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Is it possible to rebuild the bike frame (to make it lighter) by welding aluminum tubes
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I have an old (80's I guess) road bike, it is heavy, I'd like to make lighter. is it posible to cut and replace the tubes on the frame by welding aluminum ones? 
framebuilding
asked 22 hours ago
Victor MendozaVictor Mendoza
91
New contributor
Victor Mendoza is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
I have an old (80's I guess) road bike, it is heavy, I'd like to make lighter. is it posible to cut and replace the tubes on the frame by welding aluminum ones?
framebuilding
asked 22 hours ago
Victor MendozaVictor Mendoza
91
New contributor
Victor Mendoza is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
1
In theory one might get an Al tube one size larger than the steel tubes, so that they "telescope", then glue them together. You'd want a larger size Al tube anyway, to be as strong as the steel.
– Daniel R Hicks
21 hours ago
3
Note that, up until the 80s, pretty much all bike frames were built using "lugs" to join the tubing. "Lugs" were/are metal bits (either bronze or steel) formed to make up the joints. Then steel (and, later, aluminum) tubing was slid into the sleeves on the lugs and soldered or brazed. But this practice fell by the wayside when several companies discovered practical ways to (rapidly) weld hardened steel tubing without destroying the "temper" of the steel, and also figured out how to apply this technique to aluminum. As this was much cheaper, the old lugged frames became obsolete.
– Daniel R Hicks
17 hours ago
1
(Continuing) You MIGHT be able to still find frame lugs for sale on the interweb. But it's cheaper to just buy a new aluminum-framed bike.
– Daniel R Hicks
17 hours ago
1
Have you also considered doing this with springs?...
– leftaroundabout
11 hours ago
@leftaroundabout - That would be heavier than the original bike.
– Daniel R Hicks
8 hours ago
add a comment |
I have an old (80's I guess) road bike, it is heavy, I'd like to make lighter. is it posible to cut and replace the tubes on the frame by welding aluminum ones?
framebuilding
asked 22 hours ago
Victor MendozaVictor Mendoza
91
New contributor
Victor Mendoza is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
I have an old (80's I guess) road bike, it is heavy, I'd like to make lighter. is it posible to cut and replace the tubes on the frame by welding aluminum ones?
framebuilding
framebuilding
asked 22 hours ago
Victor MendozaVictor Mendoza
91
New contributor
Victor Mendoza is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
asked 22 hours ago
Victor MendozaVictor Mendoza
91
New contributor
Victor Mendoza is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
asked 22 hours ago
Victor MendozaVictor Mendoza
91
New contributor
Victor Mendoza is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
asked 22 hours ago
Victor MendozaVictor Mendoza
91
asked 22 hours ago
Victor MendozaVictor Mendoza
91
91
New contributor
Victor Mendoza is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
Victor Mendoza is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Victor Mendoza is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
1
In theory one might get an Al tube one size larger than the steel tubes, so that they "telescope", then glue them together. You'd want a larger size Al tube anyway, to be as strong as the steel.
– Daniel R Hicks
21 hours ago
3
Note that, up until the 80s, pretty much all bike frames were built using "lugs" to join the tubing. "Lugs" were/are metal bits (either bronze or steel) formed to make up the joints. Then steel (and, later, aluminum) tubing was slid into the sleeves on the lugs and soldered or brazed. But this practice fell by the wayside when several companies discovered practical ways to (rapidly) weld hardened steel tubing without destroying the "temper" of the steel, and also figured out how to apply this technique to aluminum. As this was much cheaper, the old lugged frames became obsolete.
– Daniel R Hicks
17 hours ago
1
(Continuing) You MIGHT be able to still find frame lugs for sale on the interweb. But it's cheaper to just buy a new aluminum-framed bike.
– Daniel R Hicks
17 hours ago
1
Have you also considered doing this with springs?...
– leftaroundabout
11 hours ago
@leftaroundabout - That would be heavier than the original bike.
– Daniel R Hicks
8 hours ago
add a comment |
1
In theory one might get an Al tube one size larger than the steel tubes, so that they "telescope", then glue them together. You'd want a larger size Al tube anyway, to be as strong as the steel.
