Technology Demonstrator

“3D Printed Frames, Bike Fitting, & Why?”

In the fast-evolving world of cycling, performance is everything. Every watt of power counts, every gram shaved off can make a difference, and every second saved on the road matters. Enter the cutting-edge world of 3D-printed bicycle frames—a technology demonstrator from MYTHOS that could forever change how bikes are designed, fitted, and experienced by riders. The future is here, and it’s all about customisation, precision, and optimising the performance of every rider.

Custom-Fit and Precision Engineering: The Power of Personalisation

One of the key advantages of this revolutionary 3D-printed road bicycle frame is its unparalleled ability to be customised to fit any rider’s exact measurements and specifications. By leveraging the expertise of certified bike fitters from the International Bike Fitting Institute (IBFI), riders can now enjoy a frame tailored specifically to their body geometry and riding style.

A professional bike fit takes into account everything from a rider's leg length, torso length, flexibility, and riding posture, to the type of terrain they plan to conquer. This bespoke fitting allows the frame to be engineered with optimal angles, dimensions, and adjustments that promote the best performance for the rider. For some riders, the best performance will mean the best aerodynamic riding position, and for others it might mean maximum comfort, or a carefully balanced blend of both, based on the rider’s needs.

When paired with the MYTHOS Axion customisable 3D printed titanium handlebar, riders and bike fitters have true control over every aspect of their fit with millimetre precision, without the need to compromise.

The Aerodynamic Advantage: Shaving Seconds off Every Ride

In competitive cycling, the importance of aerodynamics cannot be overstated, with aerodynamic drag contributing over 90% of the total drag on a bike and rider system [1]. The rider’s body is the largest source of drag in the bike-and-rider system. In fact, studies show that the rider’s body can account for up to 80% of the total aerodynamic drag on a bike and rider system [2]. This makes body position optimisation one of the most critical factors in improving speed and efficiency. Changing body position from upright to a dropped racing position can reduce drag by up to 20% [1], and using equipment that allows for an improved optimised aerodynamic position over a traditional dropped racing position can reduce drag by as much as 8% [3].

Balancing Aerodynamics and Weight: The Perfect Compromise

While aerodynamics is a key consideration, another essential factor in bicycle design is weight. Lighter frames are advantageous, especially in climbing or sprinting scenarios. However, focusing solely on reducing weight can compromise the structural integrity and aerodynamic efficiency of the frame. With over 30 years of engineering experience in the cycling industry, the team at MYTHOS have created a design that strikes a balance between lightweight performance and aerodynamic efficiency, using aerodynamic cross sections in strategically chosen locations throughout the frame.

The result? A complete bike frame weighing in at just 6.9 kg, making it only 100 grams over the UCI minimum weight limit for road bicycles. This careful attention to weight reduction ensures that riders can enjoy the benefits of aerodynamics while still maintaining the lightness required for fast accelerations and steep climbs.

Future of Cycling: A New Era of Customisation

The beauty of 3D printing lies in its ability to revolutionise traditional manufacturing methods. By using additive manufacturing, bike frames can be produced with extraordinary precision, allowing for complex geometries and structures that would be impossible with conventional methods. Riders now have the opportunity to invest in a frame that is not only high-performance but also perfectly suited to their unique needs.

This custom-fitted 3D-printed bike frame technology is poised to redefine the future of cycling, whether for the competitive athlete chasing the podium or the weekend enthusiast searching for an optimised riding experience. It blends aerodynamic efficiency, lightweight design, and personalised comfort, all while leveraging cutting-edge technology to bring cyclists the ultimate performance upgrade.

Conclusion: Performance, Precision, and Personalisation

The 3D-printed technology demonstrator frame represents a significant leap forward in cycling technology. With its ability to provide a custom fit based on a professional IBFA bike fit, this frame offers riders a chance to achieve the best possible performance, whether through aerodynamic optimisation or comfort-focused design. Built with over three decades of experience and optimised for both weight and aerodynamics, this frame is a game-changer that blends technology, innovation, and performance in a way never seen before.

At MYTHOS we believe that the future of cycling is not just about riding your bike, it’s about riding YOUR bike.

For any enquiries please contact us here.

References:

[1]: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/225161766_The_understanding_and_development_of_cycling_aerodynamics
[2]: https://aerosensor.tech/pages/the-science-of-speed-aerodynamic-drag-in-cycling
[3]: https://www.mythos.bike/news/tx-11-wind-tunnel-testing