APLICAÇÃO DA FIBRA DE CARBONO NA CONSTRUÇÃO DE BICICLETAS E SEUS COMPONENTES

Abstract

The search for improvement and development of materials has always been a condition of man’s existence and always relied on engineering materials technology to develop. Cycling activities has always supported the development of technologies seeking its evolution. In this study, all the major materials that have been used over the time to build bicycles are evaluated, their qualities and weaknesses, the reasons why these materials were being replaced to finally understand their contribution and how we go to today’s fiber carbon applications. It will examine the constructive aspects adopted, appropriate use, alternative construction, physical characteristics, characteristics of use, user profile, consumer market, opportunities for development and the use of new kinds of carbon fiber. Passing through the study of other materials used in the construction of bicycles, their characteristics, methods of production, costs, manufacturing processes, we can draw a parallel between the advantages and disadvantages about using carbon fiber, compared to these other materials, determining then to where the carbon fiber can lead the development and evolution of bicycle components and especially evident if she really brings great benefits propagated by the market. Supported by a careful analysis, which should be done by putting aside the commercial pressure that exists whenever new products enter the market, focusing purely on technological and economical advantages, mainly on the advantages that the user as well as the top athlete might achieve with the choice of bicycles manufactured with carbon fiber.