Carbon Fibre is an engineer’s dream come true: A material that is lighter than aluminium and is gram for gram stronger than steel. It can be moulded into complex shapes and sizes, as well as having the ability to be “laid-up” with more material where you need it, and less where you don’t. By utilizing this material, we are able to take our tube shapes and profiles to the next level. Every frame implements size-specific details.
For example: the tube diameters of a 52cm frame are noticeably smaller than the tubes on a 59cm frame; even tube transitions change to support areas of the frame differently. All of this adds up to a frame that is stiff and responsive, yet has excellent damping characteristics and vibration control, specific to the needs of a given size rider.

ADT Carbon Materials

Carbon fiber is a material consisting of extremely thin fibers about 0.005–0.010 mm in diameter and composed mostly of carbon atoms. The carbon atoms are bonded together in microscopic crystals that are more or less aligned parallel to the long axis of the fiber. The crystal alignment makes the fiber very strong for its size. Several thousand carbon fibers are twisted together to form a yarn, which may be used by itself or woven into a fabric. Carbon fiber has many different weave patterns and can be combined with a plastic resin and wound or molded to form composite materials such as carbon fiber reinforced plastic (also referenced as carbon fiber) to provide a high strength-to-weight ratio material. The density of carbon fiber is also considerably lower than the density of steel, making it ideal for applications requiring low weight. The properties of carbon fiber such as high tensile strength, low weight, and low thermal expansion make it very popular choice in bicycle frames. Simply looking at the properties of a single material is no way to judge a frame’s quality. The carbon weave, or outer

Simply looking at the properties of a single material is no way to judge a frame’s quality. The carbon weave, or outer appearance, which most people recognize is typically used only for the final outermost layer, which is visible through the clear coat. Although this lends some structural integrity to the frame, it is primarily cosmetic. So a UD, 1K, 3K, or 12K weave designation does not necessarily determine a frame’s quality. Carbon Fibre can be ranked in two ways: one being the Modulus, which dictates the fibre’s relative stiffness; and the other being Tensile Strength, or how strong or tough the material is. Building a frame of just the highest modulus material would be a disaster, as the ride quality would suffer from being too stiff, as well as the overall strength being compromised. The key is to blend different materials with unique properties, placing them in specifically targeted areas of the frame to deliver a chassis with just the right combination of compliance, lightweight, strength, performance and handling.

Material

Strength
(Tensile Strength)

Stiffness
(Modulus)

Aluminium

70 GPa

250 MPa

Steel

210 GPa

480-590 MPa

Titanium

110 GPa

920 MPa

Carbon

235-377 GPa

NA MPa


Next: Stage 3.3 - DESIGN ADT Alloy

With the ability to be cold-worked, butted, and formed into complex shapes, aluminium alloys have proven themselves, time and time again, to possess excellent characteristics for lightweight bicycle frame construction.

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