3d-Printed Mountain Bikes : rodeo bike

Revel Bikes, a Colorado-based company that specializes in carbon fiber mountain bikes, has announced the Rodeo. This is a prototype downhill bike that is claimed to be the world’s first fully 3D printed carbon fiber mountain bike.

Rodeo was developed in partnership with Arevo Inc., a 3D printing company that uses robotic arms to print continuous carbon fiber thermoplastic materials. This process allows for more complex shapes, lighter weight and higher strength than traditional carbon fiber layup methods.

Rodeo is not intended for mass production, but as an experiment to push the boundaries of mountain bike 3D printing technology and innovation. Revel says one of the benefits of 3D printing for him is the ability to quickly prototype and customize bicycle frames. Another advantage is that the frames are recyclable as they can be melted down and reused in other products.

The Rodeo features a 200mm travel suspension system, slack geometry and a unique design resembling fan blades in the front triangle. The bike weighs about 15 kg (33 lbs) and has been tested by his Revel rider on a variety of downhill trails. Revel says the Rodeo rides well and performs better than expected for a first prototype.

Image Credit: Revel Bikes


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