On 6:26:04 am 07/11/07 Nic Pottier <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: I'll deal with some other points later, but...
> 2) The reason I saw states that a 1L bike, specifically a CBR would > make a good base is that it has an aluminum frame and swing arm, so > is on the lighter end of things. Ok, Aluminium is NOT light. To put it into perspective, it's of similar density to GRANITE! If you don't believe me then look it up; http://www.reade.com/Particle_Briefings/spec_gra2.html Most Aluminium twin-spar bike frames are built that way for reasons of cost. That's total production cost; materials, operations, and labour. Aluminium is 1/3 the density of Steel, but also 1/3 the stiffness, so you won't end up lighter unless you change the structure to take advantage of the materials properties. Aluminium also has a lower fatigue life than steel and once this has been taken into account, things often actually end up heavier. My Cagiva Freccia was only 5Kg heavier with a Steel frame than the Mito model that replaced it, witch had an Aluminium frame . The stiffness is apparently slightly better for the Steel frame. Paul Compton www.evguru.co.uk www.batteryvehiclesociety.org.uk www.sciroccoev.co.uk www.morini-mania.co.uk www.compton.vispa.com/the_named
