- Bicycle Torque Coupling
An S and S Coupling also known as a Bicycle Torque Coupling or BTC is a
coupling which enablesbicycle frames to be separated into smaller pieces, usually to facilitate packing and transporting. They can be built into the frame by the frame manufacturer when the frame is originally assembled or they can be added to a frame after it is finished. A special spanner is available for tightening and loosening the couplers.cite web
url = http://www.sandsmachine.com/
title = S and S Machine
accessdate = 2007-10-19]Applications
The couplers are usually installed in the top tube and down tube of a single-rider diamond frame. This enables the bicycle to be boxed small enough to avoid the extra fee most airlines charge to check a bicycle as luggage.cite web
url = http://www.sandsmachine.com/regs.htm
title = Size regulation for checked baggage
accessdate = 2007-10-19] They can also be installed in tandem and recumbent frames. Santana manufactures a "triplet (or quad) that can be transformed into a tandem by simply removing the center section of the frame."cite web
url = http://santanatandem.com/Bikes/Family07.html
title = Santana When two seats are not enough
accessdate = 2007-10-19]Characteristics
The couplers are available in stainless steel, cromoly steel, and titanium. The couplers come in different sizes, from 5/8 inch (15.8 mm) to 2 inches (50.8 mm) to match the frame tubing in which they are installed.cite web
url = http://www.sandsmachine.com/spec_ssc.htm
title = Stainless Steel "Classic" BTC Specifications
accessdate = 2007-10-19] They are light, about 8 oz. (227 grams) per pair, and as strong as uncoupled tubing. The couplers use aHirth joint to resist torsion.It takes only a few minutes to separate the couplings.cite web
url = http://www.co-motion.com/cprvwbicy.html
title = Bicycling Magazine reviews Co-Motion's Co-Pilot
accessdate = 2007-10-19]Alternatives
In order to support the ovalized tube Santana uses between the bottom bracket shells of their tandems, they have developed their own oval couplers. cite web
url = http://santanatandem.com/Techno/OvalSolution07.html
title = Santana: The Oval Solution
accessdate = 2007-10-19]References
See also
*
Folding bicycle
*Recumbent bicycle
*Tandem bicycle
*Touring bicycle
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