Superstrata, a Silicon Valley-based bicycle brand, has unveiled its flagship product. Its new Superstrata bike is billed as ‘the world’s first made-to-measure 3D-printed bicycle with an impact-resistant unibody carbon fibre frame.’
A release from the company notes…
‘The Superstrata touts a true unibody construction, 3D-printed in a single pass of continuous carbon fiber thermoplastic composite. Unlike other carbon fiber bikes whose frames are glued and bolted together using dozens of individual parts and fabricated from previous-generation thermoset composite materials, the Superstrata frame is constructed without joints or glue for seamless strength.’
Superstrata adds that its Terra bike is produced using next-generation thermoplastic materials, making it extremely impact resistant, yet remarkably lightweight. The bike utilises carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP), which is very strong and light – up to 15x the strength-to-weight ratio of titanium.
Superstrata uses an advanced 3D-printing process which also allows for an ‘unprecedented level of customization’. The frame can be tailored to riders’ heights, weights, arm and leg lengths, riding positions and even preferred stiffness levels.
With over 500,000 possible combinations, Superstrata is claimed to be the ‘most versatile carbon fibre bike ever made’.
“This bike was designed to leverage all the benefits of this new manufacturing technology to get the best of both worlds: strength and lightness,” said Bill Stephens, an award- winning bicycle designer and the creative force behind Superstrata.
Two versions will be available: Terra, a bicycle; and Ion, an e-bicycle, which can be fully charged in two hours, providing for up to a 55-mile range.
Both Terra and Ion will feature integrated data and power wiring throughout the frame, enabling a variety of electronic upgrades. Additional options include: different riding styles (racing, street, gravel, or touring), wheel material (metal or carbon fibre), and colourways (light or dark).
“My Olympic race bikes were light, but would crack when pushed too hard or crashed,” said Sky Christopherson, two-time former Olympian cyclist and world record holder for the velodrome sprint. “Having a bike that’s light like other carbon fibre bikes but really tough is a dream come true.”
The Superstrata Terra Bicycle will retail for US$2,799 and the Ion E-Bicycle for US$3,999. Both are available for pre-order now. Shipping begins in December 2020.
