As promised, here’s the FAQ list for the frame I wrote about yesterday. I’m going to try and sneak into their factory just as soon as I can. By the way, they really went all out for a bicycle frame – 300 hours to build one!
Q: What is the Arantix Mountain Bike, and what makes it so unique?
A: The new Arantix Mountain Bike from Delta 7 Sports features a patented IsoTruss® carbon fiber and Kevlar spider web-like open lattice tube design to create a unique frame and a bike that is lighter and stronger than almost any other.
Q: What is IsoTruss?
A: IsoTruss open lattice structures are made up of three-dimensional (3-D) pyramid-shaped trusses formed by combining two-dimensional (2-D) trusses, such as the kind commonly used in architectural design. The pyramid-like structure of an IsoTruss lattice utilizes the well-known geometry of a triangle with two equal sides (an Isosceles Triangle) to create a form with a superior weight-to-strength ratio. Hence, the name IsoTruss comes from the “iso” in isosceles, while “truss” comes from the architectural design known as trusses.
Q: Where did the IsoTruss concept originate?
A: IsoTruss was developed at Brigham Young University under the direction of Civil Engineering Professor David W. Jensen (Director of the Center for Advanced Structural Composites). Advanced Composite Solutions, LLC (parent company of Delta 7 Sports), has been granted an exclusive, worldwide license by BYU to develop, produce and market products utilizing the IsoTruss technology and design.
Q: Are there any other commercial products that utilize IsoTruss technology?
A: No. The Arantix Mountain Bike is the first commercial product to utilize IsoTruss technology.
Q: Please describe the Arantix Mountain Bike.
A: The Arantix Mountain Bike is one of the strongest and lightest mountain bikes in the world, with a “hard-tail” (no shock absorbers) frame that weighs approximately 2.7 pounds and sports the unique and extremely strong see-through IsoTruss design.
Q: Is the IsoTruss frame fragile?
A: No. The open lattice construction of the IsoTruss members actually provides superior resilience and damage tolerance characteristics for the Arantix Mountain Bike.In fact, the Arantix Mountain Bike bends less, twists less (torsion) and flexes less (axial stiffness) than metal bike frames of comparable weight.
Q: How is the Arantix Mountain Bike made?
A: Each Arantix Mountain Bike is made by hand. Workers weave single carbon fiber strands in a precise manner and order to create the open lattice IsoTruss structure of each frame tube. Each bundle of carbon fiber strands is then constrained within a helical wrapping of Kevlar string designed to tightly bind the carbon fibers together before the tubes are baked at 255 degrees Fahrenheit for four hours. The ends of the baked tubes are then machined to specific measurements and diameters before being joined with molded carbon fiber lugs into a completed frame.
Q: How long does it take to make each Arantix Mountain Bike?
A: Approximately 300 hours.
Q: How many bikes will be produced?
A: Delta 7 Sports will Production will produce 200 Arantix Mountain Bikes in 2008, with production expected to grow to 1,000 frames produced per year by 2010.
Q: When will the bike be available?
A: The company expects to begin initial deliveries in the first quarter of 2008.
Q: When will orders be taken?
A: Immediately. Bikes (or frames) can be reserved with a $1,000 deposit.
Q: What is the price of the Arantix Mountain Bike?
A: Pricing for the complete bike starts at $11,995.00 (USD).
Q: What is the price of the Arantix Frame only?
A: Pricing for the frame only starts at $6,995 (USD).
Q: Will Delta 7 Sports have a “road bike?”
A: The company expects to launch a road bike in 2008.
Q: What size is the Arantix Mountain Bike?
A: The Arantix Mountain Bike is available in small, medium or large.
Q: Where is Delta 7 Sports located?
A: Delta 7 Sports is located in Payson, Utah, approximately 75 miles south of Salt Lake City.
Q: How can I learn more about Delta 7 Sports?
A: Please visit www.delta7sports.com. For more information about IsoTruss, please visit www.isotruss.org.