Bicycle frame construction, selection, maintenance, and repair.
1
vote
2answers
446 views
Maintenance on an Aluminium frame
I have an aluminium frame.
The top tube has become slightly scratched or pitted (by something hard, presumably, I don't know what; maybe while it was parked).
Does it need maintenance (e.g. does the ...
4
votes
4answers
978 views
Why aren't sportive' 'bikes popular outside the UK?
I recently bought a 'sportive' bike, i.e. very much like a road bike but with a taller head tube to give a slightly more upright, more relaxed, less 'heads-down' riding position, and a triple chainset ...
4
votes
6answers
3k views
Fixie/Single speed frame information for beginner
I don't want to buy a ready made bike because singlespeed or fixed gear bikes are way expensive due to their popularity.
I want to make my own bike, I haven't build a bike from scratch before. I want ...
14
votes
2answers
5k views
Explaining the effects of frame geometries
I asked about buying a bike here, and someone asked on my behalf about test-riding a bike before buying.
My question is, what should I know, or should have known, about the sizing or 'geometry' of a ...
0
votes
2answers
544 views
FEM: How to Design weight-distribution in bike prototypes?
Inferio! No-one can understand this bloated question here, now more focussed.
Suppose you are doing a new bike. How can you be certain that some critical point won't get too much force and the right ...
3
votes
1answer
188 views
How to find a frame given a geometry
In 2007, I bought my first bike: a Bianchi Boardwalk 2006. It was a great bike, but I didn't treat it well and it now needs about $300 worth of work.
I've been thinking that maybe I'd like to take ...
12
votes
2answers
858 views
Bamboo bikes - the verdict?
I'm curiously interested in buying a bamboo bike for use as a Sunday road bike, and I'm just wondering whether they're suitable:
Strength at high speed? I live near Parbold, which has nice hill ...
11
votes
6answers
1k views
I keep breaking my road frames - why?
I've gone through four frames in the last decade or so, all from different manufacturers, all steel but both lugged and welded. Every one of them has eventually developed a crack, been repaired and ...
20
votes
5answers
9k views
Why is carbon fiber inherently weak? Or is it?
This question got me to thinking: If it were possible for me to use a carbon frame, I would, but the expense and my riding style keep me using steel and aluminum. (I like hauling stuff on racks and ...
8
votes
1answer
371 views
What's the definition of a Mixte?
What makes a mixte frame? Further, what's the etymology of 'mixte'?
12
votes
3answers
3k views
Repairing a bent bike frame, is it worth it?
I have a bike with an incredibly bent frame. The bike itself I have tried to replace with other inexpensive bixes, but this one just had a certain geometry that I keep wanting to resurrect it. It is ...
4
votes
1answer
396 views
Cyclocross bike frame considerations
I'm considering putting together a cyclocross type bike together for fun and variety.
Is a typical road frame suitable for this? And, what do I need to consider in terms of sizing?
On sizing, it ...
6
votes
2answers
504 views
Switching Parts to a New Frame
What things do I have to consider when planning to switch parts from one frame (old one) to another frame (new one)? Will all the parts transfer? What items may need replacement because they won't ...
16
votes
4answers
4k views
How can you recognise a quality steel frame?
I'm looking to buy/build a road bike and I would like it to:
last 100 years
have a low environmental cost
As I'm not interested in shedding grams (a diet would be more helpful for me), I'm leaning ...
15
votes
1answer
6k views
Road bike carbon fiber frame life span
I have read in several places that the carbon fiber has a shorter life span than the aluminium, and i was wondering just what would it be.
I am not referring to accident related failures of the ...
6
votes
2answers
619 views
What should I consider when choosing a bike frame?
In thinking about building a road bike from scratch, what should I consider when choosing a frame?
I'll be building from all new components and plan on just doing day rides of a few hours a piece, ...
7
votes
3answers
369 views
non-steel frames and longevity
Until recently, I had a late 80's Schwinn aluminum frame bike (now a thief has a 80's Schwinn aluminum frame bike, but that's another story). I had heard a number of horror stories about early ...
10
votes
2answers
1k views
Dealing with rust on a steel frame
I have a small spot of rust on the bottom side of my steel frame's top tube (Columbus Niobium tubing). It's from abrasion during transport that I didn't notice until it was too late. The spot is ...
11
votes
8answers
2k views
Removing Seat Post rusted into downtube
I have an old steel frame (Columbus Number 2 I think) that has the seat post (Suntour Superbe Pro - see, I said it was old!) rusted in. I have tried lots of WD-40 but it will not budge.
Any tips on ...
10
votes
2answers
599 views
How to prepare a frame for a new paintjob
I want to have my bike frame repainted.
What should I do before I give it to the paint shop? How would they like to have it prepared?
8
votes
3answers
942 views
What are the advantages of investment casting?
I'm starting to see more and more frames using investment casting for head tubes, drop outs, seat tubes, etc. Such as the new WTP c.r.e.a.m. frame . It looks nice, but I'm suspect on how much more ...
11
votes
5answers
2k views
Rear wheel slipping out under load
My commuting/cyclocross bike (a Surly Crosscheck) has a problem.
If I tighten the quick release skewer to a normal level, sort of firm to close it, then if I step on the pedals hard at some point, ...
5
votes
1answer
724 views
Experience with welding Titanium frame?
My Litespeed Tachyon, a 1996 model, of which I am the second owner, (So Litespeed will not honour the warranty) has now developed its 3rd crack.
First was in the seat tube above the deraullier and I ...
11
votes
3answers
2k views
How do I measure the size of my bicycle frame?
From what point to where do I start measuring? I suspect the bike I'm trying to measure is a 56cm because I usually ride a 54 and this is slightly too big, but I want to be sure.
