Revel Rodeo is the world's first fully 3D-printed downhill bike
Concept thermoplastic carbon bike proves what is possible
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Today, US-based bike brand, Revel, has revealed what it claims is the first-ever bike frame that's been completely built using 3D-printing techniques. This concept bike proves just what can happen in the modern additive manufacturing and bicycle industry.
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Revel is no stranger to fettling with and pushing the possibilities of carbon fibre, having embraced aerospace engineering practices to create the world's first fully recycling and environmentally responsible method of producing a carbon wheelset using thermoplastics. However, thermoplastics are nothing new in the bicycle industry, having been present throughout the 90s on the GT STS and more recently, Starling Cycles creating its own thermoplastic frame.
2023 revel rodeo 3q.jpg, by Liam Mercer
But Revel has taken the material one step further, teaming up with Arevo Inc, a company that has already brought a functional 3D-printed bike to market. Though Revel saw this collaboration as an opportunity to push the boundaries.
2023 revel rodeo 3d printed.jpg, by Liam Mercer
As of yet, 3D printing a downhill frame is an ambitious endeavour as these bikes take the most abuse. Though the reason why a downhill bike has been created is that the brand can take what they've learned and trickle it down to enduro and trail bikes, having created something that could withstand the rigours of the harshest riding possible.
While this technology is too fresh to bring to production, it represents more of an efficient and cheaper method of prototyping potential bikes - as well as improving development processes for brands, safer conditions in production facilities, significant environmental benefits, and greater customisation for customers.
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