 The materials used for advanced bicycle frames and parts are mainly dominated by aluminum, magnesium,
titanium alloy and carbon fiber/epoxy composites. Especially, the carbon fiber composites are widely used in
recent year due to their existing high specific modulus and strength and long fatigue life. In order to improve the disadvantages, such as brittleness and less impact resistance, of carbon composites and decrease cost,
Advanced Bike Composite Co., Ltd. (ABC) has developed a special resin transfer molding (RTM) technology to produce hybrid structures, i.e. seamless carbon fiber braided aluminum tubes (CFBAT) since 1992.
In addition to high specific modulus and strength as shown in carbon fiber/epoxy composites, the CFBAT not only demonstrates high toughness and thus uniquely provides safety, but also enhances its fatigue life through using the seamless carbon fiber braided structure. Moreover, the composition of CFBAT is greener in nature and less expensive than that of carbon fiber/epoxy composite because over 70% of the materials used in CFBAT are aluminum. Using CFBAT, many products, such as handlebar, bar end, seat post, stem, crank and rim, etc., have been developed for mass production by ABC so far. Although the outlook of the aforementioned products likes a 100% carbon fiber product, their behavior is not as brittle as a pure carbon fiber product, and this advantage gives the rider dismounting time in case of failure. ABC bike parts have the characteristics of lightness, strength and safety, and thus provide high-end products with a mid-end price.
Recently, ABC has also developed a new Dual- angle braiding technology to suit for producing full carbon fiber racing bike handlebars that have curves. The load strength of the racing bar needs to be in the straight zone of the bar near where the stem attaches, and the carbon fiber needs to be braided in a small angle that provides higher bending strength. On the other hand, in order for the carbon braiding to fit snug around the curved zone of the racing bar, the braiding angle needs to be large. |
