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Frame and fork
Frame
The frame constitutes the central element of the bicycle. The sitting
position, ride characteristics, and travel comfort all depend on the frame.
Frames are manufactured from different materials, such as steel,
aluminium, or carbon. The widespread use of the traditional diamond
frame composed of two triangles is due to its economic use of materials,
the beneficial support provided by its angles, and its stability. This frame
combines a high load-bearing capacity with favourable ride
characteristics.
Bicycle frames are designed to withstand different types of stress. The
frame must in the first place bear its own weight and that of the various
parts mounted on it. These loads are known as static loads. In addition,
the frame must also bear the weight of the rider, the forces resulting
from riding and braking, and the stresses caused by the roughness of
the road surface. These are dynamic loads, which exert a greater strain
on the frame due to their intensity and varied extent.
After any accident or fall always visit a professional service centre
and get your bicycle checked. This also includes assessing the
condition of the frame. Have the damaged parts replaced. You could
risk your life by riding a bicycle with damaged parts. Parts could break,
causing an accident!
Forks made of carbon require extra care. Carbon is particularly rigid and
unlike aluminium or steel does not change its shape before it breaks.
This means that carbon fibres could become seriously damaged in a fall
without leaving any visible trace, and this damage could lead to the
breakage of the fork, causing an accident risk!
Fork
Most rigid forks are made of steel, aluminium, or carbon fibres. The lower
part of the fork is slightly curved, which allows it to partly absorb the
shocks resulting from the roughness of the road surface, transmitting only
part of their impact towards the handlebar.
After any accident or fall always visit a professional service centre
and get your bicycle checked. This also includes assessing the
condition of the fork. Have the damaged parts replaced. You could be
risking your life by riding a bicycle with damaged parts. By riding a bicycle
with a twisted or cracked fork you are risking an accident and even your
life!
Forks made of carbon require extra care. Carbon is particularly rigid and
unlike aluminium or steel does not change its shape before it breaks. This
means that carbon fibres could become seriously damaged in a fall
without leaving any visible trace, and this damage could lead to the
breakage of the fork, causing a risk of accident!
Telescopic forks
In recent years the use of telescopic forks has become widespread in
nearly every segment of bicycles. Telescopic forks improve ride comfort
and control of the bicycle on terrain or bad roads. On rear spring shocks,
which greatly reduce the stress acting on the bicycle and its rider –
mainly on the wrists, arms, and shoulders – telescopic systems are the
most widespread, due to their simple structure.
Telescopic forks can be differentiated according to the type of
suspension, the structure of the telescope, and the spring's displacement.
Suspension can be provided by steel springs, special plastics (elastomer
system) or air. Damping is usually performed by oil inside closed
chambers.
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