Technology explained




Here is a brief description of the materials we choose to use in our frames. We are not just a carbon frame or titanium manufacturer, we use the materials that are the most appropriate for the given task, not just because we can or because it is the material to be seen with. Correct application is the key to obtaining the most from the frame and what is is intended for, overlooked by many, but not by us.

Using carbon fibre for frames makes it possible for us to build very light, strong, stiff and compliant frames that do not change characteristics as they age with use. Most light highly tuned frames built from other materials can give a very harsh ride in compairson to full carbon frames as it is possible to tune carbon fibre frames to be extremely comfortable ( which is standard on all ZEROFOUR carbon frames). The other advantage of using carbon fibre is that it is anisotropic - its srength and stiffness is only along the axis of the fibres which can be placed in any pattern, therefore being able to absorb the variable stresses placed on the frame. Carbon fibre frames can use several layers with different fibre angles for each load pattern. This in turn then allows the strength to be where it is exactly needed while reducing weight by not requiring unneccessary material. The use of carbon fibre in frames ranges from rather poor un-technical, harsh riding and unresponsive structures to highly technical, responsive and comfortable structures, the former are often generic imported frames that are usually at the entry level of the market but will still command £700 to £1000, so be warned. Quality carbon frames will usually start at around £1000 upwards to £3000 and beyond. But certainly carbon isn’t just carbon. For example, there are lots of varying types of carbon fibres with different fibre thickness, tensile strengths, ranging from low modulus to high modulus. The higher the strength and modulus the more expensive it is and with that you get higher performance, assuming it has been used in the correct manner. In this case you do get what you pay for.				Titanium's properties cannot be ignored. It posesses an incredible tensile strength, fatigue strength and yeild strength which in short means it is very strong and durable but with a low density, aproximately half that of steel and more than twice the strength of aluminium. Because it is stronger we can use less material, which means lighter and more resiliant frames. Another advantage is that it does not corrode which means low maintainance and a frame that will last a lifetime. Titanium frames give a high level comfort due to its natural suppleness that aluminium frames don't have. It offers travel anywhere durability with a very low weight and high strength.

				Short for Deda black side tubes, which relates to the carbon fibre tubes that Dedacciai produce and the unique carbon fibre lug system which enables us to produce full carbon fibre frames in custom sizes. Deda employ only the best materials available. T700, T800 and now T900 carbon fibre in unidirectional and two directional fabric are used in a specific lay-up process to create the strength, torsional resistance and vertical compliance required from a tube and the strength and stiffness required from a lug. T800 is the latest material to the market and was designed by Toray (the market leader) as a better and lower cost alternative to T1000 which is also used in the build of fighter jets and more recently, the new Airbus plane. This continual push for the most advanced and latest materials never ceases, the result of this is always the most advanced, best value and highest performing products around.


To build a mediocre frame is easy, but to build a frame that 'ticks all the boxes' for quality, strength and performance is not easy. To build a frame that does not diminish with long term use or suffer excessive deflections under load, but also gives the perfect balance of comfort and handling is indeed a very difficult task. This is where our locked in performance plan comes into play. All of our frames have been painstakingly designed using Dedacciai and custom made components to achieve all of the above. All the main tubes have been carefully matched and balanced to the specific rear ends and fork packages to obtain the perfect blend. Every tube has been specifically designed to maximise form and function by the careful use of shapes, tube diameters and materials with the most advanced design methods available in industry today.
				Frames that feature this symbol are built with seamless plain gauge 3AL/2.5V cwsr ( cold worked, stress relieved ) titanium. 3/2.5 is the bench mark for the majority of titanuim frames and has a unique ride quality which only titanium can provide. It is lighter than steel, stiffer and stronger than aluminium and does not corrode.


				Frames that feature this have the seat stays bent in a downward radius. By doing this we are inducing vertical compliance ( comfort ) to the back end of the bike which dramaticly increases the overall comfort and riding experience.
CWS stands for carbon wrap system. Frames that feature this symbol are built using this process. Each frame is individualy handbuilt to order and each joint is painstackingly hand laid with layers of carbon fibre in custom molds for each specific frame angle. This allows us to have freedom on angles (full custom ability), significantly reduce weight and create a beautifull seamless look. Frames that use this technology can be built from just 1 kilogram

				The frames that feature this symbol are able to be built in custom sizes if you fall outside of our stock size frames. We offer a full custom service and are able to adjust the seat tube length, top tube length, headtube length and chainstay length in 1mm increments and offer compact or classic horizontal geometrys. we are also able to offer custom angles as well to get that true custom frame. If you can't see it, it does not mean you cannot have it! There is no extra cost for this service which makes it even better value and if it is a complete bike you require, we will also set it up to your "fit window" as well. If you aready know your ideal frame geometry or position and want it replicated, thats fine with us too.

New to ZEROFOUR is our custom paint option to offer even more individuality. This is a service that allows you to have a paint job of any design ( within reason) in any colours. For example, if you want a colour that is not on our standard pallet, its no problem or if you want a mutli colour scheme, again, no problem. There is an extra cost to this of course and is charged according to the complexity of the paint job. Just submit your design and we can quote accordingly.


				Each and every ZEROFOUR frame is individually hand built to order, this enables us to maintain the high quality that we desire. We are able to monitor every joint, mitre and every part of the build process to be exact. If it does not come up to standard we start again, no compromises.
Do you know what size frame you need and what your correct top tube should be? If not, don't worry, follow our measuring instructions, let us know the results and we can do the rest. If you feel you do not want to take your own measurements, make an appointment and come and see us for a std fitting included in the frame price.


				Bike fitting is a very important part of your interaction with your bike. This is why we offer this service. Available with every new Zerofour. Correct fitting enables us to find your optimum fit and position to give you greater comfort and efficiency which is so often overlooked.
Every new complete ZEROFOUR bike is available to be set up to the riders 'fit window' to get the correct position and to obtain the right size frame. Just simply follow the measuring instructions on the site and we will do the rest.


© Airlite Limited 2007 ZEROFOUR™