Manufacturing of carbon fiber reinforced polymer matrix composite bicycle frame

Frames are the most important parts of the bicycle that effects the riding characteristic and total weight. There has been a progressive increase in the number of metal parts and structures replaced by composite materials in cycling industry. The goal of this research is to design and manufacture a carbon fiber composite mountain bicycle frame. Materials that using in the frame building was studied and compared with carbonfiber composite frames as a begining. Experimental work began with designing of the frame and material tests. Designing and manufacturing of the jig fallowed. While top tube, down tube, seat stay and head tube manufactured of carbon-composite by using handlay-up process, aluminum was used in chain stays and rear fork of the frame which had designed based on the traditional frame geometry. 12k unidirectional carbon fiber and epoxy resin used as composite components. While test riding of the completed frame with required components, positive riding characteristic and rigidity were achived.Keywords: Composite, carbonfiber, epoxy, bicycle, frame, hand layup