A 3D printed bike are manufactured using additive manufacturing techniques, commonly known as 3D printing. This process involves creating a three-dimensional object by depositing successive layers of material according to a digital design.
The concept of 3D printed bikes has gained popularity due to the potential benefits they offer. Some of the advantages of 3D printed bikes include:
Customization: 3D printing allows for highly customizable designs. Each component of the bike can be tailored to the rider’s specific needs and preferences, such as frame geometry, handlebar shape, and saddle position. This customization can result in a more comfortable and efficient riding experience.
Lightweight and optimized structures: 3D printing enables the creation of complex geometries that are difficult or impossible to achieve with traditional manufacturing methods. This freedom in design allows for the creation of lightweight structures with optimized strength and stiffness properties. As a result, 3D printed bikes can be lighter and potentially more durable than conventionally manufactured bikes.
Angel Heaven by Angel Cycle Works
Angel Heaven is a titanium bicycle 3D printed by the Spanish company Angel Cycle Works. Taking the fastest vehicles in the world as their reference, They worked together with the MADIT Metal 3D team for the creation of this unique bike made using SLM 3D printing technology. They use titanium powder, exclusive to their brand, thus managing to customize and obtain unique designs. The high precision of their 3D printers, the hardness of the powder and its triple track support allows them to lighten and eliminate unnecessary material, create new cutting-edge and resistant products, a more direct encounter between the frame and its bearings as well as a very good alignment of all its elements. In addition, its oversized steering system provides absolute precision, a clean, hidden and natural passage of all cables for all types of shifting and braking systems.
Angel Heaven, the titanium bicycle (photo credits: Angel Cycle Works)
Bolide F HR 3D by Pinarello
Bolide F HR 3D is Pinarello’s bicycle made with additive manufacturing. Released in October 2022, the Italian brand claimed at the time that it was the fastest 3D printed bicycle in the world. Indeed, it was designed specifically for use by the cyclist Filippo Ganna for his hour record attempt, the record for the longest distance cycled in one hour on a bicycle from a stationary start. In fact, Gana broke the Hour record in the same month, reaching 56.792 kilometers in that time period, a performance never seen before. In order to make the bike, the bike’s frame and fork were 3D printed using Laser Powder Bed Fusion and an alloy called Scalmalloy, composed of scandium, aluminum and magnesium. The frame is composed of only five individually produced pieces and then glued together. The uniqueness of the Bolide F HR 3D is not limited to the materials, but starts with its design. Pinarello collaborated with the University of Adelaide to create a design inspired by nature and, in particular, the aerodynamics of humpback whale movements. And the result was clearly a success!
BOLIDE F HR 3D is the first and fastest high performance 3D printed bike ever built. Specifically deisgned for Filippo Ganna’s hour record attempt.
The concept behind this unique Bolide F HR 3D is to blend strength and stiffness with aero gains, relying on a production method that would allow for millimetre-perfect sizing.
Working closely with Filippo Ganna and the INEOS Grenadier’s team to develop this revolutionary product is part of the Pinarello company DNA. The result of such extreme research, the spirit of innovation it engenders and the technology it creates is then spread through the whole range of Pinarello products.
The Shadow M1, 3D Printed Electric Bike for the City
The Shadow M1 is a 3D printed electric bike from Belgian startup Shadow Concept. The company was founded with the goal of creating 3D printed, eco-friendly custom bikes. The M1 was created specifically for an urban environment and, as it is an electric bike, also includes a 36v 11.4ah (400wh) battery, allowing users to travel an average of 70 km, though this can be upgraded to 100 km. Moreover, it includes a 3D printed frame that is adapted to each client’s biometric data, allowing the bike to be fully customized to your size, making it more comfortable. In order to make this frame, Shadow used large-format FFF 3D printing and CO2 neutral and biodegradable biopolymers. In addition, it is also equipped with hydraulic brakes and a saddle that was also adapted to the cyclist. Overall, the bike strikes a good balance between comfort and eco-responsibility with all parts, including the battery, which can be easily reconditioned. The bike is available from a starting price of €2,499.00 (~$2,712.62).
