Sooner or later every cyclist needs a part that isn\u2019t in the shops. A handlebar end plug breaks, a standard bottle cage doesn\u2019t fit, and the light mount was discontinued long ago. 3D printing solves these problems: you can make any part exactly for your bike, with your specific dimensions and wishes in mind.<\/p>\n
In this article we look at the most popular bike accessories printed on a 3D printer and explain which materials work best for riding in different conditions.<\/p>\n
Probably the part cyclists ask for most. Factory mounts are often unreasonably expensive, and universal ones don\u2019t hold a phone securely on rough roads. A 3D-printed mount is designed for a specific smartphone model and your handlebar diameter. The result is a snug fit with no play or unnecessary vibration.<\/p>\n
For Garmin, Wahoo and other GPS units, you can print adapters that work with the brand\u2019s quarter-turn mount but fit non-standard stems or handlebar bags.<\/p>\n
The rear derailleur is one of the most vulnerable parts of a bike. It\u2019s easily damaged in a fall or in transport. A 3D-printed guard (or hanger protector) takes the hit and costs much less than repairing the derailleur. These parts are usually printed in tough materials that can withstand impacts and won\u2019t break at the first contact with an obstacle.<\/p>\n
Standard bottle cages are designed for 73 mm bottles. But what if you use a wider insulated bottle or want to fit a bottle on the down tube where space is tight? 3D printing lets you make a cage exactly for your needs \u2014 taking into account the bottle diameter, the mounting point and the angle.<\/p>\n
Bike lights often come with their own mounts, but they\u2019re not always compatible with your handlebar or seatpost. 3D-printed brackets solve this: you can make an adapter for any tube diameter and any light model. This is especially relevant for those who use powerful hiking torches instead of dedicated bike lights.<\/p>\n
A chain guard keeps clothes out of the drivetrain and keeps your trousers cleaner. For many city and touring bikes, factory chain guards are either unavailable or the wrong size. A 3D-printed chain guard is made to the measurements of your frame and chainrings, so it fits perfectly without extra adjustment.<\/p>\n
It seems a small thing. But open handlebar ends are dangerous: in a fall the tube can cause a serious injury. Plugs also keep moisture and dirt out of the handlebar. 3D printing lets you not just close the ends but add a personal design \u2014 a team logo, initials or any other image.<\/p>\n
A multitool, patches, tyre levers, a spare inner tube \u2014 all of these need to be to hand but not rattling around in a backpack. A 3D-printed organiser mounts under the saddle, on the frame or inside a saddle bag. Every tool has its place; nothing rattles or gets lost. The organiser can be shaped around your particular tool set.<\/p>\n
Filming rides is growing in popularity, and standard GoPro mounts don\u2019t always give the viewing angle you want. 3D-printed brackets let you fit a camera on a helmet, the handlebar, the seatpost or even the fork \u2014 at any angle. The adapters are compatible with the standard GoPro mount, so the camera is easy to remove and refit.<\/p>\n
The choice of material is key to how long a printed part lasts. Bike accessories work in harsh conditions: sun, rain, vibration and temperature changes. So not every plastic will do.<\/p>\n
For most bike parts we recommend PETG<\/strong>. This material combines several important properties:<\/p>\n PETG is the best choice for mounts, brackets, protective parts and holders. Read more about material properties on the 3D printing materials<\/a> page.<\/p>\n For parts where elasticity and cushioning matter, TPU<\/strong> \u2014 a flexible plastic \u2014 is used. It\u2019s ideal for:<\/p>\n Often the best result comes from combining materials: the main structure in PETG and the contact parts in TPU. You\u2019ll find a comparison of different plastics in the article PLA vs PETG vs TPU<\/a>.<\/p>\n Ordering is simple. If you have a ready-made 3D model (for example, downloaded from Thingiverse or Printables), send it to us and we\u2019ll print the part in the material and colour you need. No model? We\u2019ll tell you where to find a ready-made one (on Printables, Thingiverse or MakerWorld) or who can make it.<\/p>\n A few tips before ordering:<\/p>\n Off-the-shelf accessories are designed for an average bike. But every bike is unique, especially if it\u2019s built from different components or has non-standard frame geometry. 3D printing gets you a part that fits your bike perfectly, without compromises or adapters.<\/p>\n And if a part breaks or wears out, it can be reprinted in a few hours from the saved 3D model. No need to wait for delivery from abroad or hunt for alternatives in the shops.<\/p>\n\n
TPU \u2014 for parts that absorb vibration<\/h3>\n
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How to order 3D-printed bike parts<\/h2>\n
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Advantages of custom 3D printing over off-the-shelf accessories<\/h2>\n