Almost ThereCycling, Bikes, Parts, Accessories, Clothing and More…

Carbon Frame

Bike Frame Materials Guide

The material of your bicycle frame has a large effect on ride quality and ride feel. The type and quality of material also make up a large portion of the bicycle's price. The most common frame materials today are aluminum alloys and carbon fiber. Steel and titanium frames are highly popular, as well, but they enjoy more of a cult status with extremely dedicated followers. All frame materials have different levels of quality, and each material has its advantages and disadvantages. Before we get into each material, it will help to go over some basic terms:

• Fatigue fatigue", n: The weakening of a material when subjected to repeated stress or cyclic loading.
• Fatigue life fatigue laif", n: The number of load cycles required for a material fail.

Aluminum frames
Most of the larger companies use proprietary alloys (mixture of aluminum and other metals) to build their bike frames, and each manufacturer touts their specific brand and the way they use it. Aluminum frames can be more affordable than their counterparts because high quality alloys are easier to procure and manipulate into a quality bike frame.

The main advantage of Aluminum as a frame material is density, meaning for the same volume of material, aluminum weighs less than steel or titanium. This allows bike frame manufacturers to build fatter and, therefore, stiffer tubes that weigh the same or less than their steel counterparts. Another big advantage of aluminum over steel is corrosion resistance. You can ride aluminum in rain and snow and forget about it when you get home, while steel bikes take a bit more nurturing. The disadvantage? Fatigue life. As aluminum flexes and shifts, it fatigues and eventually hits its limit.

Steel frames
"Steel is real" is the mantra of every boutique bike builder and hardcore vintage and classic bike enthusiast in America. While some incredible racing bikes are still built out of steel today, it has lost a lot of popularity in that mainstream venue since the surge of aluminum and, more recently, carbon fiber. Steel has been used in the manufacturing of bicycles longer than any other material. From the early days of solid steel handlebars and Rene Herse to boutique builders today like Vanilla, Seven, and Serotta Cycles to name a few, the history is long and beautiful. Steel was originally used in bike frames, no doubt, because of its widespread availability and its long history of use in industry.

The big advantage of steel today is its strength and comfort. The disadvantage in the racing world that goes along with the comfort of steel is its lack of stiffness. Being denser than aluminum, steel frame tubes are generally smaller in diameter than aluminum. Using steel tubes that are as fat as many aluminum tubes used on bicycles would be too heavy for practical use. The thinner tubes flex more and are more comfortable to ride, but they are less responsive in race situations. Fatigue life of a steel tube is nearly twice that of aluminum, so steel bikes can last much longer under heavy use. As with aluminum, steel comes in varied qualities, from heavy core steel that has no place in the bike world (but is used in many big box store brands) to high-quality steel tubing designed for high-end bicycles. Price tags vary greatly throughout the range.

Titanium frames
Titanium frames have enjoyed an even smaller cult following than steel. Titanium offers big advantages over steel in many ways, but it also has its disadvantages. Titanium is twice as dense as aluminum but nearly half as dense as steel. Fatigue life and tensile strength are Ti's big strong points.

Titanium can be extruded into long, thin tubes that are lighter, more comfortable and stronger than steel. Butted and swaged tubes offer a lot of customization in ride quality and responsiveness, making Ti an optimal choice for a custom-built bicycle frame. Cost is the main disadvantage of titanium. The process of extracting the metal is costly and energy intensive. Ti as a bicycle material is also more labor intensive. It requires more care and more time to cut and weld Ti tubing in a safe, lasting manor. There is virtually no way to build a budget Ti bike. You won't see these on the floor of your local department store.

Carbon frames
Carbon fiber has become the frame material of choice for bike racers and many recreational riders alike. Carbon fiber is composite laminate made up of tiny fibers suspended into a resin. Carbon bike frames have many advantages and two real disadvantages.

Carbon fiber is extremely customizable. When carbon tubing is made there are many plies, or layers, of fibers that are placed in different orientations that offer different characteristics. Stiffness and flexibility can be manipulated on different planes of the same tube to offer huge advantages over all other materials. Carbon fiber is nearly half as dense as aluminum and much stronger for the weight. So a well-made carbon bike can be built stiffer, stronger and lighter than an aluminum, steel or titanium counterpart.

