Carbon Fiber vs Aluminum vs Steel vs Titanium

BY LEE AGUR /  TUESDAY, 10 DECEMBER 2013 

What is the real difference between carbon fiber vs aluminum vs steel vs titanium… What are the Pros and Cons of each material?

Carbon Fiber

Most high-end bikes are made from this material and for good reason:

Pros

• Lightest material
• Strongest material
• Stiffest material
• Best shock absorption
• Infinitely mouldable to any design
• Flexible where it needs to be
• Won’t rust or corrode like steel

Cons

• Expensive
• Not all carbon is created equal
• Can crack/fracture
• Strength and stiffness depend on design

Aluminum

Many entry level bikes are made from aluminum because it can be made stiff and light enough for a great ride.

Pros

• Light
• Strong
• Stiff
• Mouldable
• Great for climbing and sprinting
• Won’t rust or corrode
• Less expensive than carbon fiber

Cons

• Harsh on rough roads
• Can fatigue over time (Leads to overbuilding which adds to weight)
• Not easily repaired
• Weak joints

Steel

Steel will last a life time. It is also the easiest to repair, making it a great bike for touring.

Pros

• Inexpensive
• Strong
• Flexes enough for a soft ride
• Most durable of all the materials
• Lively feel
• Easy to work with and repair

Cons

• Heavy
• Rust/corrosion
• Flexes too much for racing

Titanium

Titanium is a metal that takes aspects from aluminum and steel… better shock absorption that aluminum but not quite as light.

Pros

• Bullet proof
• Its density is between that of steel and aluminum which makes it stiff but shock absorbing
• Lively feel
• Shock absorbing
• Does not corrode

Cons

• Expensive
• Difficult to make aero shapes due to welding considerations
• Difficult to repair
• Stiffness is traded for lightweight

My Preferences…

I have at least one bike made out of every material. I use carbon fiber bikes the most; but here are the exceptions:

Winter riding - I use an aluminum frame as I do not want to ruin my more expensive carbon fiber frames, but still want a bike that climbs fast.

Downhill Mountain Bike – I like my titanium frame. I feel indestructible going downhill.

Touring – I would use a steel frame due to the ease of repairs and dependability.

I realize not everyone is fortunate enough to have such a wide selection of bikes and price point is always a factor. If you are just getting into cycling then most of the time a carbon fiber frame is not necessary. My first bike was aluminum and it was fantastic. I still have it… and I still ride it.

Each material has different qualities keep them in mind when you go to purchase your next ride.

What are all those parts called?

Rothrock TrailMix June 13

Happy Valley Biking is proud to present for the 4th year, the Rothrock TrailMix, on the second Saturday in June - June 13, 2015. The race will begin at the base of Tussey Mountain with the course running on the beautiful trails in Rothrock State Forest.

The objective of our race is to (1) provide for a shorter race course in the Rothrock area - 19 mile "Short Course", (2) provide a race course that uses some of the most technical trails in Rothrock State Forest - 36 mile (MASS/IMBA Epic) course, and (3) to give back to our biking community and local trail system and trail volunteer groups.

Both courses of this race are designed for the intermediate to advanced technical skill level rider. This is not a good race for a novice or beginner.  The trails in Rothrock are naturally rocky and require excellent bike handling skills.

Back by popular demand, the Dice Run category in the Short Course is for those mountain bike enthusiasts that are more of the gambler as opposed to the racer. So if you're not into racing, but into riding and supporting a great event, come on out and ride! Prizes will be awarded for the Dice Run category based on the roll of the dice.

The Rothrock TrailMix is a Mid-Atlantic Super Series (MASS) Endurance Event and an IMBA Epic Ride Route. Proceeds will benefit the local trails and trail system in Rothrock State Forest, as well as the local volunteer groups who help maintain the multi-use system.

All participants receive swag - the earlier you register, the more you get! Awards and prizes to top finishers in all classes!

Food and STRAUB Beer will be provided to participants at the finish line!

http://www.happyvalleybiking.com/

10 Bike Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

How to avoid common pitfalls when you're just starting to ride

It’s National Bike Month, and we’re all looking forward to having more company in the bike lane. But if you’re a beginning rider, knowing the basic rules of the road might not be enough. Here are a few common traps for new cyclists—and simple fixes to make riding more safe and enjoyable.

