Alpinestars Al mega XT 1990

[utahdog2003]

Re: Real Steel

Does this apply to the early Cannondales as well?

not as a rule, no.

 

[utahdog2003]

I guess you'd have to be lucky with these things? But sometimes it makes me wonder: I have to assume that also AlpineStars had some way of testing their stuff before it hit the market? So if these things crack so easily why wasn't that found by their test riders, or computer simulations?

"Computer Simulations"?!? You give early mountain bikes and their manufacturers too much credit! :shock:

 

[sinnett177]

"Computer Simulations"?!? You give early mountain bikes and their manufacturers too much credit! :shock:

Think back to the late 80's and early 90's and what computers were available. They would probably still be inputing the info today

 

[Void(EN12-82)]

"Computer Simulations"?!? You give early mountain bikes and their manufacturers too much credit! :shock:

Think back to the late 80's and early 90's and what computers were available. They would probably still be inputing the info today

Well, TRON was made in 1982... can't imagine they started on the CGI back in 1976 to have it done in 1982 ;-)

But seriously, wasn't it required by law back then? I mean, it wouldn't have been like testing is nowadays but you could design with a computer back then, you also should've been able to calculate the stress on various joints, welds and wall-thicknessesesessseses???

Or was flying a Boeing back then also like Russion roulette? And if I see al the ads in my old MBAs telling me how absolutely thoroughly everything has been tested and calculated to exceed airspace specs....

Ah well, don't even know what point I was trying to make. You guys got me confused again :?

 

[sinnett177]

Think your right Void, lets face it most manufacturers were'nt considering retro bikers 20 years on hammering these frames. Also as mtbing has evolved and gotten more extreme so have the demands on the bikes have increased. I suppose manufacturing tolerances in Taiwan (lets face it 99% of our bikes are from here) were probably not as tight BITD either.

 

[flyingwelshman]

I guess you'd have to be lucky with these things? But sometimes it makes me wonder: I have to assume that also AlpineStars had some way of testing their stuff before it hit the market? So if these things crack so easily why wasn't that found by their test riders, or computer simulations?

"Computer Simulations"?!? You give early mountain bikes and their manufacturers too much credit! :shock:

Computer simulations????!!! - they just sent idiots like me out on them to give the bikes what for.

 

[Void(EN12-82)]

Think your right Void

Now that's all I needed to hear.... beer anyone?

 

[JustKev]

I had this one

I've had one of those frames hanging on my garage wall since Mountain Mayhem this year when Hilts 'gave' it to me. In fact over the last two months its developed extra cracks whilst just hanging there :shock:

 

[gump]

I guess you'd have to be lucky with these things? But sometimes it makes me wonder: I have to assume that also AlpineStars had some way of testing their stuff before it hit the market? So if these things crack so easily why wasn't that found by their test riders, or computer simulations?

"Computer Simulations"?!? You give early mountain bikes and their manufacturers too much credit! :shock:

Computer simulations????!!! - they just sent idiots like me out on them to give the bikes what for.

Yep, and thats what happens now too in a lot of cases. How accurate is a simulation going to be when the process/material is so well uncontrolled? Thats before any damage or abuse too..
Fatigue life/stiffness simulation is one thing, but guessing life of a low technology bike frame isn't really on. Tough now. Way back when, no chance..

Biggest muppet, big drops and steps

 

[cherrybomb]

It would have helped a lot if the early aluminium frames had actually been welded together by people who knew how to do it too. :roll:

Having seen some failed Klein and Cannondale frames, I think they used brick layers to save money.