On 26 July, 13:42, Nate Nagel wrote:
someone wrote:

*Back to wooden frames then for the ecological concience.

AFAIK scrap steel and aluminum still have value... I'd be surprised if
Ti didn't as well...

The energy costs for processing, supply and return are higher than
with wood. Wood always has a useful end function of safe combustion
if it cannot otherwise be re-used or repaired locally (unlikely).
There are no return transport costs, Its high stiffness/energy cost
ratio is leagues above metal processing, especially bauxite
processing. Then there is, on top of this, the positive effect of
forestry management. The extensive use of timber in the USA should
have extended to common bicycle construction. The styles favoured,
immitating motorcycles, are certainly suitable for timber
construction. There is much to be said for a locally constructed
product made from a more natural resource.