8 replies to this topic

[Murray]

Hello all -

I'm takin' the leap. Buying a handcycle in a couple months. Did a little 22 miler in one the other day - a breeze! I was amazed.

For those of you who have a handcycle, here's my question: Should I go with the 6061 T6 heat-treated alumninum or with the 4131 aircraft chromoly? I know the first is lighter, but I know too that I'm going to need some durability.

Give me some feedback

Thanks

Lynn

Edited by Murray, 28 April 2009 - 11:29 PM.

[ems]

hmmmm.. does the bike you want come in both? Or is this two seperate bikes? What bikes have you looked at?

[Murray]

ems, on Apr 29 2009, 06:35 AM, said:

hmmmm.. does the bike you want come in both? Or is this two seperate bikes? What bikes have you looked at?

am checking with the outfit today - Intrepid Equipment

they've got a breakdown model that I'm very interested in - but I think it comes only in aluminum

I think I need some heavier metal for the stuff I do (no mt climbing, yet - but a fair amount of dirt road type stuff)

Thanks

Lynn

[ems]

ahhhh the intrepid ;)

[russ1]

For the same strength frame they should be able to make an Al frame lighter than a Chromoly frame. The only reason to choose chromoly is because it is cheaper. If you can afford the extra cost then def choose Aluminium UNLESS the frame maker has chosen to make a super lightweight frame thus compromising strength. Talk to the manufacturer but Al would be the material of choice all other things being equal - you'll get a stronger frame for the same weight or a lighter frame for the same strength.

[Murray]

russ1, on Apr 30 2009, 02:34 AM, said:

For the same strength frame they should be able to make an Al frame lighter than a Chromoly frame. The only reason to choose chromoly is because it is cheaper. If you can afford the extra cost then def choose Aluminium UNLESS the frame maker has chosen to make a super lightweight frame thus compromising strength. Talk to the manufacturer but Al would be the material of choice all other things being equal - you'll get a stronger frame for the same weight or a lighter frame for the same strength.

Thanks Russ -

Have been talking to a local bike shop owner - cyclist for many years. He's done everything from the ancient Schwinn Varsity (damn near caste iron) to carbon road bikes used by pros today.

He tells me that Al transfers vibrations easily because of its strong but brittle composition. Chromoly, on the other hand, he says absorbs shock well and allows the frame to flex minutely - needed for road trips.

I've been sittin' in a TiLite TR (titanium) for a few years. Great for weight, but a little lacking in the strength category.

What's your take on all this?

Thanks.

Lynn

Edited by Murray, 30 April 2009 - 09:40 PM.

[percepied]

Murray, on Apr 30 2009, 03:39 PM, said:

Thanks Russ -

Have been talking to a local bike shop owner - cyclist for many years. He's done everything from the ancient Schwinn Varsity (damn near caste iron) to carbon road bikes used by pros today.

He tells me that Al transfers vibrations easily because of its strong but brittle composition. Chromoly, on the other hand, he says absorbs shock well and allows the frame to flex minutely - needed for road trips.

I've been sittin' in a TiLite TR (titanium) for a few years. Great for weight, but a little lacking in the strength category.

What's your take on all this?

Thanks.

Lynn

Lynn:

The bike shop owner is correct but quite honestly how many chromoly bikes do you see these days? With aircraft-grade aluminum, double-butted welds and oversized tubing the road shock is mostly absorbed and frame breakage is almost unheard of. Go with the weight. You'll be happy you did.

Leo

[wheeels]

Go with weight unless you are going to do downhill mountain trails with it then you need something more specialized

I think that most handcycles are overbuild and with all the bike technology we have would like to see one thats sub 20lbs

I crashed a demo quite a few times and all it got was a scratch and a pissed off rep

[Murray]

Leo, wheels -

Thanks guys. That helps. I want the light weight for obvious reasons. And, hell, my ass doesn't feel vibration anyway. So I don't mind a couple o' shakes here and there. Sounds like aluminum's the route I'm going.

Have a good one.

Lynn