Lightweight and eco-friendly: Aluminium the ultimate choice for bike frames

Various materials are used to fabricate contemporary bike frames, each with distinct advantages and disadvantages. Despite their recent surge in popularity, aluminium bike frames have a historical lineage that can be traced back to the late 19th century. The Lu-Mi-Num bike, produced by the St. Louis Refrigerator and Wooden Gutter Company in the late 19th century, is one of the oldest instances of an aluminium cycle frame. Aluminium bike frames are ubiquitous, given that most major bike manufacturers use aluminium or aluminium alloys in their products. As per AL Circle’s “Global Aluminium Industry Outlook 2023,” aluminium consumption in the automotive industry will continue to rise in the following years as the need for lighter, more fuel-efficient, and safer cars grows. Using aluminium sheet and extrusion by BEV and PHEV is estimated at 100 to 120 kg per vehicle, while an ICE vehicle uses up to 50 kg. The rest are aluminium castings from primary and secondary metal, wires, and cables.

1. TVS X

Harnessing technology with innovation towards a greener and sustainable future resulted in the launch of TVX X, the much-anticipated flagship crossover electric scooter, TVS X, featuring a bevy of industry-first features. The TVS X is built on a new platform with a high-quality cast aluminium alloy frame as its centre element. The launch is a significant step forward in the evolution of electric mobility. The TVS X is India's first electric scooter with single-channel ABS, which improves braking safety. It is powered by a 4.4kWh battery with a range of 140km on a single charge. A Smart X Home quick charger can charge the battery from 0 to 50% in 50 minutes (with an optional 3kW fast charger add-on), while a portable 950W charger can charge the battery to 80% in 4 hours and 30 minutes.

2. Aston Martin 1R

J.Laverack, a titanium bike maker, has collaborated with Aston Martin to develop the 1R, a one-of-a-kind carbon road bike. The disc brake callipers are made of aluminium with a heat-resistant ceramic coating. The design has almost no visible fasteners, hoses or cables on the exterior and allows the user to choose crank length, bar/stem width and length down to the millimetre. The bike is packed in a customised box constructed of either aluminium or carbon fibre, intended to assist transit and appropriate bike display. The degree to which it can resist touch with airport baggage handlers is dubious, but it does come with a track pump that matches the bicycle and leather-coated handlebars.

3. Async A1

Resembling a rocket launcher, the A1 e-bike from Async uses a carbon belt drive for their electric bike A1 to eliminate the lubrication mess and keep the chains from breaking off. Async describes belt drives as "quiet, clean, light, low-maintenance, and long-lasting." The vehicle's integrated aluminium frame increases its durability and reliability. The triangular shape of the 1.8-inch-thick seat of the electric bike provides the rider with exceptional cushioning and pressure relief. Async A1's elegant design stands out because it strikes a nice mix between minimalism and elegance. Aside from being an all-terrain ride, the bike maker says that the A1's significant components are IPX7 waterproof, so it can easily withstand rain, hail, or snow. Async also offers an extension kit, which enables riders to convert their detachable battery into a portable power station capable of charging electronic gadgets and a variety of household appliances.

4. Yamaha’s Booster e-bike

Yamaha's BOOSTER line of Easy eBike and pedelec electric bikes were designed in Europe to meet the growing need for more eco-friendly, less noisy, more efficient and more practical forms of urban transportation. The new BOOSTER models are a fun and environmentally responsible way for city dwellers to move about town, driven by cutting-edge Yamaha technology and constructed with an enduring, timeless style. The sleek, understated exterior has a jutting front frame made of die-cast aluminium, spoked wheels with beefy 20" x 4" tyres, and a traditional U-frame standard that makes driving a breeze. Driven by an ultra-compact and lightweight Yamaha PW-S2 drive unit that offers smooth power, the new BOOSTER models are ready to make every area of the metropolis readily accessible to the new generation of riders who live, work and play in the city.

5. F77 Space Edition

Infused with aerospace-grade attributes and a distinctive design ethos, the F77 Space Edition e-bike from the Bangalore-based Ultraviolette Automotive proudly commemorates India's celestial journey. The newly launched e-bike featuring aerospace-grade aluminium can be easily distinguished from other motorcycles due to the use of aerospace-grade aluminium in key structural components and body panels. With a 9-axis IMU that tracks roll, pitch and yaw much as in an aeroplane and many fail-safe systems for the battery, this limited edition e-bike is only being produced in a run 10. The Ultraviolette F77 Space Edition is offered in a limited edition colour variant using aerospace-grade paint. The durability of this paint enables it to endure challenging conditions, including variations in temperature and velocity. This coating maintains the paint's inherent properties even under adverse environmental circumstances.

6. Lacama 2.0

Known for producing high-quality motorcycles, Italian company Volt has released the Lacama 2.0, a lightweight frame made from a single aluminium cast. This innovative electric motorbike was initially introduced as a concept in 2017 and has since undergone several iterations and improvements. The bike, shown to the world during EICMA in November 2022, is hailed as a magnificent achievement in contemporary engineering. The Lacama 2.0 was conceived and built by Italian Volt, a Tazzari Group company, in the heart of Italy's illustrious Motor Valley. This premium motorbike indeed lives up to the brand's boasts of catering to "motorcycling connoisseurs" who want nothing less than absolute perfection. The Lacama 2.0 performs very well and offers a wide variety of personalization choices.

7. Acer ebii

Acer, a global leader in personal computing, recently released a new line of electric bikes with a lightweight aluminium alloy frame and equipped with cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology. With its cutting-edge tricks and emphasis on "stable and nimble riding," the Acer ebii is a highly developed sports vehicle. The use of aluminium in the frame significantly lowered the bike's weight to only 16 kg, making it appealing to consumers with active urban lives. The single motor produces between 250W and 350W and may be mounted either at the back or the front of the bicycle. In every situation, the motor's 40Nm of torque will let you to go at over 15.5 mph with an electric boost.