Bridging the Performance Gap

HTech Bikes’ SCR Technology

Selective Carbon Reinforcement (SCR) is a process developed by HTech Bikes to revolutionise the perception and performance of wooden bike frames. Traditionally, wooden frames consist mostly of wood, with minimal reinforcement in critical areas like dropouts, bottom brackets, and headset cups. Most frames do incorporate aluminium tubes for added strength.

At HTech Bikes, we refuse to settle for the status quo. Our philosophy is all about pushing boundaries. How can we make our frames better, faster, stronger, stiffer, and lighter? When we introduced the HTech ONEFRAME, we were the the first true monocoque wooden bike frame on the market. By meticulously removing excess wood from joints and adjusting wall thickness, we achieved the desired ride qualities while significantly reducing weight. Additionally the HTech ONEFRAME simplifies internal cable routing without the need for internal bracing or a solid bottom bracket.

While inserting aluminium into wooden frames seems like a good idea for reinforcement, it comes with limitations. Adhesives struggle to bond effectively and reliably, while industrial epoxies designed for metal bonding require high curing temperatures, which can lead to wood self-combustion or extreme dryness, rendering it unsuitable for use.

Enter carbon fiber, a game-changer of the cycling industry. Composed of carbon strands held together by resin, carbon fiber offers an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and reliable bonding properties. In our machined frames, we incorporate carbon fiber inserts for the seat tube, bottom bracket, and headtube. These components undergo precise CNC machining and reaming to maintain tight tolerances for component fitment. Even our RHD dropouts feature SCR, we bond a carbon core into the dropouts, enhancing strength and stiffness. Our HRP tubes also utilize various carbon fiber weaves, orientations, and thicknesses. This fine tuning optimizes the ride characteristics of each tube.

Selective Carbon Reinforcement (SCR) derives its name from the carbon fabric being strategically integrated within frame tubes and critical parts. These reinforcements target areas subject to high loads or cross-grain stress, where wood may be prone to splitting. Each piece of carbon fiber undergoes meticulous consideration regarding its position, orientation, and thickness. By developing SCR Technology, we achieve a remarkable feat, replacing substantial wood portions with minimal carbon fiber. This enhances frame strength and stiffness while simultaneously reducing weight—without compromising the smooth ride unique to wooden bikes. The result? A harmonious blend of desired characteristics throughout the entire bike.