We’ve still got some way to run in 2012 but Charge Bikes are already thinking all the way ahead to 2014 having unveiled a prototype of the Freezer Ti cyclo-cross frame. In fact, they’re looking far beyond that with the process used to manufacture the frame’s rear dropouts.
Charge have collaborated with the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS), who have made the dropouts using an additive layer manufacturing process more often associated with the aerospace industry.
It’s a complex process but, in short, it takes a three dimensional CAD model which is sliced, by computer, into very fine layers. These are then melted onto a layer of titanium powder using a laser. Once the first layer is complete a fresh dose of powder is added and the next layer melted on top. Layer-by-layer, the finished product emerges.
Additive layer manufacturing allows for a far higher degree of complexity; the Freezer Ti’s dropout is hollow, has Charge’s logo printed on the inside, and couldn’t be manufactured using any other method. There’s also zero wastage.
As it stands it’s only the Freezer Ti’s dropouts which are being made using the technology. Charge say they’re the first in the bike industry to use it and it opens the door to full frames being made by additive layer manufacturing as it becomes more affordable – but at the moment it’s far from affordable.
We spotted the Freezer Ti at Cycling Sports Group’s (Charge’s UK distributor) dealer show at Mercedes-Benz World in Surrey. Besides the space age dropouts, neat touches include the toptube-mounted cables (so you don’t snag the cables when shouldering the bike) and wishbone seatstays, above which there’s a large area which is easy to grab (again when running with the bike in a ‘cross race). The frame will eventually have a tapered head tube, unlike the prototype we photographed.
The Freezer Ti should be available in the latter part of 2013 and is being limited to a run of just 50 production frames, with the price is expected to be around the £2,000 mark.
For more information on cyclo-cross bikes take a look at our cyclo-cross buyer’s guide here.
