T
Tim McNamara
Guest
In article <[email protected]>,
"Johnny Sunset aka Tom Sherman" <[email protected]> wrote:
> [email protected] wrote:
> > ... Just like tig-welded frames and cartridge bottom brackets,
> > threadless headsets and stems are intended to streamline the
> > bicycle manufacturing process. They are of dubious benefit, at
> > best, to the rider.
>
> If a TIG-welded frame is as light as or lighter than a lugged and
> brazed frame, has similar durability, and costs less, then the
> TIG-welding process is of benefit to the consumer who does not wish
> to spend money on what has become a cosmetic feature.
TIG welded joints are less durable than either lugged or fillet brazed
joints, as tested to fatigue failure. I remember reading an article
about that. The TIG joints failed much quicker than the others, and the
lugged joint lasted the longest. IIRC the TIG joint was done at
Serotta, the fillet brazed joint was done by tom Ritchey, and I can't
recall who did the lugged joint.
However, the question is really whether the joint is durable enough. If
it holds up under daily use for 40 years, that's good enough. And TIG
joints, unless done ineptly, will do that. My TIG welded bike, a Gunnar
Crosshairs, has held up fine under 'cross racing, touring the Alps and a
bunch of brevets and training rides over 7 years. Pretty hard to
complain about that! There are a lot of welded frames out there still
in service after decades from the BMA/6 manufacturers (Huffy, Murray et
al).
So mechanically TIG is fine. It's just boring and ugly IMHO. Someone
else might think differently. I like a good fillet, myself.
"Johnny Sunset aka Tom Sherman" <[email protected]> wrote:
> [email protected] wrote:
> > ... Just like tig-welded frames and cartridge bottom brackets,
> > threadless headsets and stems are intended to streamline the
> > bicycle manufacturing process. They are of dubious benefit, at
> > best, to the rider.
>
> If a TIG-welded frame is as light as or lighter than a lugged and
> brazed frame, has similar durability, and costs less, then the
> TIG-welding process is of benefit to the consumer who does not wish
> to spend money on what has become a cosmetic feature.
TIG welded joints are less durable than either lugged or fillet brazed
joints, as tested to fatigue failure. I remember reading an article
about that. The TIG joints failed much quicker than the others, and the
lugged joint lasted the longest. IIRC the TIG joint was done at
Serotta, the fillet brazed joint was done by tom Ritchey, and I can't
recall who did the lugged joint.
However, the question is really whether the joint is durable enough. If
it holds up under daily use for 40 years, that's good enough. And TIG
joints, unless done ineptly, will do that. My TIG welded bike, a Gunnar
Crosshairs, has held up fine under 'cross racing, touring the Alps and a
bunch of brevets and training rides over 7 years. Pretty hard to
complain about that! There are a lot of welded frames out there still
in service after decades from the BMA/6 manufacturers (Huffy, Murray et
al).
So mechanically TIG is fine. It's just boring and ugly IMHO. Someone
else might think differently. I like a good fillet, myself.