Crafting and Maintaining Bicycles with Metals from OnlineMetals.com
Bicycles are intricate machines with components requiring strength, durability, and a lightweight structure for optimal performance. When constructing or repairing these innovative means of transportation, selecting the right materials is crucial. OnlineMetals.com, a leading supplier of metals and other materials, offers a range of products suitable for the needs of bike enthusiasts and builders alike.
Meet the Maker
Bruce Boone, a bike parts innovator for 25 years, partners with OnlineMetals.com, a top-quality metal supplier that has fueled his career. From crafting lightweight sprockets to designing custom parts for Olympic bikes, Boone's journey is defined by precision and a relentless pursuit of perfection. OnlineMetals.com supplies Boone with aluminum, such as Aluminum 6061 and 7075 alloys, for his high-performance components, enabling him to create innovative products for single-speed bicycles and beyond.
Essential Metals for Bicycle Components
Aluminum: Widely renowned for its strength-to-weight ratio, aluminum is a primary choice for bike frames and parts. It is lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and easy to work with, which makes it ideal for both road bikes and mountain bikes. OnlineMetals.com offers several forms of aluminum, including 6061 and 7075 alloys. The Aluminum 6061 combines strength and lightness, whereas Aluminum 7075 provides superior strength and is often used in high-stress components such as gears and chain rings.
Carbon Steel: Known for its robustness and durability, carbon steel is often used in the manufacturing of bike frames, particularly for touring or hybrid bikes where strength is paramount. On OnlineMetals.com, you can find Carbon Steel Square Tube and Sheet/Plate options that could be used to craft frames or parts requiring extra rigidity.
Stainless Steel: This material is crucial for parts that are susceptible to rust and corrosion, such as spokes, bolts, and fasteners. Stainless steel parts ensure longevity and reliability, especially in wet and muddy conditions. Stainless Steel Bar and Tube from OnlineMetals.com are excellent choices for these components.
Titanium: Although more costly, titanium is a top-tier bike frame material due to its extreme strength, lightweight properties, and corrosion resistance. Its ability to absorb vibration also makes it comfortable for long rides. Titanium round bars and sheets available at OnlineMetals.com are perfect for custom bike frames and components that are built to last a lifetime.
Application and Sourcing
For bike construction and repairs, choosing the right material shape is as crucial as the material itself. OnlineMetals.com facilitates this by offering a variety of shapes like round bar, square tube, and sheet/plate. Each shape can be custom-cut to specific requirements, which is invaluable for custom bike projects.
Moreover, their user-friendly website categorizes materials not only by type but also by properties, which simplifies the selection process. For instance, if you are building a lightweight racing bike frame, selecting a material from the ‘Aluminum’ section, directly followed by picking the specific alloy like 6061 or 7075, narrows down the choices to the most suitable options.
Whether you are building a bike from scratch or performing essential maintenance, OnlineMetals.com offers a comprehensive selection of metals that meet various biking needs. By utilizing their materials, bike builders and repairers can ensure their bikes are both high-performing and durable. Remember, the right material not only enhances the bike's functionality but also its longevity and aesthetics. Hence, visiting OnlineMetals.com provides the resources necessary for these meticulous tasks.