The biggest disadvantage with carbon fiber is flexible strength and fatigue life. The resin holding together the fibers of the laminate is a very rigid material that doesn't like to be flexed and bent. Too much flexing causes cracks and fissures in the structure and exposes the individual fibers which aren't so strong by themselves. This failure of the base structure can cause sudden, catastrophic failure of the bicycle frame. For these same reasons, carbon's fatigue life is rather low, giving a much shorter lifespan to a carbon fiber bicycle.

The other disadvantage to carbon is price. Carbon is the newest addition to the bicycle industry and is the subject of much research and development. While this RD spits out shiny new products and features, it also comes with the price tag needed to recoup those expenses.

If you need a bike frame or anything else, then I suggest this place for Bike Parts

About the Author

Jon Carter is an avid bike enthusiast and enjoys writing on the subject.  Make sure to get your bike parts from Bike Wagon.

Enzo Carbon Accent Chair $215.99 Materials: Upholstery grade fabric, high density foam seating Finish: Espresso Upholstery materials: Heavy fabric

Mantua Java Brown Queen Size Bed Frame $127.96 This strong and durable frame extends the life of your bedding. The flush-to-floor design prevents accumulation of dust and particles beneath the bed and three high-carbon angle cross supports assure a secure box spring hold.

American Coin Treasures Framed 1943 Lincoln Steel Penny Collection $27.99 Issued for just one year at the height of World War II, this 1943 Lincoln steel cent freed up precious copper for America's war effort.This coin was made from low grade carbon steel, with a zinc coating deposited electrolytically to prevent rusting.

Kershaw Scallion Frame Lock Pocket Knife $36.49 This Kershaw Scallion Frame Lock Pocket Knife features the speed safe ambidextrous assisted opening system. This pocket knife has a high carbon stainless steel blade, which provides excellent corrosion resistance.

Stainless Steel and Black Carbon Fiber Dog Tag Necklace $27.89 This sleek stainless steel dog tag features a black carbon fiber interior and a framed, horizontally bisected circle logo on the bottom right. The necklace is paired with a ball chain and lobster claw clasp.

Dark Matter Men's Sport Sunglasses $14.29 These Dark Matter Men's Sport Sunglasses feature a durable plastic frame and poly carbon lenses with 100-percent UV protection. The arms are crafted and designed for comfortable wear with the words 'Dark Matter' engraved on the temples.

Dark Matter Men's Brown Sport Sunglasses $12.39 These Dark Matter Men's Sport Sunglasses feature a durable plastic frame and poly carbon lenses with 100-percent UV protection. The arms are crafted and designed for comfortable wear with the words 'Dark Matter' engraved on the temples.

Hornet Pro Girl's Adjustable Inline Skates $48.99 These Hornet Pro girl's adjustable inline skates feature an athletic comfort fit with deluxe comfort foam. These inline skates also spotlight reinforced ankle support, an aluminum Pro Style frame and ABEC 7 carbon steel bearings.

Men's Black Sport Sunglasses $15.49 These black sport sunglasses feature a plastic frame and poly carbon lenses with UV protection. The words 'Dark Matter' are engraved on the temples of these stylish sunglasses.

Nova Steel 19-inch Steel Transport Chair $108.99 The 19-inch transport chair has a carbon steel frame and padded upholstery. This chair is foldable and has a quick release fold-down back, as well as padded, fixed full-length arms for added comfort, and locking rear wheels.

Atlantic Centipede Black Game Storage and TV Stand $79.99 Colors: Black, blackFinish: Carbon fiber Frame materials: Wood composite, MDF, steel

Rocket MDX Boy's Adjustable Inline Skates $37.04 These Rocket MDX boy's adjustable inline skates feature a deluxe padded comfort foam design. These inline skates also spotlight reinforced ankle support, a reinforced polymer frame and ABEC 5 carbon steel bearings.

Atlantic Berlin Corner TV Stand $59.32 Colors: Black carbon fiber patternFrame materials: Steel, woodFinish: PVC laminate

Men's Onyx Black Sport Sunglasses $12.89 These sleek sport sunglasses feature a plastic black frame and poly carbon lenses. A saddle nose bridge and UV protection complete these stylish and functional sunglasses.

