Force Optimized Construction
Force Optimized Construction is GT Bicycle’s proprietary composite manufacturing process in which the construction of each frame is optimized to give the frame exceptional strength and stiffness in the areas that need it most but, at the same time, removing material in the areas that need it least. There are 4 important factors that make up Force Optimized Construction:
Monocoque (One Piece) Frame Construction - GT frame design begins with choosing a construction method that has the highest strength-to-weight ratio available. Lug construction adds weight and can be weaker due to the possibility of voids and pockets between joints. The joints can also act as stress risers that can weaken and eventually fail. Monocoque frame construction gives you a strong, one-piece frame with the lowest possibility of construction imperfections.
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Optimized Tube Construction - Forces enter a bicycle frame from both the rider and the terrain. These forces, push, pull, twist, stretch and compress every tube on the frame in every direction. By using Finite Element Analysis (FEA), each tube on a GT carbon frame is designed with these forces in mind and they are given a cross-section (a shape) to counteract those forces. |
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Proprietary Kiting and Sequence Process - Just as wood and metal have a grain direction, carbon has a fiber direction. Each layer of carbon fiber used in our frames is placed in a certain spot and certain orientation depending on the direction of force on that part of the frame. This gives the rider the most compliant and comfortable ride possible. |
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Proprietary Blend of Fiber Types - There are many different types of fibers that can be used to make up carbon fiber frames. GT uses a proprietary blend of TR30 and TR50 fibers in different areas of the frame to increase stiffness or strength in the places where it matters. Again, GT engineers use FEA to study and calculate areas in need of strength or support to give you the stiffest, strongest and lightest weight frame possible. |
