Revel Bikes, a Colorado-based company that specializes in carbon fiber mountain bikes, has unveiled the Rodeo: a prototype downhill bike that is claimed to be the world’s first fully 3D-printed carbon fiber mountain bike.
The Rodeo was developed in partnership with Arevo Inc., a 3D printing company that uses a robotic arm to print continuous carbon fiber thermoplastic material. The process allows for more complex shapes, lighter weight, and higher strength than traditional carbon fiber layup methods.
The Rodeo is not intended for mass production, but rather as an experiment to push the boundaries of 3D printing technology and innovation in mountain biking. Revel says that one of the benefits of 3D printing is that it enables faster prototyping and customization of bike frames. Another benefit is that it makes the frames recyclable, as they can be melted down and reused for other products.
The Rodeo features a 200mm travel suspension system, a slack geometry, and a unique design that resembles a fan blade on the front triangle. The bike weighs about 15 kg (33 lbs) and has been tested by Revel’s riders on various downhill trails. Revel says that the Rodeo rides well and performs better than expected for a first prototype.
3d-Printed Mountain Bikes
Revel Bikes Showcased the 'Rodeo,' a Fully 3D-Printed Mountain Bike
Trend Themes
1. 3d-printed Bikes - Revel Bikes created a fully 3D-printed mountain bike that demonstrates the potential for increased customization and recyclability.
2. Continuous Carbon Fiber Printing - 3D printing with continuous carbon fiber thermoplastic material provides higher strength and more complex shapes compared to traditional carbon fiber layup methods.
3. Faster Prototyping with 3D Printing - 3D printing technology enables faster prototyping, allowing for quicker iterations and development of new products.
Industry Implications
1. Bicycle Manufacturing - 3D printing technology has the potential to revolutionize the bicycle manufacturing industry by enabling mass customization and faster prototyping.
2. Aerospace Manufacturing - Continuous carbon fiber printing could have applications in the aerospace industry, where lightweight and strong materials are essential for creating aircraft components.
3. Automotive Manufacturing - 3D printing technology could also disrupt the automotive industry, allowing for faster prototyping and customization of vehicle components while reducing waste through recyclability.