ASTM F2614-19

Standard Specification for Condition 3 Bicycle Frames

ABSTRACT
This specification establishes the testing requirements for the structural performance of Condition 3 bicycle frames. The bicycle frames shall undergo horizontal and vertical loading fatigue tests, and impact strength test in accordance to a referenced ASTM test method. Frames that fail to meet the performance requirements shall be rejected.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification establishes testing requirements for the structural performance properties of Condition 3 bicycle frames.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 14-May-2019
• ICS: 43.150 - Cycles
• Technical Committee: F08 - Sports Equipment, Playing Surfaces, and Facilities
• Drafting Committee: F08.10 - Bicycles

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM F2614-09(2014) - Standard Specification for Condition 3 Bicycle Frames
• Effective Date: 15-May-2019
• Refers: ASTM F2711-19 - Standard Test Methods for Bicycle Frames
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2019
• Refers: ASTM F2043-13(2018) - Standard Classification for Bicycle Usage
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2018
• Refers: ASTM F2043-13 - Standard Classification for Bicycle Usage
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2013
• Refers: ASTM F2711-08(2012) - Standard Test Methods for Bicycle Frames
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2012
• Refers: ASTM F2043-09 - Standard Classification for Bicycle Usage
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2009
• Refers: ASTM F2711-08 - Standard Test Methods for Bicycle Frames
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2008
• Refers: ASTM F2043-00 - Standard Classification for Bicycle Usage
• Effective Date: 10-Jul-2000

Overview

ASTM F2614-19: Standard Specification for Condition 3 Bicycle Frames establishes stringent testing and performance requirements for bicycle frames classified as Condition 3. This classification refers to frames designed for moderate off-road riding, such as cross-country mountain biking and unpaved trail use, in accordance with ASTM's F2043 bicycle usage categories. The standard ensures that such bicycle frames achieve consistent, reliable structural integrity and safety through a comprehensive set of fatigue and impact tests.

By adhering to the requirements of ASTM F2614-19, manufacturers, purchasers, and regulators can be confident that Condition 3 mountain bike frames meet a rigorous benchmark for durability and safety, promoting user protection and product reliability.

Key Topics

• Scope and Applicability

  • Focuses exclusively on bicycle frames intended for Condition 3 usage (e.g., cross-country and trail bikes).
  • All testing values and criteria are specified in SI units.

• Testing Requirements

  • Horizontal Loading Fatigue Test: Frames must withstand a minimum of 50,000 cycles at specified tensile and compressive loads without cracks or fractures.
  • Vertical Loading Fatigue Test: Frames are subjected to vertical cyclic loading (minimum of 50,000 cycles) with no structural damage permitted.
  • Impact Strength (Falling Mass Test): The bicycle frame is tested at a given drop height, with criteria for maximum permanent deformation and no fractures.
  • Falling Frame Test: Multiple mass combinations are dropped onto the frame to simulate real-world impacts, again assessing structural retention and deformation limits.

• Performance Criteria

  • Frames must not exhibit cracking, fracture, or excessive deformation beyond set tolerances.

• Certification Requirements

  • Certification of compliance and detailed test reports must be supplied upon request for procurement and regulatory processes.

• Rejection Policy

  • Any frame failing to meet the specified standards will be formally rejected.

Applications

• Bicycle Frame Manufacturers

  • Ensures production of robust, safe frames suitable for moderate off-road cycling activities.
  • Facilitates entry into global markets where compliance with international safety and quality standards is required.

• Quality Control and Regulatory Compliance

  • Third-party testing laboratories and regulatory bodies use ASTM F2614-19 to assess product conformity.
  • Provides a technically defined baseline for evaluating mountain bike frames intended for Condition 3 use.

• Procurement Specifications

  • Procurement contracts for bicycles or frames can specify ASTM F2614-19 compliance, ensuring receipt of structurally tested products.
  • Test reports and certificates as required by this standard support traceability and regulatory audits.

• Consumer Safety and Confidence

  • Frames certified to this standard offer assurance of durability and safety for users in recreational and competitive trail cycling.

