What Is the Strongest Transparent Material for a Bike Shield?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around identifying the strongest transparent material suitable for creating an aerodynamic shield for a bicycle. Participants explore various material properties and design considerations, including transparency, strength, durability, and ease of shaping, while also addressing practical concerns related to visibility and weight.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests polycarbonate as a potential material, referencing its applications.
  • Another participant humorously proposes diamond, but acknowledges it does not meet the criteria.
  • A suggestion is made to create a rigid frame coated with a thick clear plastic to balance durability and weight.
  • Concerns are raised about the visibility issues that may arise from a rain-splattered shield, comparing it to a car windscreen without wipers.
  • A participant mentions a surface treatment called Rain-X that could improve visibility by repelling water.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of opinions on suitable materials and design approaches, with no consensus reached on the best option. Concerns about visibility and practicality are noted, but solutions remain varied and unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully explored the implications of weight and cost in relation to the proposed materials and designs. The discussion lacks detailed technical specifications for the materials mentioned.

Who May Find This Useful

Cyclists interested in custom bike accessories, materials engineers, and hobbyists exploring aerodynamic design concepts may find this discussion relevant.

ceo_oceano
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Hello,

I am a cycle enthusiast looking to create a shield for my bike in the form of a rain drop which is known to be the most aerodynamic shape.

I am looking for a material that is TRANSPARENT (clear, one way mirror finish, or black), STRONG, DURABLE, FOLDABLE, EASY TO MOLD & SHAPE.

The reason for this creation of mine is to shield me from the rain, hail and sun, but to also make it aerodynamic enough to minimize the backdraft to make my ride a lot smoother.


Attached to this email are 2 different examples of what I am looking to go for. My idea would be a bit more complex and useful. Would like to start off with finalizing the material to then move on to the next step of creating this idea of mine.

Any suggestions?

Any suggestions?
 

Attachments

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well at first glance upon the title i was going to say diamond but it looks like that doesn't qualify
you'd likely be best off making a rigid frame and coating it in thickish (~1 cm) clear plastic
 
The dead weight of a shell is a factor. Cost is another.
You want durable and foldable, that sounds like a sheet of material over a collapsible light frame, just like the second illustration.
You show some well formed examples but say your design will be 'more useful'. In what way?
 
You might discover that a rain-splattered shield is too difficult to see through, like a car windscreen without the wiper.
 
If you have a problem with rain then you can fix it with a surface treatment. Known as Rain-x, it coats the surface with a water repellent layer of silicon polymer. You do not need windscreen wipers as the water beads and falls or is blown off.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rain-X
 

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