Bastion Archetype
Melbourne, Australia – May 2, 2025 — Bastion Cycles is proud to announce the unveiling of the Archetype, the company’s first completely new platform in a decade and a bold evolution of what their ultimate road bike should be.
Seamlessly combining power, aerodynamic efficiency, and comfort, the Archetype is a showcase of the brand’s relentless pursuit of innovation, design excellence, and engineering mastery.
Crafted with filament-wound carbon fibre tubes sculpted into NACA aero profiles, and joined together by 3D-printed titanium lugs, the Archetype positions itself at the vanguard of modern bicycle design. With tyre clearance up to 34mm and a UDH-compatible rear axle, it is as practical as it is beautiful.
“This is more than a new bike — it’s the result of ten years of evolution and refinement,” said Ben Schultz, Co-CEO of Bastion Cycles.
“The Archetype embodies everything Bastion stands for: craftsmanship, performance, and pushing boundaries. It’s the purest expression of our design and engineering ethos to date.” Ethan York, R&D Manager, emphasized the meticulous attention to performance metrics: “Our mission was to increase aerodynamic Bastion. 2025 performance without compromising stiffness or weight. The Archetype achieves this with refined tube profiles and an ultra-efficient joining structure. We approached the Archetype with the mindset of evolution, not just innovation. We’ve taken the lessons of the past decade — from filament winding to moulded carbon fibre techniques — and redefined their potential in a new aerodynamic context.”
“Every surface and joint has been reimagined. We’ve leveraged over a decade of experience to refine finishes and create a frame that celebrates the raw beauty of our materials. It is complexity born from simplicity—what we call ‘Ascendant Complexity.’ added James Woolcock, Co-CEO.
One evolution is the head badge which instead of 3D printed titanium is now etched from extremely thin 0.05mm thick stainless steel placed under the clear coat, ensuring clean airflow over this critical surface of the head tube. Its aerodynamic prowess was verified through wind tunnel tests at the Silverstone Sports Engineering Hub with The Bike Tailor in the UK. Tested as a complete build fitted with Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 and Partington R39/44 Wheels, the Archetype delivered extraordinary results. Compared to their Icon Superleggera, the Archetype reduced drag by 6–8watts across 0–15° yaw angles at 35 km/h — speeds typical of Bastion’s clientele. For an average rider outputting 200 watts, this represents a significant advantage. At higher speeds, the gains are even more dramatic: at 50 km/h, the Archetype slashed aerodynamic drag by an impressive 18–25watts.
Design plays a central role in Bastion’s DNA, and the Archetype reflects this with a powerful yet timeless presence. “We believe great design should be both progressive and enduring,” said Lindsay Thebus, Design Manager. “The Archetype introduces daring new forms while staying true to our iconic silhouette.”
To coincide with the launch of the Archetype, Bastion have made their world leading design configurator available to everyone. Previously only available after placing a deposit, it is now live on their website allowing potential customers to visualise their very own dream build.
Production of the Archetype is limited to 606 units. The unveiling featured a prototype, but one highly representative of the finished product. Existing customers and retailers were granted early access and the order book is full Bastion until November, with first deliveries planned in late July. Only another 38 allocations remain for delivery in 2025. Available exclusively from Bastion and their approved global retail partners.
