Mountain Bike Frames – Different Materials For Different Applications
The cost of a mountain bike frame is directly related the material used in its construction, as well as the treatment that the material has received.
Currently, there are five types of material used in mountain bike frames - high tensile steel, chromoly steel, aluminum, titanium, and carbon fiber.
High tensile steel is a very durable and inexpensive alloy that's found in entry level mountain bikes. It features a high carbon content which makes it less stiff than chromoly steel, so more material is needed to make it stiff enough for a frame, which will in turn make it that much heavier.
Chromoly steel or more commonly know simply as chromoly, is best described by its major additives - chromium and molybdenum. This is probably the most refined framing material, giving many years of dependable service. Depending on the type of heat treating and butting, you can find this material in bikes of all price ranges. The chromoly steel material offers very good durability and a compliant ride characteristic.
Aluminum has been refined pretty much in the same way as chromoly. There have been various alloys developed, as well as heat treatment and butting. Aluminum is a light material, so some frames are available in an oversized in diameter to increase stiffness without adding much to the overall weight. A dual suspension mountain bike frame is often made with aluminum, since it's generally the stiffest and most cost effective.
Titanium frames remain expensive because it takes longer to weld the tubes to the frame. Titanium is considered an alloy, usually mixed with small amounts of vanadium and aluminum to give it better weldability and ride characteristics.
More compliant than chromoly, it offers better fatigue and corrosion properties.
Carbon fiber is a man made composite material, and is extremely light, strong and stiff. The frame can be custom designed to increase strength in specific areas, and reduce weight in others. A carbon fiber frame was used initially for the professional level sport rider, due to their initial high cost, but they are now available on more everyday bikes.
The material you choose for your bike, all depends on where you ride, what style you use and how much you are willing to pay.
Almost all materials will last you for years, as long as you take care of your bike and treat the frame with some respect.
Framing Materials
Framing Materials
The price of the mountain bike body is proportionate to
its substance, as well as the procedure that stuff
has received. Currently, there are 5 varieties of
material employed in mountain exercise bikes - increased tensile metal,
chromoly metal, light weight aluminum, titanium, and carbon
fiber. Oversized diameters, heat treating, and butting are
tubing product remedies that should increase the
charge on the frame as effectively.
Big tensile metal
This is a incredibly resilient alloy that's found in lower
priced mountain cycles. It offers a increased carbon written content
which can make it fewer stiff than chromoly steel, so
additional elements are required to help it become rigid enough for
bicycle frames, that'll in turn cause it to that a lot
heavier.
Relatively low-cost to produce, you will locate this
substance in trail exercise bikes, city exercise bikes, and also entry
amount mountain bicycles. There are a few motorcycles that occur
using a chromoly seat tube, although the rest is high
tensile steel.
Chromoly steel
Brief for steel alloy, chromoly is ideal described by
its significant additives - chromium and molybdenum. This
is probably probably the most refined framing product, giving
around 100 a long time of dependable assistance.
Depending on the type of heat treating and butting,
you are able to uncover this stuff in cycles as lower as 400
dollars the many way up to 1,500 and beyond. The
chromoly steel product provides really good durability
and a compliant journey characteristic.
Light weight aluminum
For that past 15 many years, aluminum may be refined in
fairly considerably the identical way as chromoly. There have
been different alloys created, as effectively as heat
procedure, oversizing, and butting. With dual
suspension cycles, light weight aluminum could be the desired product
as it's the stiffest and most price useful.
Light weight aluminum is stiffer than chromoly, and so it
will crack just before chromoly. Naturally, this depends
on how you ride and the amount abuse you give the body.
The advantages of aluminum is that the body is quite
light and extremely rigid through oversizing or butting.
Titanium
Even believed it really is somewhat exotic, the costs for
this stuff have appear down above the very last handful of several years.
Frames designed of titanium stay pricey simply because it
requires lengthier to weld the tubes for the frame.
