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SwiftCarbon uses lightweight frame reinforced by TeXtreme

Using TeXtreme reportedly resulted in a 24% improvement in strength-to-weight ratio.

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South African bicycle manufacturer SwiftCarbon says that its 2017 product range includes its Ultravox SSL frame design, reinforced by TeXtreme (Boras, Sweden) carbon fiber fabrics. Using TeXtreme resulted in a 24% improvement in strength-to-weight ratio.

TeXtreme is based on using Spread Tows instead of yarns to create ultra-light weight, high-performance products.

“The unique TeXtreme Technology and its Spread Tow carbon fiber materials reduce the amount of material needed while still delivering the same strength. This increases the strength-to-weight ratio for the new Ultravox SSL by 24% and also allows us to adapt the technology to full-carbon accessories like the headset and seat clamp,” said Mark Blewett, founder of SwiftCarbon.

Mark continues, “SSL is a project that explores the boundaries of what’s possible in working with composites. We started out with us saying: ‘Imagine if…’ and wove together what we’ve learned by creating the ultra-light SwiftCarbon SCULP with months of scientific experimentation and the instinctual feeling you get from years of always working with the latest materials and manufacturing methods. TeXtreme is the perfect partner for us because we can work with their team of engineers, who really helped in reaching our weight and performance goals.”

The Ultravox SSL will be available for the 2017 season.

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