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Tube bending isn’t a new concept to the frame building world, but for many builders, they’re limited to the bend profiles that their equipment can make. The creative builders will find a way to make it work with what they have – builders like Chase Roy Young of CRY Bicycles.

Part of the University of Arkansas School of Art program, this bike was made by Chase, who is both an instructor and Shop and Labs Studio technician. 

In order to make such unique bends, Chase used 3D-printed bending and coping fixtures made from simple PLA to be used in dies and tubing benders. PLA is a type of plastic filament often used for hobby printing becuase it’s relatively cheap, easy to print, and can be made with renewable resources.

What’s surprising is that PLA can withstand the force of the tubing benders, but we’re told it works great – just increase the infill. 

The 3D Printed fixtures allowed Chase to make precise miters and bends to make a near-perfect symmetrical tube tube bend profile that goeas all the way around the bike from the dropouts to the head tube.

Those familiar with the ‘looptail’ design should get a kick out of this one. Loopframe? The Loop? Whatever you call it, it’s a stunning build with impressive technique.

Ron taking ‘CRY’ a little too seriously…