What kind of frame do I have?
06-26-11 | 09:42 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 153
Likes: 0
From: N.W.Arkansas
Bikes: Raliegh M-50
What kind of frame do I have?
I have a mid 90's Raliegh USA M-50 mountain bike. I bought for $350 back then and it is a pretty good sturdy bike. I'm trying to find out what my frame is made of. Would it be steel,chrome-moly,or aluminum?
06-26-11 | 10:06 AM
#2
Constant tinkerer
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 8,040
Likes: 156
From: Madison, WI
There should be a sticker somewhere on the frame to indicate that. I had a 1999 M50 which was a mix of chromoly and hi-tensile steel. Bikepedia is very helpful for these things: https://www.bikepedia.com/quickbike/B...=M50&Type=bike
You can do a Google search for any bike (made after ~1991) like this. I typed in "1999 Raleigh M50 bikepedia"
You can do a Google search for any bike (made after ~1991) like this. I typed in "1999 Raleigh M50 bikepedia"
06-26-11 | 10:21 AM
#3
Banned
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 43,586
Likes: 1,380
From: NW,Oregon Coast
Bikes: 8
Mixed steel types, typically use the higher strength, chromoly for the main tubes,
So as to be able to thin the tube wall, and maintain strength,
The Hi Ten for the chain and seat -stay tubes..
Frame weight is a bit less, that way..
So as to be able to thin the tube wall, and maintain strength,
The Hi Ten for the chain and seat -stay tubes..
Frame weight is a bit less, that way..
Last edited by fietsbob; 06-26-11 at 10:24 AM.
06-26-11 | 10:34 AM
#4
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 39,897
Likes: 3,865
From: New Rochelle, NY
Bikes: too many bikes from 1967 10s (5x2)Frejus to a Sumitomo Ti/Chorus aluminum 10s (10x2), plus one non-susp mtn bike I use as my commuter
Well we know it isn't carbon (not at that price). A magnet will tell you if it's steel (which I suspect it is) or aluminum.
Chrome-moly is a type of steel, so is what they often call Hi-tensile, or Hi-ten and other trademarks. There are a number of steel alloys where metals like chrome, molybdenum and nickle (3 most commonly used) are added to improve the strength and other properties. The only way to have any idea which type of steel your frame is made of is to read the specs, or send off a small piece for chemical analysis (cost about $500.00).
Chrome-moly is a type of steel, so is what they often call Hi-tensile, or Hi-ten and other trademarks. There are a number of steel alloys where metals like chrome, molybdenum and nickle (3 most commonly used) are added to improve the strength and other properties. The only way to have any idea which type of steel your frame is made of is to read the specs, or send off a small piece for chemical analysis (cost about $500.00).
__________________
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
06-26-11 | 02:28 PM
#5
rebmeM roineS
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 16,231
Likes: 366
From: Metro Indy, IN
Bikes: Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
My son's M-30 from the late 90's was advertised as having a cromo "main tube" with the rest hi-ten. "Main tube" was probably the down tube.
__________________
Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
