California-based US bicycle company Masi Bikes has introduced new frames and forks, reinforced by TeXtreme carbon fibre fabrics. By incorporating TeXtreme into designs, Masi could reduce the weight by 110 grams while improving stiffness. TeXtreme is the next-generation state-of-the-art carbon fibre material now being used throughout the bicycle industry.

“The goal wasn’t to just make the frame lighter, we also wanted to make it a bit smoother without giving up any drivetrain stiffness. By using TeXtreme, we succeeded in making a frame that gives us what we want from it. Since TeXtreme is so thin we could work with several plies to get the same thickness or less, resulting in significant improvements.” says Masi’s James Winchester.

TeXtreme is the next-generation state-of-the-art carbon fibre material now being used throughout the bicycle industry. TeXtreme technology is based on using Spread Tows instead of traditional round tows to create ultra-light weight, high-performance products. Companies utilising the TeXtreme technology achieve significant results in minimising weight while increasing rigidity, strength, etc., in comparison to other carbon fibre materials.

TeXtreme technology is able to maximise the benefits of thin ply principles where research studies have shown the maximum strength until breakage is more than twice as high when comparing with conventional carbon fibre fabrics.

In addition to the bicycle industry, TeXtreme can be found in Formula 1, America’s Cup, NASCAR and Le Mans racing, golf clubs, surfboards, tennis racquets, table tennis blades, rowing shells, skis, snowboards and ice hockey sticks as well as various industrial and advanced aerospace applications. (SV)