Seat too low
Experiencing pain in the front of your knee? Your seat is probably too low, causing you to under-extend your pedal stroke. At the right seat height, your knee should be slightly bent at the bottom of your pedal stroke, when the crankarm is parallel to the seat tube, not perpendicular to the ground. To check this, pedal unclipped with your heels on the pedals. You should barely maintain contact with the pedal at the bottom of the stroke, without rocking your pelvis. Measure the distance between the bottom bracket and the top of the seat. This is your seat height.

Your local bike shop can do a basic bike fit for you.

Assume you need all the best gear
You don’t need fancy clothes, clipped-in shoes, or a top-of-the-line bike to become a cyclist. Sure, slick equipment can be a lot of fun, but there’s nothing like smoking a bunch of high-end carbon bikes on a climb when you’re riding an old beater. The important thing is that you just get out there and ride—and worry about any potential upgrades later.

Bad bike fit
How your bike fits you is the most important aspect of riding. If the fit is painful, you’re not going to spend much time in the saddle, no matter how excited you are to ride that new bike. To get the right fit, two elements are key: seat height and reach. The seat height should be high enough to give you a very slight bend in your knee when your foot is at the bottom of the pedal stroke. Proper reach means your arms and torso make a 45-degree angle over the bike. Too long, and your back will be sore reaching for the handlebars; too short and your knees will be too close to your arms. When you’re shopping for a bike, make sure to take it for a test ride to see that the size is correct for you. 

Not maintaining your bike
You don’t have to be a pro wrench, but routine maintenance will not only save you a bundle at the bike shop but also prolong the life of your bike. Check out these three super-easy maintenance tasks your bike mechanic wishes you’d do.

Too much too soon
One of the biggest sources of injury comes from trying to take on too much mileage before you’re ready. Build up slowly, ease in, and give your body time to adjust to new distances. Similarly, if you’re on a training ride, don’t start too fast and risk burnout and fatigue in the second half. Warm up during the first third of the ride, then settle into a rhythm for the second, and give it everything you’ve got for the final third.

Not carrying a spare or a patch kit
One minute you’re out there on the trail, cruising along with the perfect tailwind, having the time of your life. Then that unmistakable sound of air hissing out of your tires shatters your peaceful reverie, and the party is over. If your flat tire backup plan is to phone a friend, take a few minutes and check out this guide to changing a tube or patching one. You won’t believe how much more independent you’ll feel with the proper tools on hand—a spare, a patch kit, levers, and a mini-pump—and the know-how to get yourself back on the road in 15 minutes.

Not using your gears
Gears are your best friends on a climb, and your greatest source of speed on a long, rolling stretch. But it does take a little practice to get the hang of when and how to shift into your most efficient gear. Here’s a basic guide to using all your gears.  

Not respecting the pack
Group rides have their own protocol and etiquette for a reason—it’s easy to cause a crash if your riding isn't predictable. If it’s your first time riding with a new group, hang at the back, observe, and ask for help if you need it. For more on group-riding rules and technique, check out this article.

Not refueling enough
If you’re only riding for an hour, you don’t need to eat on the bike (but bring water). But if you’re planning to ride over two hours, bring a snack along and start eating 45 minutes to an hour into your ride, and continue to eat small amounts every 15 to 20 minutes. Forgetting to refuel can put your body into a deficit and cause you to bonk—or go into a hypoglycemic state. Tiredness, irritability, dizziness, nausea, confusion—it’s not a strong way to finish a ride.

A Few More Tips for Bike Commuting

Just because you rode your bike does not mean you should walk in sweaty and rushed.

On your drive into work, have you ever noticed a cyclist obviously commuting and admired that person? Have you thought it would be cool to ride your bike to work, or home from the office? Perhaps it's crossed your mind that bike commuting not only helps the environment and saves gas money; but it could help you stay fit, healthy and burn a few extra calories.

Despite some worthy reasons to ride your bike to work, there never seems to be a good time to start. So why not start now? Lots of people commute on their bicycles, why not you?

