Re: [CR]re: When did aluminum become reliable? Was: Early Alloy Parts

(Example: Component Manufacturers:Avocet)

From: "P.C. Kohler" <kohl57@starpower.net>
To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>, "Jan Heine" <heine94@earthlink.net>
References: <7DD013DE8DD14EED8764E86A2DC32889@JB> <a062309c8c3b920728dc8@[192.168.1.33]>
Subject: Re: [CR]re: When did aluminum become reliable? Was: Early Alloy Parts
Date: Sun, 20 Jan 2008 11:20:51 -0500
reply-type=response

Are we talking about aluminium or alloy? There's a difference. The earliest alloy that was good enough for structural use (indeed was what made the rigid airship possible with the girders made of the stuff) was Duralumunium or as it was known in France and in cycling Dural i.e. Dural Forged. This contained copper and manganese for strength. And dates from something like 1900! So it's odd indeed it wasn't immediately adopted for cycling. I suspect it may have something to do with cost. But the material was sure there. If it was good enough for "Graf Zeppelin" it sure should have worked on a bike!

Peter Kohler
Washington DC USA