Related Standards

• ASTM F2043 - Classification for Bicycle Usage
  Provides the framework for determining the intended usage categories for bicycles, including the definition of Condition 3.

• ASTM F2711 - Test Methods for Bicycle Frames
  Specifies the laboratory testing procedures referenced by ASTM F2614-19 for fatigue and impact performance of bicycle frames.

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Keywords: ASTM F2614-19, Condition 3 bicycle frame, mountain bike safety standard, bicycle structural performance, frame fatigue test, impact strength, bicycle frame certification, ASTM International, bicycle quality control, recreational cycling safety.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F2614 −19 An American National Standard
Standard Specification for
Condition 3 Bicycle Frames
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2614; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
INTRODUCTION
This specification defines a set of requirements for Condition 3 bicycle frames. Condition 3 is a
vehicle usage classification defined in Classification F2043 indicating the type of riding and surface
condition intended by design. Included are specifications for establishing loads and other criteria to be
used with the matching test method.
1. Scope 4. Classification
4.1 Condition 3 Bicycle Frame
1.1 This specification establishes testing requirements for
the structural performance properties of Condition 3 bicycle
5. Performance Requirements
frames.
5.1 The bicycle frame shall be tested in accordance with the
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
following tests from Test Methods F2711:
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
5.1.1 Horizontal Loading Fatigue Test—The frame shall be
standard.
tested and each must complete a minimum 50 000 cycles with
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor-
a cyclic load of 1200 N tensile and 600 N compressive with no
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
cracks or fractures.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
5.1.2 Vertical Loading Fatigue Test—The frame shall be
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
tested and each must complete a minimum 50 000 cycles with
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
a cyclic load of 1200 N to 120 N load in the compressive
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
direction with no cracks or fractures.
5.1.3 Falling Mass Test—The frame shall be tested with a
2. Referenced Documents
drop height of 360 mm; the frame shall not fracture and the
permanent set of the frame and fork shall be less than 40 mm.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
5.1.4 Falling Frame Test—The frame shall be tested with
F2043 Classification for Bicycle Usage
Mass1 of 30 kg, Mass2 of 10 kg, Mass3 of 50 kg, and a drop
F2711 Test Methods for Bicycle Frames
height of 300 mm. The frame shall not fracture and the
permanent set of the frame and fork shall be less than 40 mm.
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
6. Rejection and Rehearing
3.1.1 bicycle frame, n—structural member that supports the
6.1 Frames tha
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This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: F2614 − 09 (Reapproved 2014) F2614 − 19 An American National Standard
Standard Specification for
Condition 3 Bicycle Frames
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2614; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
INTRODUCTION
This specification defines a set of requirements for Condition 3 bicycle frames. Condition 3 is a
vehicle usage classification defined in Classification F2043 indicating the type of riding and surface
condition intended by design. Included are specifications for establishing loads and other criteria to be
used with the matching test method.
1. Scope
1.1 This specification establishes testing requirements for the structural performance properties of Condition 3 bicycle frames.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
F2043 Classification for Bicycle Usage
F2711 Test Methods for Bicycle Frames
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 bicycle frame, n—structural member that supports the seat with rear connection for the rear wheel, front connection via
the head tube for the fork and lower connection for the crank/pedal assembly.
4. Classification
4.1 Condition 3 Bicycle Frame
5. Performance Requirements
5.1 The bicycle frame shall be tested in accordance with the following tests from Test Methods F2711:
5.1.1 Horizontal Loading Fatigue Test—The frame shall be tested and each must complete a minimum 50 000 cycles with a
cyclic load of 1200 N tensile and 600 N compressive.compressive with no cracks or fractures.
5.1.2 Vertical Loading Fatigue Test—The frame shall be tested and each must complete a minimum 50 000 cycles with a cyclic
load of 1200 N to 120 N load in the compressive direction.direction with no cracks or fractures.
5.1.3 Impact StrengthFalling Mass Test—The frame shall be tested with a drop height of 360 mm, mm; the frame shall not
fracture and the permanent set of the frame and fork shall be less than 40 mm.
5.1.4 Falling Frame Test—The frame shall be tested with Mass1 of 30 kg, Ma
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