A customizable 3D-printed carbon fiber bespoke ebike built to my exact measurements.
After spending two months and countless hours on it, I have mixed emotions.
A custom-built bike like no other.
After a long Indigogo crowdfunding campaign, it’s finally a reality.
The bike frame, missing seat post and all, and the fork, are full thermoplastic carbon fiber.
There’s no glue, seams, or anything.
It’s an interesting approach, and the result will undoubtedly turn some heads.
It’s a beautiful but flawed bike, and here’s my full review.
Printing products for aerospace clients like Airbus.
Furthermore, it never planned to make a regular bike either but did because potential customers asked for one.
And in some ways, it shows.
Honestly, this review could be in two parts.
And another for the bike itself.
Making one is pretty crazy, and the machines are expensive.
However, I won’t bore you with that.
Instead, let’s talk about this wild and unique-looking bike.
The process is the same for most brands, and that includes Superstrata.
Some assembly is required, but it’s easy enough that anyone can do it in around 30-45 minutes.
Depending on the model, some people may have a few extra steps, but don’t worry.
It’s easier than assembling IKEA furniture.
Drop in the seat, put the handlebars on, tighten everything up, and you’re good.
It’s a long process you’ll pay extra for, but I love how it looks.
It did have a few scratches on it, which is a bummer.
The instructions are easy to follow, and a beginner would have no problem putting everything together.
So how did my first ride go?
Well, pretty great.
you’re free to also adjust the seat angle a bit.
However, that shouldn’t be a big problem for someone getting it custom-fit to size.
Still, it is light enough to take up or down some apartment stairs easily.
The frame itself is a little over 4 lbs.
And honestly, that’s fine because biking is about exercise, after all.
My model doesn’t have gears, which is a bit of a letdown.
Speaking of the battery, where is it?
Well, it’s hiding inside the lower part of the down tube or frame.
I opted for level 4 the most but to each their own.
Considering there’s no throttle and only one gear, I struggled to go over 18 MPH.
So you’re pedaling with zero resistance.
This is especially true while going downhill, where pedaling is too easy.
However, I reached 28 MPH while going down a hill, and the bike handled it perfectly.
I’m confident I could have gone far faster if I had more gears.
As shown on the controller display above, I hit a top speed of 26.8 MPH on one ride.
I went about 6.7 miles and still had 88% battery remaining.
Remember that your battery life will vary depending on your pedal assist level.
As for charging times, a nearly empty battery will fully charge in 4-5 hours.
There’s a mix of Shimano and Tektro components throughout.
Beautifully Designed
Make no mistake.
It’s a beautiful bike.
Several people kept looking at the bike, and two different people asked what brand it was.
It’s a conversation starter, that’s for sure.
And while it looks neat, I do wish it had a seat tube for further adjustments.
The company ditched the seat tube “because they could” thanks to the printing technology.
And while that’s neat and all, it favors looks over function.
The design is that good.
Speaking of the design, Superstrata says the bike can handle riders up to 275 lbs.
it’s possible for you to actually get it in three different overall design styles.
This bike has no suspension, and you’ll feel every bump in the road.
I hit a little bump and almost went flying, but that’s my fault.
It’s a stiff 100% carbon frame designed to look good and cruise easily.
It certainly rides smoothly, as long as you’re on a smooth road.
You’ll have to turn this on manually, and it’s a bit clunky.
The white headlight is even worse.
It’s a cheap wired or battery-powered light you might find on Amazon, and it’s huge.
I had to mount it above the handlebars, and it simply looked out of place.
Instead, these are all afterthoughts that diminish the experience.
It should be perfect.
It’s not ideal, and again, it makes the electric aspects feel like an afterthought.
I was expecting carbon wheels (rims), and the company has some neat rims on the website.
Instead, these are no-name unbranded aluminum wheels.
Or at least seems like way.
Instead, it has high-end Presta valves that many premium bikes offer.
However, it looks like someone cut a hole in the bike rim to shove the valve through.
It’s unfinished, sharp, and could cut someone.
I was worried it could somehow puncture the tube stem and leave me with a flat tire.
I’ll probably remove it and sand down the sharp metal, but I shouldn’t have to.
Even Schrader valves on a regular wheel would have been more acceptable than this.
Both the front and the back looked this way.
I ride tubeless these days but have never seen anything like what’s pictured above.
Remember that Superstrata is a new manufacturer, and this is its first bike ever released.
Still, look at that valve.
Just look at it.
I was so frustrated I couldn’t hold still for a clear picture.
Should You Buy One?
So, should you buy one?
Well, honestly, that’s a tricky question to answer.
I guess it depends on what throw in of bike and experience you’re looking for.
Is it a suitable ebike for personal transportation around town or for someone trying to save on gas?
If that’s what you’re after, get acity cruiserfrom another brand.
It’s a bike built for cyclists, but also not for cyclists.
At least that’s what the CEO told me, and I’m not sure what that means.
It’s as boutique as it gets.
I really want to love this bike, and in some ways, I do.
However, I can’t help but feel like Superstrata overpromised and under-delivered a little bit.
But again, this is the first Superstrata bike ever released.
I can’t wait to see what the company does next.
