Mountain Biking - Bicycle Material

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Bike enthusiast
05-18-07, 09:18 PM
Hello,

I just wanted to know kind of specific steel bikes are made from (316L, 1018). I do not care what kind of bike, just what kind of steel ANY bike is made from - I'm having a hard time pinpointing what exact kind of steel, bikes are made from.

Thank you for any help.

Patriot
05-18-07, 09:45 PM
The only 316 I know of, is a very chemically resistant Stainless Steel alloy used in industrial applications. Mainly for piping and pumps for steam and heating systems that use chemically treated water. It's also used in DI water systems for laboratory use, because of it's non-corrosive properties. It is also very heavy and soft compared to cro-mo steels. I don't think you would want a bicycle made from it. Unless you don't mind it weighing 50lbs.

I can see maybe using 316 SS for some of the components, like dropouts, etc. But, not for the main tubing. It's just too soft and heavy.
Bike enthusiast
05-18-07, 09:51 PM
Yes, you are right on that point. Steel 316 is very dense.

We're currently at the UW and are testing numerous of materials for bicycle construction (tested: carbon fiber, aluminum 6061, steel 1018, steel 316). We are planning to test numerous of other material as well - right now we do not really have a clue which material to test next. We really want to cover a lot of the steels though.

If anyone can refer me to a 1018 steel bike - We would really appreciate it.

Tests: Instron tension, Charpy Impact, Density, Corrosion, Hardness, Compression, Cost, Fatigue, temperature transitions, stree-strain, ect....

BTW, thank you for the speedy response Patriot