Ornus is the result of research by Mlk Innovazione Srl, a start-up from Tuscany based in Grosseto. The company has patented Timbertech technology, a system for manufacturing wooden frames from FSC-certified wood with a lifetime guarantee. The platform combines nature, technology and industrial reliability and is designed for serial production. The project deliberately does not see itself as an artisanal niche, but shows that wood can compete with carbon and metal with precise technical design.

Two models, two approaches to gravel riding

"Wood is an exceptional material. It is light, resilient and can absorb vibrations in a natural way like no other technical material. With our Timbertech technology, we make it stable, safe and industrially reproducible. With Grain, we are completing our vision of showing that nature and innovation can be equally fast.

With Radix, we are addressing people who see gravel as a discovery and a journey. With Grain, we are addressing those who are looking for speed, responsiveness and a sporty interpretation. Gravel has many facets today. Ornus interprets them all with a common wooden DNA," says Michele Cammisa, CEO of Ornus.

Timbertech technology as the basis of the frames

Timbertech technology forms the technical heart of the Ornus frames. CNC-milled wooden half-shells are joined together using internal membrane connections and structural aluminum nodes. These nodes are positioned in the different frame areas depending on the load. The result is a monolithic structure with defined stiffness that combines precise handling with effective vibration damping.

Each frame passes the tests according to ISO 4210, the international safety standard for bicycle frames. The wood is dried under vacuum control and treated to be waterproof. This keeps it dimensionally stable and protected against moisture and temperature fluctuations, offering consistent riding characteristics in all conditions over a long period of time.

Ornus provides a lifetime guarantee on the frame, underlining both the durability of the material and the reliability of the industrial manufacturing process.

Grain as the sportiest model

Grain is the most important new product for the coming season and the clearly performance-oriented model in the Ornus range. It is aimed at riders who see gravel from a sporting perspective, for example in racing or on fast routes.

The fully integrated frame has been optimized using the finite element method. The design offers stiffness where it is needed for power transmission and targeted flex zones for controlled comfort. The compact geometry and the short rear triangle concept support direct acceleration without losing the comfort typical of wood. Vibrations are reduced, which also reduces fatigue on long rides.

Grain is available as a frameset, consisting of frame, fork, stem and headset, as well as a complete bike with the following equipment.

• Frame Ornus Grain Full Integrated
• Shift group Sram Force Xplr one by thirteen
• Wheels Fulcrum Soniq Carbon
• Forks 3T Carbon
• Handlebars 3T Aeroghiaia Carbon
• stem 3T More Carbon
• seatpost 3T Tube Carbon
• tyres Pirelli Gravel Rc forty millimetres
• saddle Fizik Vento Argo

Grain is available in five sizes:

• XS for people under 166 centimeters
• S for people from 165 to 174 centimeters
• M for people from 173 to 181 centimeters
• L for people from 179 to 187 centimeters
• XL for people over 185 centimeters

Guide prices:

• Frameset 5490 euros
• Complete bike 8990 euros

Radix for comfort and long distances

The Radix model is aimed at people who see gravel as exploration, travel and endurance. The model is designed for high mileage, reliability and control, from gravel roads to remote trails. The relaxed geometry and longer rear triangle ensure stability and riding comfort, even when fully loaded. This makes Radix suitable for bikepacking, adventure rides and long races.

Radix is also available as a frameset with frame and fork and as a complete bike.

• Frame Ornus Radix
• Shimano Grx eight hundred and twenty one by twelve groupset
• Wheels Fulcrum Soniq Alx
• Forks Rodeo Spork three point three carbon
• Handlebars Deda Superzero Gravel aluminum
• stem Deda Zero100
• seatpost Deda Zero100
• tires Pirelli Cinturato Gravel Rm forty millimeters
• saddle Fizik Terra Argo

The size gradation corresponds to that of Grain.

Regular prices:

• Frameset 4490 euros
• Complete bike 6990 euros

Material, origin and design

An Ornus bike combines the natural comfort of wood with high performance. Wood naturally dampens vibrations and contributes to less fatigue, better control and longer riding times without high muscle strain. Riding behavior remains predictable and stable even on technical gravel passages or uneven surfaces.

The wood used comes from FSC-certified forests and is part of a renewable, resource-saving supply chain. The shape of the frames can be reproduced industrially, but the individual grain makes each bike unique with its own character.

ornusbike.com