URWAHN introduces Ti64 titanium frame and continues to focus on additive manufacturing in bicycle design

With the SOFTRIDE Ti64, the Magdeburg-based bicycle manufacturer URWAHN is expanding its well-known platform with a frame made from the titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V. The model’s first public appearance quickly generated strong interest, not least because of the choice of material. Titanium has so far only been used selectively in bicycle manufacturing, as processing and quality assurance place high demands on design and production.

URWAHN leaves the geometry of the SOFTRIDE platform unchanged and focuses entirely on the change of material. Titanium Ti64 offers high specific strength and pronounced fatigue resistance—properties that are particularly relevant for permanently loaded frame structures. According to the manufacturer, the existing chassis concept was specifically adapted to the elastic–stiff material behavior in order to balance power transfer and comfort. The frame weight is under 1.45 kilograms, placing it in a range that is otherwise often reserved for carbon frames.

Sebastian Meinecke, Managing Director & Visionary, URWAHN, said: “For us, titanium is neither an end in itself nor a prestige material. It is the logical consequence of our work on structure, ride behaviour and longevity. With Ti64, we demonstrate that genuine progress does not come from constantly reinventing form, but from a deeper understanding of material, use and responsibility. This frame offers a glimpse into how mobility may be constructed in the years ahead.”

A key aspect is the manufacturing strategy. For years, URWAHN has been developing its frames with a strong focus on digital design and additive manufacturing. These experiences were also incorporated into the Ti64, for example in the design of wall thicknesses, transitions, and load paths.

Rick Wernecke, Head of Research & Development, URWAHN Studio, said: “Titanium does not forgive inaccuracies – and that is precisely what makes it so compelling. We had to rethink processes, wall thicknesses, load paths and transitions from the ground up. The Ti64 frame is the result of this work – not as an experiment, but as an industrially reproducible solution with a clear functional purpose.”

The frame is modular in design and supports various drivetrain concepts, including Pinion Smart.Shift and MAHLE SmartBike Systems. Series production is scheduled to start in mid-2026, initially with a limited run of 50 units. With this, URWAHN is testing how an additively influenced titanium frame can establish itself in the market and what role such materials may play in the future of bicycle manufacturing.