There has been a lot going on in 3D printing for bicycles over the years. The most successful implementation so far is in bicycle seats. Carbon 3D printed seats are now being used by most of the major players and are a hit, giving riders comfort at a hefty premium. Besides this, companies have tried many things, such as wheel hubs, derailleur components, entire frames, and lugs, to help customize frames. Helmets, shoes, and other gear have also been tried.
Especially small brands have been pushing innovation through 3D printing. Typically, light weighting is driving the adoption of 3D printing in cycling. But also, less heat buildup, sweat-wicking properties, unique topologies to increase comfort, aerodynamics, and custom fit are driving the adoption of 3D printing in cycling. It helps that Tour de France bikes now cost upwards of $25,000, while “regular” high-end models are pushing $ 6,000. Given the high cost per kilo that bikes can now command, 3D printing economics are totally doable. But recently, bike valuations have ebbed, more entry-level models are emerging, steel is back in fashion, and lofty expectations are returning to earth. Will 3D printing in bikes remain as hot as it once was? Will bikes become more affordable? We think that saddles and helmets are here to stay, but will 3D-printed bike wax or wane?
Tadej Points the Way
We pointed out Tadej Pogačar using 3D printed parts on his Tour bikes in 2023. In addition to high-end custom parts, there are also some small custom material extrusion parts. These small parts are holders, buttons, housings, clips, and more. They help Pogačar customize his bike’s cockpit, wiring, feel, and interfaces. Lightweight custom components are cheap and can be made on desktop 3D printers. By involving Pogačar and his mechanics in the design process, custom parts can be made to his exacting specifications. Now you could do this yourself and easily set up a service for it, but for many people, it is not yet accessible.
Triathlon Success
But, in the triathlon world, we can see several companies emerging that make custom parts for triathlon bikes. Triathletes are obsessed with weight and custom parts. 4 Frames has various products, including Garmin seat post mounts. You enter your bike’s brand and model, and it will direct you to the custom part for you. A Garmin mount is $36, and the firm has an AirTag mount for an extra $4, a GoPro mount for $6, and a number mount for $14. They also have a $120 hydration bladder that fits in a case beneath the steering wheel. They have a kind of portable snack cubby and more. 4 Frames uses Material Extrusion, and the products are affordable. They also seem to be made with the user in mind, with deep knowledge of what triathletes want and need.
A custom 3D printed bike computer mount designed for aerodynamic integration. Image courtesy of Garmin.
Hinloopen makes Rocket Mounts for bike computers. They say that Pro teams use their mounts. For bike
There has been a lot going on in 3D printing for bicycles over the years. The most successful implementation so far is in bicycle seats. Carbon 3D printed seats are now being used by most of the major players and are a hit, giving riders comfort at a hefty premium. Besides this, companies have tried many things, such as wheel hubs, derailleur components, entire frames, and lugs, to help customize frames. Helmets, shoes, and other gear have also been tried.
Especially small brands have been pushing innovation through 3D printing. Typically, light weighting is driving the adoption of 3D printing in cycling. But also, less heat buildup, sweat-wicking properties, unique topologies to increase comfort, aerodynamics, and custom fit are driving the adoption of 3D printing in cycling. It helps that Tour de France bikes now cost upwards of $25,000, while “regular” high-end models are pushing $ 6,000. Given the high cost per kilo that bikes can now command, 3D printing economics are totally doable. But recently, bike valuations have ebbed, more entry-level models are emerging, steel is back in fashion, and lofty expectations are returning to earth. Will 3D printing in bikes remain as hot as it once was? Will bikes become more affordable? We think that saddles and helmets are here to stay, but will 3D-printed bike wax or wane?
Tadej Points the Way
We pointed out Tadej Pogačar using 3D printed parts on his Tour bikes in 2023. In addition to high-end custom parts, there are also some small custom material extrusion parts. These small parts are holders, buttons, housings, clips, and more. They help Pogačar customize his bike’s cockpit, wiring, feel, and interfaces. Lightweight custom components are cheap and can be made on desktop 3D printers. By involving Pogačar and his mechanics in the design process, custom parts can be made to his exacting specifications. Now you could do this yourself and easily set up a service for it, but for many people, it is not yet accessible.
Triathlon Success
But, in the triathlon world, we can see several companies emerging that make custom parts for triathlon bikes. Triathletes are obsessed with weight and custom parts. 4 Frames has various products, including Garmin seat post mounts. You enter your bike’s brand and model, and it will direct you to the custom part for you. A Garmin mount is $36, and the firm has an AirTag mount for an extra $4, a GoPro mount for $6, and a number mount for $14. They also have a $120 hydration bladder that fits in a case beneath the steering wheel. They have a kind of portable snack cubby and more. 4 Frames uses Material Extrusion, and the products are affordable. They also seem to be made with the user in mind, with deep knowledge of what triathletes want and need.
A custom 3D printed bike computer mount designed for aerodynamic integration. Image courtesy of Garmin.
Hinloopen makes Rocket Mounts for bike computers. They say that Pro teams use their mounts. For bike