I've heard some bikes referred to as having stiff frames or flexible. What does this mean, and is one better than the other? Are there certain types of bikes you'd want to be stiff or to be flexible??
2007-07-09 10:35:27 · 5 answers · asked by Anomaly 17 4 in Sports ➔ Cycling
it depends on the type of riding you do. first off, there is torsional stiffness and modulous (i believe this term is used more for carbon) or tensile strength.
the stiffness refers to how much the frame will flex under load.
the strength refers to how resistant the frame will be to impacts. you can only have high levels of both. high stiffness, high strength, and vice versa. i strong frame will not flex and will last longer against impacts, which is why this type is used more for mountain bikes. they take a beating and dont require flex for comfort because most have suspension to cushion the ride.
road bikes prefer to have a less stiff frame which flexes more. because road bikes dont have suspension, allowing the frame to flex slightly helps provide a comfortable ride. this also means that the frame will lose a lot of modulous, but then again, you aren't thrashing a road bike around on a mountain are you?
bottom line: mountain bikes use a stiffer frame which is stronger, while road bike tend more towards flexible frames with a lower strength.
many bike manufacturers try to equalize these values in an attempt to make good all around bikes. you needn't worry about these values unless you are a pro racer. these number can get very confusing and dont mean a darn thing for anyone less than pro.
2007-07-09 15:36:53 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Usually, you want a stiff frame for better control and power transfer. On the road, is for power transfer, usually on mountain it gives you better control.
You want it to be flexible verticaly, absorving bumps, but not sideways or horizontally.
Some bike makers plan on the materials on the frame to reach what they think it's the best mix of rigid and flexibility.
Carbon Fiber frames absorves road clatter better than Aluminium, which is rigid. Titanium is a flexible metal, strong but flexible. Some bike makers to make their Ti frames rigid put more material in the frame, so the advantages in weight from an Aluminium bikes can be neglible.
2007-07-09 13:11:08 · answer #2 · answered by Roberto 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A stiff frame transfers power efficiently, but may give you a harsh ride. 100 miles on a tar and stone country road can beat you to death. But you'll be fast.
Aluminum will give you the stiffest frame for the least money.
Carbon will give you good stiffness and power transfer, while absorbing a lot of road shock, but its expensive.
Most durable is good old high quality steel, and it gives you a little bit of flex as well.
Then there's titanium. Stiff, light, and expensive.
I have an old steel frame MTB that I beat the heck out of, and I race an aluminum tri-bike.
2007-07-09 11:06:43 · answer #3 · answered by silverbullet 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A fast racing road bike needs to be stiff. The best road bikes are lightweight and stiff, so when you accelerate, the bike will respond immediately.
2007-07-09 10:49:14 · answer #4 · answered by Athos 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