Fastback Story

Great product design doesn't add clutter—it solves a problem with elegance. This is the journey of transforming a compromised frame interface into an aerodynamic, functional storage system.

Space Between the Wheels

Most modern gravel frames feature underside down tube bosses. Nominally, they are for a third water bottle. Practically, they are useless. Reaching a bottle down there while riding is impossible. The cage introduces stack height, pushing the mass dangerously close to your front tire. If the terrain gets rough, the bottle drops. If it stays, it collects a thick coat of road grit and mud, rendering the bottle contaminated and undrinkable. It is an aesthetic compromise that adds drag and lacks utility.

Conformal Inspiration

We found our solution in aerospace engineering. Modern fighter jets utilize Conformal Fuel Tanks (CFT)—an evolutionary leap in aerodynamics pioneered by the legendary "FAST Pack" (Fuel And Sensor Tactical Pack) concept. As seen on advanced variants of the F-16 Falcon, these modules hug the aircraft's silhouette tightly. Unlike traditional under-wing drop tanks, CFTs provide massive storage capacity while reducing drag and maintaining the jet's native performance characteristics.

Our goal was to build a CFT for gravel bikes. A storage system that bolts directly to the frame, matches its contours, and disappears into the silhouette.

Evolution of Form

Achieving a seamless, conformal fit requires an obsessive iterative loop. The process began with loose digital ideation sketches, translated quickly into physical foam models to validate real-world scale and tire clearance. From there, raw functional 3D prints allowed for precise on-frame fit-testing before moving into CAD to engineer the final production architecture. Every curve was sculpted to bridge the gap between abstract design and physical reality.

Engineered Integrity

Rather than using restrictive injection molds that limit geometric complexity, we chose an advanced industrial manufacturing workflow. The chassis is printed from performance-grade ASA-Carbon Fiber, providing exceptional UV stability, thermal resistance, and a matte, high-tech finish. To ensure absolute mechanical durability under real-world riding conditions, the structure is reinforced with strategic marine-grade stainless steel hardware. It isn't just a part; it's a precisely calibrated component assembly.

Road Ahead

Our design architecture is not a single product—it is a platform philosophy. Gravel frame geometries are diversifying rapidly as the sport splits into distinct categories of raw endurance and pure aerodynamic speed. Our roadmap is built to mirror this evolution. By applying our established design system to emerging frame profiles, we are expanding the conformal storage ecosystem. We are creating an ongoing design lineage focused on balancing functional utility with clean integration. We will continue to learn and refine as we go. We are already actively mapping out specialized storage systems for different gravel frames and bike brands. Stay tuned for new updates as we expand the platform.