Major Strategic Cooperation Officially Launched | Jiankun Sports Joins Hands with Professor Wu’s Team from Beihang University to Reshape the Landscape of Two-Wheeler Drive Components with Mg-Li Alloys

Lightweight design has become an irreversible trend in the global two-wheeler industry. Driven by new national standards and upgrading consumer demand for cycling products, core transmission parts such as chainrings, cranks and freewheels are ushering in a new round of material upgrading. Shenzhen Jiankun Sports has firmly embraced the ultra-light new material track. We have entered into an official strategic cooperation for customized magnesium-lithium (Mg-Li) alloy cranks with the Yuanhang Research Institute led by Professor Wu Guoqing from Beihang University. This partnership has pioneered a complete industrial chain integrating cutting-edge material R&D and mass production of precision parts, enabling us to seize the prime opportunity of new lightweight materials for two-wheeled mobility.
I. Lightweight Trend Sweeps the Two-Wheeler Industry: Mg-Li Alloy Emerges as the Next-Generation Core Material
Following the implementation of new national standards, weight limits and plastic restriction policies have taken effect for electric two-wheelers, stipulating that plastic parts shall account for no more than 5.5% of the total vehicle weight. Restricted by their inherent weight, traditional steel and aluminum materials can no longer satisfy the three key requirements of lightweight design, extended range and superior handling. A widely recognized industry conclusion shows that a 10% weight reduction can boost the range of electric assist bicycles by 6% to 8%. Additionally, cutting 1 kilogram of unsprung mass delivers an equivalent 10-kilogram weight reduction for the whole vehicle, which greatly improves climbing performance and cornering stability.
As the fourth-generation lightweight metallic structural material succeeding copper (8.9g/cm³), iron (7.8g/cm³) and aluminum alloy (2.7g/cm³), Mg-Li alloy features an ultra-low density of 1.35~1.55g/cm³. It has become a revolutionary alternative for two-wheeler transmission components, outperforming traditional aluminum, steel and conventional magnesium alloys in overall performance:
Extreme weight reduction for easier riding: Cranks and chainrings of the same specification are 40% lighter than aluminum alloy counterparts, 75% lighter than steel parts and 20% lighter than standard magnesium alloy components. They effectively reduce pedaling resistance and cut physical exertion during mountain biking and long-distance rides.
Excellent vibration and noise reduction for smoother transmission: Its damping coefficient is over ten times higher than that of ordinary aluminum alloy. It effectively absorbs vibration generated during riding, eliminates resonance and abnormal noise from cranks and freewheels, and enhances transmission smoothness and overall service life.
High thermal conductivity and superior electromagnetic shielding for electric bicycles: The outstanding heat dissipation capability quickly dissipates heat generated by E-bike drive systems, slowing the aging of bearings and gears. Its electromagnetic shielding property also protects electronic control components of electric assist bicycles and prevents electromagnetic interference failures.
Eco-friendly and recyclable to align with low-carbon development: The material features low-carbon production and unlimited recyclability, complying with global ESG supply chain standards and carbon tariff regulations, and helping vehicle brands increase product value.
High ductility for diverse styling: Boasting excellent ductility, it supports precision forging of complex curved surfaces and hollow structures for cranks, breaking the processing limitations of traditional aluminum alloys while balancing lightweight design and structural strength.
Globally, the market size of two-wheelers including mountain bikes, road bikes, E-bikes and children’s bikes in China will exceed 165 billion RMB in 2026, fueling surging demand for lightweight components. Once a niche material exclusively used in aerospace and military fields, Mg-Li alloy is now rapidly being applied to civilian sports equipment. It is set to become a standard material for high-end bicycles and electric assist drive systems in the next 3 to 5 years.
II. Exclusive Interview with Professor Wu Guoqing from Beihang University: 20 Years of Dedication to Mg-Li Alloys — Breaking Foreign Monopolies and Realizing Domestic Mass Production
The core technology behind this strategic cooperation comes from the ultra-light material R&D team of Yuanhang Research Institute, led by Professor Wu Guoqing from Beihang University. A pioneer in the industrialization of Mg-Li alloys in China, Professor Wu has devoted decades to the research of ultra-light metallic materials.
Technological breakthrough: In 2002, he pioneered the rare earth reinforced Mg-Li alloy technology, breaking the long-term technological monopoly held by European and American countries. He solved long-standing industry bottlenecks including poor corrosion resistance and insufficient strength of Mg-Li alloys, and established the fundamental formula system for domestic Mg-Li alloys.
Industrial implementation: In 2019, he founded Shandong Yuanhang Ultra-Light Material Research Institute Co., Ltd. and launched China’s first 400kg-class large-scale Mg-Li alloy smelting production line. The facility achieves a stable annual output of 300 tons of high-strength and high-toughness Mg-Li alloys, turning laboratory technology into industrialized production.
Full industrial chain layout: The team has built a complete technical chain covering lithium extraction from salt lakes, alloy smelting, modification processing and surface treatment. Independently developed core technologies such as YAl₂ particle reinforcement and composite ball milling modification have been applied. A full range of mature Mg-Li alloy grades including LA141, LZ91 and LA91 are available, which have been widely used in satellite housings, drone structural parts and individual military components, with proven reliability under extreme working conditions in the aerospace industry.
Cross-industry application in two-wheelers: Leveraging aerospace-grade material technology for civilian use, Guangdong Yuanhang Limei, an affiliate of the institute, developed a concept bicycle weighing only 6kg made entirely of Mg-Li alloy. The product verified the feasibility of applying this material to frames and transmission parts, kicking off the industrialization of Mg-Li alloys for two-wheelers.
Professor Wu stated: "Due to high smelting thresholds and high costs, Mg-Li alloys were only limited to aerospace and military applications in the past. After years of technological iteration and large-scale production line construction by our team, we have achieved independent control over raw materials relying on domestic lithium and magnesium resources from salt lakes, leading to continuous drops in mass production costs. Sports equipment and two-wheelers will be the next trillion-yuan market for Mg-Li alloys. With over a decade of expertise in precision manufacturing of drive components, Jiankun perfectly fills the manufacturing gap for the large-scale application of new materials. The in-depth collaboration between academia, research institutions and enterprises is an inevitable trend for industrial upgrading."
III. Official Signing Between Jiankun and Yuanhang Limei! Focus on Mg-Li Alloy Cranks to Build New Competitive Barriers for Drive Components
Recently, Guangdong Yuanhang Limei Technology Co., Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Shandong Yuanhang Ultra-Light Material Research Institute, officially signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Shenzhen Jiankun Sports Equipment Co., Ltd. for customized Mg-Li alloy cranks. We have also established partnerships with leading manufacturers of wheel hubs and rims. This marks the completion of China’s first closed-loop supply chain for core Mg-Li alloy transmission parts for two-wheelers.
Forward-looking Layout by Jiankun: Three Core Advantages in the Ultra-Light New Material Track
As a benchmark manufacturer of two-wheeler drive systems in China, Jiankun has long been engaged in the R&D and production of chainrings, cranks, freewheels and belt drive systems covering mountain bikes, road bikes, children’s bikes and E-bikes. We serve as a core supplier for numerous top domestic and international vehicle brands.
Our entry into the Mg-Li alloy sector is a result of long-term strategic planning, supported by three major strengths:
Strong R&D capabilities: We foresaw the development trend of ultra-light alloys in the early stage of the lightweight movement. A dedicated new material laboratory has been established with substantial investment in manpower, equipment and funds. We have conducted long-term sample tests on the forging, machining and anti-corrosion surface treatment of Mg-Li alloys, and overcome technical challenges in forming, strength matching and wear-resistant modification of Mg-Li alloy cranks. We possess full independent R&D capabilities covering product design, die forging, precision machining and finished product testing, enabling rapid transition from small-batch sampling to large-scale mass production.
Complete industrial chain collaboration: Upstream, we have exclusive access to the core material technology of Professor Wu’s team from Beihang University, enjoying priority supply of mass-produced Mg-Li alloy base materials, aerospace-grade modification processes and cost advantages. Downstream, we leverage our decades-long global client resources covering leading domestic E-bike brands and high-end bicycle manufacturers in Europe and America, ensuring seamless delivery of new material components from R&D to end markets.
Diversified product portfolio: Our product line covers a full range of two-wheeler drive parts. Beyond the flagship Mg-Li alloy cranks launched in this cooperation, we will gradually roll out a complete series of Mg-Li alloy chainrings, freewheels, bottom brackets, pulleys and cranks for children’s bikes. Our products will be applied to high-end road bikes, professional mountain bikes, civilian E-bikes, lightweight folding bikes and children’s bikes, with far broader application scenarios than most single-component manufacturers.
A Milestone for Cooperation: Accelerating the Civilian Application of Aerospace Materials in Cycling Products
This cooperation focuses on the customized development of Mg-Li alloy cranks, combining Yuanhang’s aerospace-grade material formulas with Jiankun’s sophisticated manufacturing techniques:
Performance upgrade: The new cranks are 35% to 42% lighter than aluminum alloy products of the same type. Their tensile strength and fatigue strength meet the standards for professional competitions. The vibration damping performance is greatly improved, solving the pain points of heavy weight and harsh vibration of traditional cranks.
Cost optimization: Large-scale mass production and domestically sourced raw materials will gradually lower the retail price of Mg-Li alloy parts, breaking the market monopoly of high-end lightweight components dominated by carbon fiber and imported titanium alloy.
Industrial ecosystem development: Teaming up with leading manufacturers of wheel hubs and rims, we have built a complete supply chain for core Mg-Li alloy two-wheeler parts. Going forward, we will jointly formulate industry group standards for Mg-Li alloy bicycle components and help domestic lightweight parts expand into the global market.
IV. Future Outlook: New Materials Empower Two-Wheeler Industry Upgrade, Jiankun Leads the New Era of Lightweight Design
Boosted by favorable policies, growing market demand and technological progress, the era of industrialized application of Mg-Li alloy two-wheeler parts has arrived.
Moving forward, Jiankun will work together with Yuanhang Limei and Professor Wu’s R&D team to implement the following plans:
Phased product rollout: In the first phase, we will complete mass production and delivery of Mg-Li alloy cranks for mountain and road bikes. In the second phase, we will launch a full line of Mg-Li alloy drive parts for E-bikes and children’s bikes. In the third phase, we will cooperate with vehicle manufacturers to develop mass-produced full Mg-Li alloy lightweight bicycles.
Continuous technological iteration: Leveraging Yuanhang’s fourth-generation smelting technology and YAl₂ reinforcement modification process, we will further optimize product strength and corrosion resistance, and expand the application of Mg-Li alloys to new fields such as belt drive systems and motor housings.
Global business expansion: With our existing domestic and overseas sales networks, we will promote domestically developed aerospace-grade Mg-Li alloy lightweight parts to cycling markets across Europe, America and Southeast Asia, and build a leading Chinese brand for independent lightweight components.
The lightweight technology originally developed for aerospace vehicles is now revolutionizing bicycle cranks and the entire two-wheeler industry. Riding the wave of new materials, Jiankun Sports adheres to forward-thinking strategies, solid manufacturing strength and top-tier scientific research resources. We will keep empowering the upgrading of the global cycling industry with innovative new material technologies and take the lead in the promising ultra-lightweight track.