When buying a bicycle, the main criterion is the quality of its frame. The selection of this element affects the operation of all other components. After all, other components are attached to it. Ultimately, the choice of frame affects the degree of comfort, well-being and, as a result, the good mood of the cyclist.
Unsuccessful components must be replaced if necessary, but changing the frame is very problematic. That is why you should immediately opt for a lightweight and durable design that can last a long time.
The beginner-cyclist (unlike the experienced one) is not aware of why this price difference for two outwardly very similar bicycles is so obvious. Or what is the reason for the higher cost of a simple-looking design in comparison with the "tricked" unit. In order for your choice to be reasonable, and money not wasted, study the main points as it should - the technology by which the frame was created, the material of manufacture, geometric dimensions.
The ways that different types of bicycle frames are created
To make the frame durable and lightweight at the same time, one of the following technologies is used:
1. Butting . This term implies a technology in which the pipe walls are thinner in those places where a reduced load is implied. The goal of such a trick is to reduce the weight of the bicycle frame with constant stiffness and strength.
2. Hydroforming . This concept designates a technology when oil is poured at a high temperature inside pipes of various sections. This gives them the necessary form. Thanks to the procedure, no additional welds are required to increase strength. It also became possible to manufacture pipes with different cross sections.
The individual parts (pipes) of the frame are connected using the following methods:
1 . The curly knot in, used a little, but having the advantage of the possibility of replacing a damaged pipe.
2. High temperature soldering (pipes are fastened with solder made of different metals). Heated parts are filled with liquid hot metal that penetrates well into the smallest gaps between them.
3. The so-called TIG welding with tungsten electrodes. With its help, small parts are neatly connected. Errors remaining after welding are removed by heat treatment.
How to choose a bicycle frame
Taking into account the geometry of the frame is very necessary in the successful selection of a bicycle that suits you personally. The one whose parameters are chosen correctly, will be able to keep the course well, will not fail during maneuvers and will be able to develop the necessary speed.
The most important geometric indicators are as follows:
1. The size of the frame is the distance from the pedals to the junction of the upper tube with the seatpost. If you have a moderate ride, you can do the overpriced option. In more extreme conditions, choose a lower frame. The choice of this parameter depends on the height of the cyclist.
2. The upper pipe determines the distance from the steering wheel to the seat. Maneuverability and reliable driving depend on the correctly chosen length. Smaller pipe sizes are required for racing. If we are talking about everyday skiing, you should choose a more genuine option.
3. The distance between the centers of each of the wheels is another important parameter. The larger it is, the more reliable the bike, but at the same time its maneuverability is lower.
4. The speed of the bike depends on the distance between the rear wheel axis and pedals: the higher the shorter the measurement.
5. The angle at which the seatpost is tilted to the ground affects the ability to tilt forward, which is necessary to gain speed.
6. The gap from the center of the pedal to the ground affects the patency - the lower this gap, the higher it is.
7. The angle between the line parallel to the ground and the rudder is also important. Its high value positively affects the maneuverability of the unit.
What frames are made of
The materials for their manufacture are carbon and several different types of metal. Which of them are most suitable? Pure aluminum in its pure form is too soft, which is why it is used in combination with silicon, magnesium and zinc. Its widespread use is due to its low cost and low weight. Aluminum has excellent corrosion resistance and is very popular among cyclists.
If we talk about steel, then its two types are used - carbon and chromium-molybdenum. The first is used in the production of frames of not the highest quality and has significant weight. The second is better in properties and is often used in the production of everyday models. In addition, from it it is possible to weld a bicycle frame for extreme sports. Its advantages are good cushioning, durability, excellent rolling. In addition, such a steel frame is subject to repair.
The lightest frames are made of magnesium. They have excellent reel, but, unfortunately, reduced service life, vulnerability to corrosion and short life. Titanium bicycle frames we will consider in more detail below.
Carbon is the material from which frames for professional cyclists are made. With light weight and various stiffness indicators, such a frame can be given any desired shape. Carbon strength is higher than that of metal, but with a direct impact there is a risk of damage.
