Сообщение Dr.GONZO » 10 фев 2009, 11:10
мне лениво перводить, если есть интерес почитайте все это в оригинале:
Gradient tubing
Gradient displays our most advanced metal shaping techniques, tapered both internally and externally, maximizing the strength of the structure while minimizing the amount of material needed to achieve that strength. Cut open a Gradient tube and you'd see that the walls have gradual tapers, with wall thicknesses that vary as much as 260% between sections of high stress and low stress. Other companies use butted tubes that have a short transition areas from one wall thickness to another, essentially just to reinforce the weld zone. Gradient tubes vary in thickness over the entire length and diameter of the tube. This gradual variation avoids stress risers, points of high force concentration caused by the sharp transition of butts. The result of Klein’s Gradient tubing? The lightest and strongest production frames available. All that metal manipulation places the aluminum just where its needed for strength and stiffness. So while Kleins are superlight, they are also extremely efficient. Pedal power becomes forward motion. Rider input at the controls results in razor-sharp handling. Thanks to Gradient tubing, even after 90 miles a Klein remains comfortable. Klein custom tubing; another example of the obsessive detail that makes a Klein a Klein.
Gradient Chainstays
Turn a Klein frame over and look at the sculpted chainstays. This is perhaps the most complex and perfectly designed component of the Klein frameset. They are, without question, works of art. Starting in a large D-section for a rigid and secure attachment to the bottom bracket, the mountain chainstays smoothly change into a compact and heavily reinforced rectangular section to accomplish the tight bends around the chainrings and the tire. From there the stays transition into a large round diameter, the largest in the business, for incredible rear end stiffness and power transfer. The thin walled center of the chainstays reduce weight, and then the stays change shape into an oval to effectively attach to the cold forged MicroDrops. These remarkable chainstays allow for an ultra short chainstay length, keeping the rear wheel under the rider for superior climbing traction and control. Klein bicycles consistently receive rave reviews for their climbing capabilities. The rigidity achieved with the Gradient chainstays is one of the reasons. And don’t forget the tight, precisely placed bends make for gobs of mud clearance, even when using 2.35 tires. Manipulating one aerospace grade, seamless drawn, aluminum tube into four different shapes, three tight-radius bends, and continuously varying the wall thickness in a short 16 inch span is very difficult. Klein had to custom design and hand build the machines to make these stays a reality. And it’s also quite expensive. In fact, our chainstay assembly alone costs more than many complete off-the-shelf aluminum frames. But without this costly and time-consuming manipulation, the bike wouldn’t ride like a Klein. Gary confirmed through extensive lab tests that the right chainstay is under considerably more stress than the left due to chain compression. So Klein chainstays are different, right to left. Again, through innovative design and tireless effort, Gary has tweaked his design to make a frame that is lighter, stronger, and rides better than anything else.
Reinforced Head tube/Down tube Junction
Much like a boxer that leads with his chin, the head tube/down tube junction always takes the first hit, the first impact of everything on the road or trail. This is the point of failure that takes many a lesser bike down to the mat. To add front end strength, Klein starts with a light-weight internally tapered head tube, which is heavily reinforced around the bearing races. This extra material pre- vents bearing shock loads from ovalizing the tube. Note the distinctive barrel-shaped profile of the standard Klein ATB head tube, or the even larger diameter head tube of the Airhead tube. The extra width is designed to conform to the large diameter of the top and down tubes, to maximize the welding surface at this critical juncture. These large diam- eters also increase front end rigidity, adding steering control in rough or harsh terrain. What you don’t see is the robust tubing wall thickness in the head tube region, the full penetration welds, or the uniform crystalline structure created by the full T6 heat treatment performed after welding. This is the most highly stressed area of the bike. Klein goes to great lengths to insure that it doesn’t fail.
MicroDrops
Consider the conventional rear dropout. A rather thin piece of metal goes from in front of the wheel axle, wraps around the axle, drops down, and then proceeds down to become the rear derailleur hanger. If you follow a rough centerline of the material, total distance from the chainstay to the derailleur mounting bolt is about 85mm. On a Klein its about 45mm. By shortening the hanger, dramatic increases in hanger strength and stiffness are accomplished, which increases shifting accuracy. Not only that, but the dropout itself is much stronger. Klein teams new to the design, and especially the team mechanics, have all complained about wheel changing with the Micro-Drops. For example, we had a difficult time getting the ONCE team to accept them initially. But after a season of use, no team has ever wanted conventional dropouts. Why? Because once you learn how to use MicroDrops, wheel installation is actually faster and more accurate. The Re-Entry ramps really do work to line up the axle and QR for quick engagement. With MicroDrops it is a straight-in shot from the rear, and there is no resulting tire interference with chainstays as in forward entry dropouts. This means Klein bikes can have a lighter, tighter, more rigid chainstay assembly. We overheard one mechanic say he thought MicroDrops were dangerous because the wheel would fall out if the QR was not adequately tightened. As a performance feature, this rear entry style of dropout allows the axle of the rear wheel to rest snugly against the backbone of the drop, making it absolutely impossible for the rear wheel to slip forward when the rider jumps on the pedals. Even if you bounce the bike on its rear wheel with the QR undone, the rear wheel stays in MicroDrops. With standard dropouts, all procedures must be done simultaneously. With Microdrops, each step is completely isolated, giving the mechanic greater control of the process for increased speed. To remove a rear wheel, first shift to the smallest cog. Open the brakes and undo the wheel QR. Pull the rear wheel out of the dropouts about 2 inches wrap a single finger around the chain immediately in front of the top of the cog and lift the chain off the cog. The chain lift is more positive and reliable than having the derailleur hold the chain. With traditional dropouts, sometimes the chain comes off of the jockey pulleys and a snarl is created. To install the wheel, grasp the chain with your finger, and place it on the small cog. Open the brakes further if necessary and guide the rear wheel through the pads. In most cases the Re-Entry ramps of the MicroDrops will allow the chain tension alone to pull the rear wheel into the drops and center it. Tighten the wheel QR, close the brake QR, and you’re off. Once you practice with the MicroDrops you will appreciate Gary Klein’s clever approach; stronger and lighter dropouts, more accurate shifting, a stronger and lighter frame with both increased rigidity and better tire clearance, and faster, easier wheel installation and removal. All in a single design detail.
чего вы спорите - не видно разве что я умный раз очки надел? (ц) Beavis
Пусть даж и в художественном плане... 
а тут всё никак не остановитесь
