KUbikes is a wholly owned Khalifa University entity that designs and manufactures customized bicycle framesets in the UAE. Our frames are lightweight, carbon fiber composite products, designed and fabricated using a systematic engineering approach. All frames are manufactured in accordance with the UCI regulations and are meticulously tested in-house for performance. Our focus is on road bike frameset and we intend to evolve as a major frameset manufacturer in the UAE.
It began with a vision to design and build bicycles in the UAE. The sport was gaining popularity in the region and the UAE had become an official world tour race destination in the entire Middle East.
It began with a vision to design and build bicycles in the UAE.
Al Wathba 1, whose name is derived from the famous Al Wathba bicycle track in Abu Dhabi, was produced by KU based on the technical advice received from a major international bicycle manufacturer. All bicycle tubing were carbon composites that were manufactured in-house and assembled using titanium lugs. A neutral frame size was chosen and the prototype was made available for trail testing and showcasing.
Al Wathba 2 is a refit of an existing carbon frame and was tried as an attempt to improve the aerodynamics of the bike based on aerodynamic simulations carried out by KU researchers. It is more like a proof-of-concept prototype that requires further improvement to adhere to bicycle regulations and standards.
Khalifa University in association with Strata started a joint project to promote upcycling in aircraft composites industry. In this project, aged carbon fiber pre-impregnated materials (also known as pre-pegs) from the waste stream was converted into professional road bike frames. The project was carried out at Khalifa University, utilizing in-house labs and facilities, and completed successfully with the release of KU-Strata bikes.
In this version, all the tubes were optimized for aerodynamics, stiffness/mass, bike measurements were honed in, new materials were tested and chosen and production cycle time was minimized. All frames and other bike building accessories such as inserts, clamps, and dropouts were designed, built, and tested entirely at KU. The mass of the frame can be as low as 700g.
KUBikes version Namoos and Resha are race-ready production versions available for bike enthusiasts to place an order online. All bikes are fully customized per the rider’s fit and are also available in standard sizes.
