The Arantix mountain bike frame using an open lattice IsoTruss structure looks like it will snap into pieces if you ride over a bump. It was unveiled at the Interbike Expo in Las Vegas in September. The weaving of carbon fiber and Kevlar strings gives the structure its strength, rigidity, lightness, and ultimately its cool factor.
This is definitely a head turner and at $7,000 just for the frame, $12,000 for a complete bike, it will also turn your wallet inside out.
The Arantix is the first bike built from IsoTruss carbon fiber and Kevlar weblike lattice tube design, said Christensen. IsoTruss is the brainchild of BYU civil engineering professor David Jensen and his students. It's produced by weaving single carbon strands to create the open lattice design, Christensen explained. The carbon fiber bundles are then wrapped tightly with a Kevlar string. Pop it into the oven, bake at 255 degrees for four hours, and — presto! — a super resilient, lightweight material.
BYU granted an exclusive worldwide license to Advanced Composite Solutions, parent company of Delta 7 Sports, to develop, produce and market IsoTruss products, Muranaka said.
(deseretnews)
Favorite
Print
;showNav();changeOption('login');)
Log In ;changeOption('guest');)
Guest
Facebook ;changeOption('twitter');)
Twitter 