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Tiny Carbon Fiber Pyramids Used For Lighter & Stronger Bike Frames

Posted January 10, 2008 10:01 AM

From OhGizmo!:

While the Egyptians applied their pyramid building skills to making tombs, it turns out that simple shape can be just as useful for less grandiose objects, like bike frames. Delta 7 Sports has recently unveiled their Arantix Mountain Bike which relies on the IsoTruss carbon fiber and Kevlar open lattice tube design. While it might look unusual, the frame pictured above weighs just 2.75 pounds and is as strong as any other frame on the market. The IsoTruss technology actually uses a series of small pyramid shaped structures that are all connected together to form a tube. The pyramids are made of hand woven strands of carbon fiber that are bundled together and wrapped in Kevlar. All in all, each bike frame includes 1,672 feet of carbon fiber and takes about 300 hours to build. As a result Delta 7 Sports only plans to produce about 200 of these frames in 2008. A complete Arantix mountain bike starts at $11,995, but you can also order just the IsoTruss carbon composite frame for $6,995.

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#1

Re: Tiny Carbon Fiber Pyramids Used For Lighter & Stronger Bike Frames

01/14/2008 6:35 AM

We should rush out and buy a dozen each, before the price goes up.

The main disadvantage of a carbon fiber cycle, is the catastrophic collapse which can occur, after the frame is abraded.

At present, Titanium frame is the best option, for lightness/safety/cost.

Kind Regards....

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#2
In reply to #1

Re: Tiny Carbon Fiber Pyramids Used For Lighter & Stronger Bike Frames

01/15/2008 10:23 AM

I agree that titanium is best. Unfortunately, (in U.S.) it is becoming harder to find bike shops that feature these titanium frames. I am using an alumium compact frame which has taken over the bottom end of the market lately.

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