Titanium is considered an alloy, normally mixed with
little quantities of vanadium and light weight aluminum to give it
superior weldability and trip characteristics. A lot more
compliant than chromoly, it delivers greater low energy
and corrosion properties.
The materials you pick for the bike, all is dependent
on exactly where you journey and what type you use. Practically
all elements will previous you for years, as prolonged as
you consider care of the bike and deal with the frame with
some respect.
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Tips for Buying a Mountain Bike Online
Buying a mountain bike online is a big step, but it doesn't have to be a mistake as long as you know what you're getting into. However, it's important not to buy the first thing you see that looks appealing. It can be hard to tell what you're really buying over the Internet. What you're looking for is the fight fit. Learning about bikes before you start shopping, and knowing just what you want are the keys to successfully buying a mountain bike online.
First, get a good professional fitting, to tell you what type and size of bike is best for you. These may be free, or they may cost you up to seventy-five dollars. However, in the end, they're worth it. Any good bike shop that you get a fitting from won't pressure you to buy there.
Once you know what your size and ideal frame type is, start looking at mountain bike brands and features you like. These days there are a great deal of options available, and learning about these is essential. Make a decision about the frame material you want (titanium, carbon fiber, aluminum or steel). The latter are the most prevalent, but steel and aluminum cost less.
Ask yourself about suspension – mountain bikes are available with no suspension, front suspension, and a combination of front and back suspensions. More suspension costs a bit more, but it also gives you a gentler ride. Begin collecting brands that you'd like to buy from. Brand name may not be the only consideration, but those with proven reliability such as Cannondale, Trek and Specialized have stood the test of time.
Online you'll find a number of bike retailers, as well as a wide variety of mountain bikes being offered both by retailers and individuals on eBay. Buying bikes on eBay requires a bit of caution. If you choose to go with eBay, be very careful to make certain that the bike you're buying is the one you want. Return policies can be tricky, and individual sellers can misrepresent their bikes, intentionally or not. All that said, you can really save money buying through eBay, but look for good shipping and handling costs and an excellent record of seller feedback.
On the other hand, buying from an online bike retailer may prove to be a little safer. It's always important to check up on the online store and make sure that they're reliable, too. Know your biker retailer's return policies, too, and see if there's a warranty. A warranty, if available, may be a sensible purchase to give you a little extra safety on your mountain bike purchase.
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Schwinn Laguna Pro Men’s Road Bike
Comfortable and responsive, the Schwinn Laguna Pro men's road bike is ideal for long commutes and friendly rides. The Laguna Pro is equipped with a smooth 'N' Litened Gold-Label butted aluminum frame that's lightweight and durable, along with a vibration-damping Black Label carbon seat stay and fork. The frame and fork are responsive enough to absorb shocks from tough terrain, but also excel on well-paved city streets. Other details include a Selle San Marko Italian saddle, clipless pedals, Shimano front and rear derailleurs, and Schwalbe Blizzard 700x23 tires. pbSpecifications:/bulliFrame: Schwinn super-butted 'N' Litened Gold Label smooth-welded aluminum with Reflex carbon fiber seat stays, race geometry, IS standard integrated head tube, forged dropouts with replaceable hanger, and 2 water bottles liFork: Schwinn Black Label carbon fiber blades with 1-1/8-inch Cr-mo steerer and forged dropouts liCrankset: Truvativ Elita compact forged alloy with 50/36T 7075 CNC chain rings liBB: Truvativ Giga X Pipe with external bearings liPedals: Clipless liFront derailleur: Shimano Tiagra 31.8 down-pull liRear derailleur: Shimano 105 10sp SS liShifters: Shimano Tiagra STI liFreewheel: