Umm...guys...Although Ti is only ~1/2 as STIFF as steel
(i.e. for equivalent sections, it deflects easier), it's
STRENGTH is typically greater than steel, especially
stainless steels used for bolts and screws.
For example, here's a comparison of the yield strength
(stress level at which it permanently deforms) and tensile
strength (stress level at which it breaks) of 303
stainless steel (a typical stainless bolt material) and
Titanium 6Al4V.
Yield Strength: 303 SS - 75,000 psi (cold worked) Ti6Al4V -
128,000 psi
Tensile Strength: 303 SS - 110,000 psi (cold worked) Ti6Al4V
- 150,000 psi
So...I'd feel no uneasiness in replacing stem bolts (or any
other bolts on my bike) with Ti equivalents. They're
actually stronger. On top of that it's fatigue performance
is typically as good or better than steel. Just make sure
you use anti-sieze compound on the threads.
Now then...aluminum bolts? No way.
Tom Anhalt
"Mike Jacoubowsky" <
[email protected]> wrote in message
news:<
[email protected]>...
> > Does anyone know where I can purchase titanium bolts for
> > my Ritchey WCS
> road
> > stem? I'm not concerned about the weight difference,
> > it's just that the Ritchey bolts have rust in them and
> > I'd like to avoid that with ti bolts. Also, exactly what
> > size and type of bolts do I need to replace the four on
> > the face plate and the two bolts on the back of the
> > stem? Thanks in advance.
>
> You might want to reconsider your choice of Ti bolts. Ti
> hardware is fine in many applications, but to use it in
> a place where failure is, as they say, not an option...
> that's not my first choice for where to put ultralight
> stuff. It's not as strong as the steel hardware it's
> replacing, and your objections about rust can be
> overcome with stainless steel hardware (or, just replace
> the steel bolts once in a while, or make sure they're
> lightly oiled).
>
> --Mike-- Chain Reaction Bicycles
>
http://www.ChainReactionBicycles.com