ENGLISH FOR ENGINEERS ENGLISH V

Essay draft 10%

Name: María José Olivero Carrascal ID: 1044507062

Write a five-paragraph essay taking into account the structure and the types of essays
taught in class.

Title: FEATURES, MATERIALS AND BASIC ENGINEERING OF A BICYCLE FRAME

Type of essay: Expository essay

The origins of the bicycle are a mystery and it is not possible to attribute this
invention to one person. However, we now know that it originates from before the
nineteenth century. This machine had, and continues to have, a great impact on
societies around the world and is used to improve the design of the motorcycle.
The first commercial producer was a family in Paris which began with a design
called velocipede that had a wrought iron frame. But it was not until 1890 that the
bicycle took the design that it is currently known for, the basic diamond-shaped
design, which it has almost always retained along its evolutionary development and
which contains a lot of manufacturing materials. Today it is one of the most used
means of transport and has a major impact on various areas, from environmental
to social. The bicycle has various components, but this research covers basic
details about one of them: the frame.

The frame is the main part of the bicycle because it is the largest and it is easily
recognizable by its design and striking. Other components are mounted to this
element that give life to the bicycle, so it is important to know the features that a
good frame should have, such as strength, rigidity, weight, geometry and
aerodynamics, as these are responsible for behavior, comfort and ergonomics. The
design is regulated by the UCI, which is in favor of a diamond-shaped frame that
influences the bicycle’s safety. So far, it has not considered changing this because
it meets all the requirements of good design and engineering.

But really, the big question is: “Which material is better for the frame of a bicycle?”
At present, different materials are used, such as steel, aluminum, titanium and
carbon fiber, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Carbon fiber is an
optimal material for the construction of frames because it is very rigid and fits very
particular specifications, while aluminum is a metal that can only be used if alloyed
with other elements, such as manganese, silicon and zinc. Titanium is also a good
material and, although it is costly, it is highly recommended because it does not
corrode easily and can last a lifetime. In contrast, steel has a low cost and good
properties, but is very heavy and corrodes easily. Generally, the material chosen
depends on the type of bicycle, the requirements of the buyer and the cost.

The clearest example of the results that can be achieved from the frame of a
bicycle with a high level of engineering and technology can be seen in the one
used by Mariana Pajon in the Olympic Games in Brazil in 2016. Behind this project
was a research group led by UPB engineers and the bicycle company HA, the
sponsor of the athlete. The material used for the construction was hydroformed
aluminum. Additionally, all studies conducted verified that the role of Mariana was
very important because it brought first-hand information, and validated all studies
and research. The goals were achieved, which were for to Mariana fly on her bike
and win the competition.

In conclusion, the frame is a fundamental part of a bicycle because the

performance of the machine depends on it. Materials, and their properties, must be
of a high quality and adapt to the requirements required by the type of frame to be
manufactured. The importance of engineering should not be ignored as it is
increasingly noticeable in these types of projects and helps achieve excellent
results in the form of great achievements.