Adhesives replace welding in high-performance bikes

LOCTITE and Faction Bike Studio have embraced adhesive bonding over welding techniques for reported performance wins.

Adhesive bonding is said to deliver enhanced durability, precision and weight reduction.

Bicycle frame welding presents several challenges, including alignment difficulties, increased weight and potential structural inconsistencies, say the companies.

Frameworks, a company owned by USA National Cycling Champion, Neko Mulally, sought a solution that would streamline production while enhancing frame accuracy and performance.

Through close collaboration with LOCTITE’s application engineering team, Faction Bike Studio introduced LOCTITE’s advanced adhesive bonding technology to replace welding in the construction process.

The frames are developed to withstand the stresses and loads experienced in high-performance cycling.

The adoption of the adhesive bonding technology is said to deliver the following advantages:

• Improved production efficiency – adhesive bonding reportedly speeds up and simplifies assembly
• Enhanced accuracy – unlike welded frames, where alignment can be a challenge, bonded frames reportedly maintain precise pivot locations and design specifications.
• Weight reduction – eliminating welds reportedly enabled Frameworks to reduce overall frame weight
• Increased durability and performance – the bonded construction method resulted in a frame that is reportedly more resilient and responsive on challenging terrains.