Frame material (new version)
Roughly divided into 4 types
Aluminum
With the latest standards, you can make a lightweight frame. 6000 and 7000 are mainly used for the material, but depending on the thickness of the material and the heat treatment after welding,
It feels completely different. In general, the popular model is the 7000 series, and the 6000 series is often used for competition.
The feature is that it is hard and moves well, but on the other hand, it is easy to transmit vibration, so there are many types of so-called back carbons that put carbon only in the back.
It conveys power reliably and is still popular among professionals. On the other hand, it seems that ordinary cyclists have a feeling that it is too hard, but Altec, SC61, etc.
I think that it has a hardness that is surprisingly easy to ride.
It is an image that the more you step on it, the more you step on it, and you will immediately understand that the acceleration is good, but it does not absorb the fine parts of the vibration from the ground.
Now that the price is reasonable, it is possible to use good pipes, and it can be said that it is an easy material to choose for competitions and first-timers.
There is also a material called scandium, which is lightweight but has a long life for professional use, and recently it is disappearing from the upper grade.
There are various manufacturers of aluminum materials.
back carbon + aluminum
A method to increase vibration absorption by making the rear seat stay carbon
It's a good way to improve the ride quality, although it can be heavy at times.
steel
A long time ago, this type was popular
Recently, the number of thin pipes has increased, and the options have increased. It feels softer than aluminum and has a slightly tawamu feeling.
In reality, it is heavier and harder than aluminum, but it may feel soft because it is difficult to transmit vibrations.
I feel that the flow of the carbon frame is also approaching the ride quality of iron.
If iron becomes a little lighter and cheaper, it may be possible to replace aluminum.
carbon
It is becoming the mainstream of today's luxury frames. Light weight and good vibration absorption.
Since carbon is originally a fiber, part of the strength of the finished product changes depending on the strength of the fiber.
The ride quality can be adjusted to soft or hard, and frames with various patterns will come out in the future.
Recently, the combination of carbon pipes has evolved to change the strength balance of the entire frame.
In the old days, handmade iron builders changed the pipes, and the overall riding quality is adjusted by balancing each pipe.
According to regulations such as the UCI, only a diamond shape is available, but as carbon progresses, that shape may no longer be necessary.
There is also a movement to control the compatibility with other parts, and it may be a material that continues to evolve.
There are cheaper frames out there, and the pipes are thicker, so they can be heavy.
Vibration absorption is not good due to the thickness, and there are many soft ones. Where the manufacturer continues to develop, some products are better year by year
It seems to come out.
Titanium
There are various pipes and types, some are good and some are not, so it is difficult to distinguish.
There are specialized titanium manufacturers out there, but I thought Serotta was outstandingly good.
The ride quality is similar to that of steel, and some have elasticity. I think the thinner and stiffer the vibration, the easier it is to transmit.
There are many things that are expensive, probably because of the manufacturing cost, but I think that the advantage of not rusting is good for tri-sleet.
It is surprisingly popular among professionals.
magnesium
made by a few companies. Since the material itself is easy to break, it used to be only parts, but recently it is made with Merida and Pinarello.
The material itself seems to be abundant in nature, and it is used as an alloy. Titanium seems to be the same.
In my opinion, I would like to see the situation a little more, and I also want to choose carefully considering that the magnesium parts are still broken.
It is vulnerable to rust and often breaks from the rusted part, so I think it is a frame that needs maintenance.
It is said that the ride quality is good for vibration absorption. About the same weight as aluminum. Even if the specific gravity is light, if the strength is increased, the weight will be almost the same.
wood
Recently featured in a magazine, but very interesting material
Materials in progress
Carbon and magnesium may come out in various ways in the future.
Aluminum and steel are led by pipe makers, whereas carbon has almost no ready-made pipes.
There is also the possibility that relatively new manufacturers will emerge.
While metal requires large-scale facilities to make pipes, carbon requires technology to handle fibers.
You can make a wonderful frame in the workshop. There are many carbon factories in China, the textile industry.