– Daniel R Hicks
21 hours ago
3
Note that, up until the 80s, pretty much all bike frames were built using "lugs" to join the tubing. "Lugs" were/are metal bits (either bronze or steel) formed to make up the joints. Then steel (and, later, aluminum) tubing was slid into the sleeves on the lugs and soldered or brazed. But this practice fell by the wayside when several companies discovered practical ways to (rapidly) weld hardened steel tubing without destroying the "temper" of the steel, and also figured out how to apply this technique to aluminum. As this was much cheaper, the old lugged frames became obsolete.
– Daniel R Hicks
17 hours ago
1
(Continuing) You MIGHT be able to still find frame lugs for sale on the interweb. But it's cheaper to just buy a new aluminum-framed bike.
– Daniel R Hicks
17 hours ago
1
Have you also considered doing this with springs?...
– leftaroundabout
11 hours ago
@leftaroundabout - That would be heavier than the original bike.
– Daniel R Hicks
8 hours ago
1
1
In theory one might get an Al tube one size larger than the steel tubes, so that they "telescope", then glue them together. You'd want a larger size Al tube anyway, to be as strong as the steel.
– Daniel R Hicks
21 hours ago
In theory one might get an Al tube one size larger than the steel tubes, so that they "telescope", then glue them together. You'd want a larger size Al tube anyway, to be as strong as the steel.
– Daniel R Hicks
21 hours ago
3
3
Note that, up until the 80s, pretty much all bike frames were built using "lugs" to join the tubing. "Lugs" were/are metal bits (either bronze or steel) formed to make up the joints. Then steel (and, later, aluminum) tubing was slid into the sleeves on the lugs and soldered or brazed. But this practice fell by the wayside when several companies discovered practical ways to (rapidly) weld hardened steel tubing without destroying the "temper" of the steel, and also figured out how to apply this technique to aluminum. As this was much cheaper, the old lugged frames became obsolete.
– Daniel R Hicks
17 hours ago
Note that, up until the 80s, pretty much all bike frames were built using "lugs" to join the tubing. "Lugs" were/are metal bits (either bronze or steel) formed to make up the joints. Then steel (and, later, aluminum) tubing was slid into the sleeves on the lugs and soldered or brazed. But this practice fell by the wayside when several companies discovered practical ways to (rapidly) weld hardened steel tubing without destroying the "temper" of the steel, and also figured out how to apply this technique to aluminum. As this was much cheaper, the old lugged frames became obsolete.
– Daniel R Hicks
17 hours ago
1
1
(Continuing) You MIGHT be able to still find frame lugs for sale on the interweb. But it's cheaper to just buy a new aluminum-framed bike.
– Daniel R Hicks
17 hours ago
(Continuing) You MIGHT be able to still find frame lugs for sale on the interweb. But it's cheaper to just buy a new aluminum-framed bike.
– Daniel R Hicks
17 hours ago
1
1
Have you also considered doing this with springs?...
– leftaroundabout
11 hours ago
Have you also considered doing this with springs?...
– leftaroundabout
11 hours ago
@leftaroundabout - That would be heavier than the original bike.
– Daniel R Hicks
8 hours ago
@leftaroundabout - That would be heavier than the original bike.
– Daniel R Hicks
8 hours ago
add a comment |
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
I would not. Instead I'd strongly recommend you look at buying the bike you want rather than chopping up a working vintage bike. At best you'll come out with something worse than a replacement aluminium road bike, and perhaps slightly better or worse than the bike with which you started.
A used 2000's bike would be a far better bike than some chopped-up monster, and then you have N+1.
Steel and aluminium are dissimilar metals and welding is not possible. You'd be looking at brazing them. If you expected to weld them, then perhaps this is beyond your welding skill level.
If you are paying someone commercially to do the welding, then they will braze or silver solder the work. Check for what their workmanship guarantee is as well.
You will have to paint the whole frame properly afterwards too, the steel parts need protection.
answered 21 hours ago
Criggie♦Criggie
45.1k575152
It is technically possible to weld dissimilar metals, including steel+aluminum, but this combination will promote galvanic corrosion in the aluminum near the transition. Welding aluminum is not easy, and I have to imagine that welding dissimilar metals is even harder.
– Adam Rice
7 hours ago
@AdamRice sure its possible, with a bimetal insert/stud but its complex and risky. It is beyond the skill of a home welder with a buzzer box and a stick - you'd need AC TIG welder and the skill to use it, and the gear to avoid embrittling (sp?) the aluminium. IE, pro-welding shop time. Which is expensive, much more so than buying a second bike.
