LOCTITE and Faction Bike Studio redefine frame construction

Moving beyond traditional welding techniques, this collaboration has embraced cutting-edge adhesive bonding, delivering enhanced durability, precision and weight reduction.

Bicycle frames have traditionally been welded together, a process that presents several challenges, including alignment difficulties, increased weight and potential structural inconsistencies. Frameworks, a company owned by USA National Cycling Champion, Neko Mulally, sought a solution that would streamline production while enhancing frame accuracy and performance.

Through close collaboration with LOCTITE's application engineering team, Faction Bike Studio introduced LOCTITE's advanced adhesive bonding technology to replace welding in the construction process. LOCTITE provided material data properties and technical support to ensure the bonded frames could withstand the rigorous stresses and loads experienced in high-performance cycling.

Michael Feeney, Application Engineer at Loctite commented: "Our team worked closely with Faction Bike Studio and Frameworks to ensure the adhesive bonding process met their performance needs. By combining their expertise in bike design with our deep knowledge of adhesives, we've created a solution that enhances precision, reduces weight, and simplifies assembly, without compromising strength or durability."

The adoption of LOCTITE's bonding technology delivered a range of advantages for Frameworks and Faction Bike Studio:

Improved production efficiency - Adhesive bonding speeds up and simplifies assembly, reducing the complexity and time required to manufacture each frame.

Enhanced accuracy - Unlike welded frames, where alignment can be a challenge, bonded frames maintain precise pivot locations and design specifications.

Weight reduction - Eliminating welds enabled Frameworks to reduce overall frame weight, a critical factor in high-performance cycling.

Increased durability and performance - The bonded construction method resulted in a frame that is not only lighter but also more resilient and responsive on challenging terrains.

For Neko Mulally and his team at Frameworks, the transition to LOCTITE's adhesive bonding has been a game changer. The precision of the bonded frames has transformed the assembly process into a seamless operation, eliminating previous headaches associated with welding.

"The benefits we were chasing were really in the ease of construction and accuracy of the frame. Bonding has not only simplified the process but also allowed us to take weight out of the frame, which is a major advantage," said Mulally. "Working with LOCTITE has been so refreshing. Their engineers collaborated closely with us to develop the best possible solution for making the strongest and most precise bicycle frames."