Radiant Sauna 3-person Corner Carbon Infrared Sauna $1897.05 Capacity: 3 peopleCarbon heaters evenly bask you in soothing infrared heatRadiant Saunas put out infrared wavelengths from 5-12 microns that most benefit the human body

Carbon Side Frame Knight 02-0832T $103.49 Carbon Side Frame Knight 02-0832T Type: Replacement Parts Color: Multi-Color Gender: Unisex Age: Adult

Carbon Fiber Frame Guards $99.95 Carbon Fiber Frame Guards Carbon fiber is inherently superior to metals. In that, it is the lightest, strongest substance known per weight and its compliance to be easily formed into complex shapes. All LightSpeed products are made from from 100% aerospace spec carbon fiber coupled with the toughest epoxy resin known. We integrate the component to the motorcycle with the greatest attention given to design, detail, fit, and finish. The best method of manufacturing and/or process for each particular component and its intended use is utilized. In fact, all of our design considerations encompass all aspects of the component, such as application, geometrical strength, durability, form, function, cost, weight, and aesthetic value. LightSpeed Performance's engineering approach is very direct and effective, encompassing both, racing development and quality by design, insuring the best carbon fiber products in the market!

Carbon S5 Fiber Frame Slider $80.99 Shogun Motorsports Carbon S5 Fiber Frame Slider Tested and used by professional riders so that they can bring you the best possible slider on the market Each slider kit is CAD designed for each model CNC machined with the highest grade steel bolts, aluminum inserts and offsets as required Replacement or optional end caps are available in 6 different colors

H45028T 450v3 Carbon Fiber Main Frame 1.2 $15 H45028T 450v3 Carbon Fiber Main Frame 1.2 Type: Replacement Parts Color: Multi-Color Gender: Unisex Age: Adult

Carbon Frame conversion Knight 3D 3D-1000 $99.99 Carbon Frame conversion Knight 3D 3D-1000 Type: Replacement Parts Color: Multi-Color Gender: Unisex Age: Adult

H60210 600PRO Carbon Main Frame(L)/2.0mm $52.6 H60210 600PRO Carbon Main Frame(L)/2.0mm Type: Replacement Parts Color: Multi-Color Gender: Unisex Age: Adult

H60211 600PRO Carbon Main Frame(R)/2.0mm $52.6 H60211 600PRO Carbon Main Frame(R)/2.0mm Type: Replacement Parts Color: Multi-Color Gender: Unisex Age: Adult

Carbon Professional $49.99 NYX Golf sunglasses, style Carbon is a cutting-edge and sleek nylon shield frame. The Carbon is designed with interchangeable lenses that manage all light conditions. Rubber pads on the saddle nose bridge and on the temples provide maximum comfort. Featu

Carbon S5 Fiber Frame Slider End Caps $17.99 Shogun Motorsports S5 Frame Slider End Caps Replacement or optional end caps Make your own custom look Sold in pairs For S5 Frame Slider Click Here

Airpura Industries RepHiCFilter Replacement Carbon Weave Filter and Frame $107.51 The RepHiCFilter is the replacement Hi-Carbon Filter for the Airpura H600 and I600 air purifiers.

Frame Guards $89.99 Made of lightweight, durable carbon fiber material Guards provide a protective smooth area where your boots come in contact with the frame Also available with patented grip surface over carbon **Closeouts are limited to stock on hand**

Cruiser Accessories Carbon Fiber Frame - 58098/22-1-4618 $19.99 This corrosion-resistant plastic injection-molded frame fits standard plates.Product Features:Corrosion-resistant plastic injection-molded frameFits standard platesApproximate size: 12-1/2"L x 6-3/8"H x 1/2"D. Most License Plates and Frames products are available for in-store pickup from Advance Auto Parts.

Zuo Carbon Chair $397 ZUO - Club Chairs - 50007X - With a perfectly angled seat and back, the Carbon has a soft leatherette tufting wrapped in a square chrome steel tube frame. Unique angled floating seat design Leatherette tufted seat Chromed steel frame Available in your choice of black or white upholstery

Zuo Carbon Chair-Black $397 ZUO - Club Chairs - 500073 - With a perfectly angled seat and back, the Carbon has a soft leatherette tufting wrapped in a square chrome steel tube frame. Unique angled floating seat design Leatherette tufted seat Chromed steel frame Available in your choice of black or white upholstery

Zuo Carbon Chair-White $397 ZUO - Club Chairs - 50007X - With a perfectly angled seat and back, the Carbon has a soft leatherette tufting wrapped in a square chrome steel tube frame. Unique angled floating seat design Leatherette tufted seat Chromed steel frame Available in your choice of black or white upholstery

LOOK 595 Carbon frame [English version]