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Carbon Technology<br />
The black gold for<br />
bikers and road racers<br />
fas·ci·na·tion [fæsɪ’neɪʃən]: appealing, captivating effect;<br />
adorable charisma, attractiveness. Since the bicycle has started<br />
its continuous triumph in our society at the end of the 19th century,<br />
especially its construction and the raw materials primarily used<br />
have changed with a lasting effect. While the very first bikes still<br />
were real steel monsters, modern <strong>version</strong>s are preferably made of<br />
light aluminium alloys – or of carbon. Just the sheer sound of this<br />
famous word is often enough to raise the attention of bike enthusiasts.<br />
Because the latter know all too well that this fascinating<br />
and cutting-edge raw material offers almost unlimited possibilities<br />
with regard to frame construction and frame design.<br />
But basically, it is wrong to describe carbon as a raw material: the<br />
technically correct term would be “carbon-fibre reinforced plastic”.<br />
Because the “black gold” is a highly complex mixture of all<br />
those carbon fibres, special resins (the so-called “matrix“) and<br />
especially its developers’ comprehensive experience. When we<br />
look at the sophisticated structure of individual frame sections,<br />
carbon fibres with different characteristics and alignment concepts<br />
can be observed – purposefully integrated into the special<br />
matrix to provide the respective frame section with its specific<br />
characteristics. One example: A bottom bracket as the maximally<br />
stiff transformation point of the rider’s pedal power has a different<br />
structure and therefore a different character in comparison to e. g.<br />
seat or chain stays which have to offer stiffness as well as enough<br />
flexibility for cutiing-edge rearstay comfort.<br />
As one of the first bike brands, <strong>CENTURION</strong> has already recognized<br />
the advantages of carbon very early: Fascinating lightness,<br />
12<br />
Technology