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 With
the ability to be cold-worked, butted, and formed into
complex shapes, aluminum alloys have proven themselves,
time and time again, to possess excellent characteristics
for lightweight bicycle frame construction.
Custom tubing shapes, when expertly designed can offer
far more than just great looks. Ride quality is, of
course, one of the most important features to build
into the design of a performance bicycle. Internal and
external butting, in addition to reducing weight, distributes
stress away from the weld zones, while custom tapering,
flaring, and bi-ovalizing tubes can substantially increase
stiffness in areas where it is most needed. These properties
combined can enhance handling, comfort and acceleration.
At Felt, we use the most advanced types of forming technologies,
including state-of-the-art Hydroforming. Using high
pressure liquid to form tubing from the inside out,
hydroforming allows for unusual and complex external
shapes while being able to utilizing premium double-butted
tubing internally. This results in lightweight yet remarkably
strong tubing, without requiring gusseting or reinforcement.
Additionally, we can directionally-tune the tubing to
offer a set of desired ride characteristics.
Whether using this latest technology or traditional
methods, at Felt every tube diameter, wall thickness,
butting and shapes are fine-tuned to bring together
a balance of high performance, superlight weight and
comfort.
Our Superlite 7005 and 6061 aluminum frame tubes utilize
secondary butting to save additional weight and further
tune the ride. Additionally, our Superlite frames feature
forged and CNC machined head tubes, BB shells and dropouts
to further eliminate unwanted weight. When
combined with carbon seat stays, we can build a frame
that can enhance comfort and minimizing rider fatigue
while still retaining the lively and responsive feel
of aluminum.
This material sets an even higher standard in strength
for 7000 series alloys. Kinesium is a proprietary alloy
that offers higher fatigue resistance, translating into
thinner-wall tubes building a lighter frame without
sacrificing strength and stiffness.
This material sets an even higher standard in strength
for 7000 series alloys. Kinesium is a proprietary alloy
that offers higher fatigue resistance, translating into
thinner-wall tubes building a lighter frame without
sacrificing strength and stiffness.
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Bikes & Frames