Technology
Materials Technology
All of our bicycles are crafted from some of the finest materials available. Motobecane USA uses many of the same materials used in aerospace and aircraft engineering.
Titanium Alloy
Due to their high tensile strength to density ratio, high corrosion resistance,and ability to withstand moderately high temperatures without creeping, titanium alloys are used in aircraft, armor plating, naval ships, spacecraft, and missiles. For these applications titanium alloyed with aluminium, vanadium, and other elements is used for a variety of components including critical structural parts, fire walls, landing gear, exhaust ducts (helicopters), and hydraulic systems. The SR-71 "Blackbird" was one of the first aircraft to make extensive use of titanium within its structure, paving the way for its use in modern military and commercial aircraft.
High Modulus Carbon Fiber
When heated in the correct conditions, these chains bond side-to-side (ladder polymers), forming narrow graphene sheets which eventually merge to form a single, jelly roll-shaped or round filament. The result is usually 93–95% carbon. The carbon can become further enhanced, as high modulus, or high strength carbon, by heat treatment processes. Carbon heated in the range of 1500-2000 °C (carbonization) exhibits the highest tensile strength (820,000 psi or 5,650 MPa or 5,650 N/mm²), while carbon fiber heated from 2500 to 3000 °C (graphitizing) exhibits a higher modulus of elasticity (77,000,000 psi or 531 GPa or 531 kN/mm²)
Aluminum
6000 series are alloyed with magnesium and silicon, are easy to machine, and can be precipitation-hardened.
7000 series are alloyed with zinc, and can be precipitation hardened. Both alloys can be engineered to attain the same weight and riding characteristics and thus are often used in place of the other.
High Grade Steel
Alloying elements include chromium and molybdenum, and as a result these materials are often referred to as chromoly steel, or cro-mo, or CRMO. They have an excellent strength to weight ratio, are easily welded and are considerably stronger and harder than standard steel.
Bicycle Frame Tubing Technology
Metal tubed frames are precision welded by skilled craftspeople with tubes that are formed and butted for lightweight and optimum ride characteristics.
Carbon fiber frames are precision crafted from sheets of pre-preg, high-modulus carbon fiber. Molded at extremely high pressures for low voids, Carbon Fiber is capable of extremely high strength. Layers can be customized for optimum riding characteristics with the greatest versatility.
Mountain Technology
Motobecane USA mountain bikes use advanced features which give the rider considerable advantage in demanding off-road conditions.
FANTOM DS SERIES | FULL SUSPENSION | ACTIVE 4B SUSPENSION
Our Active4B adjustable rear suspension linkage provides from three, four and up to five inches of plush travel. This four-bar linkage design is engineered with precision sealed cartridge bearings at the most critical pivot points. Front and rear suspension have available lockout/platform via advanced MotionControl.
400 to 700DS SERIES | FULL SUSPENSION | FULLY ACTIVE DST | SINGLE PIVOT
From the 400DS to the 700DS, all feature our Fully Active DST single pivot design. Provides up to three inches of bump-eating travel. Rear suspension travel is matched to XC and Trail conditions. The suspension features extremely strong and reliable oversized bearings and bushings at all pivot points. Front and Rear lockout is available on certain models.
SUMMARY OF MATERIAL QUALITIES
TITANIUM
Titanium can be made very lightweight and has an incredible ride quality. Generally expensive. Titanium has far superior abrasion and cracking resistance. All riders we asked agreed that the best material for a "real trail" mountain bike has got to be Titanium.
CARBON FIBER
Upper level ride quality to very comfortable. Carbon fiber can be made very lightweight in many forms and tube shapes. Generally expensive. Low abrasion and impact resistance. Very high fatigue resistance.
ALUMINUM
Mid to upper level ride quality. Can be expensive but is mostly economical. Generally lightweight to very lightweight. Middle level abrasion and impact resistance.
HIGH GRADE STEEL
Very comfortable ride quality. Can be expensive or economical. Generally middle weights. Very High abrasion and impact resistance.