SRAM PG-950 9-speed 12-26T liChain: Shimano CN-5600 super narrow liRims: Alex R500 semi aero 28 front/32 rear liTires: Schwalbe Blizzard 700x23 liFront hub: Formula RB-51 28 liRear hub: Formula RB-52 32 liSpokes: Stainless steel ED black liFront brake: Tektro RX-40 dual-pivot caliper liRear brake: Tektro RX-40S single-pivot caliper liBrake levers: Shimano Tiagra 9xp STI liHandlebar: Road-tuned 31.8 alloy liStem: Road-tuned, melt-forged 31.8 clamp liGrips: Schwinn gel tape with embossed star logo liHeadset: FSA IS-3 integrated ACB bearing Aheadset liSaddle: Selle San Marco Ponza liSeat post: Road-tuned 27.2 x 350mm liSeat clamp: Schwinn forged/CNC with Cr-Mo Allen bolt liExtras: 2 x 10, 2 x 5 extra headset spacers /ulpstrongAbout Schwinn/strongbr Founded in 1895, Schwinn is an American icon that has been synonymous with quality and innovation. They have built some of the best-known and best loved bikes of numerous generations--Aerocycle, Paramount, Phantom, Varsity, Sting-Ray, Krate and Homegrown. Today, Schwinn continues to be a leader in the industry with innovative bikes such as the new Sting-Ray, Rocket mountain bikes, and Fastback road bikes. With a continued dedication to quality, forever synonymous with the Schwinn name, America's most famous bicycle brand looks forward to providing another century of innovation, freedom and performance to people of all ages.pstrongfont color=CC6600BIGAmazon.com Bicycle Buying Guide/BIG/font/strongbrbrstrongFinding the Right Bike/strongbr To really enjoy cycling, it's important to find a bicycle that works for you. Here are some things to keep in mind when you're in the market for a new bike:pstrongThe Right Ride/strongbr In general, bikes are broken down into three major categories:ullistrongRoad and Racing Bikes/strong--As a general rule, road and racing are built for speed and longer distances on paved surfaces. Thinner tires, lightweight 29-inch (700c) wheels, and drop bars that allow for a more aerodynamic position are the norm. Most road bikes, regardless of price, offer many gears for tackling both hilly and flat terrain. listrongMountain Bikes/strong--With their larger tires, hill-friendly gearing, and upright position, mountain bikes are very popular for all types of riding, both on pavement and off. Mountain bikes that are designed specifically for rugged trail use typically feature a suspension fork. Some may have rear suspension, as well. A quick change of the tires on any mountain bike--even one that you use regularly on trails--adds to its versatility and makes it a worthy street machine. listrongComfort/Cruiser Bikes/strong--For tooling around on bike paths, light trails, or for cruising a quiet beach-side lane, comfort/cruiser bikes are the ticket. With a super-relaxed riding position, padded seats, and limited or no gearing, these bikes are made for enjoying the scenery and having fun with the family. /ulpstrongThe Right Price/strongbr A bike's price boils down to three essentials: frame materials, bike weight, and component quality and durability.ullistrongEntry-level/strong--You'll find a wide range of comfort and cruiser bikes in this category, as well as some lower-end mountain bikes and road bikes. Most will have steel frames and components that are designed to last for several years with frequent use. listrongMid-range/strong--Bikes in this range may feature a lighter aluminum frame with mid-range components that keep performing after miles of use. If you're looking for a quality bike that is relatively lightweight and will stand up to abuse, this is the "sweet spot." Most serious commuter and touring bikes fall into this category, as do mid-range mountain bikes with a decent front suspension. listrongHigh-end/strong--Racers and serious enthusiasts who expect lightweight, high-performance components will want to stick to this category. For road bikes, exotic frame materials (carbon fiber, titanium) and ultralightweight components can add thousands to the price tag. Mountain bikes in this class often feature advanced front and rear suspension technology, as well as components designed to handle lots of rugged trail action./ulpstrongThe Right Size/strongbr Fit is crucial for comfort, control, and proper power and endurance on a bike. Here are some basic bike fit tips:ullistrongStand-over Height/strong--To find out if a bike's