Aluminum Frames
This Cube frame is made from Aluminum. This metal is a fusion of Iron and Steel, and as a result, its much lighter then steel and Chromoly frames. Most mountain bikes are made from aluminum, as it is relatively cheap and pretty strong. These frames are built by having pre cut tubing welded together where it will be strongest given the frame design.
Carbon Frames
Carbon fiber frames are a pretty recent technology, and is pretty advanced. Carbon fiber frames are made of carbon fiber based fabric-like strips. The closest thing I can compare it to is using paper mache' strips, when the fiber strips are laid down, but laid down over a super light frame. they are heat treated. Next the carbon is let to cool, but the temp must be very slowly lowered over a longer period of time, such as a few days. If they aren't cooled down slowly, they will not have as much strength. A few factories had this problem while making carbon handlebars and the result was not pretty. Carbon frames are lighter then any other frame material currently, and also the most expensive. Although the production of these frames is complex and much harder then metal frames, carbon is becoming more and more common on bikes, and not just in frames. Carbon handlebars, wheels, seats, pedals, and even carbon brakes.
Chromoly frames
Chromoly frames are not a recent innovation in technology. Chromoly is mainly used for BMX frames because while it is not the lightest material, it for sure is the strongest. Chromoly is also used in some mountain bikes, but its roots are in BMX. Some frames are half Chromoly and half steel, this saves the companies money, which is why full chromoly frames are more expensive. Chromoly welds are a lot stronger and wider then those of an aluminum bike. I have yet to see a chromoly frame snap. I've seen an aluminum frame snap, but never a chromoly.
You said: Aluminum. This metal is a fusion of Iron and Steel. This isn't true.
ReplyDeleteGive us a little more science on Iron, Steel, Chromoly, aluminum.