Steel, alloy, titanium, carbon.....plastic?
02-05-22, 11:16 PM
#51
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Nobody mentioned bamboo nor formica.
02-05-22, 11:18 PM
#52
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Perhaps, but the UCI mandate is notionally based on the lightest bike weight that may reasonably be safe. The limit was established 20 years ago and UCI has long been under pressure to reduce it, as it is clearly outdated. If technology pushes further into lighter bikes with good structural integrity, the UCI could revise their limit.
And the UCI limit doesn't affect what manufacturers will produce or consumers demand.
And the UCI limit doesn't affect what manufacturers will produce or consumers demand.
02-06-22, 07:23 AM
#53
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So, at this time the UCI mandates 6.8kg (14.99lb) minimum bike weight; we are already there. Unless this changes, I think the next big push will be to reduce fabrication cost and still maintain a solid (and aerodynamic) frame. What this is, I don't know, but polymers are the likely candidate...
02-06-22, 09:21 AM
#54
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The COR on my old Ti Driver was stupendous, but Calloway eventually stopped warranty when I would cave the face in. The ball came off the face at 193-195 mph (not a typo). If I am not mistaken, the face on my Taylormade SIM driver is still Titanium...????
I do not recall Ti being ever used to iron faces. Steel and Carbon for shafts, too. I do recall aluminum shafts in the early 70's. Ti? Not that I remember
I do not recall Ti being ever used to iron faces. Steel and Carbon for shafts, too. I do recall aluminum shafts in the early 70's. Ti? Not that I remember
02-06-22, 10:47 AM
#55
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Don't materials such as carbon fiber or polymers take much longer to biodegrade than metals such as steel, titanium or aluminum?
Although the point can be argued... it is my understanding that metals are easier to repair and reuse than carbon fiber or polymers.
Although the point can be argued... it is my understanding that metals are easier to repair and reuse than carbon fiber or polymers.
02-06-22, 11:03 AM
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02-06-22, 07:02 PM
#57
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No one is questioning the demand for a ultra light weigh bike, they will sell, regardless of UCI Rules. The question is fabrication cost. Polymers will likely be the go to material. Imagine if you could injection mold or vacuum form a frame...
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02-11-22, 07:59 AM
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So, at this time the UCI mandates 6.8kg (14.99lb) minimum bike weight; we are already there. Unless this changes, I think the next big push will be to reduce fabrication cost and still maintain a solid (and aerodynamic) frame. What this is, I don't know, but polymers are the likely candidate...
With relaxing of UCI frame shape and aerodynamics rules which has happened some months ago, frame and component manufacturers would really benefit from a lighter material in order to be able to exploit more aero shapes while getting to 6.5kg showroom weight.
02-12-22, 09:07 AM
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Polymer frames are interesting. It would revolutionize bicycles if frames could be 3D printed with these polymers. Probably would take over a day to produce but just think of the possibilities - home built frames, repeatability, colors, diy builders.
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02-12-22, 09:31 AM
#62
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For everyone using the term "plastic" - please be more specific.
Saying a frame is 'plastic' is like saying a frame is 'metal'.
Metal might be good - or not. A tin bike, bronze bike, copper bike, cast iron bike?
Saying a frame is 'plastic' is like saying a frame is 'metal'.
Metal might be good - or not. A tin bike, bronze bike, copper bike, cast iron bike?
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