FRAME MATERIALS

STEEL
While the term "steel frame" can cover anything from the stamped high tensile rig sold by mass merchandisers to the custom cromoly hand built, we'll limit this to just the quality end of the range. In general, steel is appealing because it's durable, easy to work with, repairable and fairly inexpensive.

The basic components of 4130 cromoly steel are Chromium, Molybdenum, Manganese and Carbon. If made properly, and as long as a frame is not pushed beyond it's maximum yield, a 4130 cromoly frame can last a lifetime. Of special note; the Yield strength of "standard" cromoly is @760N\mm2 compared to a quality cold worked 3-2.5 Titanium's number of 792N\mm2. Steel is durable. Steel can also be comfortable and efficient. The reason that companies make springs out of steel is because the material can retain energy and expend it back. A steel frame doesn't absorb the force of a pedal stroke or the impact of a water bar, it stores it. The gathering of force is what makes a frame comfortable and it is the return of that energy that gives a steel frame its' lively feel.

OX Platinum air-hardened tubing was developed by True Temper along with the US Steel Alliance. It actually gains strength through a metallurgical transformation in the heat affected zone, the result of welding. It is composed of Chromium, Molybdenum and Vandium with 217 ksi ultimate tensile strength. It is highly temper-resistant, resulting in 11% increase in fatigue life and 20% increase in impact strength compared to other superlight chromoly tubes.

STEEL CROSS COUNTRY HARDTAIL MODELS

EXPLOSIF
The Kona Explosif is a hard tail designed for racing and technical single track riding.
The True Temper OX Platinum tubing is quick and lively. This is a bike for the discerning rider.