Even if you commute only a handful of times, it's better than none at all. To help you get rolling, here are a few tips for commuting on your bike:

Suggestions for looking like you didn't commute

• Time can be your friend. Give yourself built in time in case of a flat tire, mechanical or to try a new route to work. Try waiting to drink that cup of coffee when you get to work, that way you have time to stop sweating before you wipe off and change.

• It’s not a race. Enjoy the ride and don’t rush it. If you want to rush off somewhere on your commute, let it be the ride home where you can be sweaty in the comfort of your own couch.

• Don't make a big deal out of special clothes and gear. Depending on the distance of your commute, you might be able to commute in your work clothes. Some commutes are workouts and other commutes are more practical in nature.

• Strategize your clean up time before work. Action Wipes may be something for you to try. It’s like a shower in towel, disposable and all natural. Start from your face going down, it will leave you feeling clean and you won’t be salty the rest of the day.

Ride Your Bike to Work Week

Pennsylvania is proudly participating in Ride Your Bike to Work Week – May 11 – 15

This is a post by Andreas Kambanis who runs a blog, London Cyclist, about cycling and London. 

I started commuting into work by bike in the same way I do many things in life. With little or no plan! The way I look at it is if there is anything I need to learn I’ll soon figure it out along the way. Here are 5 of the lessons I soon picked up.

1. Route

When I first started bike commuting I had just moved to London for a new job. It was my first day in that job so I found my route on Google Maps and looked at it once. This was a major error.

After a good start I forgot the route and took a wrong turn. Then another wrong turn. And another. I somehow ended up on Oxford Circus. One of the busiest, most horrible roads for cyclists in London.

After a quick call to my new boss who I had yet to meet I confirmed I would be late for my first day at work.

Lesson learned: Plan the route ahead and do a test run.

2. There are some things you shouldn't economize on

I noticed something on all the other bikes parked at office that my bike was lacking. They all had massive U-locks. I looked at my weak bike lock and realized a thief could probably chew through it with their teeth. A couple of days later I made sure I got myself to the nearest bike shop and purchased a proper bike lock.

Lesson learned: Spend as much as you can on a good bike lock. It is worth it for all the effort and money you will save by preventing theft.

3. A little maintenance goes a long way

I made all the maintenance mistakes you can possibly make. I over lubricated my chain, I didn't keep my bike clean and I didn't replace my break pads until they wore through my wheel rims. I caused a lot of damage to that poor bike. After a while I replaced it with a new one and pledged to learn bike maintenance.

Lesson learned: Learn the basics to bike maintenance as it will give you a much smoother, more enjoyable bike ride and will make your bike last longer.

4. Local bike shop

It is worth building up a relationship with a local bike shop so they can help you out at a time of need. I have since got to know my local bike shop owner so whenever I head in there to buy something new I can ask some advice on any maintenance problems I’m having.

Get the right bike helmet fit

Here's how to get the best protection for your head

Published by Consumer Reports 2015

Bike helmets  

A bike helmet must fit snugly to protect you. “Try on the size you think you need, and then try a size smaller,” says Rich Handel, Consumer Reports' assistant test project leader. (Warning: Don’t be tempted to buy a larger size for your child, thinking she will grow into it!)

If you’re buying a bike helmet online, check the return policy to make sure you can exchange it.

Another important shopping tip: Wear a ponytail or a hat when shopping if you ride that way; those things can alter the fit. Then use our tips to make sure your helmet fits you properly.

Check the fit

·         The helmet must be level on your head. It's not a bonnet!

·         The front edge should be no more than an inch or so above your eyebrows.

·         The strap should fit closely under your chin. You shouldn't be able to see daylight between the strap and your chin.

·         Straps should meet just below your jaw and in front of your ears, forming a V under your earlobes.

Find out how we tested bike helmets and which ones topped our Ratings.

How do you know whether the helmet fits?

Push the helmet side to side, then front to back, and give it a twist. (The skin at your temples should wrinkle.) The helmet should move only a little bit.

If it’s too loose and your helmet has an adjuster knob, tighten it, or if your helmet came with extra pads, use the thicker ones. If it’s too tight, turn the knob to loosen it or use the thinner pads.

Will it stay put while you’re riding?

