FRAME DEVELOPMENT
The frame actually is the heartpiece of each Wheeler bike. That's why it's no replaceable unit off the peg, but much rather proof of our employees' tight relation to cycling. Long before a first sample frame is being built, Wheeler's engineers have been investing a lot of time, stressing their brains. Based on years of experience, state-of-the-art technology and a clear list of demands from a customer's point of view, they draw a first design concept. This is then worked out in detail by the product managers and the marketing department. Of course, a lot of input and wishes from our team riders, bicycle dealers and national distributors feeds this early process as well. This way Wheeler makes sure that the basic concept of each model is in agreement with the customer's needs. Because it's the result of passionate cyclists working for other passionate cyclists.Based on the raw drawings of a frame design, a precise technical drawing in 3D-CAD is being made. This serves as base data for the intricate «Finite Element»-method and other complicated simulations. There are two key factors that get the engineer's full attention: The loads that a frame has to withstand when being used in terrain and the human anatomy, which is a lead criterium for every Wheeler bike. With the help of powerful computers, Wheeler's engineers check meticulously how a suspension design is going to perform in the real world. Or how strong a specific part made from a specific material, e.g. a linkage plate has to be built in order to resist the loads that occur when riding a bike in rough terrain without any damage. Numerous factours have to be accounted with, like the specific attributes and the material's strength.
After a frame construction has passed this rigorous testing, it's still far from being produced regularly. The next step is a tree-dimensional model of the frame that is being created on the computer. This model helps the product managers and sales managers to meticulously check each and every detail. As soon as these, all enthusiast cyclists, have no objections anymore, the give their okay - to produce a first frame sample, that is. Here Wheeler largely profits from its own production facilities, namely an own CNC-workstation which offers a lot of possibilities: Even intricately shaped parts can be produced in a short while in order to put them to the test. «Hydratube Forming» is another technology that is getting more and more important: In this innovative procedure, aluminum tubes are being pressed into predefined forms with enormous pressure and getting shaped accordingly, allowing for a blend of appealing looks, superior strength and low weights.
Only after all of these steps have been completed a new Wheeler-frame can be tested for its strength according to the latest EN-norms. Within a few hours, the loads of multiple seasons of hard riding are being exerted on the frame. That's why Wheeler can grant a five-year warranty on all of its frames. The official Wheeler test-riders, many of them formerly successful racers, deliver precious feedback as well: Without any mercy, they put the prototypes to their limits and sometimes beyond under race conditions on the gnarliest courses you can imagine. This way, even the smallest and best-hidden frailties are being found. Only if they have nothing to complain about anymore, the production in Wheeler's Taiwanese factory starts. As you see, every single Wheeler-frame is the result of loads of ideas and hard work - and not a unit off the peg that is easily replaceable.
