Actually, curves are easy to do in steel. Look at the M5 Shockproof's (my bike) rear swingarm.
I must admit that a carbon seat built into the frame, or "spoon" frame is about the coolest looking
bike out there.
"Wile E.Coyote" <
[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Sooo much info...thankyou I wasn't thinking about doing an entire frame in CF, only parts that
> would have sweeping curves....too hard to fabricate in metal. I'd like to find out as much as I
> can and have someone to do the work for me, I know what I am capable of doing solo and have empty
> tool chests and xrays to prove it.
> ------------------------------
> "Robert Haston" <
[email protected]> wrote in message
>
news:[email protected]...
> > One piece of advice I have is to avoid trying to make a whole frame with
> it.
> > Carbon tubes are made with very exacting methods (low void, no bubbles, etc.) you can't match.
> > They will be stronger, lighter, and prettier.
> >
> > Furthermore, clamping carbon cloth lugs to tubes is a far far easier
> process
> > than laying up a frame.
http://www.calfeedesign.com/construction.shtml shows you how they make
> > their custom lugged carbon bikes. You can experiment with PVC and fiberglass until you get it
> > right.
> >
> > As to recumbents, carbon would best be suited to low racers. Carbon's stiffness allows thinner
> > tubes (to go between your legs) and is better
for
> > monotube construction. Although if you want a frame to flex, titanium
is
> > best, and steel is proven. For items that aren't stiffness driven, such
> as
> > seats and such, fiberglass is stronger than steel.
> >
> > You can also use carbon as a way to join or reinforce aluminum. Look
out
> > for galvanic corrosion - west system's etch kit should work well enough. This also applies to
> > joining crank brackets, etc.
> >
> > As to sanding carbon fiber. First design around having to sand.
Second,
> > trimming off the excess with scissors or a knife when the resin is firm
is
> > far easier and safer then sanding it when it is hard. Wear a mask and goggles rated for it, wet
> > sand (under a constant spray
or
> > wash if possible) and do it outside in an area where the fibers won't collect and blow around
> > when dried.
> >
> > All that being said, I've screwed around with aluminum and steel, and
done
> > fiberglass projects. If you don't have someone who can weld bikes for a decent price, a DIY
> > carbon would be my recommendation.
> >
> >
> >
> > "Wile E.Coyote" <
[email protected]> wrote in message
> >
news:[email protected]...
> > > Anyone know of any books or articles, on-line manuals etc. that show
how
> > to
> > > work with Carbon Fiber...(for bike frames would be nice), but would
> settle
> > > for just learning the basics.
> > >
> > >
> >
> >