– Criggie♦
1 hour ago
add a comment |
There is a lot more to a bike frame than just weight. If there is one thing early aluminum frames taught us is that straight gauge aluminum rides harsh! Modern aluminum frames typically employ hydroforming to tailor the compliance and ride characteristics of the frame. This is why modern aluminum bikes ride a lot better than 90’s aluminum frames which were often too stiff. You will likely be stuck with overly stiff straight gauge tubes and a harsh ride if you are able to get it to work.
Even if you successfully execute this frame chop up (Criggie’s answer overviews some of the issues - although I assume you would need to bond the tubes), I suspect the Frankenstein frame would have much worse handling as it will be difficult to keep the frame the geometry in check. In all likelihood I suspect some frame dimension will be altered and handling will suffer as a result.
If the only reason you are doing this is to save weight, there are a lot of better options, including selling and buying a used aluminum bike.
If you want to do it to see if it can be done, then giddy up! Getting a bond between aluminum and steel will likely be your hardest task.
answered 17 hours ago
Rider_XRider_X
25k14595
add a comment |
I think your question is basically, "Is it possible to build a frame out of different parts?". The answer is yes, because frames exist in the market, and most of them are built of different parts, so it's definitely possible to build them.
On the other hand, a bike frame being something that can get you killed if it suddenly fails, I most definitely would not build (and ride) my own unless I were an expert in bike frame construction. If you had to ask this question you are probably not such an expert. So I'd advise you just buy the bike you need instead.
Unless you're just going to hang the bike on the wall as a decoration, of course. If that's the case, do what you wish with the frame.
answered 10 hours ago
ablabl
2514
I have never heard about frame made by mixing steel and aluminum, and a large part of the question is, is this particular combination feasible.
– ojs
9 hours ago
add a comment |
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3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
I would not. Instead I'd strongly recommend you look at buying the bike you want rather than chopping up a working vintage bike. At best you'll come out with something worse than a replacement aluminium road bike, and perhaps slightly better or worse than the bike with which you started.
A used 2000's bike would be a far better bike than some chopped-up monster, and then you have N+1.
Steel and aluminium are dissimilar metals and welding is not possible. You'd be looking at brazing them. If you expected to weld them, then perhaps this is beyond your welding skill level.
If you are paying someone commercially to do the welding, then they will braze or silver solder the work. Check for what their workmanship guarantee is as well.
You will have to paint the whole frame properly afterwards too, the steel parts need protection.
answered 21 hours ago
Criggie♦Criggie
45.1k575152
It is technically possible to weld dissimilar metals, including steel+aluminum, but this combination will promote galvanic corrosion in the aluminum near the transition. Welding aluminum is not easy, and I have to imagine that welding dissimilar metals is even harder.
– Adam Rice
7 hours ago
@AdamRice sure its possible, with a bimetal insert/stud but its complex and risky. It is beyond the skill of a home welder with a buzzer box and a stick - you'd need AC TIG welder and the skill to use it, and the gear to avoid embrittling (sp?) the aluminium. IE, pro-welding shop time. Which is expensive, much more so than buying a second bike.
– Criggie♦
1 hour ago
add a comment |
I would not. Instead I'd strongly recommend you look at buying the bike you want rather than chopping up a working vintage bike. At best you'll come out with something worse than a replacement aluminium road bike, and perhaps slightly better or worse than the bike with which you started.
A used 2000's bike would be a far better bike than some chopped-up monster, and then you have N+1.
Steel and aluminium are dissimilar metals and welding is not possible. You'd be looking at brazing them. If you expected to weld them, then perhaps this is beyond your welding skill level.
If you are paying someone commercially to do the welding, then they will braze or silver solder the work. Check for what their workmanship guarantee is as well.
You will have to paint the whole frame properly afterwards too, the steel parts need protection.
answered 21 hours ago
Criggie♦Criggie
45.1k575152
It is technically possible to weld dissimilar metals, including steel+aluminum, but this combination will promote galvanic corrosion in the aluminum near the transition. Welding aluminum is not easy, and I have to imagine that welding dissimilar metals is even harder.
– Adam Rice
7 hours ago
@AdamRice sure its possible, with a bimetal insert/stud but its complex and risky. It is beyond the skill of a home welder with a buzzer box and a stick - you'd need AC TIG welder and the skill to use it, and the gear to avoid embrittling (sp?) the aluminium. IE, pro-welding shop time. Which is expensive, much more so than buying a second bike.
