Ruedi’s Bastion ArchAngel

In this week’s Bike of the Week, we are featuring Signature Cycles co-owner Ruedi's bike, the ultra-limited edition Bastion ArchAngel. We were extremely lucky to be among the first partners to witness the manufacturing process of this unique bike. It was inspiring to discover the level of technology and craftsmanship required to make this project happen.

Limited to just 88 bikes, Australian brand Bastion wanted to create a special model that highlighted its expertise with 3D printing. Carving these exquisite wings into a lug is something only Bastion can accomplish.

Bastion’s ultra-exclusive bike shares its name with the world’s first titanium-skinned aircraft. The Lockheed A-12 ArchAngel used titanium because it could withstand the heat generated at Mach 3 (2,300mph) better than aluminium. Bastion’s ArchAngel won’t be going quite as fast, but the Australian brand says, “Every detail of the bike has been sculpted with precision and purpose, evoking the sleek lines and spirit.” For the frame, 3D-printed titanium lugs adorned with polished angel wings join filament-wound carbon tubes. 

Ruedi was completely entranced and, during the bike's launch, he put his name on #61, which is his actual birth year. We celebrated with a handshake back in January 2022 and waited patiently for the dream to become reality. Something that should have taken 12 months turned into almost two years because Ruedi kept ceding his spot to other clients interested in getting one of these incredible bikes – and it takes 5-8 months to produce an ArchAngel frame! 

Selecting the color was somewhat complicated because Ruedi wanted something completely original. Since the cerakote colors available for the lugs were limited, Ruedi ended up going with papaya orange. His son, Lucas, is a big fan of the McLaren F1 team, so the color has a special meaning for the family. 

The ArchAngel models come as a complete package. SRAM Red and Campagnolo Super Record were options, but Ruedi prefers the way Shimano feels in his hands and he likes the shifting quality of the Japanese manufacturer. The crankset is unique, 3D-printed by Bastion, and is paired with the SRM power meter and Carbon-Ti chainrings.

To add that last special touch, Bastion partnered with Busyman to create the handlebar tape and match the saddle. Ruedi prefers the Alcantara finish, the same material used on a McLaren steering wheel. 

Overall, we are super happy to have Ruedi finally riding his dream bike! Come by the shop and look at this masterpiece – Ruedi will be proud to show you his Bastion in detail.