Monocoque, i.e. a one-piece, usually larger component, is nothing new in bicycle frame construction. It is a well-known manufacturing process for carbon frames. Now the Slovakian manufacturer Kinazo has succeeded in constructing a frame as a monocoque made of aluminum using the 3D printing process. Initially, the frame consisted of 11 individual printed parts. The current frame of the Enduro "E1" is manufactured from a single piece using what is probably the largest series-produced 3D printing metal melting machine today, the "Concept Laser X Line 2000R". In this process, powdered metals and alloys are micro-welded into fully functional metal components.

According to the manufacturer, the 3D printed Kinazo E1 offers a wide range of customization options, such as adjusting the geometry or even the microstructure of the material. In addition to the extravagant frame, the components provide fewer surprises: A tried-and-tested Brose motor is on board, Fox takes care of the 160 millimetres of front and rear suspension travel and Sram takes care of the shifting.Kinazo will be able to deliver an initial small series for the 2020 season, with the E-Enduro costing around 20,000 euros. The first available models are only available in size medium, but other frame sizes should also be possible. Guru's fitting system will be used to adjust the geometry.

kinazo.com