The Top Bicycles Made With 3D Printing

As you know, more and more additive manufacturing is playing an important role in the world of sports, where it allows for the design of custom-made equipment. Cycling is undoubtedly one of the sports where 3D technologies are most widely used. The goal is to create a bike that is lighter, faster, and more comfortable, all while reducing manufacturing time and costs. The technologies and materials used vary, the most commonly used being metal or composite 3D printing, as these are stronger materials. In addition, with 3D scanning, it is possible to customize accessories such as a bike helmet, saddle or grip. In short, the applications in the industry are really many! Below we have outlined, in no particular order, some of the main projects out there centered on bicycles and accessories made with 3D printing.

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!