The development history of steel frames of carbon – fiber frames for electric bicycles

The EcoE 5000W electric bike

Powerful Motor: EcoE is equipped with a 60V 5000W high-speed brushless motor. Due to different loads and road conditions, the electric bike drive system provides adjustable assistance, allowing you to stay healthy, relax, and exercise.
Accessories: This electric bike accessory set includes a rearview mirror, water bottle holder and bottle, a sturdy phone mount, and a waterproof phone pouch. The reinforced cargo rack allows you to easily carry extra items needed for your ride. Additionally, if you need more accessories, you can purchase a detachable storage rack, passenger safety seat, trailer, and more.
60V 32AH Battery: The bike is equipped with a high-capacity, removable 32AH battery, providing longer range per charge and over 1000 charge cycles. With pedal assist, the fat tire e-bike can travel 35-80 miles, depending on riding mode, load, and terrain. You can also purchase a spare battery for extended trips.
Comfort and Versatility: This fat tire electric bike comes with dual front suspension and rear shocks to reduce impact and strain during rides. Its 26-inch wheels, 4-inch tires, and SHIM 7-speed system offer excellent grip across diverse terrains. Front and rear disc brakes ensure safe, responsive stopping, whether on mountain trails or city streets.

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Early Exploration and Application in the Bicycle Field (1950s – 1980s)

• In the 1950s, the US military developed carbon fiber with good mechanical properties and achieved industrial production in the 1960s1. Later, countries such as Japan, the UK, France, and Germany successively mastered the technology to manufacture high – quality carbon fiber1.
• In the 1970s, the application of carbon fiber in bicycles was tried1. In 1974, the American Apex Proto company manufactured a bicycle frame made of carbon – fiber – composite thin – walled tubes bonded with stainless – steel joints1.
• In the early 1980s, with the decrease in the price of carbon fiber and the continuous improvement of production technology, carbon – fiber bicycles began to be promoted and applied1. In 1980, the French TVT company first commercialized the carbon – fiber – composite frame1. At the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, the US cycling team using carbon – fiber bicycles won the championship, which greatly promoted the research, development, and application of carbon – fiber bicycles1. In 1986, the French Look company used the carbon – fiber tubes produced by TVT company to manufacture a practical carbon – fiber bicycle frame, and in 1988, it manufactured the world’s first mass – produced carbon – fiber frame, the KG861.

Initial Application and Technological Development (late 1980s – 1990s)

• In the late 1980s, some carbon – fiber mountain bikes were launched and began to attract the attention of mountain – bike athletes4. In 1988, Giant began to mass – produce jointly – developed carbon – fiber bicycle frames and assembled them into complete vehicles for the market1.
• In 1990, the Japanese Miyata Industry Company launched two types of bicycles, the ARC1000 sports bike and the RDC1000 flat – handlebar bike, with carbon – fiber frames. The quality of these two types of bicycles was 50% lighter and 1.6 times stronger than that of the chrome – molybdenum steel – frame bicycles1. In the same year, Look company manufactured the world’s first one – piece carbon – fiber frame1.
• In 1993, Giant jointly developed an integrated carbon – fiber bicycle frame1. In the same year, the Tianjin Flying Pigeon Bicycle (Group) Company and the Beijing Huanhang Composite Material Company jointly invested in the development of adhesive – type carbon – fiber bicycles1. The Shenzhen China Bicycle Company self – financed the construction of a factory to produce carbon – fiber tubes for bicycles and developed weldable carbon – fiber – tube bicycles1. In 1995, Look company manufactured the world’s first full – carbon – fiber frame (including the steering rod)1.

Gradual Popularization and Market Expansion (1990s – early 21st century)

• From the 1990s to the early 21st century, with technological progress and cost reduction, carbon – fiber bicycle frames gradually became popular in the mass market7. More and more bicycle manufacturers made breakthroughs in the design and manufacturing of carbon – fiber bicycle frames. Developed countries in Europe and America controlled the key processes and core technologies of the research, development, and manufacturing of carbon – fiber bicycle parts1.

Wide Application and Innovative Development (early 21st century – present)

• Since the 21st century, with the rapid development of the electric – bicycle market, the application of carbon – fiber frames in the field of electric bicycles has gradually increased7. Carbon – fiber manufacturing technology has continued to develop, and designers have been able to manufacture frames with more complex shapes, improving strength and stiffness while achieving better lightweight effects4. Some companies have begun to use combinations of different types of carbon fiber to achieve the perfect balance of strength, stiffness, and weight4.
• In 2018, AREVO launched an electric – assist bicycle with a 3D – printed carbon – fiber frame. Its technology combines 3D printing with multiple technologies, allowing customization for individual riders and large – scale printing when needed.

The following is a table about the development history of carbon – fiber frames for electric bicycles: