Bicycle Frame Materials
When it comes to bike frames single speed bicycles have similar needs to most other bikes in that they have to be fit for purpose. Therefore strength, durability and lighness are all key factors when considering bicycle frame tubing.
Bicycle frame materials have changed dramatically over the last few years so which are the best in bicycle frame production. The drawbacks and strengths of each material are discussed here.
Lets start of with what factors are considered in frame tube construction. There are five main areas considered in frame construction. These areas are:
1.Material Density
2.Stiffness of material
3.Yield strength
4.Elongation
5.Fatigue and Endurance limits
The first two areas deal with the how heavy the bike will be and the comfort of the ride. Numbers three and four deal with how well the frame will respond during a crash. The last one determines how much normal wear and tear of riding the frame material can handle before failure or breakage.
Steel frames have been, and to some extent still are, widely used in bicycles. Steel, also known as chromoly, is a dense (heavy) material. It is also not as stiff as other materials. Since steel is not as stiff it provides a smoother ride. It takes some strong forces to deform steel. This also depends on the thickness of the steel too. Steel has virtually limitless fatigue and endurance limits.
Aluminum frames are not as dense or strong as steel. Thus aluminum frames are much lighter and easier to deform when compared to steel. Aluminum is, however, much stiffer. Which means the ride is can be more jarring. Unlike steel, aluminum does have a fatigue and endurance limit. The time before failure is long yet it can happen.
Titanium frames are considered the most exotic and to some the pinnacle of bicycle frames. Titanium is very light yet it is extremely strong. Depending on the tube size of the frame will determine the stiffness of the frame. Like steel, titanium limits are virtually none existent. Thus a very long riding life can be expected which makes it a good choice for bicycle frame materials.
Carbon fiber frames are a more recent addition to bicycle construction. These frames are very light and can be quite stiff. These frames are not as impact resistant as other frame materials. The beauty of carbon fiber is it can be fine tuned for strength during manufacturing. Additionally it has a very strong strength to weight ratio so when it comes to choosing the best bicycle frame materials to use carbon is high on the list.
Now that you know the good and bad of different frame materials you can be a more informed buyer.
Keep in mind the first two types of frames are the cheapest and the last two are the most expensive. You should also test ride different brands since not all ride the same and find the best one for you.
With this in mind enjoy that new bike and enjoy the ride!
Carbon fibre frame maufacturing on a small scale…
Material for a Bicycle Frame
A material for a bicycle frame that is sustainable, will last a long time and doesn’t look ’sustainable’
Bicycle Frame Fatigue Testing
Every cycle of the test looks like the frame should be failing at any moment. It makes you want to wince. Eventually you get used to this feeling but it is a testament to the durability of bicycle frame design that a typical frame can handle so much abuse. … to perform fatigue testing on raw materials: running tests on materials from every supplier with which we work—including some that we don’t. Steel, titanium, carbon, aluminum,
Bicycle Frame Making Materials: Tubing, Joints, Drops, Design …
Bicycle Frame Making Resources Resources and materials to help you build the ultimate bike frame.
Why ride steel? A comparison of carbon fibre
Why ride steel? a comparison of carbon fibre, aluminium, titanium and steel as frame materials. I only ride steel bicycles. This is not a forced choice, it is something that I have consciously chosen to do.
By: R.D. Lilly
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Mail this post
Tags: bicycle frame steel, bicycle frame tubing, bike frame materials, carbon fiber bicycle, carbon fibre bikes, titanium bike frame