overall height fits your body, measure your inseam. Next, determine how much clearance you'll need between your crotch and the top tube of the bike. For a mountain bike, you'll want three to five inches of clearance. A road bike should offer between one and two inches of clearance, while a commuter bike should have two to four inches. Compare the stand-over height for a given bike to your measurements (inseam + clearance) to determine the right bike height. listrongTop Tube Length/strong--You can measure your torso to get a good estimate of proper top tube length. First, make a fist and extend your arm. Measure from the center of your fist to the end of your collarbone (the part that intersects your shoulder). Next, measure your torso by placing a book against your crotch with the spine facing up. Measure from the spine to the bottom of your throat (the spot between your collarbones). Finally, add the two measurements (arm length + torso length), divide the number in half, and subtract six inches. This is your approximate top tube length. Compare this number to a bike's posted top tube length. You can allow for about two inches longer or shorter, as most bikes can be adjusted via stem length/height and saddle fore/aft position to make fine adjustments to the fit. listrongBikes for Women/strong--Proportionally, women tend to have a shorter torso and longer legs than men. Bike makers design women's bikes that offer a shorter top tube and many comfort/cruiser bikes built for women may also provide more stand-over clearance. /ulpstrongThe Right Accessories/strongbr When you make a bike purchase, don't forget these crucial add-ons:ulliHelmet (this is a must!) liSeat pack liLock liHydration pack, or water bottle and bottle cage liSpare tubes liPortable bike pump liGloves /ulp
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A two-wheeled rebuttal to the theory that it takes several thousand dollars to buy a nice road bike, the Schwinn LeTour GSX is one of the best road bikes around. The bike is outfitted with such features as a Schwinn Custom Drawn N'Litened Gold Label aluminum frame with Black Label carbon fiber seat stays, an N'Litened Black Label composite carbon fiber fork, Shimano Tiagra derailleurs and shifters, Continental Ultra Sport 28c tires, a Schwinn road-tuned 31.8 alloy ergo bend bar, and Truvativ Elita triple cranks. pbSpecifications:/bbrulliFrame: Schwinn Custom Drawn N'Litened Gold Label aluminum with Black Label carbon fiber seat stays liFork: N'Litened Black Label composite carbon fiber fork liFront derailleur: Shimano Tiagra liRear derailleur: Shimano Tiagra liShifters: Shimano Tiagra liCrankset: Truvativ Elita triple cranks liWheelset: Formula Shawla 280 wheelset liTires: Continental Ultra Sport 28c liBars: Schwinn road-tuned 31.8 alloy ergo bend bar liBearings: Truvativ giga X Pipe outboard-mounted sealed cartridge bearing 68 x 113 liPedals: FPD dual-sided clipless liFreewheel: SRAM PG950 12-26 liChain: KMC Z-9000 liFront brake: Tektro R538 dual pivot caliper liRear brake: Tektro R538 dual pivot caliper liBrake levers: Shimano Tiagra STI with Tektro RL720 bar top levers liSpokes: Schwinn padded tape liHeadset: FSA integrated cartridge bearing liSaddle: Selle San Marco Iscia liSeat post: Schwinn road-tuned 27.2 x 350mm /ulpstrongAbout Schwinn/strongbr Founded in 1895, Schwinn is an American icon that has been synonymous with quality and innovation. They have built some of the best-known and best loved bikes of numerous generations--Aerocycle, Paramount, Phantom, Varsity, Sting-Ray, Krate and Homegrown. Today, Schwinn continues to be a leader in the industry with innovative bikes such as the new Sting-Ray, Rocket mountain bikes, and Fastback road bikes. With a continued dedication to quality, forever synonymous with the Schwinn name, America's most famous bicycle brand looks forward to providing another century of innovation, freedom and performance to people of all ages.pstrongfont color=CC6600BIGAmazon.com Bicycle Buying Guide/BIG/font/strongbrbrstrongFinding the Right Bike/strongbr To really enjoy cycling, it's important to find a bicycle that works for you. Here are some things to keep in mind when you're in the market for a new bike:pstrongThe Right Ride/strongbr In general, bikes are broken down into three major categories:ullistrongRoad and Racing Bikes/strong--As a