Under tension, the dominant factor is the fibre itself, the resin makes little difference. Composites tend to be significantly stronger in tension when you’re pulling it and not as strong in compression when you push it together. “One common misunderstanding is that all T700 or all T800 is the same. To the untrained online shopper, one T800 frame may appear equal to another. Resin is mixed with hardener as part of the pre-preg process which turns raw carbon fibre into the material that goes into the mould. Likely because whilst Gitelis knows the mass-market industry inside out, Katsanis has a background in creating bikes to appear on the Olympic stage.Īccording to the latter, the distinction between the best frames and lower-end open mould options is the resin.įrames at the Pinarello factory in Italy, where they are painted having been made in AsiaĬarbon is purchased in varying levels - manufacturer Toray offers T700, T800 and so on - the higher numbers signify better quality that is lighter and stronger. Interestingly, the two design experts gave me a different take on material costs. That testing would belong to them." Material costs The brands need to do any CFD simulations or wind tunnel testing hopefully before going and opening moulds. 'What are you going to do, change it now?' I want to ask. "I always find it funny when you see pictures of a complete bike in the wind tunnel. "CFD and wind tunnel testing is something the brand does ahead of confirming the shape with the factory before going ahead," Gitelis said. Then you need to get some money out of it to start funding the next generation!” he says.Īll of that is expensive but without it happening we'd be riding the bikes of “20 years ago" Katsanis notes, when "there were hardly any carbon bikes, they were mainly aluminium bikes with round tubes.”īrands don't need to own their own factory or make their own moulds to create an aerodynamic frame, but they do need to have some serious resources to inform the design they take to the factory. ![]() “That’s quite a large amount of work that somebody has to pay for. The brand may start with anywhere from 20 to 50 iterations being analysed by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, before moving to wind tunnel testing using 3D printed structures, then checking such a structure for practical issues such as tyre clearances - and finally moving to real world testing beneath a pro-level rider who may provide further feedback. A significant amount of that goes on aerodynamics,” notes Dimitris Katsanis, the man best known for his work with Pinarello on the F8, F10 and F12, and the British Cycling's UKSI bike as well as the Hope track bike. ![]() “When we design a frame, somebody has spent tens of thousands of pounds on development. Why don't more brands run the whole show? That's not to say that all of these bikes will disappoint the customer, "those bikes will probably serve the purpose for the customer that buys them," Gitelis confirms. But whenever you see the brand saying ‘we made it 10% stiffer’, they mean 'we went to the factory and said we’d like to make this 10% stiffer’.” They have an understanding of the process. But I would say that almost no brand knows how to make a frame. Now, the factory makes almost exclusively Factor Bikes. In his former role, Gitelis and his factory created moulds for a plethora of household name brands, though he never dabbled in the "open mould side of things" he confirms. But then you have a load of other brands, using a third party or an open mould." Then there are the premium brands that aren't at the Tour de France, but have their own moulds, like Parlee, Argonaut. Looking for the perfect bike to help you work out and keep you fit? Port Melbourne Cycles carries a wide range of casual bikes for all riders.Asked how common each approach was, Factor CEO and former third-party contract manufacturer Rob Gitelis said : “Pretty much every bike brand being used at the Tour de France, be it a Pro Conti or a WorldTour team, is doing some level of research and development (R&D) and has their own moulds. This makes your new bike more comfortable and enjoy, while improving performance. These bikes are laterally stiff, while allowing for some flex to absorb some of the bumps in the road. Many brands offer performance focused bikes for the rider. This is why Port Melbourne Cycles carries a wide range of bikes to meet all your cycling needs. It is important that you feel comfortable and in control at all times. The best way to find the right bike for you is to try out and compare different makes and models. Further, a road bikes need to be comfortable and robust. The modern road bike is designed for fitness, racing and competition. ![]() Spare parts & accessories also available. We supply a variety of quality brands such as Pinarello Cannonade and Focus bikes. Our range of Road Bikes include performance bikes, recreational bikes and custom built bikes.
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