, and cargo bosses—meeting current demands for adventure-ready forks.
While the final version will omit the flip-chip of the review model, it will feature Number 22’s signature 3D-printed titanium fork blade plate and offer both semi-internal and fully internal routing options.
Beyond aesthetics and specifications, the fork’s flex impressed most. While lateral stiffness remained thanks to thru-axles, noticeable fore/aft flex was evident, even during slow pavement riding and front brake modulation. This intentional flex complements the titanium frame’s inherent ride quality, avoiding the harshness of an overly stiff carbon fork. Number 22 confirms that the final fork version will retain similar ride characteristics with further structural refinements.
Ride Quality: The Titanium Advantage
Titanium stands unmatched as a frame material for ride quality. For the best-riding, longest-lasting, and smoothest experience, titanium is the definitive choice. While expensive and not uniformly engineered, Number 22 bikes demonstrates expertise in titanium construction. They employ skilled designers, machinists, and welders with extensive industry experience to ensure optimal frame feel. Furthermore, Number 22 custom engineers each frame size with specific titanium tubing based on anticipated rider weight, meaning a size 58 differs from a size 48 in tubing specification. For riders outside stock sizing, fully custom Number 22 bikes are also available. Given their premium price, these bikes are designed for a perfect fit in every aspect.
The review title, “Lightfooted and Fancy,” encapsulates the ride quality and the high-end build. Having sold a beloved titanium all-road bike previously, the reviewer rediscovered the captivating feel of titanium with the Drifter Adventure. The Drifter Adventure’s riding position aligns better with current riding preferences compared to a previous, more aggressively positioned bike. With a slightly higher stack, shorter reach, and stable wheelbase, the Drifter Adventure offers both responsiveness and planted stability. Modern titanium bikes have also made significant strides in disc brake integration.
The frame exhibits subtle side-to-side compliance during out-of-saddle efforts and steep climbs, yet feels remarkably solid beneath the rider. The titanium seatpost and stem further contribute to vibration damping and necessary flex. The Drifter Adventure excels in its balanced ride character. It’s responsive when needed but remains comfortable and forgiving on long, challenging rides.
The most enjoyable aspect was descending long, rutted, and loose gravel sections, confidently positioned in the drops without constant braking. When familiar with the terrain, the Drifter Adventure allows seamless immersion into the rhythm of the ride.
Final Verdict: Drifter Adventure Takeaway
The clean and refined aesthetics of Number 22 bikes are a visual promise of the Drifter Adventure’s surefooted and stable ride quality – and this promise is fulfilled. However, this exceptional quality comes at a premium, accessible primarily to those who can afford such luxuries. Yet, for a long-term investment, a titanium bike like the Drifter Adventure offers enduring value and avoids planned obsolescence, presenting a compelling alternative to a comparable high-end carbon bike.
The Drifter Adventure embodies the current gravel bike ethos, designed for versatile use, not as an afterthought, but as a core element of its DNA. Rack, cargo cage, and bag mounts are abundant on a bike that looks equally striking in a stripped-down configuration or fully loaded for adventure.
For those considering a Number 22 bike, the Raw Titanium Drifter Adventure frame offers an excellent starting point, allowing customization with existing components. While the reviewed $14,000+ build is a luxury, it showcases the pinnacle of what Number 22 bikes offers—a superior choice over mass-produced carbon alternatives.
Detail of No. 22 Drifter Adventure frame and Field and Forest frame bag
The Drifter Adventure served effectively as a gravel bike for regaining fitness after winter. Riding a favorite loop on this Number 22 bike required no extra motivation, highlighting the bike’s inherent appeal and purpose.
Pros
- Made in the USA
- Titanium frame
- Lightweight construction
- Customizable options
- Adaptable design
- Impeccable detailing
- 50mm tire clearance
- Light touring capabilities
- Pristine welds
Cons
- High price point
For further inquiries or to explore Number 22 bikes, visit No. 22 Bicycles.