With the heel of your hand, push up on the front edge of the helmet. If it exposes your forehead, shorten the front straps. Then grab the back and try to push the helmet forward off your head. If it covers your eyes, shorten the back straps.

You’ll know the chin strap is tight enough when you open your jaw halfway and feel the helmet press down on your head.

Get out and ride your Bicycle!

Welcome to Spring (finally!!)

There are many exciting biking events in our area and I would like to start out with information and resources to help you get out and on your bike as the weather warms up!

May is both National Bike to Work Month, as well as National Bike Safety Month, and CentreBike has a handful of events to celebrate the start of another warm-weather cycling season.

You may be wondering who or what is CentreBike?

Here is a link to their website and this is their mission statement.

CentreBike is a 501(c) organization, founded in 2000, to help facilitate the vision of a more cycle-friendly community in the greater State College area. We are a coalition of cyclists working for cyclists, with the goal of promoting bicycling as a means of recreation and transportation.

CentreBike will be sponsoring “Commuter Coffee Fridays” and will offer free coffee to commuting cyclists every Friday morning in May at a different location around Downtown State College. You’ll also have the opportunity to take a family-friendly bike ride with the Mayor, or attend a PennDOT press event about bicycle safety in the region.

·         Friday, 5/1, Commuter Coffee Fridays

·      Friday, 5/1, “Ask a Cyclist” Table all day at Allen Street Gates (and see our A2B(ike) page for online help)

·      Friday, 5/1 through Wednesday 9/30, The National Bike Challenge

·      Sunday, 5/3 The Linden Loop at the Rock Hill School
(not a CentreBike event, but helps support a bike rest stop at the school)

·      Tues-Weds, 5/5-5/6 Make a donation to CentreBike during the CentreGives Campaign

·      Friday, 5/8, Commuter Coffee Fridays + Group Photo at Old Main Steps

·      Friday 5/8, PennDOT Bicycle Press Conference at Old Main Steps

·      Friday 5/15, Commuter Coffee Fridays

·      Saturday 5/16, Spring Bike Ride with the Mayor

·      Friday 5/22, Commuter Coffee Fridays

·      Friday 5/29, Commuter Coffee Fridays

Other cycling events in the State College area for May include:

·         Tuesday – 5/5, State College Cycling group ride, Circleville park – 6pm

o   Different levels(speeds) are offered each week so don’t worry about being left behind! And starting in June there is a slow and easy ride on Thursday nights.

·         Tuesday – 5/12 State College Cycling group ride, Fairbrook park – 6pm

·         Friday, Saturday and Sunday – 5/15-17 Raystown Dirtfest mountain bike festival

·         Sunday – 5/17 Nittany Mountain bike group ride at Cooper’s Gap

·         Tuesday – 5/19 State College Cycling group ride, Mt. Nittany School – 6pm

·         Tuesday – 5/26 State College Cycling group ride, Bernell Park – 6pm

·         5/24 – 5/30 – Transylvania Epic weeklong mountain bike race

o   Don’t want to race? There are volunteer opportunities. (and then I like to ride some of the trails after I am done with my duties!)

·         Sunday 5/31 Bestwick Foundation Spring Ride 2015. Short and long course with lots of good food and beer afterwards.

It can be scary showing up for a group ride for the first time, but don’t worry everyone is very friendly and we love adding to our group. When you arrive, ask who the ride leader is and introduce yourself. The ride leader can tell you the route and give you a cue sheet. (road names, turns and mileage for that night’s ride)

If you are new to cycling you may want to start at a slower paced group at first just to see how things work and then adjust the next week based on how the ride went for you.

When riding on the road, the average speed is used to determine the grouping.

AA – 20+

A – Average speed of 18-20

BB – Average speed of 16-18

B – Average speed of 14-16, sometimes there is also a B+ (they go a little faster)

C – Average speed of 10-14

D – Average speed 8-10 (Thursday nights, see below)

Thursday Slow and Easy Rides (June and July, Haymarket Park @ 6:00pm)

Whether you’re just getting started in the sport and want to learn to ride with a group or you’re returning to the sport after some time away.

                                                               

In my next post I’ll address some tips for riding in a group and how to stay safe and upright.

Until then keep the rubber side down! (Be safe)

Mary Ann