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Slowtwitch Forums: Triathlon Forum:
The making of a carbon fiber bike - video

TriPDX

Oct 21, 05 10:13

Post #1 of 9 (393 views)

The making of a carbon fiber bike - video	Can't Post

I came across this on the Serotta forum:

http://www.cyclingtime.com/modules/movie/index.php/derosa_king_making200506.html

1) Take tubes.
2) Glue together.
3) Bake for 1hr. at 130 degrees.
4) Repeat 7000 times a year.
5) Charge money (4K for frame and fork) for goods/services.

Wow.

bshanberg

Oct 21, 05 10:21

Post #2 of 9 (374 views)

Re: The making of a carbon fiber bike - video [TriPDX] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Don't you think the bike companies are in a honeymoon period right now charging premium dollars for carbon made bikes. I imagine they can produce these bikes just as cheaply as alum bikes using China labor. I can imagine we will see the frame costs nearly equal that of alum soon on a standard double triangle frame. Colorado Cyclist and others are already starting to approach the sub $1k carbon bike w/ decent components.

Martin C

Oct 21, 05 10:21

Post #3 of 9 (370 views)

Post deleted by Administrator [In reply to]

Rappstar

Oct 21, 05 10:36

Post #4 of 9 (313 views)

Re: The making of a carbon fiber bike - video [TriPDX] [In reply to]	Can't Post

A lugged carbon frame is quite easy to make. The hard(er) part is making the tubes. The molds, etc. Other than that, it is just glue.

A molded frame is more difficult, but again it is the creation of the mold, etc. that is the real cost. If you have to invest tens of thousands of dollars per mold, then you need to sell a bunch of bikes to cover the cost of the mold. And the molds do need to be replaced as well. And layup within the mold is not easy either. Not that it is hard, but you do need to know what you are doing.

Plus there is different quality carbon fiber. Those sub-1K bikes are not using the premium stuff. All carbon is not created equal. ;)

Trisur

Oct 21, 05 10:37

Post #5 of 9 (304 views)

Re: The making of a carbon fiber bike - video [bshanberg] [In reply to]	Can't Post

"I imagine they can produce these bikes just as cheaply as alum bikes using China labor"

They are already using China labor

TriPDX

Oct 21, 05 11:17

Post #6 of 9 (243 views)

Re: The making of a carbon fiber bike - video [mc sac] [In reply to]	Can't Post

A surprise?

Yes. I did not know that all it took was 20 minutes and an Easy Bake oven.

Rappstar

Oct 21, 05 11:24

Post #7 of 9 (226 views)

Re: The making of a carbon fiber bike - video [TriPDX] [In reply to]	Can't Post

You don't even really need the oven. You could build a lugged bike just fine using 3M Panel Bonding Adhesive.

bshanberg

Oct 21, 05 11:54

Post #8 of 9 (173 views)

Re: The making of a carbon fiber bike - video [Rappstar] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Agree that the molds and set-up costs will keep the costs high for a while. It did w/ alum when it was first phasing in.

However, I remember all these same arguments on the different qualities of material when gelcoat was first being applied to boats. Every manufacturer said not all gelcoats are the same. Mine is the best, etc. In the big picture, it never really mattered. It was the shape (molding) that won out and produced the best product. The manufacturers could easily adjust to the best material supplier.

Afterall, I bet we would all be surprized to find out who is really making the bargin basement sub $1k carbon frames. I bet its the same guys that are making the high dollar frames in the same plant, in China.

596

Oct 21, 05 12:10

Post #9 of 9 (133 views)

Re: The making of a carbon fiber bike - video [Rappstar] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Are Kestrel KM40's still USA made? Thats' the only bike I would buy if one of my Zipps dies.
Paul
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