Colorprofi’s journey began 30 years ago in a small garage, surface finishing motorsports equipment. The company matured into a technological partner for automotive clients such as VW, Audi and Land Rover. With comprehensive background in precision manufacturing, production processes and craftsmanship, the company is now entering the cycling industry with a clear message: “Europe now has a chance to bring back bicycle production, with new materials, improved efficiency, and true sustainability.”
Injection moulding
At the core of Colorprofi’s strategy is injection-moulding of polyamide-carbon (PA-CF) composites: a manufacturing technology that enables frames and components to be light yet strong, fully recyclable. Through a strategic collaboration with the company’s injection machines supplier, it entered a first project for a German bike manufacturer and now produces already frames for Norway’s Buddy Bike in second-generation. The roadmap includes frames, forks, bar-stem combinations, brake levers and racks.
“Most frames are still made in Asia and shipped across the world. We want to offer a European alternative that’s sustainable and higher in quality,” explains Jiří Vašíček, the company’s founder. Injection-moulding combines repeatability, precision and design freedom, enabling shapes once impossible in aluminium or traditional carbon.
Sustainability in production
Colorprofi’s sustainability credentials are deeply rooted in its European base. Manufacturing takes place in the Czech Republic, close to local suppliers and under just-in-time logistics arrangements. Production only occurs when the customer’s demand is clear, no ocean containers, no over-stock, minimal waste. Internally the business is investing in solar-PV and large-capacity battery storage. It uses locally sourced feedstock with high recycled content and returns production waste into the process. No toxic substances are used in its bike production. Transport distances are minimised by sourcing within Europe. “Producing only what the customer sells, just-in-time is in our view the best form of sustainability.”
In-house painting solutions
One of the company’s unique strengths is its full-spectrum finishing capability under one roof. Colorprofi handles everything: wet paint, powder coating, manual painting, post-processing and logistics, at automotive-level quality and logistics efficiency. Its painters can even work on bespoke finishes, from metallic transitions to fluorescent coatings and reflective effects for rider safety. Vašíček emphasises: “Painting PA-CF composites is completely different from aluminium. We developed our own processes and materials. Which makes us one of the most experienced.”
European passion with a global vision
Having raced bikes himself, Vašíček is combining business and personal passion, setting-up Colorprofi for its next chapter. The company is expanding its team, scaling its injection-moulding and finishing services and seeking further cycling-industry partnerships across Europe. “For us, cycling is more than a business. We want to prove that it can be done in Europe.”
This article is sponsored by Colorprofi.
