Get ready to have your mind blown: the future of cycling is here, and it’s titanium—but not as you know it. J.Laverack, the British brand pushing the boundaries of bike design, has just unveiled two groundbreaking road bikes that are set to redefine what’s possible with 3D-printed titanium. But here’s where it gets controversial: can titanium really compete with carbon in the world of aerodynamics? J.Laverack says yes, and they’re backing it up with some bold claims. Let’s dive in.
First up is the AM64 Carbon, a bike that’s available right now and already turning heads. This isn’t just a minor upgrade—it’s a full-on evolution of J.Laverack’s existing AM64 platform, blending the precision of 3D-printed titanium with the performance of carbon fiber. And this is the part most people miss: the AM64 isn’t just about speed; it’s about customization. The ‘AM’ stands for ‘additive manufacture’ (aka 3D printing), and the ‘64’ refers to Ti 6-4 titanium, a high-performance alloy. What’s new here? A full-carbon seat tube with an integrated seatpost, designed to reduce weight and increase compliance. David Clow, J.Laverack’s co-founder, explains, ‘It’s 3D-printed titanium lugs joined with titanium tubes and a carbon-fiber seat tube that runs seamlessly through the frame, topped with a 3D-printed titanium seat mast.’ This isn’t just about looks—though it does look stunning—it’s about performance. The carbon seat tube is bonded in place using a glue so strong it’s often called the strongest part of the bike. And yes, this tech trickles down from their Aston Martin collaboration.
But here’s the kicker: the AM64 Carbon is fully bespoke. You can choose between a straight head tube and a 3D-printed option (for an extra £500), and every frame is tailored to your geometry. Prices start at £6,995 for the frameset, including an ENVE carbon fork, handlebar, stem, and headset. A complete bike, built with ÆRA carbon wheels and a Shimano 12-speed Ultegra or GRX Di2 groupset, starts at £9,745. And for a limited time, J.Laverack is offering a free bike fit and custom geometry (usually £500) with every order. Is this the ultimate blend of art and science in cycling? You decide.
Now, let’s talk about the Speedform—the bike J.Laverack calls ‘the future of titanium aerodynamics.’ This one’s still in prototype stage, but it’s already making waves. Developed over 20 months and inspired by a 2017 track project, the Speedform breaks free from traditional tube-based designs. Instead, it’s built from three precision 3D-printed titanium sections, welded seamlessly into a sculpted aerodynamic form. The rear triangle, seat tube junction, and front half of the front triangle are all separate sections, optimized for airflow. And here’s the controversial bit: J.Laverack claims the Speedform reduces aerodynamic drag by 20–26% compared to their R J.ACK Disc model, thanks to computational fluid dynamics (CFD) testing with Loughborough University. Professor A. Duncan Walker calls it ‘impressive gains achieved through intelligent design and advanced additive manufacturing.’ But is this enough to dethrone carbon as the king of aero bikes? That’s up for debate.
The Speedform isn’t just about aerodynamics—it’s about customization. Each frame is built to the millimeter using parametric design, tailored to the rider’s needs. It’s optimized for 30mm tires (though it can take 32mm), features a 3D-printed seatpost, and even offers an optional integrated stem. But here’s the catch: it’s not in production yet. The prototype weighs 8.6kg, but J.Laverack plans to strip off more grams before release. Expected availability is mid-next year, with pricing still TBD. David Clow says, ‘We’re so pleased with the outcome that we wanted to get it out there and get feedback.’ But the real question is: would you choose a bespoke titanium aero bike over a mass-produced carbon one?
Both bikes will be on display this week at Rouleur Live in London, giving you a chance to see these innovations up close. Whether you’re a titanium purist or a carbon skeptic, J.Laverack’s new bikes are sure to spark conversation. So, what do you think? Is titanium the future of cycling, or is carbon still king? Let us know in the comments!
