# 3D Printed Cycles The EADS Airbike is Said to Be Stronger than Steel By Meghan Young | Published 2011-03-10 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eads-airbike References: [psfk](http://www.psfk.com/2011/03/3d-printing-a-lightweight-super-strong-bicycle.html) & [bbc](http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-12664422) Forget electric bicycles and such, instead, focus on the newest development in the cycle community, the EADS Airbike. As a [3D printed bicycle](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/thok-tp4-r), the EADS Airbike ushers in an eco-friendly, efficient and fully functional way to create this mode of transportation. Developed by the [European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/green-kiwifruit) (EADS), the EADS Airbike is made entirely out of nylon material. Not only is it 65 per cent lighter than the nearest [aluminum on the market](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/etb-200) right now, it is also said to be stronger than steel. Not only that, according to the creators, "…replacement parts can be easily printed and swapped for damaged one … and the manufacturing of this bike uses one tenth of the materials usually required." ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.1/10 - Popularity: 47% | Activity: 68% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Sports](https://www.trendhunter.com/sports) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **3D Printing:** The EADS Airbike demonstrates the potential for 3D printing to revolutionize the manufacturing of bicycles, offering lighter and stronger materials. - **Eco-friendly Transportation:** The EADS Airbike showcases the opportunity for eco-friendly transportation options in the cycling industry, with its use of efficient 3D printing and reduced material consumption. - **Replacement Parts Innovation:** The EADS Airbike highlights the innovative potential for easily printed and interchangeable replacement parts, reducing downtime and improving maintenance processes in the bicycle industry. ### Where This Applies - **Transportation:** The EADS Airbike disrupts the traditional bicycle manufacturing industry, offering a new approach to creating lightweight and durable bicycles through 3D printing. - **3D Printing:** The EADS Airbike presents an opportunity for the 3D printing industry to expand its reach into the production of functional and strong consumer goods, such as bicycles. - **Sustainable Manufacturing:** The EADS Airbike exemplifies the potential for sustainable manufacturing practices within the cycling industry, showcasing how 3D printing can reduce material waste and environmental impact. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [3d-Printed Mountain Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rodeo-bike.md) - [Ultra-Sustainable E-Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/buddy-x1.md) - [Recycled Plastic Waste Bicycles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/igusbike.md) - [3D-Printed Bicycle Saddles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/matrix-mirror-saddle.md) - [3D-Printed Electric Motorcycles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vagabund-moto-2022-ktm-freeride-exc.md) - [Plant Fibre-Based E-Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hummingbird-flax.md) - [Lightweight Plywood Electric Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/electraply-ebike.md) - [Airless Bicycle Tires](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/airless-bicycle-tires.md) - [Premium British E-Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/evari-856.md)