Talk about titanium frames
What is titanium? A titanium alloy is made using aluminum and vanadium. The performance of this alloy is simply excellent, but, unfortunately, its price is quite high. That is why these frames are usually used by professional -level cyclists .
The most important criterion when choosing a titanium frame is its durability. Most often, this factor is considered when buying in the first place. The huge advantage of this metal lies in the combination of the lightness inherent in aluminum, the durability of carbon fiber and the strength characteristics of steel.
About the pros
Due to the high price, not everyone can afford a titanium frame for a bicycle. But the benefits below are constantly expanding the ranks of her fans. And they are as follows:
1. The highest service life of about 20 years.
2. The titanium frame is not subject to scratches and corrosion. The fact is that chrome is used as a coating instead of paint.
3. It is made on a soft basis.
4. It resists vibration very well and has the ability to soften shock.
5. Has a low weight, which can be further reduced with the help of butting technology.
6. It has high maneuverability.
7. Due to their high durability, such bikes can be used on any terrain.
About cons
Even such a wonderful frame, with many of the advantages listed above, is not perfect. What are its main disadvantages? They are as follows:
1. The main and most significant minus of the titanium frame for a bicycle is the price (very, very considerable), which affects the choice far from always for the better.
2. It is almost impossible to repair such a frame.
3. During acceleration, it has poor dynamics.
Titanium Frame Reviews
Users who bought such frames and found it necessary to share their impressions write about comfort, easy handling and increased convenience compared to the aluminum version. Mentioned is the absence of fatigue when riding from morning to evening on mountain roads, suitable qualities for participating in a marathon, when you need to save strength and not overload your back muscles. Not too happy consumers were riding a titanium bike on regular asphalt. Most of those who have purchased such a frame for a long time speak positively of its durability.
Brands of titanium bicycles
The leader among manufacturers in this matter is a domestic company called Rapid. It was created in 1991 by specialists with the necessary knowledge and experience working with titanium alloys. The company's products are exported to the United States and most developed countries in Europe. In addition, she is very popular among Russian cyclists.
"Rapid" mastered all stages of the production of goods, from design to production of finished goods. An assortment of titanium pipes of more than 30 different sizes is used in production. The technologies involved are the most advanced, providing the ability to make a frame of any kind. Compared with foreign manufacturers, the company's products are relatively affordable at a consistently high quality.
What types of frames exist?
The Rapid titanium frame is available in the following forms:
1 . NTV geometry - moving around the terrain of any complexity. This is a great option for tourists.
2. Highway - this option of a titanium bicycle is preferred by fans of highway classics. In such frames, the necessary level of rigidity is present, which ensures fast movement.
3. Hybrid - a universal model that can be used for daily bike rides and for long trips.
4. Custom - a frame made by individual order taking into account any wishes of the client.
About other brands of frames
High-quality titanium frames are produced by American and European manufacturers. The most popular are Bianchi, Mongoose, Merlin, Wheeler, Litespeed. The price of these brands is by no means low. But the demand for them does not fall due to excellent quality and high technical criteria. They are especially popular when riding cross-country style. The composition and technology of their welding provides increased rigidity, with which cyclists can overcome any steep climb.
The above companies are not only producing finished products according to standard templates. Among their services is the manufacture of bicycle frames for the specific wishes of the customer, taking into account all the nuances.
Which frame to choose?
If you are a beginner and just plan an active bike ride, you should first take a closer look at the aluminum and steel frames. After making sure that the bicycle is your constant companion at all times, look at high-quality materials. It is precisely as a promising purchase that you should choose a titanium frame - the most durable and strong of all. It will serve you for several decades without compromising consumer properties.
Pay particular attention to the choice of manufacturer. In this matter, a serious reputation is extremely important, guaranteeing a long operation of the product. And, of course, we should not forget about a thorough check of the compliance of the selected frame with the individual sizes inherent in you personally. In the case of a good choice, you can enjoy a great ride and not worry about health.