– Criggie♦
1 hour ago
add a comment |
I would not. Instead I'd strongly recommend you look at buying the bike you want rather than chopping up a working vintage bike. At best you'll come out with something worse than a replacement aluminium road bike, and perhaps slightly better or worse than the bike with which you started.
A used 2000's bike would be a far better bike than some chopped-up monster, and then you have N+1.
Steel and aluminium are dissimilar metals and welding is not possible. You'd be looking at brazing them. If you expected to weld them, then perhaps this is beyond your welding skill level.
If you are paying someone commercially to do the welding, then they will braze or silver solder the work. Check for what their workmanship guarantee is as well.
You will have to paint the whole frame properly afterwards too, the steel parts need protection.
answered 21 hours ago
Criggie♦Criggie
45.1k575152
I would not. Instead I'd strongly recommend you look at buying the bike you want rather than chopping up a working vintage bike. At best you'll come out with something worse than a replacement aluminium road bike, and perhaps slightly better or worse than the bike with which you started.
A used 2000's bike would be a far better bike than some chopped-up monster, and then you have N+1.
Steel and aluminium are dissimilar metals and welding is not possible. You'd be looking at brazing them. If you expected to weld them, then perhaps this is beyond your welding skill level.
If you are paying someone commercially to do the welding, then they will braze or silver solder the work. Check for what their workmanship guarantee is as well.
You will have to paint the whole frame properly afterwards too, the steel parts need protection.
answered 21 hours ago
Criggie♦Criggie
45.1k575152
answered 21 hours ago
Criggie♦Criggie
45.1k575152
answered 21 hours ago
Criggie♦Criggie
45.1k575152
answered 21 hours ago
Criggie♦Criggie
45.1k575152
45.1k575152
It is technically possible to weld dissimilar metals, including steel+aluminum, but this combination will promote galvanic corrosion in the aluminum near the transition. Welding aluminum is not easy, and I have to imagine that welding dissimilar metals is even harder.
– Adam Rice
7 hours ago
@AdamRice sure its possible, with a bimetal insert/stud but its complex and risky. It is beyond the skill of a home welder with a buzzer box and a stick - you'd need AC TIG welder and the skill to use it, and the gear to avoid embrittling (sp?) the aluminium. IE, pro-welding shop time. Which is expensive, much more so than buying a second bike.
– Criggie♦
1 hour ago
add a comment |
It is technically possible to weld dissimilar metals, including steel+aluminum, but this combination will promote galvanic corrosion in the aluminum near the transition. Welding aluminum is not easy, and I have to imagine that welding dissimilar metals is even harder.
– Adam Rice
7 hours ago
@AdamRice sure its possible, with a bimetal insert/stud but its complex and risky. It is beyond the skill of a home welder with a buzzer box and a stick - you'd need AC TIG welder and the skill to use it, and the gear to avoid embrittling (sp?) the aluminium. IE, pro-welding shop time. Which is expensive, much more so than buying a second bike.
– Criggie♦
1 hour ago
It is technically possible to weld dissimilar metals, including steel+aluminum, but this combination will promote galvanic corrosion in the aluminum near the transition. Welding aluminum is not easy, and I have to imagine that welding dissimilar metals is even harder.
– Adam Rice
7 hours ago
It is technically possible to weld dissimilar metals, including steel+aluminum, but this combination will promote galvanic corrosion in the aluminum near the transition. Welding aluminum is not easy, and I have to imagine that welding dissimilar metals is even harder.
– Adam Rice
7 hours ago
@AdamRice sure its possible, with a bimetal insert/stud but its complex and risky. It is beyond the skill of a home welder with a buzzer box and a stick - you'd need AC TIG welder and the skill to use it, and the gear to avoid embrittling (sp?) the aluminium. IE, pro-welding shop time. Which is expensive, much more so than buying a second bike.
– Criggie♦
1 hour ago
@AdamRice sure its possible, with a bimetal insert/stud but its complex and risky. It is beyond the skill of a home welder with a buzzer box and a stick - you'd need AC TIG welder and the skill to use it, and the gear to avoid embrittling (sp?) the aluminium. IE, pro-welding shop time. Which is expensive, much more so than buying a second bike.
