Superstrata ships first 3D printed carbon fiber bike
In July, we drew your attention to the Californian bicycle manufacturer Superstrata. At that time, the company had just launched a funding campaign, receiving more than USD 1 million within a day. Since, the company raised more than USD 5.8 million from 4,500 backers. This has enabled Superstrata to go into production and celebrate a key milestone this month: the first delivery of its 3D printed bicycle.
What makes Superstrata’s 3D printed bike special is that it is made with a unibody frame that is 3D printed in a single process, using AREVO’s DED technology. This, in addition to the composite materials used, has led to weight reductions and less production errors. However, the carbon fiber frame is not only lightweight, it is also more durable. In fact, the frame is said to be 61 times stronger than steel and 15 times stronger than titanium, despite its 1.7 kg weight. In addition, Superstrata offers an electric version in which the frame also weighs only 1.7 kg. Both versions are configurable.
Superstrata shows how light the bike really is by the fact that you can lift it with just two fingers.
According to the manufacturer, up to 500,000 configurations are possible. These can be made when ordering in the Superstrata Studio online shop, which has been live since October. One possible option, for example, is the rim material, which can be either metal or carbon fibre. Depending on the type of configuration, the price increases. This starts at 2,799 USD for the normal version and 3,999 USD for the electric version. In addition, there are shipping costs, which can vary from country to country. Delivery is handled by FedEx and is available worldwide.
Superstrata started production at the end of November. During this time they carried out a series of intensive tests. According to the company, their 3D printers (owned by AREVO) are in use 24/7 to meet the high demand. They are also increasing the number of printers and hope to shorten the printing time over time with more iterations to increase the production volume. With the first shipment of the 3D printed bicycle, Superstrata now proclaims to be in full production mode. Is this the start of future mass production?
You can find more information about Superstrata HERE. What do you think about this 3D printed bike? Let us know in a comment below or on our Facebook and Twitter page! Don’t forget to sign up for our free weekly Newsletter, with all the latest news in 3D printing delivered straight to your inbox!
my bike is 2 years late, they reduced the quality of the components and now they won’t ship the bike unless i pay an additional $487. since buying the bike for $1300 they have asked for an additional $700. the latest request is basically a ransom since i can’t my money back and i can’t get my bike unless i pay it.
discussions of a class-action lawsuit against Arevo are in progress. the comments here sum up customer satisfaction:
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/superstrata-bike/x/24125768#/comments
I would like to voice my concerns regarding the bike makers Superstrata, they have been terrible and that is a polite way to put it. One out of two bikes paid for have been received. The one received has a faulty electric engine message. They are not answering my emails, neither regarding the faulty product, nor the bike that they owe me, nor the money they owe me. DO NOT BUY SUPERSTRATA
Unfortunately, this company is fraudulent and engaged in racketeering.
After more then 2 years delay, and being informed that the components were degraded, I was asked to pay some $800 for the shipping and $400 for the import Tax on the $1400 bike. I was given 10 days to do so or my bikes will be forfeited.
I was also informed in spite of having a receipt for the bike that the company have no commitment to provide me with a bike and my money was a pure donation.
The Indigo campaign generated some 7 millions dollar for which the company says it have no commitment for.
This company practices are obviously deceptive and fraudulent