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Htech’s new SCR technology blends wood and carbon fiber for a comfortable but sporty ride

Htech SCR feature img
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Htech SCR technology, logo

Just a few months ago Bikerumor checked out Htech’s wood-framed Aeriform endurance road bike, but it looks like the company has something new up its sleeve already. While they initially touted their all-wood ONEFRAME monocoque construction, Htech has since decided their frames would be better with some carbon in the mix.

The company says wooden bikes are typically thought to be heavy, flexy and weak but they seek to change that mindset. By introducing carbon fiber pieces to the structure, they claim to have achieved a difficult balance of creating a strong, stiff frame that provides unmatched ride comfort.

SCR is Htech’s moniker for their new Selective Carbon Reinforcement technology. All Aeriform and Aeriform Disc frames will now be built with the carbon reinforcements, which we’ll explain in more detail below…

Htech Aeriform disc frame with SCR

Htech says with modern materials and construction wooden frames can be made just as strong and stiff as carbon frames, but offer a more comfortable ride than steel. Wood can also be made into highly aerodynamic shapes, but Htech admits every material has its weakness. Wood isn’t the lightest and it can split along its grains, thus they decided to incorporate carbon fiber reinforcements because in their simple words “it makes everything better.”

In varying thicknesses, weaves and strand directions carbon reinforcements are bonded into the wood frame. Htech places each piece carefully to maximize strength, stiffness and weight reduction yet maintain the soft ride their wood frames are known for.

Htech SCR carbon reinforced seat mast

The SCR frames’ seat masts are reinforced with a carbon tube, which is joined to a carbon PF86 BB shell. The head tubes also use a carbon fiber inner sleeve that’s bonded to machined aluminum headset cups. All remaining frame tubes are supported by an inner layer of UD carbon fabric, and the carbon is laid across the wood’s grain to prevent splitting and increase torsional stiffness. The frame’s joints, dropouts and any holes (such as bottle cage bolts, internal cable guides) are also reinforced with carbon fabric.

Htech SCR reinforced BB shell Htech SCR reinforced dropouts

Htech’s design concept plays on the advantages of each material- the carbon reinforcements add strength and stiffness while keeping the frame weight down. The wood provides ride comfort, and of course gives the bike a natural, eye-pleasing aesthetic.

Htech SCR Aeriform, side

Htech’s frames are individually made for each buyer, so you can choose between predetermined standard specs or customize the sizing, geometry, wood type and even ride characteristics to your preferences. They say their wood/carbon frames are comparable weight-wise to a quality steel frame, but exact weights will vary depending on the build specs.

Htech SCR Aeriform Disc, rear view
*Photos courtesy of Htech

The carbon-reinforced Aeriform Disc frame is currently selling for a special introductory price of approx. $2440 USD, and the Aeriform model can be had for $2270. Complete builds are also available, but you’ll have to ask Htech about specs and pricing. Check out their website for more info or to place an order.

htechbikes.com

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16 Comments
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Mateo
Mateo
7 years ago

If I worked with wood I wood get this. If not I wood not.

dr_lha
dr_lha
7 years ago

I totally wood, except, press fit.

strange
strange
7 years ago

Woodn’t you have to worry about splinters in a crash? #UCIainthavinit #onecrashawayfrombeingbanned

sxm235
sxm235
7 years ago
Reply to  strange

Crash fifty miles away from civilization and garmin’s battery is dead. Start a fire with the LiPo battery and the frame while you wait to be discovered.

Daniel
Daniel
7 years ago

I kind of want one just so I can ask other cyclists the all important question..

Do you respect wood?

RED
RED
7 years ago

“He’s got a woody”

danlysk
7 years ago

Looks kinda cool… Might need one to keep my Boo company.

Flatbiller
Flatbiller
7 years ago

I just returned from a family trip to Sequoia National Park.

Q: How many of these bikes could be made from the General Sherman Tree?

Frank
Frank
7 years ago

Wood’nt these be good for a BBQ? Nothing like bike smoked Mahi Mahi.

Hong (@Quan)
7 years ago

These puns are terrible! But they’re growing on me.

Loki
Loki
7 years ago

Really should leave them alone, puns are the root of all evil, soon they’ll branch out into areas that willow make you laugh, a case of barking up the wrong tree which in some societies could be construed as tree-son,or at least a little shady, no point in branching out, even though we might pine for more intelligent humour, it’ll hardly spruce up this lame comment, I’m stumped if I can think of any more, I’m knot joking, bet we’ll all be re-leafed when this ends, I might be axed to leaf;please don’t call the copse!

Poor sap that I am, I have to face it – I’m acorny person, a dumb ash. Best I lumber off …

Evan
Evan
7 years ago
Reply to  Loki

Kudos.

Cc
Cc
7 years ago
Reply to  Loki

Log jam of shivering timbers, I mesquite agree.

John
John
7 years ago

With the carbon fibre inside that frame. I’d hate to be anywhere near if it up in smoke. Carbon fibre’s bad, like asbestos of the 21st century.

Back on topic though they look amazing, shame I don’t have cash to burn.

carbonspoke
carbonspoke
7 years ago

Much like Boo, there will be less and less wood each year until it’s 90% carbon.

Frank
Frank
7 years ago

If you crash this bike while riding in a forest, will anybody hear the belittling comments from your ride partners as you lumber off and splinter from the group. Or wood they chip in to treat your swollen acorns?? I know overkill… I will log off for now.

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