– Criggie♦
1 hour ago
add a comment |
There is a lot more to a bike frame than just weight. If there is one thing early aluminum frames taught us is that straight gauge aluminum rides harsh! Modern aluminum frames typically employ hydroforming to tailor the compliance and ride characteristics of the frame. This is why modern aluminum bikes ride a lot better than 90’s aluminum frames which were often too stiff. You will likely be stuck with overly stiff straight gauge tubes and a harsh ride if you are able to get it to work.
Even if you successfully execute this frame chop up (Criggie’s answer overviews some of the issues - although I assume you would need to bond the tubes), I suspect the Frankenstein frame would have much worse handling as it will be difficult to keep the frame the geometry in check. In all likelihood I suspect some frame dimension will be altered and handling will suffer as a result.
If the only reason you are doing this is to save weight, there are a lot of better options, including selling and buying a used aluminum bike.
If you want to do it to see if it can be done, then giddy up! Getting a bond between aluminum and steel will likely be your hardest task.
answered 17 hours ago
Rider_XRider_X
25k14595
add a comment |
There is a lot more to a bike frame than just weight. If there is one thing early aluminum frames taught us is that straight gauge aluminum rides harsh! Modern aluminum frames typically employ hydroforming to tailor the compliance and ride characteristics of the frame. This is why modern aluminum bikes ride a lot better than 90’s aluminum frames which were often too stiff. You will likely be stuck with overly stiff straight gauge tubes and a harsh ride if you are able to get it to work.
Even if you successfully execute this frame chop up (Criggie’s answer overviews some of the issues - although I assume you would need to bond the tubes), I suspect the Frankenstein frame would have much worse handling as it will be difficult to keep the frame the geometry in check. In all likelihood I suspect some frame dimension will be altered and handling will suffer as a result.
If the only reason you are doing this is to save weight, there are a lot of better options, including selling and buying a used aluminum bike.
If you want to do it to see if it can be done, then giddy up! Getting a bond between aluminum and steel will likely be your hardest task.
answered 17 hours ago
Rider_XRider_X
25k14595
add a comment |
There is a lot more to a bike frame than just weight. If there is one thing early aluminum frames taught us is that straight gauge aluminum rides harsh! Modern aluminum frames typically employ hydroforming to tailor the compliance and ride characteristics of the frame. This is why modern aluminum bikes ride a lot better than 90’s aluminum frames which were often too stiff. You will likely be stuck with overly stiff straight gauge tubes and a harsh ride if you are able to get it to work.
Even if you successfully execute this frame chop up (Criggie’s answer overviews some of the issues - although I assume you would need to bond the tubes), I suspect the Frankenstein frame would have much worse handling as it will be difficult to keep the frame the geometry in check. In all likelihood I suspect some frame dimension will be altered and handling will suffer as a result.
If the only reason you are doing this is to save weight, there are a lot of better options, including selling and buying a used aluminum bike.
If you want to do it to see if it can be done, then giddy up! Getting a bond between aluminum and steel will likely be your hardest task.
answered 17 hours ago
Rider_XRider_X
25k14595
There is a lot more to a bike frame than just weight. If there is one thing early aluminum frames taught us is that straight gauge aluminum rides harsh! Modern aluminum frames typically employ hydroforming to tailor the compliance and ride characteristics of the frame. This is why modern aluminum bikes ride a lot better than 90’s aluminum frames which were often too stiff. You will likely be stuck with overly stiff straight gauge tubes and a harsh ride if you are able to get it to work.
Even if you successfully execute this frame chop up (Criggie’s answer overviews some of the issues - although I assume you would need to bond the tubes), I suspect the Frankenstein frame would have much worse handling as it will be difficult to keep the frame the geometry in check. In all likelihood I suspect some frame dimension will be altered and handling will suffer as a result.
If the only reason you are doing this is to save weight, there are a lot of better options, including selling and buying a used aluminum bike.
If you want to do it to see if it can be done, then giddy up! Getting a bond between aluminum and steel will likely be your hardest task.
answered 17 hours ago
Rider_XRider_X
25k14595
answered 17 hours ago
Rider_XRider_X
25k14595
answered 17 hours ago
Rider_XRider_X
25k14595
answered 17 hours ago
Rider_XRider_X
25k14595
25k14595
add a comment |
add a comment |
I think your question is basically, "Is it possible to build a frame out of different parts?". The answer is yes, because frames exist in the market, and most of them are built of different parts, so it's definitely possible to build them.
