Lighter/stronger/cheaper than carbon fiber?
Don't be looking for it in the next couple years in your favorite bike shop . . .
However, got a heads-up from Bob Davis @ Zona Tandems about a new material that is being tested.
Currently being evaluated in the city of Delft, in The Netherlands, is an aluminum based composite called CentrAl.
This alu/composite is stronger, lighter and less expensive to make than carbon fiber.
Bob spent years in the aerospace industry and keeps his finger on the pulse on what is being developed.
CentrAl alu/composite is apparently 'immune to metal fatigue' and is being tested for use in aircraft.
GTM Advanced Structures, a Dutch company, is behind the development of the Central Re-Inforced Aluminum project.
Like many other things that started in the aerospace industry, eventually it could filter down and we could be riding an uber-tandem made of this new composite.
So, the future looks brighter and lighter!
Pedal on TWOgether!
Rudy and Kay/zonatandem