Meet the Ribble Allroad Ti - Crafted for More

Additive manufacturing or 3D printing creates a three-dimensional object from a CAD (computer-aided design) or digital 3D model. In contrast to traditional subtractive construction methods, which carve an object from a block of material, the intended design is built up layer by infintesimal layer. The required design is programmed into a 3D printer, and a thin layer of titanium is then layered across the printer's base. A laser beam then scans the first layer, burning in the required pattern whilst leaving the uncontacted areas as powder. This process is repeated with the layers fusing together until the requisite design is achieved.

3D printing allows more material to be added precisely where needed rather than removing excess. This method offers some significant advantages when compared to traditional construction methods:

• It allows us to create more advanced tube shapes that are aerodynamically superior to the standard round tubes typcially found on almost every titanium bike sold today.
• We have almost unlimited control of tube wall thickness. 3D printing allows the tube wall thickness to be fine-tuned, making it thinner where it doesn't compromise overall strength. However, by adding extra material where its needed most, its possible to reinforce the critical headtube and bottom bracket junctions so the frame delivers optimal strength, stiffness, and power transfer without affecting that legendary titanium compliance.
• Fine-tuning wall thickness also produces a frameset with a higher strength-to-weight ratio than comparable materials. In short, adding material only where it's required can strengthen the frame without sacrificing strength or performance. As a result, the Allroad Ti is lighter, faster and agile, offering a ride quality that's akin to that of carbon yet is significantly more robust and compliant.

One of the greatest challenges facing every titanium frame manufacturer is the fact that traditional construction methods limit what you can do with the internal tube dimensions. However, as a key component of our Allroad range, we wanted the Allroad Ti to retain as many of the technologies and features incorporated into the Allroad carbon bikes as possible. Additive manufacturing provided the perfect solution.

With additive manufacturing, its possible to create almost any frame shape your imagination can conjure. Once the design was finalised, a 3D printer was used to fabricate the seat and head tube clusters central to our most revolutionary titanium frameset ever. These 3D-printed head and seat tube clusters guarantee unprecedented aero optimisation for a titanium model. It also allows the Allroad Ti to eschew the traditonally round tube profiles in favor of the aerodynamic tube shapes featured on our carbon Allroad models. Albeit without the radical signature ultra downtube. In so doing, the Allroad Ti delivers a carbon-like performance while retaining the timeless ride quality so coveted by dedicated cyclists worldwide.

The 3D-printed head tube cluster ensures a flawless, seamless finish with invisible welds maintaining the frame's smooth lines, leaving its beauty undiminished. By choosing this design, we've created a first of its kind for the Ribble brand: our first-ever fully integrated titanium bike. Invisible cable routing and shared headset hardware guarantee the Allroad Ti's compatibility with the entire range of one-piece and two-piece handlebar systems currently available throughout our Allroad range. It also shares the same invisible cable routing for a clean, cable-free cockpit, with every brake hose, gear, and Di2 cable entirely hidden, further accentuating the sleek and streamlined design. The iconic Ribble headtube logo is incorporated into the 3D printing process and is then etched to complete the premium finish.

Crafting the seat tube cluster using 3D printing allows us to dispense with the external seat clamp common to most titanium bikes. Situating the seat clamp on the underside of the seat tube/top tube junction, is more aerodynamic and aesthetically pleasing. It also ensures the Allroad Ti is compatible with the d-shaped carbon seat post featured on our carbon models.