Types of Bike frame materials http://bikecycles.org/ Types of Bike frame materials The most common frame materials are Steel: Steel frames have been around for a long time, and the best of them can still compete with some of today’s frames fashioned from fancier materials. The higher-end steels or steel/alloy blends (such as chrome-moly) are very strong, offer significant stiffness, and are long lasting, all for decent prices. Cheaper, mild steels or high-tensile steel are found on lower-end bikes where the frames are thick and heavy. The downside to steel, other than the weight, is that it can rust. Also, high-tensile or mild steel is very uncomfortable — all the road vibrations are transferred through the frame to your butt. The better-quality chrome-moly frames with butted tubing are much more comfortable than the mild steel. Aluminum: Aluminum has become the most popular choice for manufacturers of bike frames. It’s lighter than steel, has better stiffness, and, unlike steel, it doesn’t rust. The other benefit of aluminum is that it can be easily formed into different shapes to improve the performance and aerodynamics of the frame. The downside of aluminum is that it’s not as strong as steel, so a big-time crash could leave your frame mangled beyond repair. The other factor with aluminum is that it fatigues over time, increasing the chances that the frame could break. Aluminum also transmits road vibration far more severely then steel or carbon fiber. Carbon fiber: Carbon-fiber frames are made by gluing, with an epoxy resin, individual carbon-fiber sheets together in patterns that enhance its strength. Manufacturers use this technique to customize frame strength by adding layers of fibers to the parts of the frame that require greater strength, and removing layers of fibers from the parts of the frame that doesn’t need as much strength. The fact that carbon is strong and light makes it a desirable material for frames. However, carbon fiber is expensive. Carbon-fiber frames offer the most comfortable ride with the most efficient use of energy. The other nice thing about carbon fiber is that the frame can be made in almost any shape or size. Manufacturers aren’t limited to the standard tube sizes or the typical rounded shape of a frame tube. Titanium: Titanium, like carbon, is on every serious biker’s wish list when it comes to frame materials. Titanium is light, it doesn’t rust, and it’s as strong as most steels. It’s less stiff than steel and flexes to give a comfortable ride. Unfortunately, titanium is very expensive and out of reach for most bikers. Looking for Bedside Table Blueprints for your bedroom furniture? Just check out the internet, there are Small Workshop Designs to satisfy all skill levels. And you can download Kids Bed Blueprint, make woodworking easier and more fun !
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