By Angela Beggs

In a move that will make biking enthusiasts  jump out of their Lycra in sheer delight, we’ve helped create one of the first completely customised 3D printed bikes.

Designed and 3D printed out of titanium at our Melbourne additive manufacturing facility Lab 22,  the bike’s lugs – small metallic components that join the tubular frame of the bike – were shipped out west late last year to Perth bicycle manufacturer Flying Machine.

The experts at Flying Machine have been working tirelessly since then to perfect this little red rocket, known as 3DP-F1.

In an article published on Friday, Flying Machine’s Matthew Andrew says the bike parts took only 10 days to produce and ship, compared to 10 weeks for more conventional parts.

He says the bike, which was customised to his requirements, rides like a dream.

“It fits like a glove and rides even better than I had hoped. It’s light, stiff, fast and extremely comfortable,” said Matthew.

What’s also really exciting is that the lugs are produced in Melbourne and the frame building is done in the team’s Perth studio, making these Flying Machines truly Australian made.

“We’ve wanted to use this technology for some time now, but until recently we didn’t know who to turn to make it happen,” he added.

Now, anyone can own a 3DP-F1 bicycle, made to fit their exact measurements and riding style.

Lab 22 has manufactured a diverse range of prototype products including biomedical implants, automotive, aerospace and defence parts for Australian industry.

Find out more about titanium technologies at CSIRO.