Reilly Cycleworks will officially launch its new titanium aero road bike, the Fusion, at the 2022 Cycle Show next weekend.
It’s the first aero-focussed bike from the Brighton-based bespoke builder, previously known as Nerve Bikes, and slots in at the top of its range with prices from £7,499.
Built using an investment casting process that allows for precise tube shapes including kamm-tail profiles, Reilly believes the Fusion can ‘rival’ the carbon frames that dominate the genre. Reilly says the Fusion’s titanium frame weighs 1.79kg.
The Fusion is available with Shimano Dura-Ace and Ultegra Di2 as well as SRAM Red eTap AXS and Campagnolo Record EPS and comes with deep section DCR × Reilly wheels, which can be upgraded to Strada Carbon Performance Aero Disc wheels for a surcharge.
Reilly Cycleworks will be displaying the Fusion – as well as other models – on Stand G471 at the Cycle Show from 22nd-24th April at Alexandra Palace in London.
Reilly Fusion frameset: Hydroformed Ti and kamm-tail profiles
The Reilly Fusion uses hydroformed titanium tubing in an attempt to create an aerodynamic and lightweight frame featuring kamm-tail profiles.
The brand says Grade 9 tubing is used for the majority of the frame. Grade 9 titanium is widely used in the bike industry is also referred to as 3Al-2.5V, meaning it is actually a titanium alloy made with 3% aluminium and 2.5% vanadium.
Reilly uses Grade 9 across models and says it produces frames with a better ride quality than other grades.
Reilly says a process called investment casting is also put into practice for the Grade 5 (6Al-4V) titanium head tube, seat cluster, bottom bracket shell and hollow rear dropouts.
Investment casting uses wax to create detailed moulds from an original structure, allowing for consistent reproduction.
To complete the aero setup of the Fusion, it uses an FSA ACR cockpit and headset system so that the bike’s cables can be fully integrated up front. The frame also uses a proprietary D-shaped seatpost, and the build options include a range of deep section wheelsets.
- The Fusion is available to order now for July 2022 delivery from Reilly Cycleworks (from £7,499).
Life of Reilly
Founded by framebuilder Mark Reilly and Formula 1 carbon fibre specialist Neil FitzGerald in 2014, Reilly Cycleworks produces carbon, steel, stainless steel and titanium bikes.
Reilly, who previously worked for the Omega and Enigma titanium frame brands, sadly died last year but his legacy lives on through the company’s continued development of the range and brand under his name.
The aero-specialist Fusion marks an extension of Reilly Cycleworks’ offering, coming in alongside the Gradient adventure and Spectre all-road bikes as well as T325, T325D and T640D titanium road bikes.
FitzGerald claims the Fusion is part of a ‘titanium road revolution’ and says the launch ‘symbolises an exciting time for us, marking a new chapter as we build on our frame building heritage, while continuing to innovate to offer all customers their dream ride and put the individual back into the bike’.
Reilly Cycleworks Fusion spec and pricing
- Frameset: Grade 9 (3Al-2.5V) titanium aero road disc
- Groupset: Shimano Ultegra Di2 Disc 11-speed or 12-speed (+£500), Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 Disc 12-speed (+£1,800); SRAM Red eTap AXS; Campagnolo Record EPS
- Wheels: DCR × Reilly 37mm/50mm (+£50), Strada Carbon Performance Aero Disc 35/45/55 (all +£300)
- Tyres: Continental GP 5000
- Bars and stem: FSA ACR stem and Energy Compact Alloy handlebars; Deda Elementi Alanera DCR integrated carbon handlebars (+£400)
- Bottom bracket: SN-Vitae T47/68
- Weight: 1.79kg (frameset, T325 frame: 1.75kg)
- Price: from £7,499
Riding shots: Joseph Branston, studio shots: Leigh Simpson