Chiru unveils 32in gravel bike and 3D-printed aero road model at Düsseldorf

French titanium specialist Chiru has unveiled two distinct new models at Cycling World Düsseldorf: the Veldt gravel bike and an unnamed 3D-printed aero road bike. The Veldt notably features a 32-inch wheel size, a significant departure from current standards, built into a titanium frame. This launch marks Chiru's entry into both the burgeoning oversized gravel wheel market and the cutting-edge realm of 3D-printed carbon for road performance.

This announcement is particularly noteworthy as it places Chiru, a boutique brand known for its titanium craftsmanship, at the forefront of two potentially transformative, albeit niche, industry trends. The 32-inch wheel size on the Veldt challenges the established 650b/700c gravel paradigm, potentially offering new ride characteristics for specific terrain. Meanwhile, the 3D-printed road model signals an embrace of advanced manufacturing techniques for aero gains, a technology typically associated with larger, more established brands or hyper-specialized outfits.

Chiru’s audacious move to simultaneously innovate in both gravel geometry and advanced manufacturing suggests a brand unwilling to merely follow trends. Whether these concepts gain traction or remain curiosities, their commitment to pushing boundaries is clear, if perhaps a touch ambitious for a single exhibition.