general rule, road and racing are built for speed and longer distances on paved surfaces. Thinner tires, lightweight 29-inch (700c) wheels, and drop bars that allow for a more aerodynamic position are the norm. Most road bikes, regardless of price, offer many gears for tackling both hilly and flat terrain. listrongMountain Bikes/strong--With their larger tires, hill-friendly gearing, and upright position, mountain bikes are very popular for all types of riding, both on pavement and off. Mountain bikes that are designed specifically for rugged trail use typically feature a suspension fork. Some may have rear suspension, as well. A quick change of the tires on any mountain bike--even one that you use regularly on trails--adds to its versatility and makes it a worthy street machine. listrongComfort/Cruiser Bikes/strong--For tooling around on bike paths, light trails, or for cruising a quiet beach-side lane, comfort/cruiser bikes are the ticket. With a super-relaxed riding position, padded seats, and limited or no gearing, these bikes are made for enjoying the scenery and having fun with the family. /ulpstrongThe Right Price/strongbr A bike's price boils down to three essentials: frame materials, bike weight, and component quality and durability.ullistrongEntry-level/strong--You'll find a wide range of comfort and cruiser bikes in this category, as well as some lower-end mountain bikes and road bikes. Most will have steel frames and components that are designed to last for several years with frequent use. listrongMid-range/strong--Bikes in this range may feature a lighter aluminum frame with mid-range components that keep performing after miles of use. If you're looking for a quality bike that is relatively lightweight and will stand up to abuse, this is the "sweet spot." Most serious commuter and touring bikes fall into this category, as do mid-range mountain bikes with a decent front suspension. listrongHigh-end/strong--Racers and serious enthusiasts who expect lightweight, high-performance components will want to stick to this category. For road bikes, exotic frame materials (carbon fiber, titanium) and ultralightweight components can add thousands to the price tag. Mountain bikes in this class often feature advanced front and rear suspension technology, as well as components designed to handle lots of rugged trail action./ulpstrongThe Right Size/strongbr Fit is crucial for comfort, control, and proper power and endurance on a bike. Here are some basic bike fit tips:ullistrongStand-over Height/strong--To find out if a bike's overall height fits your body, measure your inseam. Next, determine how much clearance you'll need between your crotch and the top tube of the bike. For a mountain bike, you'll want three to five inches of clearance. A road bike should offer between one and two inches of clearance, while a commuter bike should have two to four inches. Compare the stand-over height for a given bike to your measurements (inseam + clearance) to determine the right bike height. listrongTop Tube Length/strong--You can measure your torso to get a good estimate of proper top tube length. First, make a fist and extend your arm. Measure from the center of your fist to the end of your collarbone (the part that intersects your shoulder). Next, measure your torso by placing a book against your crotch with the spine facing up. Measure from the spine to the bottom of your throat (the spot between your collarbones). Finally, add the two measurements (arm length + torso length), divide the number in half, and subtract six inches. This is your approximate top tube length. Compare this number to a bike's posted top tube length. You can allow for about two inches longer or shorter, as most bikes can be adjusted via stem length/height and saddle fore/aft position to make fine adjustments to the fit. listrongBikes for Women/strong--Proportionally, women tend to have a shorter torso and longer legs than men. Bike makers design women's bikes that offer a shorter top tube and many comfort/cruiser bikes built for women may also provide more stand-over clearance. /ulpstrongThe Right Accessories/strongbr When you make a bike purchase, don't forget these crucial add-ons:ulliHelmet (this is a must!) liSeat pack liLock liHydration pack, or water bottle and bottle cage liSpare tubes liPortable bike pump liGloves /ulp