3d printed Ti frames

[Ludo]

I was wondering if anyone has done some deep research on these to find the best supplier?

I found Titan super bond / laget frame, seems like OEM, asked for a quote, waiting to hear back.
https://www.tsbcycles.com/productinfo/1056845.html

I also read that Hi-light is oem to many boutique bike brands, but doesnt sell direct. They seem to have an offering with 3d printed headtube and Waltly is apparently in the game too

[ghiabici]

Hang Lan (Hi Light) both sells directly (within China) and in certain countries where they have dealers.

Their taobao store is the best place to start. https://m.tb.cn/h.TTG01KPmGpRdIy6

I visited their factory flagship store in Beijing while I was visiting China, and then got a frame shipped to my address in China  (took about 2 days to deliver to Shanghai region from their factory in Hebei). You can use Cainiao consolidated shipping(through taobao) if you're in certain countries to ship by air/sea to your destination if they won't ship direct.

https://www.howtotao.com/taobao-global-consolidation-and-shipping/


As an aside, as much as Ti 3D printing seems really tempting, I personally wouldn't bother and stick with normal welded Ti. This is because 3D printed Ti is more like a cast material and has greater susceptibility to cracking. For small, intricate shapes there may be an edge case it makes sense. For a bicycle frame, I can't see an advantage other than aesthetics.

Edit: not sure that the link I sent works if you aren't using the app or accessing with your TB set outside of mainland china. T
his is another seller which I've spoken to and they seem a bit more helpful than factory direct. This is the R0 frame which has 3D printed parts.

https://m.intl.taobao.com/detail/detail.html?id=771619742315

[Ludo]

Thanks.
The main attraction for me is indeed visual, I like the smoother transitions rather than fun to tube welds. Person tastes… for taobao I will have to enlist the help of my Chinese colleague I think!

[Unsworn5836]

Waltly also offers 3d printed.

Attached is my Frame

[Ludo]

That looks awesome. What is the budget?
Can you choose the geometry or is it pretty set?

[Unsworn5836]

That looks awesome. What is the budget?
Can you choose the geometry or is it pretty set?

Geometry is set.
I paid 1800 eur incl. fork, axels and duty free delivery to Germany

[Ludo]

Ok, thanks for sharing!

[Unsworn5836]

Anyway, it's quite interesting that it's possible to get hi-light frames now at direct to customer. Even a friend working as product manager struggeled to get one and later dropped the conversation with them

[Ludo]

What do you mean, you think Wally get it from them if they supply to Waltly the 3D parts for them to weld the tubes on it!

Well, my newly built gravel bike is going up for sale, if someone gives me descent money, I’ll flip it to get this frame…

[ghiabici]

Anyway, it's quite interesting that it's possible to get hi-light frames now at direct to customer. Even a friend working as product manager struggeled to get one and later dropped the conversation with them

To be honest when I was in the boutique in Beijing it was difficult to converse. The sales agents don't speak any English and even with a native speaker it is tricky because bike components have completely different translations in Chinese so unless your translator is a cycling person you struggle to get very far...

But weirdly you have to order from Taobao despite being in the physical shop. Then they ship it to you from the factory which is in Hebei.

There's dealers outside China but most seem to have a decent mark up vs Chinese prices.

But the quality of the frames are great. This is my new build with the R7.2.

[WWcyclist]

Geometry is set.
I paid 1800 eur incl. fork, axels and duty free delivery to Germany

Nice I'm here as well and have the same frame!

[rockerplates.de]

That looks awesome. What is the budget?
Can you choose the geometry or is it pretty set?

Is this a custom geometry?

What is the weight of the frame?

Looks very very stylish

[Ludo]

No custom geo on these, you pick between a few sizes. I’va been exchanging a bit with Waltly to finalize a quote..
I agree with the style factor, I think titanium looks awesome, the 3D printed parts make it look more modern. Obviously all that is very personal.

[Unsworn5836]

Mine, size 52 equals large, is 1850g incl axle and seat clamp