On the other hand, a bike frame being something that can get you killed if it suddenly fails, I most definitely would not build (and ride) my own unless I were an expert in bike frame construction. If you had to ask this question you are probably not such an expert. So I'd advise you just buy the bike you need instead.
Unless you're just going to hang the bike on the wall as a decoration, of course. If that's the case, do what you wish with the frame.
answered 10 hours ago
ablabl
2514
I have never heard about frame made by mixing steel and aluminum, and a large part of the question is, is this particular combination feasible.
– ojs
9 hours ago
add a comment |
I think your question is basically, "Is it possible to build a frame out of different parts?". The answer is yes, because frames exist in the market, and most of them are built of different parts, so it's definitely possible to build them.
On the other hand, a bike frame being something that can get you killed if it suddenly fails, I most definitely would not build (and ride) my own unless I were an expert in bike frame construction. If you had to ask this question you are probably not such an expert. So I'd advise you just buy the bike you need instead.
Unless you're just going to hang the bike on the wall as a decoration, of course. If that's the case, do what you wish with the frame.
answered 10 hours ago
ablabl
2514
I have never heard about frame made by mixing steel and aluminum, and a large part of the question is, is this particular combination feasible.
– ojs
9 hours ago
add a comment |
I think your question is basically, "Is it possible to build a frame out of different parts?". The answer is yes, because frames exist in the market, and most of them are built of different parts, so it's definitely possible to build them.
On the other hand, a bike frame being something that can get you killed if it suddenly fails, I most definitely would not build (and ride) my own unless I were an expert in bike frame construction. If you had to ask this question you are probably not such an expert. So I'd advise you just buy the bike you need instead.
Unless you're just going to hang the bike on the wall as a decoration, of course. If that's the case, do what you wish with the frame.
answered 10 hours ago
ablabl
2514
I think your question is basically, "Is it possible to build a frame out of different parts?". The answer is yes, because frames exist in the market, and most of them are built of different parts, so it's definitely possible to build them.
On the other hand, a bike frame being something that can get you killed if it suddenly fails, I most definitely would not build (and ride) my own unless I were an expert in bike frame construction. If you had to ask this question you are probably not such an expert. So I'd advise you just buy the bike you need instead.
Unless you're just going to hang the bike on the wall as a decoration, of course. If that's the case, do what you wish with the frame.
answered 10 hours ago
ablabl
2514
answered 10 hours ago
ablabl
2514
answered 10 hours ago
ablabl
2514
answered 10 hours ago
ablabl
2514
2514
I have never heard about frame made by mixing steel and aluminum, and a large part of the question is, is this particular combination feasible.
– ojs
9 hours ago
add a comment |
I have never heard about frame made by mixing steel and aluminum, and a large part of the question is, is this particular combination feasible.
– ojs
9 hours ago
I have never heard about frame made by mixing steel and aluminum, and a large part of the question is, is this particular combination feasible.
– ojs
9 hours ago
I have never heard about frame made by mixing steel and aluminum, and a large part of the question is, is this particular combination feasible.
– ojs
9 hours ago
add a comment |
Victor Mendoza is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
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Victor Mendoza is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
Victor Mendoza is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
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1
In theory one might get an Al tube one size larger than the steel tubes, so that they "telescope", then glue them together. You'd want a larger size Al tube anyway, to be as strong as the steel.
– Daniel R Hicks
21 hours ago
3
Note that, up until the 80s, pretty much all bike frames were built using "lugs" to join the tubing. "Lugs" were/are metal bits (either bronze or steel) formed to make up the joints. Then steel (and, later, aluminum) tubing was slid into the sleeves on the lugs and soldered or brazed. But this practice fell by the wayside when several companies discovered practical ways to (rapidly) weld hardened steel tubing without destroying the "temper" of the steel, and also figured out how to apply this technique to aluminum. As this was much cheaper, the old lugged frames became obsolete.
– Daniel R Hicks
17 hours ago
1
(Continuing) You MIGHT be able to still find frame lugs for sale on the interweb. But it's cheaper to just buy a new aluminum-framed bike.
– Daniel R Hicks
17 hours ago
1
Have you also considered doing this with springs?...
– leftaroundabout
11 hours ago
@leftaroundabout - That would be heavier than the original bike.
– Daniel R Hicks
8 hours ago