Bike Ahead Composites
German manufacturer of high-end carbon fiber bicycle components and provider of CFRP development and contract manufacturing services.
- CEO / Founder
- Christian Gemperlein
- Team Size
- 11-50
- Stage
- Active
- Total Funding
- Bootstrapped
- Latest Round
- Bootstrapped
Technology & Products
Key Products
BITURBO wheels (MTB, Road, Gravel, Triathlon); THE FRAME hardtail carbon frame; THE SUPERFAST gravel frame; carbon handlebars; seatposts; carbon accessories; contract CFRP development and manufacturing for industrial partners
Technological Advantage
In-house prepreg autoclave manufacturing; full product development cycle (CAD, FEM calculation, prototyping, series production); multiple composite processes (autoclave, RTM, RIM, VARIM, hand lamination); 3-year crash replacement program.
Differentiation
Value Proposition
In-house development and manufacturing of high-end carbon fiber bicycle components in Germany, combining lightweight construction, stiffness and durability using prepreg autoclave, RTM, RIM, VARIM and hand laminating processes.
How They Differentiate
Full vertical integration of CFRP development and production in-house in Germany; proprietary prepreg autoclave manufacturing; world's lightest 6-spoke monocoque carbon wheel; dual leadership model with composites industry veteran Dr. Alexander Chaloupka.
Market & Competition
Target Customers
Ambitious cyclists and mountain bikers (B2C via Bike Ahead brand); industrial and research partners needing CFRP development and manufacturing (B2B contract manufacturing).
Industry Verticals
Cycling/Sports; Industrial CFRP components; Research & Development
Competitors
AX Lightness (Germany); Lightweight (Germany); THM Carbones (Germany)
Growth & Milestones
Growth Metrics
Revenue: <€5M (per Key to Bavaria database); Team: 11-50 employees
Major Milestones
2010: Company founded by Christian Gemperlein after diploma thesis on CFRP MTB wheel; 2011: GmbH formally established with EXIST startup grant; 2011: First BITURBO wheel launched; 2024: Partnership with Carbon Team in Portugal for frame production; 2025/2026: Dual-leadership model established with Dr. Alexander Chaloupka joining as co-Managing Director
Notable Customers
Ghost Factory Racing Team (UCI World Cup team); professional athletes including Anne Terpstra, Nicole Koller, Jeroen van Eck, Kai Saaler, Gustav Gullholm (Dangerholm), Sherry Cardona, Georg Egger & Lukas Baum (Speed Company Racing)