Carbon C-Thru Road Frame

Overview

The Carbon C-Thru road frame was developed as an experimental concept exploring the use of carbon rods to create a skeletal frame structure, as part of ongoing experimentation with unconventional frame structures.

Instead of traditional tubes, the frame was constructed entirely from solid carbon fiber rods, connected to form a lightweight and visually open structure. Titanium rear dropouts and 7075 aluminum inserts were used in critical areas such as the bottom bracket and head tube.

The construction process required precise alignment of all structural elements in a frame jig, followed by bonding and hand-wrapping each joint with carbon fibers. This meticulous process ensured structural integrity while maintaining the minimal form of the frame.

The resulting design emphasized transparency and structure, revealing the load paths within the frame and creating a distinctive visual identity.

The complete bicycle was presented at NAHBS 2008.